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The Summit Awards

Honoring Chicago’s Industry Leaders in Hospitality, Tourism & Events Celebrating Leadership, Innovation & Community at The Summit Chicago

The Summit Awards are a signature program of The Summit Chicago, celebrating the outstanding leaders, companies, and teams driving the growth of Chicago’s hospitality, tourism, and events industries. Each year, this high-profile business event recognizes innovation, creativity, and impact across Illinois’ most dynamic organizations—from hotels and venues to event planners, social media creators, and service providers.

Hosted at Morgan Manufacturing (401 N. Morgan St.) in Chicago’s West Loop, the Summit Awards take place in a venue that embodies the city’s energy and excellence. This unforgettable networking experience brings together more than 1,400 attendees to connect, share ideas, and honor the people shaping Chicago’s future.

The awards represent a celebration of collaboration, professional growth, and community building. Each category showcases how industry leaders help build success through strategy, service, and innovation. With 12 categories recognizing individuals, venues, agencies, and creative enterprises, the program highlights both established and emerging talent in every corner of the city’s visitor economy.

When you attend The Summit Chicago, you’re not just part of a conference—you’re part of a community of leaders working together to strengthen Chicago’s hospitality

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SPONSOR AN AWARD

Why Participate in The Summit Awards

The Summit Chicago Awards offer a powerful platform to highlight innovation, leadership, and collaboration across the hospitality, tourism, and events ecosystem. Participation creates opportunities to showcase your success, meet industry peers, and strengthen your reputation as a leader in Chicago’s business community.

Celebrate Excellence: Shine a spotlight on professionals who demonstrate innovation, service, and leadership in every part of the industry
Gain Recognition: Winning or being nominated gives your company visibility across the city and beyond, with coverage on The Summit Chicago’s digital channels, partner publications, and post-event video content.
Network With Industry Leaders: Engage with executives, senior managers, and entrepreneurs from top Chicago companies. Build relationships that open new doors and create future collaborations.
Drive Growth and Innovation: Discover the latest strategies and insights shaping the events, tourism, and hospitality industries.
Join the Community: Become part of a supportive, connected network that celebrates success and fuels long-term development across Illinois.

Nominate

Honor the innovators, creative thinkers, and service champions making an impact across Chicago’s hospitality, tourism, and event community. Nominations are open to the public and and submissions from all areas of the events, tourism, and hospitality industries are welcome.

NOMINATE NOW

Sponsor

Align your brand with leadership and innovation by sponsoring an award category or take center stage as the exclusive event sponsor of “The Summit Awards, Presented by [Your Business].” Sponsors gain premium visibility through digital content, video features, and on-site branding.

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Vote

Once nominations are live, the public can vote online for their favorite businesses, professionals, and venues. This interactive process helps the entire community engage, celebrate, and showcase the diversity of Chicago’s events, tourism, & hospitality scene.

BEGINS FEB 23RD

Attend

Join us at Morgan Manufacturing for an evening of recognition and connection. This year’s Awards presentation will include live entertainment, video highlights, and a celebration of the companies and individuals who continue to elevate Chicago’s hospitality, tourism, and events landscape.

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Nomination Categories

The Summit Awards are more than a recognition ceremony—they’re an opportunity to connect, collaborate, and celebrate the people building the future of Chicago’s hospitality industry. From small businesses to international brands, from rising professionals to seasoned executives, every attendee contributes to a vibrant, growing community.

The event’s combination of networking, entertainment, and recognition makes it one of the largest hospitality celebrations in Illinois. Attendees gain valuable business connections, discover new opportunities, and leave inspired by the innovation and leadership that define this city.

Whether you’re attending to support your team, sponsoring a category, or simply joining the festivities, The Summit Awards deliver an unforgettable experience that combines strategy, creativity, and community spirit.

Join the celebration, build new connections, and be part of the movement that keeps Chicago’s hospitality world thriving.

Sponsored by

Acknowledging standout nightlife establishments, including nightclubs, bars, lounges, and live music venues, that offer outstanding social experiences and set the tone for Chicago's vibrant scene.

Nominate

Nightlife

Sponsored by

Reserved for hotels that demonstrate excellence through top-tier accommodations, impeccable service, and guest-centric experiences for both business and leisure travelers.

Nominate

Hotel

Sponsored by

Awarding excellence in event services, including A/V companies, caterers, DMCs, and rental providers, that elevate events with innovative solutions and seamless execution.

Nominate

Event Services

Sponsored by

Featuring Chicago's diverse culinary landscape, this category applauds restaurants across all segments, including fine dining, casual eateries, and food trucks, for their excellence in cuisine and service.

Nominate

Restaurant

Sponsored by

Shining a spotlight on DMOs and trade associations that elevate Chicago’s profile by driving tourism and fostering its role as a global hospitality hub.

Nominate

DMO & Associations

Sponsored by

This category highlights must-visit attractions—from theaters and museums to parks, zoos, and festivals—that contribute to Chicago’s reputation as a premier travel destination.

Nominate

Attractions

Sponsored by

AV Chicago

This award highlights premier venues such as conference centers, concert halls, banquet spaces, and sports arenas that provide exceptional settings for impactful events.

Nominate

Venue

Sponsored by

Showcasing exceptional retail destinations—from malls and boutique shops to farmers markets and specialty stores—that create memorable shopping experiences and support the local economy.

Nominate

Shopping

Sponsored by

This award features influential digital creators, including bloggers, podcasters, and content creators, who shape perceptions of Chicago’s hospitality and tourism with engaging storytelling and innovative content.

Nominate

Social Media Influencer

Sponsored by

Aries Charter Transportation

This category distinguishes event planners who lead with creativity, expertise, and precision to design and manage conferences, weddings, galas, and virtual events that leave a lasting impact.

Nominate

Meeting & Event Planner

Sponsored by

This award showcases concierges and guest services professionals in hotels, corporate offices, and residential spaces who exemplify exceptional service and create unforgettable guest experiences.

Nominate

Concierge

Sponsored by

This award highlights essential suppliers—from food and beverage distributors to technology providers—who deliver high-quality products and services that power the hospitality and events industries.

Nominate