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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 11 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
CONCIERGE • ATTRACTION • DMO/ASSOCIATION • EVENT SERVICES • PLANNER • VENUE • INDUSTRY • DISTRIBUTORS • SHOPPING • HOTEL • NIGHTLIFE • RESTAURANT • SOCIAL MEDIA INFLUENCER
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.
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Celebrate Excellence: Shine a spotlight on professionals who demonstrate innovation, service, and leadership in every part of the industry
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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.
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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.
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Drive Growth and Innovation: Discover the latest strategies and insights shaping the events, tourism, and hospitality industries.
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Join the Community: Become part of a supportive, connected network that celebrates success and fuels long-term development across Illinois.
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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.
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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.
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.
Nightlife
Hotel
Event Services
Restaurant
DMO & Associations
Attractions
Venue
Shopping
Social Media Influencer
Meeting & Event Planner
Important Dates & Deadlines
Nominations Begin
February 5, 2026
Nominations Close
March 6, 2026
Nominee Finalists Announced
March 11, 2026
Voting Begins
March 11, 2026
Voting Closes
April 17, 2026
2026 Summit Awards Sponsored by
The Summit Awards Voting
Voting begins Wednesday, March 11, 2026 at 12:00 PM CST. Any votes submitted before then will not be counted. Winners will be determined based on the overall vote count. Winners will be announced at The Summit on Tuesday, April 28, 2026 during the trade show at Morgan Manufacturing. You can vote up to 2 times per email per day. Only your first 2 submissions per day will be counted.
