2026 Awards Nomination Form Survey

Nominee Information

1.Full name of nominee:(Required.)

2.Nomination Category: Please select the category that you believe fits the nominee best.(Required.)

Cheer-Leadership - This award recognizes an individual who is leading the way to the future of hospitality in the Traverse City region. Perhaps they are a creative guru with innovative approaches or a welcoming voice lending advice and support to newcomers in the industry; maybe they have delivered outsized amounts of mentorship and support to their teams and colleagues within the industry; or they may be giving back to the community and serving beyond what’s expected.

Tastemaker – Recognizing a chef, craft beverage producer (distiller, winemaker, brewer, etc.), or a mixologist whose flavors are crave-worthy, this award invites all of us to explore the true flavors of Traverse City.

Front of House – All venues - This guest relations whiz might tend bar, serve you a fine meal, or help you feel special and valued at whatever venue you're visiting...they have a knack for knowing what you need and saying just the right thing.

Front of the House - Lodging only - Honoring a non-management employee of a TCT Lodging Member who goes above and beyond their normal job responsibilities, showcasing their knack for customer service.

Back of House – All venues - This member of the back of house team strives to make sure every sip or bite or visit is perfect. This might be a cook, a runner or dishwasher, or perhaps the one coordinating the website or keeping systems running. This is someone who provides energy, creativity, and extreme care for the experience they’re producing.

Back of House / Marketing / Finance - Lodging only – Honoring those who work behind the scenes at a TCT Lodging Member to make the customer experience exceptional and keep the business humming. This dedicated, hard-working individual goes above and beyond to support the business, tell the stories, crunch the numbers, and ensure their colleagues can shine.

Sales Team Member - Lodging only - This is a key member of the team who helps their business reach new sales records, ensures there is a steady stream of events, and helps keep the bottom line in the black year-round.

Festivals / Events / Attractions – This category recognizes a rock star who helps deliver one of the region’s iconic events, attractions or festivals. They might be supporting a critical piece of the operations or orchestrating the whole thing; either way, they are driven, enthusiastic, and a worthy ambassador for the Traverse City region.

3.Business(es) of employment:(Required.)

4.Job / title:(Required.)

5.Email:

6.Please explain why you are recommending this individual for the award:(Required.)

7.What makes this person a superstar in your eyes?

8.Do you have any other professional stories to share that help us understand the nominee?

9.Do you have a story about how they give back to the community?

10.Do they do any activities outside of work that help them stand out?

11.Additional information you wish to provide. (More about their background in hospitality, connection to community, other recognition or certifications, etc.)

12.How long they have worked at the business (if known)?

13.How long they have worked in the hospitality industry (if known)?

14.Please indicate if you have any photos, videos, letters of recommendation, guest comments, news clippings, testimonials, etc. that support this nomination. Please email materials to KathyB@traversecity.com on the same day as you submit the nomination and include "Nomination Attachments for [Nominee Name]" in the email subject.(Required.)

Yes, I am emailing additional materials.

No, I am not sending additional materials.

Nominator Information
(Please note: we need this info in case we have any questions about your submission; if you prefer confidentiality, you may indicate that below)

15.Your Name:(Required.)

16.Your email:(Required.)

17.Your phone:(Required.)

18.Your relationship to the nominee:(Required.)

19.Are you willing to help ensure this person attends the awards event? (i.e., can we call on you to help make sure winners are in attendance to receive their award?)

Yes

20.Do you prefer to remain anonymous to the nominee? Y/N

Yes

Send me a copy of my responses via email