Skip to content

2026 ESPA Executive Excellence Award

Award Nomination Ballot

Celebrating Leaders Who Champion Event Services

Has your VP, GM, or other Executive demonstrated outstanding support and leadership in event services this year? Each year at the Annual Conference, ESPA recognizes an executive whose commitment and dedication to the events services profession and strengthens both their team the profession of event service.

Criteria and Guidelines
  • Nominees support staff participation in ESPA.
  • Nominees must be executives of an organization which has an ESPA member.
  • Executives are defined as a VP or higher at a CVB; a member of the executive committee or GM at a hotel; or a VP, GM or Executive Director at a Convention Center.
  • Nominees personally and consistently support quality assurance in the organization’s convention services operations.
  • Nominee supports staff development, growth and continuing education.

As an ESPA member, if your executive is a mentor, an advocate for event services, and a champion of your team’s professional growth.

Submit your nomination today! 2026 submissions are due December 4, 2026.
1.Nominee's Information(Required.)
2.Describe the nominee's contribution(s) to ESPA and/or support for staff participation in the association.(Required.)
3.Describe how your nominee consistently promotes excellence within your organization’s event service team.

You might include examples such as:
  • Mentoring or coaching team members
  • Providing training or educational opportunities
  • Sharing knowledge, resources, or best practices
  • Creating opportunities for professional growth
  • Raising the standard of service within the team
Please share specific examples or stories that demonstrate how your nominee has helped event service professionals grow, succeed, and deliver exceptional service.(Required.)
4.What else should the review committee know about how your nominee supports and leads others?

You might include examples of how they:
  • Recognize and encourage the contributions of others
  • Provide guidance, support, or resources
  • Foster a positive and supportive work environment
  • Encourage healthy work-life balance
  • Lead by example and positively influence those around them
Feel free to share personal stories, memorable examples, or qualities that demonstrate the nominee’s leadership and the impact they have had on you and others.(Required.)
5.Tell us about yourself.(Required.)