Nominations for an Industry Heroes tribute to be featured at this year’s National Conference are set to close on April 23, 2026, according to organizers, who are encouraging members of the outdoor hospitality sector to submit candidates ahead of the deadline.
The initiative is intended to recognize individuals and businesses whose long-term contributions have influenced the development and resilience of the industry.
The tribute will take the form of a visual display presented during the National Conference, highlighting selected nominees and their impact across areas such as operations, advocacy, and business longevity.
Organizers have positioned the recognition as a way to document and acknowledge the people and organizations that have contributed to shaping the sector over time.
Eligible nominees include long-serving employees with years or decades of experience, as well as businesses that have been operating for 20, 30, 40, or more than 50 years. Industry pioneers, including those involved in state or regional associations, are also included within the scope of the recognition.
In addition, the nomination process is open to individuals described as “quiet achievers,” whose contributions may not have received broad public recognition but have had a measurable impact on their organizations or the wider industry.
Selected nominees will be featured as part of the Industry Heroes display at the conference, offering attendees an opportunity to learn about the contributions of peers across the sector. While the tribute is largely commemorative, it also reflects a broader effort within the industry to document institutional knowledge and highlight examples of long-term business sustainability.
Nominations can be submitted here.
For business owners and operators in outdoor hospitality, the initiative may serve as a reminder of the value of workforce retention, succession planning, and community engagement.
Recognizing long-serving staff and established businesses can help reinforce brand identity and credibility, particularly in a market where customer trust and consistency are key drivers of repeat visitation. Participation in recognition programs can also contribute to internal culture-building and employee morale.
With the nomination deadline approaching, industry stakeholders are expected to finalize submissions in the coming days. The selected honorees will be announced and showcased during the National Conference, where the tribute will form part of the event’s broader programming.