OHI has opened submissions for its 2026 Awards of Excellence, inviting parks, suppliers, corporate groups and industry professionals to compete in a program recognizing innovation, leadership and service across the outdoor hospitality sector.
Applications are open to both self-nominations and peer nominations. Eligible applicants must be current OHI members in good standing at the time of application and award recognition, and qualifying projects must have been completed or be nearly completed within the past three years.
Entries are due Sept. 10.
The 2026 Awards of Excellence feature five categories designed to recognize a range of contributions to the industry.
The Park Innovator of the Year Award will honor eight winners across independent and corporate ownership types and five park-size divisions.
The Supplier Innovator of the Year Award will recognize two winners across employee-size bands, while the Plan-It Green – Environmental Innovator Award will also honor two parks in different size categories for environmental initiatives.
Additional awards include the Outdoor Hospitality Industry Leadership Award, which recognizes an individual for mentorship, advocacy and service to the industry, and the Unity Through Generosity Award, presented to an individual or group whose service has had a lasting impact on the outdoor hospitality community.
“Innovation happens at every level, and every version matters,” David Basler, OHI’s chief strategy officer, said. “No idea is too small when it makes a big impact on the guest experience. This is the industry’s chance to see its members shine.”
Applications for the Innovator of the Year awards and the Plan-It Green – Environmental Innovator Award require a $50 submission fee per entry, with a reduced $30 fee for parks with fewer than 250 sites.
According to a press release, the fees support an expanded judging process and additional recognition for winners, including on-site celebrations, broader exposure and storytelling highlighting award recipients.
The association encouraged applicants to include photos or videos documenting their innovations, along with guest feedback, testimonials or performance results, to help demonstrate the impact of their submissions.
Entries will be evaluated by a volunteer judging panel composed of OHI board members, campground owners and operators, selected OHI staff and, for the 2026 program, past award recipients.