Nominate the best and brightest in Sonoma County's tourism and hospitality industry!
Sonoma County Tourism is delighted to announce the 2022 Stars of the Industry Awards will take place Tuesday, May 3 at 5pm at the Flamingo Resort & Spa.

The inaugural Stars of the Industry Awards occurred last year as part of Sonoma County Tourism’s annual meeting, honoring two businesses and two individuals for excellence in the hospitality industry. The Stars of the Industry Awards proved so successful, the decision was made to spin it off to a standalone celebration corresponding with National Travel & Tourism Week (May 1-7). 

This year's Awards is seeking nominations in eight categories, with four honoring businesses, and four recognizing individuals. Nominations are now open, and we encourage you to submit your business and staff for consideration in the following categories: 
Categories Honoring Individuals

Front of the House
This award recognizes a front of the house employee who goes above and beyond to provide excellent customer service to guests and exemplifies dependability, teamwork and dedication to the industry. Examples of front of the house positions include: servers, hosts, baristas, front desk staff, valets, bellpersons, banquet service staff, concierges, etc.

Heart of the House
This award recognizes a heart of the house employee who goes above and beyond to help the operation run smoothly and exemplifies dependability, teamwork, and dedication to the industry. Examples of heart of the house staff include: stewarding, chefs/cooks, housekeeping, engineering, laundry, accounting, etc.

Ally of the Industry
This award recognizes an individual from outside of the hospitality profession who has supported, championed, or advocated for the Sonoma County hospitality industry.

Rising Star
This award recognizes an individual who has worked in the industry for under 5 years and has shown a passion for or dedication to the world of hospitality. This individual’s hard work and talent has bettered their workplace and business output and is destined for great things within the hospitality industry.
Categories Honoring Businesses

Environmental Stewardship/Sustainable Practices
This award recognizes a hospitality business that has developed a culture toward integrating environmentally sustainable practices with everyday operations, while maintaining quality service and meeting guest expectations.

Customer Engagement
This award recognizes a hospitality business that has worked creatively and with ingenuity to keep customers engaged with their business and brand.

Lodging Property of the Year
This award recognizes a Sonoma County lodging property that exemplifies excellence and elevates the visitor experience.

Innovation Award
This award recognizes a hospitality business that has pioneered forward-thinking initiatives that represent the future of this industry.
Please note that each business is limited to one nomination per category, but multiple category nominations will be accepted. Use a separate nomination form for each category nomination.

Nominations are due by March 25 at 5 p.m. Late entries cannot be accepted.
Once the submission deadline has passed, Sonoma County Tourism will review all entries and determine the three nominees for each of the eight categories. Once the finalists are announced, the industry will vote for a winner in each category. Results will be revealed at the Stars of the Industry Awards ceremony on May 3. 

If you have questions about the awards process, please contact Kelly Bass Seibel at [email protected].
Sonoma County Tourism | sonomacounty.com