Emerging Leader of the Year

Minimum Entrants
There must be a minimum of three entrants in a category for nominees to progress to the judging phase.

National Awards Eligibility
The winner of this category is eligible to enter the AHA National Awards for Hotel Industry Rising Star.

About the Award
This category is designed to recognise a hotel employee aged 30 or under who has displayed professional excellence within the industry. This individual award is judged on the development undertaken by the individual, commitment to the industry, ambition and career aspirations.

Eligibility
To be eligible for nomination, the employee must:

• Have been employed for no less than six months prior to nomination.
• Be nominated by their employer.
• Be available for a Zoom interview.
• Be aged 30 or under in May 2027.

What to Submit at Nomination
Please provide:

• A one - two page written submission outlining the nominee's outstanding achievements during the official awards qualifying period of 30 November 2025 – 30 November 2026
• Nominee’s resume, including current qualifications, training courses attended and awards gained.
• Headshot of the nominee on a white backdrop or in their work environment. We like to see smiles!

What the Judges Will Assess
Judges will consider:

• Self-presentation, personality and professional attitude.
• Demonstrated knowledge, expertise, interest, involvement and ambition in the hotel industry.
• Examples of hotel education, formal and informal learning and development.
• Employee portfolio (e.g. photographs, personal job-related awards, depth and breadth of experience etc.).
• Contribution back to the community or industry.
• Diversity in work history and experience.