Venue Manager of the Year
Minimum Entrants
There must be a minimum of three entrants in a category for nominees to progress to the judging phase.
About the Award
This award recognises a hotel venue manager who demonstrates professional excellence within the hospitality industry. Judges will consider the nominee’s professional development, commitment to the industry, areas of responsibility, achievements and future career aspirations.
Eligibility
To be eligible for nomination, the employee must:
Be a current Venue Manager at the time of nomination. Assistant Managers, Duty Managers and Supervisors are not eligible.
Be available to participate in a Zoom interview as part of the judging process.
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 resume, including current qualifications, training courses completed, awards received and relevant work experience.
- Headshot of the nominee, either against a white backdrop or in their work environment. We love to see a smile!
What the Judges Will Assess
Judges will consider:
- Professional presentation, personality and attitude.
- Knowledge, skills, interest and involvement in the hospitality industry.
- Commitment to education, training and professional development.
- Leadership, areas of responsibility and demonstrated professional excellence.
- Career aspirations and future potential within the industry.
- Employee portfolio, including relevant achievements, awards, photographs and breadth of experience.
- Contribution to the hospitality industry and/or wider community.
- Diversity and breadth of work experience.
Categories
Individual Employee Awards - $200 per nomination
- Apprentice of the Year
- Chef of the Year
- Emerging Leader of the Year
- Excellence in Service
- Local Legend Award
- Venue Manager of the Year
Dining Awards – $260 per nomination
Anonymous Site Visit Reimbursement Required – In Addition to Nomination Fee
- Best Pub Restaurant - Regional & Metropolitan
- Best Casual Dining - Regional & Metropolitan
- Best Family Dining
General Awards - $210 per nomination
Anonymous Site Visit Reimbursement Required – In Addition to Nomination Fee
- Best Pub Bar - Regional & Metropolitan
- Best Specialty Bar
- Best Presented Beer
- Best Live Entertainment Venue
- Best Sports Bar - Regional & Metropolitan
- Best Retail Liquor Outlet
- Best Outdoor Experience - Regional & Metropolitan
- Best Rooftop Experience
- Cocktail Menu of the Year
- Best Function & Event Space - Regional & Metropolitan ($280 nomination fee)
- Parma of the Year ($100 Nomination Fee)
Accommodation Awards - $270 per nomination
Anonymous Site Visit Reimbursement Required – In Addition to Nomination Fee
Gaming & Wagering - $210 per nomination
Anonymous Site Visit Reimbursement Required – In Addition to Nomination Fee
