Annual Awards For Excellence in HR 2026 Shortlist

The wait is over!

We are absolutely delighted to announce the shortlist for the 2026 HR in Hospitality Annual Awards for Excellence in HR.

This has been our biggest Awards year yet, with a record-breaking 25% increase in entries, making it the largest number of submissions in the Awards' 30-year history. Even more impressively, this year's shortlist represents 43 outstanding organisations from across the hospitality industry, showcasing the exceptional work taking place in People & Culture.

As we celebrate the 30th Anniversary of the HR in Hospitality Awards, we continue to be inspired by the passion, innovation and commitment demonstrated by HR and People professionals across our sector.

Every year, judging becomes more challenging. The standard of entries continues to rise, with organisations sharing inspiring initiatives that are transforming employee experience, developing future talent, championing wellbeing, embracing innovation and creating outstanding workplace cultures.

Hospitality has always been an industry built on people, and this year's entries once again demonstrate the incredible dedication, resilience and creativity that exists throughout our profession.

Congratulations to every organisation and individual who has been shortlisted. Reaching the final shortlist is a remarkable achievement and one that should be celebrated.

We look forward to welcoming our finalists and over 400 hospitality and HR leaders to The Chancery Rosewood, London, on Friday 11 September 2026, where we'll celebrate this milestone year and reveal our 2026 winners.

On behalf of the entire HR in Hospitality Committee, thank you to everyone who entered, our independent judges for their time and expertise, and our sponsors and partners for their continued support in recognising excellence across hospitality.

Congratulations once again to all our finalists, and good luck!

Esther O'Halloran & the HR in Hospitality Committee