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Awards

2026 Nominations are Closed!

Women in Hospitality
​Rising Star Award

Early Career | Less than 3 Years of career-focused experience in Industry
Up to (3) individuals will be selected annually
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The Women in Hospitality Rising Star Award recognizes emerging talent early in their hospitality journey.  Presented by the Wisconsin Restaurant Association, this award honors individuals in the early stages of their career—specifically within their first three years of focused, career-building experience in the industry. They’re gaining traction quickly, showing strong potential, and committed to growing in hospitality long-term.

Start a Nomination

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Eligibility Criteria
Nominees must:

• Have less than three (3) years of career experience and are currently working in the hospitality industry 
• Be employed by a business operating within the state of Wisconsin. This award recognizes women across all areas of hospitality that do business in Wisconsin, including but not limited to:
  • Restaurants, bars & catering
  • Hotels & lodging
  • Event venues & tourism
  • Suppliers, educators & service providers
• Be actively working within the industry in any job role capacity including but not limited to:
  • Hostess or server
  • Bartender
  • Culinary
  • Operations
  • Housekeeping & support roles 
  • Sales & customer service
• Demonstrate strong work ethic, initiative, and a commitment to learning 
• Show early signs of leadership, influence, and growth potential and has a long-term career path intention within the industry
• Be nominated by someone who is currently working in the hospitality industry

What Judges Are Looking For

• Initiative and willingness to go above and beyond 
• Positive attitude and contribution to team culture 
• Ability to learn quickly and take on new responsibilities 
• Early leadership behaviors (even without a formal title) 
• Passion for the hospitality industry 

How to Submit a Standout Nomination
A panel of judges that serve on the Women in Hospitality Advisory Group score nominations based only on what is written in your submission — so the more clearly you tell her story, the stronger her chances.
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Up to three Rising Star Award recipients will be selected each year.

View judging criteria

September 28, 2026  |  Monona Terrace, Madison

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