More than 17,000 hospitality professionals are now part of the Institute’s global community, reflecting continued demand for professional recognition, CPD, networking events and learning and development opportunities.
The evening also saw the launch of the Institute’s new Management Standards, a practical framework designed to support leadership excellence, develop talent and help hospitality businesses benchmark performance and drive continuous improvement across hospitality. Developed over more than two years, the Management Standards are available free of charge to Institute members.
The event, which brought together hospitality leaders, educators, employers and professionals from across the UK and around the world, celebrated the achievements and professional excellence from right across the industry.
CEO’s award
A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Institute of Hospitality prestigious CEO’s Award 2026, sponsored by CGA Integration.
This year’s recipient was the Institute of Hospitality President, The Rt Hon The Viscount Thurso PC FIH MI, who was recognised for his longstanding contribution to the Institute and the hospitality profession, alongside the important role he has played in supporting the Institute’s ambition to achieve Chartered status. His connection with the Institute spans more than five decades, having first joined as a student member in the early 1970s, becoming a Fellow 35 years ago.
IoH Annual Award winners 2026
This year saw the highest number and standard of award entries received by the Institute, with judges commenting on the exceptional quality of submissions and the challenge of selecting winners from a highly competitive field.
The year’s winners were:
Best Educational Programme 2026 – Large Business | Sponsored by HIT Training
Best Educational Programme 2026 – SME | Sponsored by HIT Training
Talent Development Team of the Year 2026 – Large Business | Sponsored by Kersia Group
Talent Development Team of the Year 2026 – SME | Sponsored by Kersia Group
The Gregory De La Peña Hall FIH Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Employer of the Year 2026 – Large Business | Sponsored by Bidfood
The Gregory De La Peña Hall FIH Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Employer of the Year 2026 – SME | Sponsored by Bidfood
Mentor of the Year 2026 | Sponsored by Aspire Pre Flight Hospitality
Outstanding Contribution to the Industry 2026 | Sponsored by Miele Professional
Speaking at the event, Robert Richardson FIH MI, the Institute’s CEO, said: “Tonight’s winners demonstrate the professionalism, leadership and commitment that continue to drive hospitality forward.
“The success we are celebrating tonight extends well beyond tonight’s award winners. Reaching our highest membership level in more than 20 years shows the value hospitality professionals continue to place on professional recognition, development and being part of a global community.
He continued: “The launch of our new Management Standards is another important step forward, providing a practical framework to help businesses develop people, strengthen leadership and raise standards across our profession.”
Guests also heard from guest speaker Danny Pecorelli FIH MI, Managing Director of Exclusive Collection, who brought the evening to a close by sharing his insights on leadership, people and the future of hospitality.
Hospitality Assured winners 2026
The evening also celebrated the achievements of the 2026 Hospitality Assured Award winners, recognising organisations that continue to demonstrate excellence in customer service, employee engagement and business performance through the Hospitality Assured accreditation programme.
Thank you
A huge thank you to our MC, Phil Street FIH, for expertly hosting the evening, together with our sponsors, members and the wider hospitality family whose continued support helps make events such as the Annual Dinner & Awards possible. We couldn’t do it without you!
Be part of our well-respected network, get trusted advice and take a positive approach to your learning and development.
Your business card may take a moment to be generated. You can save your business card by right clicking -> save image as, or holding down on the image on your phone.
