Fellows’ Dinner 2026 and Award Nominations Launched

We are delighted to announce that nominations are now open for the Institute of Hospitality Fellows’ Outstanding Contribution Award 2026, recognising a Fellow (FIH) who has made an outstanding contribution to the Institute by giving back through their time, expertise and dedication.

The award will be presented at this year’s Institute of Hospitality Fellows’ Dinner on Monday 19 October 2026 at the Kimpton Fitzroy London. Bookings are now open for Fellows to join us as we welcome our newest Fellows, celebrate professional achievement and reveal the winner of this year’s Fellows’ Outstanding Contribution Award.

This year’s dinner will once again be expertly managed by the ever-popular Peter Hancock FIH as our MC, who will guide us through an evening of celebration, recognition and networking. The evening will close with our guest speaker, Vandana Dass FIH, Managing Director at Davenport Solicitors, who will share her personal Fellowship journey and reflect on what becoming a Fellow of the Institute has meant to her professionally.

Launching the Fellows Dinner and inviting nominations for this year’s award, Robert Richardson FIH MI, the Institute’s CEO commented: “Our Fellows play a vital role in supporting the Institute and helping shape the future of our profession. The Fellows’ Outstanding Contribution Award is an opportunity to recognise those individuals whose generosity, professionalism and commitment continue to make a real difference. I encourage all Fellows to take a few moments to nominate someone they believe deserves this recognition, and I look forward to welcoming both long-standing and newly elected Fellows at this year’s Fellows’ Dinner, as we come together to celebrate another year of professional achievements.”

Who can be nominated?

Nominees must:

• Be a current Fellow or Retired Fellow of the Institute of Hospitality
• Have made a significant contribution by giving back to the Institute of Hospitality
• Demonstrate commitment, passion and enthusiasm for their work and the hospitality industry.
• Be nominated by a Fellow of the Institute of Hospitality
• Be an individual rather than a team
• Work in any area of hospitality, not necessarily in a customer-facing role.

Key Dates

Wednesday 2 September 2026 (Midnight BST) – Nominations close for the Fellows’ Outstanding Contribution Award 2026

Tuesday 8 September 2026 – Shortlisted finalists announced

Monday 19 October 2026 – Winner announced at the Institute’s Fellows’ Dinner 2026.

Thank you to this year’s sponsors for helping us make this year’s event extra special: Champagne Laurent-Perrier and BE WTR.

IoH Fellows: Nominate for the Fellows’ Award hereBook for the Fellows’ Dinner