The Springboard Awards for Excellence 2026 are now open for entries and nominations, recognising the outstanding achievements of individuals and businesses across the hospitality industry.
The prestigious ceremony will take place at Park Plaza London Riverbank on 30 April 2026, with Park Plaza as the proud headline sponsor.
For more than two decades, the Springboard Awards for Excellence have celebrated the innovation, passion and commitment that drive the hospitality industry forward. Being shortlisted or winning one of these coveted awards is regarded as one of the greatest accolades in the sector.
Entries are free, quick, and easy to submit via the Springboard website – ensuring that as many inspiring stories and successes as possible can be recognised. Nominations close on Friday 9 January 2026.
Award Categories:
- Fiona Colley Trainee of the Year Award
- Best Recruitment Initiative Award
- Apprenticeship Programme Award, sponsored by HIT Training
- Training Programme Award
- Career Development Award, sponsored by Diageo
- Employee Engagement Award
- Employee Health & Wellbeing Award
- New for 2026: Hospitality Careers Champion Award, sponsored by Nestlé – recognising teams that champion hospitality as a career of choice and challenge industry stereotypes.
- HR Team of the Year Award
- Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Award, sponsored by CH&Co
- Community Engagement Award, sponsored by 5 Hertford Street
- Education & Skills Partnership Award
- Sustainable Business Award, sponsored by Sybron
- Technology & Innovation Award
- Springboard Ambassador of the Year Award, sponsored by BaxterStorey
- Employer of the Year Award, sponsored by Boyes Turner
- Springboard Partner of the Year Award
- The Chris Beaumont Outstanding Contribution Award, sponsored by Bidfood
Chris Gamm, CEO of Springboard, said:
“The Springboard Awards for Excellence are an opportunity to celebrate the incredible people and organisations that make hospitality such an inspiring sector. From supporting communities to embracing sustainability and developing talent, the awards showcase the very best of hospitality. It’s easy to enter and I encourage everyone to take part, whether nominating yourself, your team, or a colleague whose impact deserves recognition.”Allister Richards, Chair of Springboard and Chief Operating Officer at CH&Co, said:
“These awards have become a benchmark for excellence across hospitality, reflecting the creativity and commitment that keep the industry thriving. The new Hospitality Careers Champion Award shines a light on those working tirelessly to reframe hospitality as a rewarding, long-term career.”Amy-Jane Cahalane, Head of Marketing & Events at Springboard, added:
“Each year, we’re inspired by the innovation and passion demonstrated through these entries. With a simple, free process, there’s no reason not to get involved. The recognition that comes with a Springboard Award lasts far beyond the night itself.”
Springboard’s mission
Springboard is the UK’s leading charity dedicated to hospitality careers. Since 1990, it has committed to changing lives and strengthening the hospitality industry by creating clear pathways into meaningful, long-term careers. Its tailored training programmes, one-to-one mentoring and hands-on work placements help people from all backgrounds, especially those facing disadvantage, to gain the skills, confidence and experience they need to thrive.
By nurturing new talent, Springboard is shaping a stronger, more resilient industry and future-proofing the talent pipeline for hospitality.
Springboard’s ambitious 2030 pledge to deliver one million new hospitality skills will close skills gaps, reduce unemployment and futureproof the talent pipeline for one of the UK’s most dynamic industries.
For more details on categories and to submit an entry, visit Springboard Awards for Excellence 2026.
