The Exchange awards categories

Idea of the Year will be presented to a multi-unit concept or supplier who created, developed and executed an idea that was a WOW in the industry within the current  calendar year.  It can be a promotion, a single LTO, a social media campaign, a unique approach to menus, outside of the box training, nominate your IDEA of the YEAR today.  

The “High Five” Award will be awarded to the multi-unit concept or supplier  that took the biggest leap in improvement and growth.    What multi-unit concept  re-established itself in the industry as the most improved for the year 2023.

The Disruptor Award will be awarded to the multi-unit concept or supplier  that created the loudest conversation in the hospitality industry… a Disruptor who gained instant recognition for establishing themselves as a leader in going against the grain.   

The Impact Award will honor BOTH, a multi-unit concept and a supplier or brand, respectively for their approach to continuously push the boundaries.  What concept or supplier/brand  created their own model for success and made a significant impact on their company, their growth and the industry.  

The Marketing Excellence Award  will recognize BOTH, a multi-unit concept and supplier for their unique approach to branding, outreach and engagement.   Through unique marketing ideation, what concept or supplier propelled their growth with outside of the box marketing that stood out in the crowd.  

The Culture Award  will recognize BOTH  a multi-unit concept and supplier for their focus and iniative on improving the lives of others, supporting their own internal teams through iniatives that promote well-being, growth and prosperity as well as supporting the community and industry at large.    

The Ripple Award  will recognize a single individual who stands tall in giving back to the industry, to others and being an inspiration that we should all strive.     Who stands out as an industry humanitarian that sets the bar for others to follow.  

The Toast Award  will recognize a supplier partner who excels at the word partnership.  What supplier partner provides the commitment, leadership and partnership that propels their company deserving of a toast  in the hospitality industry focusing on NAOP.  

The SIP Award  will recognize the concept who has excelled in creating a dynamic wine program.    What overall concept has created the best wine list that includes the perfect balance for their concept.  .     

The Trailblazer Award in Beverage Excellence will recognize the concept who has taken the word innovation to a new level.   This concept has creativity, innovation and imagination through-out their menus and promotions leading the hospitality industry to new heights.       

The Ultimate Award  will recognize concept who had the ultimate beverage program in the year of 2023.  This concept should have a complete, balanced program that stands alone and others aspire to achieve.  

The Icon Award  will recognize a multi-unit operator, agency affiliate or supplier  representative who has been a leader, a pioneer,  exemplifying  legendary status among colleagues.  

The Teddy Mac Award is given in memory of our former Chairman of the HEE Board, Teddy McAleer.  The Teddy Mac Award  will recognize a single individual who exemplifies the word “hospitality”.  Teddy Mac was known for his passion, commitment, engaging personality and dedication to his brand, his portfolio and his peers.  Who among our industry has those same qualities?