Submissions for OHI’s 2026 Awards of Excellence, the organization’s premier program celebrating the bold ideas, creative solutions and forward-thinking leadership shaping the future of outdoor hospitality, close this Thursday, Sept. 10.
This year’s program shines a spotlight on innovation, big and small, recognizing the individuals, parks, corporate groups and suppliers who are rethinking what’s possible in the industry, OHI said in a recent release. Clever guest-experience upgrades, breakthrough technology, sustainability initiatives and outstanding leadership all have a place here. The Awards of Excellence celebrate the people and ideas setting the standard for everyone else.
“Innovation happens at every level, and every version matters,” said David Basler, OHI’s chief strategy officer. “No idea is too small when it makes a big impact on the guest experience. This is the industry’s chance to see its members shine.”
The 2026 Awards of Excellence include five categories:
- Park Innovator of the Year Award — Celebrating creative thinking in every corner of outdoor hospitality, with eight total winners recognized across independent and corporate ownership types and five park-size divisions.
- Supplier Innovator of the Year Award — Showcasing the game changers powering outdoor hospitality, with two winners recognized across employee-size bands.
- Plan-It Green – Environmental Innovator Award — Honoring parks that go beyond “leave no trace,” with two winners recognized across park-size categories.
- Outdoor Hospitality Industry Leadership Award — Recognizing an individual who strengthens the industry from the inside out through mentorship, advocacy, and service.
- Unity Through Generosity Award — Honoring an individual or group whose selfless service has left a lasting mark on the outdoor hospitality community.
Submissions are open to both self-nominations and peer nominations, OHI said. All applicants must be current OHI members in good standing at the time of application and award recognition, and eligible entries must have been completed or nearly completed within the last three years.
For Innovator of the Year and Plan-It-Green Award applications, a $50 submission fee applies per entry ($30 per application for parks under 250 sites), supporting a more robust judging process and expanded recognition for winners, including on-site celebration, broader exposure, and legacy storytelling.
Submit an entry here. Application are due Sept. 10.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to include photos and/or videos that document their innovation in action, OHI said. Visual storytelling, paired with guest feedback, testimonials or performance results, brings a submission to life and gives judges a clear picture of the real-world impact behind the idea. This is a park’s or supplier’s chance to shine in the spotlight and show the industry what’s possible.
Submissions will be reviewed by a panel of volunteer judges made up of OHI board members, fellow campground owners and operators, and select OHI staff. And for 2026, past award winners will also join the judging panel, bringing fresh perspective to the process.
For full eligibility requirements, category details, submission guidelines and general FAQs, visit ohi.org/awards.
