The nomination window for the 2026 HM Awards for Hotel and Accommodation Excellence has been extended, providing industry professionals with additional time to submit their entries. The new deadline is Sunday, 6 September 2026, at 11:59 PM. This final opportunity allows candidates to vie for one of the sector’s most prestigious accolades, with entries remaining free of charge.
Two Galas, Two Cities: An Expanding Reach
The 2026 HM Awards will once again span two continents, with ceremonies held in Auckland and Sydney. The Aotearoa-Pacific event, now in its third year, will take place on Friday, 30 October, at the Hilton Auckland. Meanwhile, the Australasia gala evening, marking its 24th iteration, will be held on Friday, 20 November, at the Fullerton Hotel in Sydney. This expansion reflects the growing influence and impact of the awards, bringing together professionals from across the region to celebrate excellence in the hotel and accommodation sector.
Earlybird tickets for both events are currently available, but quantities are limited. Organizers note that these discounted passes are selling rapidly, with potential savings of up to $360 for those who secure their seats before the September 30 deadline. This early bird offer not only encourages timely bookings but also ensures that attendees can enjoy the events at a more affordable rate, supporting greater participation and accessibility.
How the Awards Work: A Full Recognition Program
The HM Awards attract more than 1,800 nominations annually, cementing its status as one of the most competitive recognition programs in the hospitality sector across Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific. The expansive range of categories caters to various aspects of the industry, ensuring that every facet of hotel and accommodation excellence is recognized and rewarded. These categories include:
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- People Awards: Recognizing outstanding individuals who have made significant contributions to the sector, such as Hotelier of the Year and Accommodation Manager of the Year.
- Property Awards Australia: Honoring exceptional hotels and accommodations across Australia, including Best Deluxe Accommodation and Best Luxury Accommodation.
- Property Awards New Zealand and South Pacific: Celebrating outstanding properties in New Zealand and the South Pacific, such as Best Deluxe Accommodation New Zealand and Best Luxury Accommodation South Pacific.
- General Awards: Recognizing achievements in areas like Marketing and Communications, Revenue Management, and Sustainability.
- Major Awards: Highlighting the crème de la crème of the industry, including Accommodation Chain of the Year, Hotel of the Year, and Accommodation of the Year.
The awards are proudly co-hosted by Blue Mountains International Hotel Management School, powered by Torrens University Australia, fbm, and HostPlus. Sealy Posturepedic, a leading mattress brand, serves as the presenting sponsor, further showing the event’s commitment to quality and comfort within the hospitality sector.
Nominees will be officially announced in October 2026, providing ample time for anticipation and preparation. The winners will then be crowned at their respective gala events, with each ceremony expected to be a night of glamour, celebration, and networking opportunities for attendees.
Given the competitive nature of the awards and the tight deadline, organizers are strongly encouraging prompt submissions to avoid any last-minute technical issues or potential oversights. The official nominations portal is designed to be user-friendly and accessible, ensuring a seamless and efficient nomination process. With the extended deadline now confirmed, industry professionals are urged to make the most of this opportunity and submit their entries at their earliest convenience.
