Innovation Awards
We are pleased to announce the highly esteemed 2026 Innovation Awards happening on
March 2nd, 2027 at the OSW Awards Gala at our annual conference.
This is a platform dedicated to recognizing and celebrating outstanding individuals and businesses that have set the standard for excellence in Ontario’s Southwest Tourism Industry. The prestigious Innovation Awards Gala serves as a beacon of recognition for those who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and innovation.
Tourism operators and partners working in Ontario’s Southwest. Areas include: Windsor, Essex, Pelee-Island, Sarnia-Lambton, Chatham-Kent, Middlesex County, St.Thomas, Elgin County, London, Oxford County, Norfolk County and Haldimand County can apply for the Innovation Awards.
*Anyone applying for an award outside of these designated regions will not be considered.
We encourage both self-nomination & nomination of another organization/individual.
Nominations will open in October 28th 2026 and close November 25th 2026.
For questions, please contact our Engagement & Operations Manager, Alayna Simpson
2026 INNOVATION AWARD CATEGORIES
The Luminary of the Year Award recognizes an extraordinary individual whose remarkable contributions have illuminated the tourism industry with an unmatched dedication, unwavering passion, and relentless commitment.
This prestigious accolade is given to someone who embodies the very essence of this industry, radiating the spirit and brilliance that make this sector not just a profession but a vocation. This award is to recognize an individual regardless of length of time in the industry, at all levels of seniority.
*Please note, you may self-nominate, or nominate someone you think is deserving.
The Innovation of the Year Award is presented to a business, program, event or immersive experience that leads with innovation, igniting a path of transformation within Ontario’s Southwest tourism landscape.
This accolade celebrates the ingenious creators who have boldly introduced fresh ideas that elevate and enrich the industry to bring new ideas that improve or enhance the tourism experience or marketing activities in Ontario's Southwest.
*Please note, you may self-nominate, or nominate someone you think is deserving.
The Sustainability Trailblazer of the Year Award recognizes a business, experience, tourism organization or individual, leading with a strategy to improve the tourism experience through a sustainable tourism lens, aligning with the United Nations World Tourism Organizations (UNWTO) Sustainable Development Goals (SDG's).
This award recognizes those who embrace and exemplify the importance of sustainable tourism initiatives within Ontario’s Southwest.
*Please note, you may self-nominate, or nominate someone you think is deserving.
**NEW** Award Coming Soon
PREVIOUS WINNERS
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Sustainability of the Year: Heemans’s
Innovator of the Year: Rock the Runway London
Luminary of the Year: Bryan Lavery -
Sustainability Trailblazer of the Year: Long Point Eco Adventures
Innovator of the Year: Scarehouse Windsor
Luminary of the Year:
Amanda & Nick Vranckx from Front Road Cellars
Dan & Laurie Megna from Twisted Lemon -
Sustainability Trailblazer of the Year: Coopers Hawk Vineyards
Innovator of the Year: Twisted Lemon
Luminary of the Year: Shannon Prince -
Innovative Experience of the Year: Yaya’s Kitchen
Innovator of the Year: Beachville and District Museum
Sustainability Trailblazer of the Year: Jireh Hills Family Homestead -
Innovative Experience: TJ Stables
Innovator of the Year:
Udderly Ridiculous
Tourism London
Sustainability Trailblazer of the Year: Ottercreek Woodworks