2026 Innovation Awards
2026 INNOVATION AWARDS
We are pleased to announce the highly esteemed 2026 Innovation Awards are on the horizon. 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 2026.
For questions, please contact our Engagement & Operations Manager, Alayna Simpson
2025 INNOVATION AWARD CATEGORIES + WINNERS
Previous Winners: 2025 Luminary of the Year
Bryan Lavery
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. Click on the form that best describes you.
Past Winner: 2025 Innovator of the Year
Rock the Runway London
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. Click on the form that best describes you.
Previous Winner: 2025 Sustainability Trailblazer of the Year
Heeman’s
The Sustainability Trailblazer of the Year Award recognizes a business, experience, tourism organization or individual, leading with an innovative 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.
*Please note, you may self-nominate, or nominate someone you think is deserving. Click on the form that best describes you.
