Congratulations to the 245 winners and finalists of Northstar’s 2025 Stella Awards, handpicked by a panel of industry experts and voted on by over 10,000 industry professionals! From elite hotels and cutting-edge convention centers to top-tier airlines, cruise lines and convention and visitor bureaus (CVBs), the winners and finalists represent the pinnacle of group business and service excellence.

This year’s winners were crowned from more than 1,000 nominations spanning 16 categories and six global regions. Nominees earn these accolades through votes from meeting planners, followed by a rigorous evaluation by a panel of judges selected by Northstar’s editors. Recognized for their unparalleled dedication, exceptional food and beverage, professional staff, sustainability efforts and unforgettable event spaces, these winning organizations are your go-to for planning world-class gatherings. Trust the 2025 Stella Awards winners list to guide you to the best venues and services for your next big event.

Explore the full list of 2025 winners, finalists and their inspiring profiles here! Nominations for the 10th Annual Stella Awards will open Nov. 12, 2025.

Stella Awards 2025: Best Hotel/Resort

NORTHEAST

GOLD WINNER

InterContinental New York Barclay
For nearly 100 years, the InterContinental New York Barclay in the heart of Manhattan’s Grand Central Station district has exemplified excellence in hospitality through its unparalleled blend of historic charm, refined service and functional versatility. A multimillion-dollar renovation in 2016 preserved the hotel’s iconic American Federalist-style elegance while seamlessly incorporating modern luxury and innovation.

In addition to 704 freshly renovated guest rooms, the Barclay has a total of 20,000 square feet of event space and recently added two grand ballrooms and several flexible breakout spaces on the second floor, enhancing the property’s capacity to host high-level meetings, social events and conferences with privacy and sophistication. Amenities include a 24-hour fitness center, wellness offerings and an elevated Club Lounge experience. Additionally, the Parlour Bar & Restaurant, just off the lobby, offers guests and patrons a refined culinary experience rooted in locally sourced ingredients.

SILVER WINNER

Baltimore Marriott Waterfront
An unbeatable location, exceptional amenities and world-class service distinguish the Baltimore Marriott Waterfront Hotel, nestled in the heart of the city’s vibrant Harbor East neighborhood. Indeed, the hotel offers easy access to the city’s top attractions, restaurants and entertainment venues. All 750 spacious guest rooms, including 21 suites, have breathtaking floor-to-ceiling views of Baltimore's Inner Harbor, while for meetings, a total 50,527 square feet of space includes 42 event rooms, the largest holding up to 2,800 people. The hotel also features state-of-the-art fitness facilities and an on-site waterside restaurant and bar that showcase local flavors.

BRONZE WINNER

Resorts Casino Hotel
Spanning 21 acres on the famed Atlantic City Boardwalk, the Resorts Casino Hotel has 942 guest rooms and suites in two towers, an 80,000-square-foot casino, two theaters, 10 restaurants, a food court featuring six eateries, a casino bar, an indoor-outdoor swimming pool, a health club and spa, a salon and retail shops. The property’s 64,000 square feet of technologically advanced event space includes 24 meeting and function rooms, most featuring natural light and ocean views, and a 13,000-square-foot ballroom. Other features include Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville Entertainment Complex, an indoor/outdoor pool, retail shops and two showrooms offering top-notch entertainment.

SOUTHEAST

GOLD WINNER

JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek Resort & Spa
With 516 well-appointed guest rooms, an outdoor pool with luxurious cabanas, a 10,000-square-foot Spa by JW and much more, guests are invited to unwind in style at the JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek Resort & Spa. Groups can enjoy everything from casual bites to Michelin-recommended fine dining at seven distinctive culinary venues, all available for full or partial buyouts, offering memorable settings for networking dinners, client receptions or team celebrations.

At the core of the resort’s meetings offerings are 51,587 square feet of flexible event space (spread among 19 rooms and areas), including the light-filled 22,000-square-foot Griffin Ballroom, with capacity for up to 2,340 guests, ideal for conventions, galas and general sessions. For smaller gatherings or breakout sessions, a variety of modern meeting rooms are conveniently clustered in one area to simplify navigation for attendees. Other thoughtful touches include an on-site FedEx office for business services, expert planning support and a seasoned culinary team offering customizable menus, from chef-attended stations to elegant plated meals.

SILVER WINNER

Lansdowne Resort
Spreading across 476 acres along the Potomac River, the Lansdowne Resort and Spa in Leesburg, Va., has 296 guest rooms, including 14 suites. The property exudes authentic Virginian hospitality while offering 55,000 square feet of modernized, purpose-built meeting rooms in a dedicated wing of the property, as well as inspirational outdoor spaces in the picturesque Potomac River Valley, all within easy access to Washington, D.C. The resort’s 9-hole, Greg-Norman-designed Sharkbite Course offers the perfect opportunity for team building for players of all skill sets.

BRONZE WINNER

Rosen Shingle Creek (tie)
With a blend of style and sophistication, the 1,501-room, AAA Four Diamond Rosen Shingle Creek is Orlando’s largest convention hotel. An impressive property-wide 524,000 square feet of flexible meeting space is divided among 99 rooms, including the 95,000-square-foot Gatlin Ballroom with soaring 31-foot ceilings and precision acoustics. The 136,000 square feet of outdoor event space plus an 18-hole Arnold Palmer-designed championship golf course invite attendees out into the Florida sun. For dining, 15 unique options await, including the premier steakhouse A Land Remembered.

Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island (tie)
Set on an 11-acre oasis along the pristine Atlantic Coast, the Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island has 340 newly renovated guest rooms, all with spacious private balconies overlooking the island’s tranquil scenery. Features include beautifully landscaped pools, a brand-new hot tub, an upgraded spa and five on-site dining options, while 23,000 square feet of flexible meeting space includes the 10,000-square-foot Santee Ballroom and 17 additional rooms. For more relaxed gatherings, the 7,000-square-foot Beach Pavilion and 4,000-square-foot oceanfront Shipyard Beach Club offer open-air and ocean-view settings.

MIDWEST

GOLD WINNER

MotorCity Casino Hotel
An independent property and a longtime favorite with groups, the 400-room MotorCity Casino Hotel in Detroit features a full 67,500 square feet of function and banquet space divided among venues like the 19,604-square-foot Grand Ballroom, seven meeting rooms (able to accommodate up to 1,500 people in total), four boardrooms (each holding up to 26 people) and a large theater. All meeting rooms are fully equipped with state-of-the-art audiovisual equipment, including video and teleconferencing capabilities.

The hotel also has much to keep attendees happy during their free time, thanks to a full complement of attractions including the property’s own glitzy casino, offering more than 2,400 games of all kinds and for all tastes. For relaxation, the in-house D.Tour Spa lets guests rejuvenate in thermal whirlpools, steam rooms and dry saunas, while three eateries — Revel Steak, the Lodge Diner and Assembly Line Buffet — are buttressed by a food court offering a variety of outlets.

SILVER WINNER

Waldorf Astoria Chicago
In the Windy City’s prestigious Gold Coast neighborhood, the 214-room Waldorf Astoria Chicago offers easy-walking access to an impressive array of designer boutiques, celebrated restaurants and Lake Michigan’s scenic shores. And with 12,201 square feet of event space and 13 versatile meeting rooms, the hotel is well able to accommodate everything from intimate board meetings to glamorous galas. Also on offer to attendees is a curated collection of unique holistic group-wellness experiences such as personalized tarot card readings, guided inner-peace journaling sessions, yoga and fitness workshops led by top instructors.

BRONZE WINNER

Hyatt Regency Chicago
A recent $200 million renovation has given added luster to the iconic Hyatt Regency Chicago, near the Loop District. Among other refinements, all 2,032 guest rooms were significantly upgraded, as were the Regency and Crystal Ballrooms, part of the hotel’s total 240,000 square feet of flexible and technologically advanced meeting and event space. When it comes to in-house dining, guests enjoy the American Craft Kitchen & Bar for farm-to-fork fare in a bright, open-air setting, while sustainable sourced beef and seafood can be had at Stetson Modern Steak + Sushi. Within a short walk is easy access to Navy Pier, Millennium Park, Chicago Riverwalk, the Magnificent Mile and Lake Michigan.

SOUTHWEST

GOLD WINNER

JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa
Tucked into 600 acres in the Texas Hill Country, the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa offers impressive luxury amenities and breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. The resort includes 1,002 guest rooms, over 265,000 square feet of customizable meeting and event space, a 36-hole PGA Tour golf facility, a nine-acre water park, a full-service spa, eight culinary experiences, a state-of-the-art fitness center, sports courts, trails and curated activities for guests of all ages.

Able to host events of a wide variety of sizes, the property’s meeting spaces include the 40,080-square-foot Nelson W. Wolff Exhibit Hall, the 40,500-square-foot Grand Oaks Ballroom, the 21,120-square-foot Cibolo Canyon Ballroom, 20,000 square feet of breakout space and multiple outdoor venues. The advanced infrastructure at these sites caters to ever-changing technology needs with a dual 10-gig backbone, an on-site support team, high-speed reliable wireless capabilities, fiber optic cabling and HD projection capabilities.

SILVER WINNER

Hotel Paso Del Norte, Autograph Collection
Opened in 1912 and meticulously restored in recent years, the 351-room Hotel Paso Del Norte, Autograph Collection, stands as a distinctive icon with a rich history in El Paso, Texas. For planners seeking a venue that combines functionality with elegance, the hotel offers over 32,000 square feet of versatile event space that includes the John J. Pershing Grand Ballroom, spanning 7,344 square feet and ideal for large conferences and galas. Among additional on-site spaces are the intimate Pancho Villa Ballroom and the Skyline Room, each providing unique settings for various events. Amenities include a rooftop pool, a spa and three signature restaurants.

BRONZE WINNER

AT&T Hotel and Conference Center
On the campus of the University of Texas at Austin, the 297-room AT&T Hotel and Conference Center is in an ideal downtown location within walking distance of the Texas Capital, a world-class arena and a variety of museums (the hotel itself is filled with art from around the world). The property’s 85,000 square feet of meeting space is spread among 53 rooms and includes a 10,000-square-foot ballroom with wood beams and chandeliers, able to host up to 1,009 guests; a 3,400-square-foot junior ballroom; a 2,700-square-foot tiered classroom and more.

FAR WEST

GOLD WINNER

Grand Hyatt Indian Wells Resort & Villas
Known for its attentive staff, design-forward spaces and striking desert location, the Grand Hyatt Indian Wells Resort & Villas recently completed a $64 million property-wide renovation. In Greater Palm Springs, Calif., the resort has 531 uniquely designed rooms (including 39 suites and 43 villas) with spacious living areas and private balconies. Luxury spa services, a water park and a golf course are just some of the attractions here, while five dining outlets include the upscale Tía Carmen by renowned chef Angelo Sosa, which pays homage to the beauty of the Southwest’s stories, land and farmers.

The resort devotes fully 88,000 square feet of flexible space for meetings and events, including the 20,000-square-foot Indian Wells Ballroom with striking views and the capacity to host up to 2,200 guests; the 1,666-square-foot Sunset Room, perfect for hospitality events, executive meetings or receptions for up to 70 people; and the lovely outdoors Verbena Terrace, suitable for receptions of up to 300 or banquets for up to 200 people.

SILVER WINNER

Hyatt Regency Lake Washington at Seattle’s Southport
Attendees discover the beauty of the Pacific Northwest at the 347-room Hyatt Regency Lake Washington, a stunning waterfront destination in Renton, Wash. Thanks to energy and water conservation, among other sustainable practices, the hotel has been certified LEED Silver. Walking trails, a spa, a lakefront fitness center and myriad water sports are on offer here, while planners will find 60,000 square feet of state-of-the-art meeting space, including plenty of natural light, outdoor spaces and advanced A/V capabilities.

BRONZE WINNER

Sheraton Kaua’i Coconut Beach Resort
On the island of Kauai in Hawaii, a 15-minute drive from Lihu’e International Airport brings travelers to the Sheraton Kauai Coconut Beach Resort, where a deep respect for authentic local culture lets attendees get immersed in activities such as lei-making, ukulele lessons, beach yoga and even a Hawaiian language class. All 314 guest rooms sport balconies, while 12,454 square feet of meeting space comprises five events rooms, the largest of which can seat up to 400 people and includes an open-air pavilion with sweeping Pacific Ocean views.

Stella Awards 2025: Best Convention Center

NORTHEAST

GOLD WINNER

Baltimore Convention Center
Owned by its home city, the Baltimore Convention Center makes a deliberate effort to ensure that every guest, regardless of ability, background or identity, feels they belong there. More than 100 staff members have been trained to recognize and support guests with sensory needs, and the facility offers assisted listening devices, Braille and large-print signage, accessible seating options and more.

A premier venue for conventions, meetings, trade shows, banquets and special events, the BCC has 300,000 square feet of contiguous exhibition space, 85,000 square feet of flexible meeting space across 50 rooms and a 36,672-square-foot multifunctional ballroom. Hosting over 125 events annually and welcoming approximately 500,000 attendees, the venue is a key driver of economic impact in the region.

SILVER WINNER

Roland E. Powell Convention Center
In Ocean City, Md., the Ronald E. Powell Convention Center (aka Ocean City Convention Center) is a leading coastal destination for meetings and events, offering over 214,000 square feet of total floor space, including 45,400 square feet of flexible exhibit space across two main halls, plus a 19,126-square-foot ballroom and 25 additional meeting rooms. In 2024 the center launched a Meeting Planner Advisory Board to collaborate on venue enhancements, service strategies, marketing and creative programming. Ocean City itself is a compact destination with 4,000+ hotel rooms within walking distance of the facility.

BRONZE WINNER

Albany Capital Center
In the downtown heart of New York State’s capital city, the Albany Capital Center is a beautiful glass structure with 22,500 square feet of ballroom/exhibit space, six meeting rooms with 9,200 square feet of space and 13,500 square feet of pre-unction space, all of which can accommodate up to 5,000 people. The center is directly connected to the Empire State Plaza Convention Center, the Egg Performing Arts Center and the MVP Arena via an enclosed walkway, which together create the largest meeting space in Upstate New York at more than 159,000 square feet.

SOUTHEAST

GOLD WINNER

Tampa Convention Center
Always refining and improving its offerings, the Tampa Convention Center is a major force in meetings and conventions on Florida’s Gulf Coast. Now celebrating its 35th anniversary, the center is located on the Tampa Riverwalk in the heart of downtown and comprises 600,000 square feet with four floors and a guest capacity of 17,000. The facility has earned a certification in LEED Silver for Building Operations and Maintenance thanks to an ongoing investment in upgrades to its heating, ventilation, air conditioning and lighting systems to reduce energy consumption.

The TCC highlights its natural setting and in 2023 unveiled 18 new waterfront meeting rooms offering floor-to-ceiling windows with expansive views of Tampa Bay, along with upgrades to covered outdoor event space along the Riverwalk. Just 16 minutes from Tampa International Airport, the center is surrounded by more than 100 local attractions.

SILVER WINNER

Miami Beach Convention Center
Following a $640 million renovation completed in 2020, the Miami Beach Convention Center now offers over 500,000 square feet of exhibition space, a 60,000-square-foot grand ballroom, 84 breakout rooms and modern event environments. In May 2025, the LEED Silver-certified facility celebrated the groundbreaking of the long-anticipated Grand Hyatt Miami Beach Convention Center, a connected 800-room hotel set to open in 2027. This $392 million project will directly link to the convention center via skybridge and significantly enhance the MBCC’s ability to host large-scale global events.

BRONZE WINNER

Renasant Convention Center
With the recent $200 million modernization of the Renasant Convention Center in Memphis, Tenn., planners and groups will discover a meeting and event facility well suited for the city that surrounds it — the legendary home of blues, soul and rock ‘n’ roll, all on the storied Mississippi River. The statistics are impressive: 300,000 square feet of flexible meeting, exhibit and pre-function space; a 118,000-square-foot, column-free exhibit hall; a 28,000-square-foot ballroom; 46 flexible meeting rooms totaling over 90,000 square feet, and 600 guest rooms at the connected Sheraton Memphis Downtown.

MIDWEST

GOLD WINNER

Grand River Convention Center
Set along the scenic banks of the Mississippi River in Dubuque, Iowa, the Grand River Convention Center is a state-of-the-art facility ideal for meetings, conferences, conventions, trade shows and banquets. Here are more than 86,000 square feet of versatile event space spread among three levels: Level 1 is home to the Exhibit Hall, Level 2 has six meeting-room blocks and access to the center’s Skywalk, and Level 3 features the River Room, an all-glass enclosure with a balcony jutting over the Riverwalk, a spacious trail that runs just under a mile along the river, connecting some of Dubuque's major tourist attractions and destinations.

At the core of the center’s operations is a commitment to sustainability, as exemplified by in-house growing of microgreens as part of the culinary offerings, using locally sourced foods and operating a compositng program that captures food waste from events and diverts it from landfills. The facility also participates in city-run charitable events to help feed and house needy citizens.

SILVER WINNER

Overland Park Convention Center
Celebrated for innovation, service and meaningful impact, the Overland Park Convention Center in Kansas strives to consistently deliver exceptional experiences. The center’s 95,000 square feet of total meeting and event space includes a 60,000-square-foot exhibit hall and 25,000-square-foot ballroom, the latter with a capacity of up to 2,100 people and ideal for banquets, galas and trade shows. An expert in-house A/V team produces polished general sessions, hybrid meetings and live-streamed events, while the F&B staff, led by chef David Ruiz, is known for blending culinary creativity, flawless presentation and local partnerships to deliver restaurant-quality cuisine rooted in the region.

BRONZE WINNER

Baird Center
In 2024, Milwaukee’s Baird Center completed a $456 million expansion and modernization, doubling its footprint to 1.3 million square feet and ushering in a new era of accessibility, innovation and premier event experiences. The LEED Gold-certified facility, built using recycled materials and with advanced green features, has 52 breakout rooms, 300,000 contiguous square feet of exhibit space and the rooftop Baird Ballroom with broad city views. Since reopening, the center has hosted over 200 events, including meetings, expos and tournaments, standing as a cornerstone of economic growth and a beacon for Milwaukee’s future in global events.

SOUTHWEST

GOLD WINNER

Colorado Convention Center
With 577,000 square feet of contiguous exhibit space, 63 meeting rooms, three hotel-quality ballrooms and the 5,000-seat Bellco Theatre, the Colorado Convention Center in Denver is a top draw for meetings, conventions and events of all sizes. The facility opened in 1990, with more than 100 professional meeting planners working together with architects to design every aspect of the building. First expanded in 2005, in 2024 the center unveiled a new rooftop expansion that by itself includes 80,000 square feet of column-free ballroom space — the largest in Colorado — 35,000 square feet of pre-function space and a 20,000-square-foot outdoor terrace with breathtaking panoramic views of Denver and the Rocky Mountains.

In the heart of one of America’s most walkable downtowns, the CCC is surrounded by more than 13,000 hotel rooms, 300 restaurants, nine theaters in the Denver Performing Arts Complex and a wide variety of shopping and retail outlets. The location, in addition to 48 covered loading docks and 600+ parking spaces, helps ensure seamless logistics for planners and a memorable experience for guests.

SILVER WINNER

Mountain America Exposition Center
As a hub for Salt Lake County community gatherings, the Mountain America Exposition Center in Utah sets a high standard for excellence, innovation and sustainability. From autonomous retail innovation to vibrant public art and cutting-edge technology, the venue helps redefine what modern events can accomplish. Here planners are offered 243,000 square feet of contiguous exhibit hall space divisible into five halls, and 15,000 square feet of meeting space that can be separated into nine rooms. The facility currently is undergoing a complete network upgrade to enhance high-speed connectivity.

BRONZE WINNER

El Paso Convention Center
As El Paso’s largest indoor meeting venue, the El Paso Convention Center offers a total of 133,100 square feet of dynamic event space, including 17 well-equipped breakout rooms and three expansive exhibit halls. Its thoughtful layout and flexible configuration options make it ideal for hosting everything from large-scale conferences to intimate business meetings. The venue has experienced dozens of high-profile gatherings, including the Texas Democratic Convention, M&I Americas, the Texas Travel Alliance and more. A 15-minute car ride from El Paso International Airport, the center is within walking distance of 1,500 hotel rooms, keeping attendees comfortably close to the action.

FAR WEST

GOLD WINNER

Ontario Convention Center
In the heart of Southern California, the Ontario Convention Center combines modern facilities, exceptional service and a vision for the future to create a superior facility for planners and attendees. The center features 225,000 square feet of column-free exhibit space and 24 flexible breakout rooms, able to host everything from large conventions to intimate workshops. Its contemporary design and adaptable layouts provide the perfect environment for trade shows, galas, and conferences.

An ongoing expansion, slated for completion in winter 2027, will nearly double the center’s size to 470,000 square feet while also establishing a dynamic Convention Center District with pedestrian-friendly access to dining, entertainment and new amenities. Proximity to Ontario International Airport, just 1.5 miles away, ensures easy access for out-of-town attendees, while over 6,700 hotel rooms in the area provide accommodations for every budget.

SILVER WINNER

Seattle Convention Center
Offering a world-class meeting experience in the compact, walkable core of Seattle, the Seattle Convention Center consists of two buildings: Opened in January 2023, the Summit building is the newest, adding 573,770 square feet of event space including 248,450 square feet of exhibit space and the 14,000-square-foot outdoor Garden Terrace. The adjacent Arch buildings are directly across the street from each other: At 705 Pike St., the center’s original building, features include 205,700 square feet of exhibit space, 61 meeting rooms, four ballrooms and a number of cozy seating areas for intimate conversation. The 800 Pike St. location has 35,000 square feet of carpeted meeting space divisible into 17 rooms. Events can be spread over the two buildings.

BRONZE WINNER

Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center
With more than 400,000 square feet of meeting and exhibit space, the Long Beach (Calif.) Convention & Entertainment Center is ideal for all types of special events, conventions and trade shows. Planners will find 34 meeting rooms, a grand ballroom, three exhibition hals, the Long Beach Arena and new wiring for the latest technology as well as wireless capability. Within easy walking distance of the facility are Shoreline Village for shopping and dining, the Pike Outlets for shopping and entertainment, the Aquarium of the Pacific, the Queen Mary (a historic ship and museum), Pine Avenue for nightlife and restaurants, and the East Village Arts District for galleries and boutiques.

Stella Awards 2025: Best CVB/DMO

NORTHEAST

GOLD WINNER

GoProvidence
Providence, R.I., a classic New England destination with big city vibes, is most ably represented by the team at GoProvidence, aka the Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau. This dedicated sales and services staff knows best how to leverage Providence’s flexible resources and creative energy in a way that allows meeting planners to be innovative in curating their event experiences.

Planners working with this CVB get the information they need about important area venues like the Rhode Island Convention Center, with its 200,000 square feet of meeting and exhibition space, and the 14,000-seat Amica Mutual Pavilion, as well as major meeting properties like the 564-room Omni Providence Hotel, connected to the convention facility but with its own 22,000 square feet of meeting space. The bureau also can recommend local restaurants, entertainment choices and the best ways to travel to and around the city.

SILVER WINNER

Visit Baltimore
The official sales and marketing organization for the most populous city in Maryland, Visit Baltimore is committed to promoting its home turf as a premier, affordable and accessible destination for meetings and events. In 2024 and early 2025, the bureau demonstrated its focus on innovation and community engagement through initiatives that brought the city’s spirit directly to planners and visitors. One such effort was “Smalltimore,” a mobile visitor pop-up that appeared at major industry events like PCMA, IMEX and ASAE. The presentation told the city’s story through local art projects that built authentic connections between planners and the city’s community of makers, entrepreneurs and creatives.

BRONZE WINNER

Ocean City, Md., Convention & Visitors Bureau
With an unwavering commitment to connect local business partners with visitors, meeting planners and attendees, the Ocean City, Md., Convention & Visitors Bureau launched two major initiatives in 2024, helping to reshape how the city’s 200+ CVB members promote their services, reach attendees and directly benefit from meetings and events held in town. OC Central gives partners 24/7 access to marketing assets, co-branded materials, analytics and the ability to submit deals and updates seen by planners and guests alike. The Visit OC MD app puts these businesses in the palm of the visitor’s hand, offering geo-targeted content and itinerary planning to drive real-time engagement.

SOUTHEAST

GOLD WINNER

New Orleans & Company
For decades, New Orleans & Company has helped the city remain a top 25 U.S. destination by promoting what sets it apart — the people, culture, cuisine, music, history and unmatched hospitality. Through strategic marketing and sales, the bureau recently has helped the Big Easy host major events like Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour, Super Bowl LIX (the city’s 11th such contest), Mardi Gras and various national conventions. In 2024, the sales team booked 1.5 million hotel room nights, helping to contribute over $10 billion in direct spending annually.

From large-scale conventions to executive retreats and everything in between, the team at NO&Co. offers strategic, no-cost assistance at every stage of planning, including hotel and venue sourcing. With the bureau’s help, planners can access helpful details about the city’s 26,000 hotel rooms in close proximity to the heart of town, 800+ eateries and nearly 100 attractions within distance of downtown hotels, plus some 4 million square feet of event space and more.

SILVER WINNER

Visit Tampa Bay
Whether a planner is organizing a board retreat or a citywide convention, the staff at Visit Tamps Bay is at the ready to offer information and incentives to help make the event make the most of this colorful city on Florida’s Gulf Coast. Among the bureau’s offerings are a comprehensive facilities search engine (including hotel rooms, meeting space and more), special savings and access to event suppliers, plus a convention sales department to help make larger events as hassle-free as possible.

BRONZE WINNER

Visit Orlando
Dedicated to bringing dream meetings to life, Visit Orlando’s long-standing tradition of partnering with planners helps ensure meaningful experiences for attendees. Many members of the bureau’s Destination Experience team hold the Certified Meeting Professionals credential and are experts in handling the complexities of events of all sizes. Whether coordinating venues, recommending any of the notable new restaurants emerging here every year (as well as the area’s classic eateries) or suggesting entertainment options, Visit Orlando offers deep expertise on the destination, becoming true partners in planning.

MIDWEST

GOLD WINNER

Visit Indy
In the 102-year history of Visit Indy, all major tourism metrics hit record highs in 2024, including the most hotel rooms booked in a single year. Major events such as the NBA All-Star Game, the solar eclipse and Taylor Swift’s sold-out Eras concerts drove unprecedented visitation. In addition, progress on the Indiana Convention Center’s sixth expansion and the rising 38-story Signia by Hilton helped secure more than $1 billion in future convention business. With $3 billion in tourism-related development underway, Visit Indy’s 58-person team continues to fuel the city’s momentum with strategic, high-impact wins.

In 2024 alone: VisitIndy.com drew a record 5.56 million sessions, surpassing the previous high of 4 million. Annual citywide conventions like Gen Con, NFL Combine and the Fire Department Instructors Conference all achieved record-setting attendance. In addition, the bureau secured a record 3.94 million future hotel room nights tied to conventions, signaling strong momentum for 2025 and beyond.

SILVER WINNER

Visit Milwaukee
With much to promote, Visit Milwaukee continues to position its city as a premier, versatile meeting destination. This bore fruit in 2024 when the Baird Center completed an expansion that gives the LEED Gold-certified convention facility a total of 1.3 million square feet, including 300,000 square feet of contiguous exhibit space and the rooftop Baird Ballroom with stunning panoramic views. Also in 2024, Visit Milwaukee became the first DMO in the Midwest to join the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program, a globally recognized initiative that enhances travel accessibility by helping individuals with nonvisible disabilities discreetly obtain additional support in public venues.

BRONZE WINNER

Destination Ann Arbor
Working hand-in-hand with planners from booking to execution, Destination Ann Arbor in Michigan offers support with site selection, logistics, vendors, attendee services, accessibility and sustainability. The bureau’s team has partnered with seven local communities, universities, businesses, governments and nonprofits to elevate meeting outcomes by providing access to renowned speakers, subject-matter experts and iconic campus venues. Along with promoting the city’s virtues, the DMO actively fosters a safe, inclusive and respectful environment for every meeting and every guest.

SOUTHWEST

GOLD WINNER

Visit Irving
In Irving, Texas, Visit Irving has emerged as a standout in the Southwest, setting the bar for high-touch, high-impact meeting experiences. The DMO collaborates with planners to create events that reflect the city’s unique energy, and the team’s orchestrated immersive site visits are legendary: A recent such event featured a reception with live cowboy greeters and statues, plus a show-stopping Champagne Diva. Another group was treated to a Golf & Spa Day, a high-energy Family Feud-style game night, a VIP Meghan Trainor concert at the Toyota Music Factory and a police-escorted arrival at a private suite at a Dallas Cowboys game.

These adventures are more than perks. They’re part of a broader strategy to build emotional connections between planners, attendees and the destination. Whether it’s the first site visit or the closing event, Visit Irving provides expert guidance at every stage. In 2024, the sales team achieved 122 percent of its group room-night goal — proof that their approach delivers results.

SILVER WINNER

Visit Denver
The Mile High City offers an inspiring and world-class destination for meetings of every size, and the staff at Visit Denver helps to bring all the business home. The team is intimately involved with promoting the recently expanded Colorado Convention Center, which now offers 2 million square feet of flexible meeting space within walking distance of 452 downtown hotels, as well as the nearby revitalized 16th Street, which spans one mile and links Denver Union Station to Civic center Park, showcasing a string of vibrant restaurants, new green spaces and enhanced walkability.

BRONZE WINNER

Visit El Paso
On a yearly average, Visit El Paso welcomes over 1,000 guests for meetings, conferences and events. With site visits, familiarizations tours, conventions, board meetings and the like, the DMO’s team is accustomed to working with planners and their guests for superior results. With a history of gatherings ranging from the Texas Democratic Convention and m&i Americas to the Outdoor Writers Association of America and the anticipated international WireTech Expo, Visit El Paso hosts events and year-round conferences welcoming guests from across the nation and beyond.

FAR WEST

GOLD WINNER

Meet Long Beach
Founded by local business people in 1982 as a nonprofit corporation, Meet Long Beach sells and markets the City of Long Beach, Calif., as a destination for conventions, meetings and events. The DMO employs a team of seasoned sales professionals placed in key markets throughout the United States, as well as administrative and support staff, helping to create an estimated $1.8 billion in economic impact for the city each year.

The sales team also pursues major convention business for the Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center, with its more than 400,000 square feet of meeting and exhibit space within walking distance to nearby hotels and amenities, with the goal of generating overnight stays. The bureau’s website includes a venue finder featuring dozens of unique meeting spaces.

SILVER WINNER

GOCAL
Greater Ontario is Southern California’s fastest-growing destination, driving $110 million in economic impact this past year alone. As the hub of the Inland Empire’s dynamic hospitality scene, GOCAL supports 180,000+ jobs and has elevated the region’s profile as a premier meetings and events destination. At the heart of the DMO’s offerings is the Ontario Convention Center, which is undergoing a transformative expansion to nearly 470,000 square feet by 2027, including a 50,000-square-foot outdoor plaza. This, plus over 6,700 hotel rooms nearby, are part of a toolkit that helps GOCAL offer convenience and flexibility for events of all sizes.

BRONZE WINNER

The San Francisco Peninsula (tie)
Helping planners and attendees find the best of the Bay Area, the San Francisco Peninsula is the namesake DMO representing a diverse area with over 30 convenient hotels, most offering complimentary airport shuttle service, and over 15,000 sleeping rooms in 140 properties in all. In addition, the bureau publicizes numerous unique venues, giving planners plenty of options for events, all amid natural beauty and cultural richness. From redwood forests to coastal trails, charming historic downtowns and family farms, the peninsula is a fascinating destination with a robust DMO to help attract meetings business.

Visit Greater Palm Springs (tie)
Surrounded by four picturesque mountain ranges, Greater Palm Springs is a storied oasis in Southern California, encompassing nine cities including Palm Springs, Desert Hot Springs, Rancho Mirage, Indian Wells and Coachella, each offering its own blend of experiences as expertly promoted by Visit Greater Palm Springs. The DMO helps organize breakout sessions against a backdrop of awe-inspiring mountains, receptions unfolding beneath swaying palm trees, wildlife meet-and-greets at attractions like The Living Desert and more.

Stella Awards 2025: Best Hotel Chain

GOLD WINNER

Margaritaville Hotels & Resorts
Just the name "Margaritaville" conjures up ocean breezes, palm trees and a frozen drink in hand. But for groups seeking unique, high-quality experiences without the formality, the brand's growing portfolio of suppliers is a prime resource. The company has spent the last decade expanding from its first opening in Hollywood, Fla., into a collection of 30+ resorts that cater to everything from intimate executive retreats to large-scale incentive programs.

At the 520-room Margaritaville Lake Resort Lake of the Ozarks in Missouri, for example, 76,000 square feet of flexible meeting space includes two ballrooms, a large conference hall and 27 meeting rooms, plus all the land- and water-based recreational options an attendee could want. Whether a planner is looking for a beachside boardroom, an energizing team-building experience or a full buyout, the Margaritaville portfolio offers options that meet a variety of needs while staying true to the brand's signature spirit.

SILVER WINNER

Rosen Hotels & Resorts
Celebrating more than 50 years as an independent leader of guest services in Orlando, Rosen Hotels & Resorts comprises properties that total more than 6,300 guest rooms and suites, and over 740,000 square feet of high-tech, creative meeting space. Each convention hotel features beautifully designed and expansive ballrooms, next-level cuisine and expansive views either overlooking the heart of Orlando's entertainment district or across 255 acres of lush Florida flora. The chain's associates are empowered to think creatively and make on-the-spot decisions to provide planners and attendees with immediate satisfaction.

BRONZE WINNER

Gaylord Hotels
Flexible event spaces and exemplary expertise are at planners' disposal at Gaylord properties in prime meeting destinations across the United States. The sixth and newest addition to the company's portfolio is the 1,600-room Gaylord Pacific Resort & Convention Center in Chula Vista, Calif., which has a 4.25-acre water park and approximately 477,000 square feet of convention space. In total, the chain has more than 3.2 million square feet for gatherings, presided over by "Teal Coats," a moniker for the company's signature experience managers who offer tailored on-site coordination and support to meeting planners.

Stella Awards 2025: Best Airline

GOLD WINNER

Delta Business
Thanks to a robust meetings and events program, Delta Business has proven to be a planner’s vital partner in helping to arrange the transportation of attendees around the country and the world. Among the carrier’s meetings-friendly package categories are Conferences & Events (for 50 or more passengers traveling from multiple cities to one destination), SkyTeam Global (when 50 or more passengers are originating from at least two countries) and Group Travel (for 10 or more passengers traveling together on the same flight). All three variously offer customized flight itineraries, competitive fares, flexible ticketing options and support in booking and managing group travel.

Since beginning passenger operations in 1929, Delta Air Lines has grown to become one of the oldest and most trusted carriers in all of aviation. The airline and its worldwide alliance partners operate more than 15,000 flights per day, including a full schedule of business travel, whether for face-to-face events, conventions or incentives.

SILVER WINNER

Scandinavian Airlines (SAS)
With roots going back to 1918, today Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) is a trusted world-travel airline that maintains the largest frequency of departures to and from Scandinavia. As part of the SkyTeam alliance, the carrier flies customers to more than 1,000 destinations worldwide. When traveling with nine or more people, planners and their attendees can enjoy special discounts and enhanced flexibility, in addition to earning EuroBonus points toward further flight bargains. As part of its corporate responsibility efforts, the airline also has established a goal to use only sustainable bio jet fuel on domestic routes by 2030.

Stella Awards 2025: Best Cruise Line

GOLD WINNER

Royal Caribbean International
Royal Caribbean is a premier cruise line for meetings, corporate events and incentive trips at sea, thanks to a roster of innovative ships that deliver value, ease of planning and a unique experience. With 28 vessels sailing the globe to choose from, clients can take their events to anywhere from the Caribbean to Europe to Asia and beyond. RCI’s ships are built for business and feature dedicated conference facilities in addition to some of the largest and most unique meeting spaces in the industry.

From nightclub theaters to ice-skating rinks with ocean views, not to mention surf simulators and facilities for zip lining, rock climbing and more, Royal Caribbean’s fleet offers an impressive range of customizable activities and venues to suit any group size and meeting objective, accommodating gatherings of as small as 16 and up to 1,400 on larger ships. Planners will find that every RCI ship is equipped with state-of-the-art technology and A/V services, while the all-inclusive nature of each sailing means no extra charge for most components of the event.

SILVER WINNER

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings
Whether it's a full-ship charter offering an immersive brand experience or an intimate executive retreat with curated luxury, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings continually proves itself as an essential partner for planners. From full-ship charters to incentive trips, the NCLH team tailors all the details in service of the client's brand and vision, including immersive programming, private destination buyouts, experiential team-building activities and exclusive shore excursions. With a fleet of 34 ships and growing, NCLH offers a wide array of versatile onboard venues, from theaters to lounges, all extraordinary blank canvases rife for event setups.

BRONZE WINNER

Azamara Cruises
An award-winning small-ship cruise line, Azamara specializes in transformative, authentic experiences in the heart of each port visited. In 2025 the company added 85 new destinations, including Antsiranana and Nosy-Be in Madagascar, and Mombasa in Kenya. Each destination offers a unique opportunity to immerse groups in the culture, wildlife and natural beauty of these lesser-known ports. Azamara’s “AzAmazing Evenings” afford attendees a chance to dive deep into cultures and traditions worldwide and, in the process, get to know local people and their ways. With over 13,500 shore excursions on tap, the cruise line provides myriad ways to connect with the destinations visited.

Stella Awards 2025: Best Conference Center

GOLD WINNER

The Carahsoft Conference & Collaboration Center
In the heart of Reston, Va., the Carahsoft Conference & Collaboration Center comprises a number of versatile meeting spaces equipped with the latest technology to support both in-person and hybrid events. Whether a client is hosting an intimate team meeting or a large-scale conference, the center is the ideal setting for productive discussions, presentations and networking opportunities. Along with 40 conference rooms of varying sizes, the facility offers catering services, digital signs, easels, fax services, flip charts and markers, handicapped access, onsite A/V technicians, stationery supplies, printers, shipping and receiving services, registration service, teleconferencing and more.

Ambience-wise, the center has a modern feel and is bright and airy with great views of the Reston/Fairfax County industry corridor. With many types and sizes of spaces and a substantial investment in diverse furniture, the CCCC scales to support multiple events. Each floor’s layout is unique and offers its own character, and the center is situated adjacent to a major highway and within walking distance to the Metro and nearby hotels.

SILVER WINNER

Rocky Mount Event Center
Since opening in 2018, the Rocky Mount Event Center in Rocky Mount, N.C., has become a prime destination for regional, national and global meetings and events, and an exemplar of what a modern conference center can be. With 75,000 square feet of total event space, the facility hosts a wide range of gatherings, from intimate board meetings to large-scale corporate galas for up to 1,000 attendees. Able to execute gourmet in-house catering, expert audiovisual support and more, the in-house team is adept at anticipating needs and routinely exceeding expectations. Straddling the Eastern North Carolina counties of Nash and Edgecombe, the center is a one-hour drive from Raleigh-Durham Airport and easily accessible from I-95 and U.S. 64.

BRONZE WINNER

Monterey Conference Center
On California’s central coast, the Monterey Conference Center delivers an exceptional, full-service event experience rooted in sustainability, flexibility and scenic surroundings. The center offers in-house catering and A/V, along with diverse room configurations, abundant indoor and outdoor pre-function terraces, patios and lobbies. As a LEED Platinum-certified facility, the MCC is a leader in environmentally responsible meetings, from water-refill stations and waste-reduction programs to green building materials and energy-efficient systems. The center is directly connected to both the Monterey Marriott Hotel and the LEED Gold-certified Portola Hotel & Spa, creating seamless access to over 700 guest rooms.