Nearly 8,000 industry professionals cast their votes in the 10th annual Stella Awards (#StellaAwards2026) to crown the world’s top hotels, suppliers and destinations that support group business. Now, the judging process underway by a panel of events industry experts overseen by the editors of Northstar Meetings Group’s leading brands.
Through a rigorous evaluation process and the passion of meeting planners, Northstar’s Stella Awards highlight organizations that elevate the industry. This year’s finalists were selected from a record-breaking 1,167 nominations spanning 16 categories and six global regions. From elite hotels and cutting-edge convention centers to top-tier airlines, cruise lines and destination management companies (DMCs), the nominees represent the pinnacle of group business and service excellence.
The judging panel for the 2026 Stella Awards includes:
- Amy Black, CMP - Director, Experience Design & Strategic Sourcing, Creative Group
- Jennifer Collins, CMP - President & CEO, JDC Events
- Carine DesRoches - Meetings & Events Director, National Kidney Foundation
- Eli Gorin, CMM, CMP - CEO, Americas, ATS Group
- Dianne Heffernan, CMP, CITP - Chief Events Officer, CCE Global Meetings & Incentives
- Katie Karmowski - Director of Membership and Operations, Smithbucklin
- Kelly Kunz - Vice President, Operations, Brightspot Incentives & Events
- Erin Lease Hall - Director, Event Strategy and Experience, Dr. First
- Renee Martinez - Founder, WovenSmart
- Bre Maxim, CMP - Account Director, Bishop-McCann
- Ellie Soucy, CIS, CITP - President, Incentive Meeting Services LLC
- Brett Sterenson - President, Hotel Lobbyists
- Kate Wilson - Event Services Manager, MeetGreen
- DeShawn Wynn, CMP-HC - Founder and Chief Meeting Architect, Wynning Touch Event Design
- Mike Zollars - Vice President, Global Accounts, HPN Global
Setting the Benchmark for Excellence
As MICE demand soars to record levels, event planners are turning to peer-recognized partners to deliver unforgettable experiences. The Stella Awards shine a spotlight on the trailblazers, the innovators and the exceptional teams that deliver next-level service and groundbreaking innovation to our industry in key areas, such as sustainability, F&B, dedicated meeting facilities, renovations and more.
Judging for the 2026 Stella Awards will commence through July 9, 2026. Winners will be announced on Oct. 7. Winners and finalists will be featured in the November/December 2026 issues of Meetings & Conventions and Meeting News, as well as online.