More than 10,000 industry professionals cast their votes in the 9th annual Stella Awards (#StellaAwards2025) to crown the world’s top hotels, suppliers and destinations that support group business. Now, the judging process is 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 more than 1,000 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 2025 Stella Awards includes:
- Candy Campbell - Event Director, Campbell Scott Production
- Debbie Friedman-Hueller - Manager, Meeting & Event Operations, Land O'Lakes
- Carvie Gilliken - President & CEO, MGME
- Earla Jones - Events Director, American Association of Critical-Care Nurses
- Beth Lawrence - Owner, Beth Lawrence Meetings & Events
- Edward Perotti - Principal, EP Events & Experiences
- Wendy Porter - Founder, Wendy Porter Events
- Rachael Riggs - General Manager, Environmental Strategy, Maritz
- Shawn M. Sawyer - President, Cacique International
- Bonni Scepkowski - President & CSO, Stellar Meetings & Events
- Brett Sterenson - President, Hotel Lobbyists
- David T. Stevens – Cofounder, Olympian Meeting
- Jerry Vaughn - President, CEO, CEALS Meetings & Incentives
- Alex Zapple - Senior Director of Meetings, American Society of Nephrology
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 2025 Stella Awards will take place through July 2, 2025. Winners will be announced on Oct. 1. Winners and finalists will be featured in the November/December 2025 issues of Meetings & Conventions and Meeting News, as well as online.