Northstar Meetings Group, along with its esteemed brands — Meetings & Conventions, Incentive, Meeting News and Successful Meetings — is pleased to announce the recipients of the 9th Annual Stella Awards. This year, we're celebrating 245 outstanding organizations from around the globe for their remarkable contributions to the meetings and events industry. The full list of winners, finalists and their profiles can be found at NorthstarMeetingsGroup.com/Stellas.
Northstar's Stella Awards recognize the pinnacle in achievement in key MICE industry sectors such as hotels, convention and conference centers, airlines, cruise lines, destination marketing organizations, and destination management companies. This year's winners were selected from over 10,000 votes and a record-breaking 1,009 nominations.
How Winners are Chosen
The 2025 Stella Award winners and finalists span 16 categories and six regions worldwide, and set the gold standard for excellence in areas like staff professionalism, sustainable practices and overall service quality. Nominees earn these accolades through votes from meeting planners, followed by a rigorous evaluation by a panel of judges selected by Northstar's editors.
Among this year's Gold Winners is Delta Airlines in the Best Airline category — a multiyear winner with extensive, industry-leading programs for group business. IHG Hotels & Resorts has garnered the Gold in the Best Sustainability Initiative category, guided by its longstanding commitment to responsible meetings experiences. Margaritaville Hotels & Resorts earned top honors in the Best Hotel Chain category for its diverse portfolio and signature brand spirit. Meet Long Beach, meanwhile, has maintained its winning streak for nine consecutive years in the Best CVB/DMO category for the Far West region.
"The Stella Awards honor the consistent contributions of the industry's most trusted supplier partners who set new standards for service and innovation," said Shalise DeMott, senior vice president, U.S. for Northstar Meetings Group. "Winners are first nominated and voted on by planners, then undergo a thorough review by an esteemed panel of judges."
Two of the most popular categories among nominees and planners this year were Best Food & Beverage and Best Hotel/Resort Event Space, demonstrating the importance of high-quality cuisine and dedicated on-site meeting venues to event organizers and their stakeholders.
Get Involved in 2026
Northstar Meetings Group's 2026 Stella Awards will open for nominations on Nov. 12, 2025. Organizations are encouraged to enter early to secure the lowest rates and maximum marketing support. Don't miss this chance to shine among the industry's best!
Visit our Stella Awards FAQ to learn more about the nomination process and start preparing your entry today.
