
The AHA (Vic) State Awards for Excellence is Victoria’s biggest and most prestigious hospitality awards event of the year!
Discover which pubs and hotels truly stand out for exceptional service and outstanding customer experiences.
In 2026, Victoria’s top pubs, hotels, and venue staff will be celebrated across 39 award categories at a gala dinner, to be held on Monday, 18 May 2026, at Melbourne’s iconic Palladium at Crown.
IMPORTANT DATES
NOMINATIONS OPEN
Thursday,13 October 2025
NOMINATIONS CLOSE
Tuesday, 24 November 2025
WRITTEN SUBMISSIONS AND SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS DUE
Wednesday, 10 December 2025
JUDGING PERIOD
Monday, 5 January 2026 – Friday, 6 March 2026
FINALISTS ANNOUNCED
Week beginning Monday, 23 March 2026
TICKETS ON SALE
Week beginning Monday, 23 March 2026
TICKET SALES CLOSE
Friday, 17 April 2026
AHA (VIC) STATE AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE
Monday, 18 May 2025
PRESENTATION CEREMONY
VENUE
Palladium at Crown
Level 1 Crown Towers, Crown Melbourne,
8 Whiteman St, Southbank VIC 3006
DATE AND TIME
Monday, 18 May 2026
6:00 pm - Late
DRESS
Cocktail
Judging Process
Depending on the category, awards are judged by an anonymous site inspection, written submission, or Zoominterview.
Each category entrant will receive feedback on how they or their property performed, relative to winning hotels and individuals.
If you are a non-finalist, you will receive feedback on the judges’ experience following the announcement of finalists and non-finalists. Finalists will receive their feedback after the awards ceremony on Monday, 18 May 2026.
All judging is completed by a third-party organisation that is completely independent of AHA (Vic).
Dining, General, Accommodation, Gaming and Wagering Awards: Anonymous property visit.
Performance Awards: Assessment of written submission.
**Best Function and Event Space is subject to an anonymous property visit where judges will request a site visit with a staff member, posing as if they would like to book an event at your venue. If you wish to go forward into the National Awards for Excellence, you will be required to submit a written submission.*
Employee Awards Categories:
Venues must nominate their employee into the appropriate category. They must submit the nominee's CV and headshot at the time of nomination.
Prior to the judging period, AHA (Vic) will be in touch with each nominee via email, requesting that the nominee complete a Zoom interview.
More details, including questions provided in the interview, will be provided at this point.
AWARD CATEGORIES
Individual Employee Awards - $200 per nomination
- Emerging Leader of the Year
- Chef of the Year
- Excellence in Service
- Local Legend Award
- Apprentice of the Year
- Venue Manager of the Year
Dining Awards – $250 per nomination
Anonymous site visit reimbursement required
- Best Pub Restaurant - Regional & Metropolitan
- Best Casual Dining - Regional & Metropolitan
- Best Family Dining
General Awards - $200 per nomination
Anonymous site visit reimbursement required
- Best Pub Bar - Regional & Metropolitan
- Parma of the Year
- Best Specialty Bar
- Best Presented Beer
- Best Live Entertainment Venue
- Best Sports Bar - Regional & Metropolitan
- Best Retail Liquor Outlet
- Best Outdoor Experience - Regional & Metropolitan
- Best Rooftop Experience
- Cocktail Menu of the Year
- Bush Pub of the Year
- Best Function & Event Space
Accommodation Awards - $260 per nomination
Anonymous site visit reimbursement required
Gaming & Wagering - $200 per nomination
Anonymous site visit reimbursement required
Performance Awards - $200 per nomination
- Best Marketed Hotel
- Outstanding Achievement in Training
- Heart of the Community
- Best Hotel Group Operator
- Best Refurbished Venue Space
OUR PARTNERS
The presentation of the AHA (Vic) State Awards for Excellence would not be possible without our event partners. We acknowledge their invaluable contribution to our industry and thank them for their ongoing support.