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.

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.

Marquee Partner

Event Partners

 

     

   

    

  

    

Contact Us

AHA (Vic) State Awards for Excellence
events@ahavic.com.au

Enquiries