What is HM Awards?

The HM Awards for Hotel and Accommodation Excellence, presented by Sealy Posturepedic, and now in their 23rd year, are the leading industry awards in the region and celebrate the best properties, departments, people, chains and brands in Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific.

What are the Key Dates?

Nominations open: Tuesday 16 June 2026
Nominations Close: Sunday 31 September 2026
Finalists will be announced: mid-October 2026

This year’s winners will be announced at the 2026 HM Awards Aotearoa-Pacific ceremony at Hilton Auckland on Friday 30 October 2026 and then at the 2026 HM Awards Australasia Pacific gala presentation evening at the The Fullerton Hotel Sydney on Friday 20 November 2026.

To stay up to date for the 2026 event, sign up for the Hotel Management newsletter.

Who can enter the HM Awards?

Entries for the HM Awards are open to people who work in the hotel industry in Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific.

How to Nominate?

Nominations for the 2026 HM Awards are now open. Entries are open to people who work in the hotel industry in Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific. It is free to enter your nomination.
Nominate HERE.
To stay up to date for the 2026 event, sign up for the Hotel Management newsletter.

When is the Gala Dinner for the HM Awards and how much is it to attend?

This year’s winners will be announced at the 2026 HM Awards Aotearoa-Pacific ceremony at Hilton Auckland on Friday 30 October 2026 and then at the 2026 HM Awards Australasia Pacific gala presentation evening at the The Fullerton Hotel Sydney on Friday 20 November 2026.

To stay up to date for the 2026 event, sign up for the Hotel Management newsletter.

What is the Dress Code for the Gala Dinner?

Dress Code: Elegant Cocktail Attire

Are there specific judging criteria for each category?

Yes there is. To view the judging criteria, click here.

Is there a cost to enter the HM Awards?

There is no cost to enter the HM Awards.

How is the ticket booking fee used?

HM Awards is committed to making a difference in the world around us and has partnered with Humanitix as our ticketing platform.

In partnership with their network of carefully vetted children’s charities, 100% of the profits from your ticket booking fees fund brighter futures for disadvantaged kids around the world.

Read more about their impact here.

Are sponsorship opportunities available?

Yes, sponsorship opportunities are available and more information can be obtained by emailing Tara Ducrou at tducrou@intermedia.com.au