The 2020 nominations for the Ordinary Awards are now open. Please nominate a deserving individual or organization. We hope to see you at the Awards Event on September 29!

Fill out the Online Nomination Form HERE

Thank you for your interest in the 2020 Ordinary Awards brought to you by VRLTA. To nominate an individual or company for a 2020 Award, please complete the online nomination form (or download and mail the paper form). The 2020 Awards Event will be held on Tuesday, September 29, 2020 in Richmond, Virginia. Due to COVID-19, the event will be a luncheon this year, 12:15 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Nomination Process

To nominate yourself, a peer, or a company for an award, please complete the official online nomination form (or download and mail the paper form.  Each area of the form, including the narrative, must be completed to be considered for nomination. Videos, photos (please upload a high-res head shot or property photo), and supplemental information can be uploaded within the form.

Fill out the Online Nomination Form HERE

Nomination Timeline

1. The nomination period is open as of June 23, 2020.
2. Nomination forms must be submitted online by Monday, August 17, 2020.
3. Award finalists will be notified by email on or before Friday, September 11, 2020.
4. Recipients will be recognized at the Awards Luncheon on Tuesday, September 29, 2020.

Award Criteria

1. Award Nominations are open to members and non-members of VRLTA.
2. The eligibility period for the 2020 Ordinary Awards is from July 1, 2019 through June 30, 2020. Winners from the previous year (2019) are not eligible to submit a nomination for the same category in which they won. They may submit a nomination for any other category.
3. There is no limit to the number of individuals that can be nominated. Self-nominations are allowed.
4. If nominating more than one individual, separate nomination forms are required.
5. Recipients, nominees, and nominators are encouraged to attend the Awards event on Tuesday, September 29, 2020.
6. Complete the online nomination form (or download and mail the paper form) and submit in writing no more than 1 to 2 pages describing the nominee’s contributions and accomplishments.
7. We strongly encourage the inclusion of nominee photos. Substantiating materials can be uploaded within the online nomination form.
8. Interested in submitting a recorded video nomination? Contact marketing@vrlta.org.

Fill out the Online Nomination Form HERE

The 2020 Ordinary Awards feature 20 individual and organizational awards across four primary categories. Each award will be given to an honoree who demonstrates exemplary passion for the hospitality and travel industry. All awards (except the Lifetime Achievement Award and the Legislator of the Year Award) are determined through a nomination process and judged by VRLTA members/industry professionals. The Lifetime Achievement and Legislator Awards are determined by the VRLTA staff and Board. NEW THIS YEAR: We have added two new awards, the Hospitality Hero, for both individuals and businesses/organizations, to recognize those who have made a positive impact during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Travel Awards

The Travel Awards Category is open to all Virginia Attractions, Destinations, DMOs/CVBs, campgrounds, etc.

Attraction of the Year Award
Recognizing an Attraction for contributions to Virginia’s tourism industry—by implementing innovative ideas and/or demonstrating passion for enhancing travel to its community.

Charlie Buser Award for Attraction Employee of the Year
Recognizing an individual for his/her extraordinary contributions and commitment to his/her community and attraction–and its guests.
Named for Charlie Buser who set the highest of standards in dedication and love of this industry.

Jim Ricketts Award for DMO/CVB Employee of the Year
Recognizing an individual for his/her extraordinary contributions to Virginia’s tourism industry and his/her region’s visitors.

Lodging Awards

The Lodging Awards Category is open to all Virginia Hotels, Resorts, B&Bs, etc.

Hotel of the Year Award
Recognizing a hotel for extraordinary contributions to the hotel industry by implementing innovative ideas and/or through demonstrated passion for the industry and its community.

Hotelier of the Year Award
Recognizing a hotel Owner, GM, Manager, or Senior Management Team member for his/her extraordinary contributions to Virginia’s hotel industry and his/her hotel—and its guests.

Hotel Employee of the Year Award
Recognizing a hotel employee, other than senior management, for his/her extraordinary contributions to Virginia’s hotel industry and his/her hotel–and its guests.

Restaurant Awards

The Restaurant Awards Category is open to all Virginia Restaurants, Food Trucks, etc.

Restaurant of the Year Award
Recognizing a restaurant for extraordinary contributions to the restaurant industry by implementing innovative ideas and/or through demonstrated passion for the industry and its community.

Jim Wordsworth Award for Restaurateur of the Year
Recognizing an Owner, GM, Manager, etc. for his/her extraordinary contributions to Virginia’s restaurant industry and his/her restaurant–and its patrons.
Named for Jim Wordsworth who continues to set high standards for commitment to Virginia’s Restaurant and Tourism Industry.

Restaurant Employee of the Year Award
Recognizing a restaurant employee, other than senior management, for his/her extraordinary contributions to Virginia’s restaurant industry and his/her restaurant–and its patrons.

Chef of the Year Award
Recognizing an individual chef who has shown exemplary commitment to his/her employees and growing Virginia’s diverse restaurant and culinary industry.

Bartender of the Year Award
Recognizing an individual bartender who has shown a commitment to advancing the art of bartending and to providing his/her guests with an exemplary experience.

Beverage Producer Awards

The Beverage Producer Awards Category is open to all Virginia Breweries, Wineries, Distilleries, Cideries, etc.

Brewery of the Year Award
Recognizing a brewery for extraordinary contributions to the Virginia tourism and brewing industries by implementing innovative ideas and/or through demonstrated passion for the industries and its community.

Winery of the Year Award
Recognizing a winery for extraordinary contributions to the Virginia tourism and wine industries by implementing innovative ideas and/or through demonstrated passion for the industries and its community.

Distillery of the Year Award
Recognizing a distillery for extraordinary contributions to the Virginia tourism and distilled spirits industries by implementing innovative ideas and/or through demonstrated passion for the industries and its community.

Other Awards

Supplier of the Year Award
Recognizing a supplier company for its exceptional service to the hospitality and tourism industry of Virginia.

Rising Pineapple Award for Outstanding Hospitality and Tourism Student of the Year
Recognizing a high school or collegiate level student who has made extraordinary contributions to Virginia’s hospitality and tourism industry through his/her studies, an internship program, or paid position.

Legislator of the Year Award
Recognizing a Virginia Delegate or Senator who has shown exceptional support of the hospitality and tourism industry. Note: this award recipient is chosen by the VRLTA staff and board.

Lifetime Achievement Award
Recognizing a VRLTA member who has a lifetime of success in the hospitality and tourism industry and has also made important and lasting contributions to the Association. Note: this award recipient is chosen by the VRLTA staff and board.

NEW IN 2020! Hospitality Hero (Individual Employee)
Recognizing an individual in the tourism or hospitality industry that has gone above and beyond to innovate, support frontline workers, provide assistance in the community, or act selflessly during the COVID-19 pandemic.

NEW IN 2020! Hospitality Hero (Business or Organization)
Recognizing a business or organization in the tourism or hospitality industry that has gone above and beyond to innovate, support frontline workers, provide assistance in the community, or act philanthropically during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Due to COVID-19, this year’s event will be a luncheon instead of dinner. Ticket and table sales for the 2020 Ordinary Awards have not yet begun. Stay tuned for more information!

2020 VRLTA Ordinary Awards Luncheon

The Hilton Richmond

Hotel & Spa / Short Pump

Tuesday, September 29, 2020

12:15 – 2:00 p.m.

Individual Ticket $59 Includes luncheon and award presentations.

Table Sponsor $350 Includes luncheon and awards presentation for 6 people. As a table sponsor, you will be given the opportunity to donate 2 seats to a finalist/nominee.

VIP Table Sponsor $450 Includes luncheon and awards presentation for 6 people, premium table location, and upgraded beverage service. As a table sponsor, you will be given the opportunity to donate 2 seats to a finalist/nominee.

2020 Sponsorship Opportunities will be available soon. Contact VRLTA to become a sponsor.  The sponsorships may change, but here are the options from 2019 which were similar.

Presenting Sponsor – $7,500 – Exclusive Opportunity, Valued at $12,000+

Pre- and Post-Event Benefits

• • Presenting sponsor status – “2020 VRLTA Ordinary Awards presented by (your company name)”
  • Logo placement on all signage/promotional materials
  • Company recognition in all media and press releases
  • Name and logo on Ordinary Awards website, with link
  • Name and logo recognition in pre-/post-event digital communications, including link to website
  • Pre-/post-event social media mentions
  • Company-branded email to all attendees after event
  • Exclusive opportunity to secure sponsorship for 2 years

Event Benefits

• • Opportunity to welcome attendees to award ceremony
  • Opportunity to distribute promotional materials
  • Acknowledgement from podium
  • Logo displayed on event table cards
  • Logo printed in program
  • Logo shown as part of on screen logo loop prior to event
  • Back cover full page ad in event program
  • Opportunity to present award to select winner
  • Prominent seating / table placement and seating with award recipients
  • One table (6 tickets) at the event
  • Premium beverage service at the event

Lunch Sponsor – $5,000 – Exclusive Opportunity, Valued at $9,300+ 

Pre- and Post-Event Benefits

• • Luncheon sponsor status – “Lunch presented by (your company name)”
  • Logo placement on all signage/promotional materials
  • Company recognition in all media and press releases
  • Name and logo on Ordinary Awards website, with link
  • Name and logo recognition in pre-/post-event digital communications, including link to website
  • Pre-/post-event social media mentions

Event Benefits

• • Opportunity to welcome attendees
  • Opportunity to distribute promotional materials
  • Acknowledgement from podium
  • Logo displayed on event table cards
  • Logo printed in program
  • Logo shown as part of on screen logo loop prior to event
  • Interior full page ad in event program
  • Opportunity to present award to select winner
  • Prominent seating / table placement and seating with award recipients
  • One table (8 tickets) at the event
  • Premium beverage service at the event

Media Sponsor – $3,500 – Exclusive Opportunity, Valued at $5,400+ 

Pre- and Post-Event Benefits

• • Logo placement on all signage/promotional materials
  • Name and logo on Ordinary Awards website, with link
  • Name and logo recognition in pre-/post-event digital communications, including link to website
  • Pre-/post-event social media mentions

Event Benefits

• • Acknowledgement from podium
  • Logo displayed on event table cards
  • Logo printed in program
  • Logo shown as part of on screen logo loop prior to event
  • Interior half page ad in event program
  • Opportunity to present award to select winner
  • Prominent seating / table placement and seating with award recipients
  • 4 tickets at the event

Supporting Sponsor – $1,500 – 4 Packages Available, Valued at $3,800+ 

Pre- and Post-Event Benefits

• • Logo placement on all signage/promotional materials
  • Name and logo on Ordinary Awards website, with link
  • Pre-/post-event social media mentions

Event Benefits

• • Acknowledgement from podium
  • Logo shown as part of on screen logo loop prior to event
  • Interior half page ad in event program
  • Name listed in event program
  • Opportunity to present award to select winner
  • Prominent seating / table placement and seating with award recipients
  • 4 tickets to the event

Specialty Bar Sponsor – $1,000 – Exclusive Opportunity, Valued at $3,700+

Pre- and Post-Event Benefits

• • Logo placement on all signage/promotional materials
  • Name and logo on Ordinary Awards website, with link

Event Benefits

• • Acknowledgement from podium
  • Opportunity to distribute promotional materials
  • Logo shown as part of on screen logo loop prior to event
  • Name listed in event program
  • Opportunity to present award to select winner
  • Prominent seating / table placement and seating with award recipients
  • 2 tickets to the event

Wellness Gift Bag Sponsor – $1,000 – Exclusive Opportunity, Valued at $3,700+

The gift bag will include: hand sanitizer, mini bottles, mask, and a Virginia is for Restaurant Lovers item.

Pre- and Post-Event Benefits

• • Logo placement on all signage/promotional materials
  • Name and logo on Ordinary Awards website, with link

Event Benefits

• • Acknowledgement from podium
  • Logo shown as part of on screen logo loop prior to event
  • Name listed in event program
  • Opportunity to present award to select winner
  • Prominent seating / table placement and seating with award recipients
  • 2 tickets to the event

Awards Sponsor – $800 – 8 Packages Available, Valued at $3,200+

Pre- and Post-Event Benefits

• • Logo placement on all signage/promotional materials
  • Name and logo on Ordinary Awards website, with link

Event Benefits

• • Opportunity to distribute promotional materials
  • Logo shown as part of on screen logo loop prior to event
  • Name listed in event program
  • Opportunity to present award to select winner
  • Prominent seating / table placement and seating with award recipients
  • 2 tickets to the event

To purchase individual tickets or a full table, visit this page.

The Ordinary Awards celebrate and honor all of Virginia’s restaurants, lodging establishments and hotels, DMOs, attractions, and more. The Awards, presented by the Virginia Restaurant, Lodging & Travel Association (VRLTA), are open to both members and non-members of the Association.

Why Would You Call the Awards…Ordinary?

Chinn’s Ordinary, considered “the oldest original inn in America” (Baltimore Sun), was built around 1728 in Chinn’s Crossroads, now Middleburg, Virginia. The building was uniquely situated half-way between Alexandria and Winchester, Virginia, making it an ideal location for an inn and tavern catering to travelers. Throughout the years, Chinn’s Ordinary has undergone significant renovations and name changes. Sometime between 1810 and 1830 it was remodeled and renamed the Beveridge House (after Noble Beveridge). Later, around 1890 it became the Middleburg Inn. Know as “America’s oldest continuously running inn” (Thrillist), since 1937 it has operated as the Red Fox Inn & Tavern.

So, why Ordinary? Well, on one hand, it simply fits. This history of Chinn’s Ordinary speaks to all facets of VRLTA’s membership—restaurants, lodging, and travel. And, on the other hand, the term ordinary is just the opposite of the hospitality and travel industry. Our industry truly is anything but ordinary, and this juxtaposition is almost too good to pass up.

The true goal of these Awards is to honor those in our industry, be they individuals or companies, that are truly extraordinary.