Awards

Two awards are presented at the Annual Conference. The "Master of New England Innkeeping, Lifetime Achievement Award," and the "Innovator Award." All nominees must be a current member of New England Inns & Resorts Association.

Innovator Award

​NEIRA is seeking nominations for outstanding individuals, properties or management companies who are creative thinkers and innovators in the areas of sales, marketing, PR, revenue management, design, operations, guest services, technology, etc.  A person or property who has gone beyond standard practice to improve overall hotel operations, increase guest satisfaction or loyalty and brand reputation.  

Innovator Award(s) nominations are now being accepted for 2024 and will be presented at the 2024 Annual Conference.​

​DEADLINE FOR NOMINATIONS: March 14, 2024 (CLOSED)​

2023 Innovator Award Recipient Colby Marvin Bracy (left), Nonantum Resort, ME

Innovator Award | Past Winners

1. Mark Novota, Managing Partner, Wequassett Resort and Golf Club
2. Rauni Kew, PR & Green Programs Manager, Inn by the Sea
3. Rob Blood, Founder & CEO, Lark Hotels
4. Lou Carrier, President, Distinctive Hospitality Group ​
5. Colby Marvin Bracy, Nonantum Resort, ME

Master of New England Innkeeping, Lifetime Achievement Award

This is the highest honor presented by the Association.  The Master of Innkeeping Award honors hospitality professionals who have made a lasting contribution and left an indelible mark on the culture of New England hospitality. Nominated by their peers, these individuals are known for a unique brand of hospitality that resonates with guests and staff and creates a one-of-a-kind experience at their properties. They are leaders and mentors, becoming both a resource for and inspiration to future generations of hoteliers and innkeepers. 

Master of New England Innkeeping nominations are now being accepted for 2026 and will be presented at the 2026 Annual Conference. 

​DEADLINE FOR NOMINATIONS: March 14, 2024 (CLOSED)

2023 ​Masters of New England Innkeeping, Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient Joan Porta (center), Migis Lodge, ME

Master of New England Innkeeping, Lifetime Achievement Award | Past Winners

1. Karl Abbott, Innkeeper and Author of “Open for the Season”
2. LG Treadway, Treadway Inns in MA 
3. Randall Spalding, The Spalding Inn, NH
4. Margaret and James Smith, Wentworth by the Sea, New Castle, NH
5. Louise and Borden Avery, The Lake Morey Inn, Fairlee, VT 
6. Warren Pearson, The Balsams Grand Resort Hotel, Dixville Notch, NH 
7. Mary and Robert Stone, The Lighthouse Inn, West Dennis, MA
8. Nancy Gray, Harraseeket Inn, Freeport, ME and Mystic Inn, Mystic CT 
9. Roger Saunders, The Lenox Hotel, Copley Square Hotel and other regional hotels in New England  
10. Steve Barba, The Balsams Grand Resort Hotel, Dixville Notch, NH
11. Maureen McQuade, Inn by the Sea, Cape Elizabeth, ME
12. The Dunfey Family, Dunfey Hotels in New England
13. Bev Davis and Rick Litchfield, Captain Lord Mansion, Kennebunkport, ME
14. The Beach Family, Basin Harbor Club, Vergennes, VT  
15. Fritz Koeppel, Wentworth, An Elegant Country Inn, Jackson, NH 
16. Rusty McClear, Mill Falls at the Lake, Meredith, NH 
17. Robert “Bob” Smith, Sebasco Harbor Resort, Sebasco Estates, ME
18. John Murtha, Omni Parker House, Boston, MA 
19. Leslie & Brian Mulcahy, Rabbit Hill Inn, Lower Waterford, VT
20. Tim and Joan Porta, Migis Lodge, ME