About NEIRA's Awards

NEIRA’s awards program shines a spotlight on the exceptional individuals, properties, and programs that set new standards for excellence, service, and dedication. These awards celebrate visionary leaders, innovative team members, and groundbreaking initiatives, showcasing their achievements to inspire and elevate the entire industry. By recognizing these outstanding contributors, we not only honor their success but also foster a culture of excellence that drives hospitality forward.

2025 Award Process & Eligibility

• ​Award applications can be submitted as a peer nomination or self-applied
• Nominations must be received by May 2nd
• Awards will be presented to winners at the Annual Conference in November
• Nominees must be employed by lodging properties that are NEIRA members

Awards

NEW! Key Holder Award

The Key Holders Class - Unlocking the Future of Hospitality
Honoring an elite group of young hospitality professionals that represent the next wave of industry leaders. These rising talents demonstrate exceptional growth, active industry involvement, and strong leadership. Recognized for their innovation and commitment to service, they are opening doors to the future of lodging. Nominees must be exemplary lodging professionals under the age of 30 who are shaping the future of our field.

Submit a Nomination for the Key Holder Award

Innovator Award

Outstanding Individuals, properties or management companies who are creative thinkers and innovators in the areas of sales, marketing, guest experience, technology, sustainability, operations, HR, and community/partnerships. A person or property who has gone beyond standard practice to improve overall hotel operations, increased guest satisfaction or loyalty and brand reputation.

Submit a Nomination for the Innovator Award

2024 Innovator Award Recipient – Tammara Croman, General Manager, Lark Hotels – Blindtiger Portland

Innovator Award | Past Winners

1. Mark Novota, Managing Partner, Wequassett Resort and Golf Club (2018)
2. Rauni Kew, PR & Green Programs Manager, Inn by the Sea (2019)
3. Rob Blood, Founder & CEO, Lark Hotels (2019)
4. Lou Carrier, President, Distinctive Hospitality Group (2022)
5. Rachel Vandenberg, Owner, Sun and Ski Inn (2022)
6. Colby Marvin Bracy, Director of Human Resources and Philanthropy, Nonantum Resort (2023)
7. Tammara Croman, General Manager, Lark Hotels – Blindtiger Portland (2024)
8. Joshua Schiff, Farm Manager, Chatham Bars Inn (2024)

Master of New England Innkeeping, Lifetime Achievement Award
*Seeking nominations for 2026

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. 

Submit a Nomination for the Master of New England Innkeeping

2024 Masters of New England Innkeeping, Lifetime Achievement Award Recipients - Aaron & Cindy Perkins, Dunes on the Waterfront

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 
21. Aaron & Cindy Perkins, Dunes on the Waterfront, ME (2024)