Best New or Redeveloped Venue

JUDGING - 100% WRITTEN SUBMISSION
ELIGIBLE FOR ENTRY INTO THE AHA NATIONAL AWARDS

This category will be judged 100% on your written submission (which should include no more than 1,000 words, website referral, photographs and backup documentation). A guided site inspection may also be conducted. 

CRITERIA FOR ENTRY: This category is proposed for a property that has had an overall redevelopment or has opened a newly refurbished venue or area i.e. guest rooms, lobby, bar, restaurant etc. The project must have been completed during the qualifying period, 1 January 2025 - 31 December 2025 and operated under refurbished conditions for a minimum of three (3) months. Guided site inspection dates will be arranged between June - July 2026. The property will be contacted to schedule a time with the judge.

Please refer to the full category requirements submission guidelines here.

THE JUDGES WILL BE ASSESSING THE FOLLOWING POINTS:

• Evidence the project was completed during the qualifying period and has operated under new or refurbished conditions for a minimum of three (3) months.
• Philosophy behind build or redevelopment and entrepreneurial vision i.e. evidence of target market research.
• Evidence of architectural innovation, décor and design features within the redevelopment, refurbishment.
• Evidence of build or refurbishment enhancing the overall standard of the premises and evidence of significant improvements in customer facilities.
• Increase of visitation.
• Information provided of the total dollar value of the entire renovation. Total cost of investment and ROI (return on investment).
• Appropriate to clientele and consistent with the needs of the relevant customer base post development.
• Ambience of the new build or redeveloped areas within the venue.
• Environmental and energy saving considerations.
• Staff efficiency improvements.