Entries have opened for the 2016 Shine Awards, which celebrate the achievements of women working in hospitality, leisure, travel and tourism, and the individuals and businesses that actively support gender diversity.
The awards are in their 11th year, and are part of People 1st’s Women 1st campaign, which aims to help increase the number of women working in senior leadership roles across the visitor economy.
The 2016 awards are presented in partnership with Travel Weekly’s sister title, The Caterer, and feature four new categories. The awards will be presented at a black-tie dinner in London on October 3.
The full list of 2016 Shine Awards categories is as follows, with seven of the eight open for nominations:
- Rising Star
- Mentor of the Year
- NEW – Innovator of the Year
- NEW – Ambassador of the Year
- NEW – Best Initiative to Retain and Develop Women
- NEW – Best Place for Women to Work
- Woman of the Year
- Lifetime Achievement (nominations by expert panel)
The Mentor of the Year and Ambassador of the Year categories are open to both men and women, celebrating the role men have to play both in supporting their female colleagues and in the development of more gender-diverse teams.
Simon Tarr, chief executive of People 1st, said: “Our research shows that there’s still a major imbalance between the number of men and women at senior levels across the visitor economy.
“Creating visible role models for women working in our industries, and celebrating the companies and individuals that are making strides towards a better gender balance, is critical to raising women’s aspirations and helping change businesses’ culture to support diversity at all levels.”
Mark Lewis, publisher of The Caterer, added: “The Caterer is delighted to be partnering with People 1st for the Shine Awards.
“These awards enable the industry to come together to recognise hard work and talent and to share ideas and experiences, shining a light on the organisations and individuals that are paving the way to achieving a better gender balance at the most senior levels.”
Nominations for the Shine Awards will close on May 25 and can be made now at theshineawards.co.uk.