It’s that time again to recognize and celebrate the individuals, teams and businesses that are shaping the hospitality industry here in New Mexico!
The Hospitality Industry Awards are a one of a kind awards ceremony celebrating restaurants and their employees across the state. We will also recognize our Educator of the Year and 2018’s New Mexico ProStart champions!
Save the date! September 10th
This year, as a tongue in cheek nod to the 1920s Prohibition Speakeasy theme, NMRA would like to take the opportunity to award the New Mexico Brewery of the Year, the New Mexico Winery of the Year, and the New Mexico Distillery of the Year! We are celebrating “NMRA’s Most Wanted” and want you to join us for a 1920s Gatsby Style Gala!
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Nominations for all categories will open on May 23rd. Check back for the link to submit nominations!
Nominations for all categories will close on July 5th. At that time, the top 5 Breweries, Wineries and Distilleries to have received the most nominations will be put into a Facebook poll for public voting. Public voting for the New Mexico Brewery, the New Mexico Winery and the New Mexico Distillery of the Year will run July 9th to August 20th. The winners will be announced at the 2018 Hospitality Industry Awards on September 10th along with the Chef of the Year, Manager of the Year, Restaurateur of the Year and Restaurant Neighbor.
Tickets and tables for the 2018 Hospitality Industry Awards will go on sale with our Early Bird Special starting on July 16th. Special Early Bird pricing will end on August 13th at 12noon, and all ticket sales will end on August 31st at 12noon. Get your tickets today!
Along with one of the best nights of your life to be had, the price of the ticket includes the following:
~ Cocktail Reception
~ Wine and Dinner (menu tba next week)
~ Free Parking
~ Reduced Room Rates
“New Mexico’s Most Wanted” Specialty Bar: The New Mexico Restaurant Association will also have a “New Mexico’s Most Wanted” Specialty Bar available for attendees at the 2018 HIA Gala Dinner. This Beer & Wine bar will feature only New Mexico beer & New Mexico wine. Are you a New Mexico brewery or a New Mexico winery and want to showcase your product? Space is limited! Contact Candela Gomez or call 505.343.9848.
Event Enhancements: Leave your mark on one of the most memorable events of the year – Sponsor an Enhancement! Photo Booth! Table Centerpieces! After Party! GOING FAST!!
ProStart/Hospitality Industry Education Foundation (HIEF) Wine Auction – We are asking our members if they can to please donate 3 or more bottles of wine (or a bottle tequila or other spirit, we’re not picky!) to this very important fundraiser. Tickets will be pre-sold and sold at HIA for $25 and all proceeds will go to ProStart and HIEF! This is a very simple, inexpensive, yet very effective way to support the future Chefs and Managers in New Mexico! If this is something you are able to do, please contact us. We’d be happy to pick up if local. Or, if you are outside of Albuquerque or Santa Fe, we may know someone heading your way.
Tentative Schedules
September 10, 2018 – Hospitality Industry Awards – Embassy Suites
5:30 PM – Cocktail reception and mixer
7:00 PM – Awards Dinner
DRESS: Recommended dress is Cocktail or Black Tie Attire. 1920s Gatsby Style is welcomed and encouraged!
PARKING: Free public self-parking
HOTEL ACCOMODATIONS: A reduced room rate of $99.00 is available at the Embassy Suites. Call 1-800-EMBASSY (1-800-362-2779) or 505-245-7100 and mention the name “New Mexico Restaurant Association” for the special rate. SPECIAL RATE EXPIRES 8/27/2018.
September 11, 2018 – Annual Membership Meeting and Board of Directors Meeting
8:00 AM – 12:00 PM – Embassy Suites, Sierra Ballroom III
Please join us for our Annual Breakfast Meeting. We will also be inducting the Board and Executive Officers for the 2018-2019 Board Year.
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