Submissions are open for the 2027 Vibe Vista Awards, an annual awards program that celebrates on-premise beverage excellence. The Vista Awards have become one of the industry’s most highly respected honors, recognizing beverage programs that stand out for their creativity, execution, and results. Past winners include Applebee’s, Princess Cruises, Marriott and Delta Sky Club, among others.
“Winning a Vibe Vista Award is a significant achievement in the on-premise beverage industry,” said Brandy Rand, vice president of hospitality at Forge. “A great idea is only part of it. The judges want to see that it worked, that guests responded to it, and that it made a difference to the business. Being selected as a Vista Award winner reflects the quality of the work behind that program.”
Entries are reviewed anonymously by an independent panel of beverage and hospitality leaders who have no affiliation with Forge, using consistent judging criteria across all categories. This year’s judging chair is Brian Warrener, associate professor and director of the Center for Beverage Education & Innovation at Johnson & Wales University. Additional judges are Derek Brown, beverage consultant, author, and non-alcoholic beverage expert, Positive Damage, Inc.; Christie Dufault, professor, Wine and Beverage Studies, Culinary Institute of America; Tobin Ellis, hospitality consultant, author and bar design expert, Tobin Ellis & Associates; Anthony Giglio, wine director, AMEX Centurion Global Lounge Collection; Kim Haasarud, beverage consultant, Liquid Architecture; and Annette May, advanced Cicerone certified Saké professional - faculty member, Schoolcraft College Brewing & Distillation Technology Program.
Submissions include detailed responses, supporting materials and documentation about each beverage program. Judges consider factors including business impact, guest engagement and measurable results.
The 2027 Vibe Vista Awards will recognize excellence across nine categories:
Best Beverage Menu
Best Spirits Program
Best Wine Program
Best Beer Program
Best Beverage Limited Time Offer
Best Overhaul of Beverage Program
Best Overall: Cruise
Best Overall: Airline
Best Overall: Hotel Bar or Restaurant
Winners will be announced and honored live at Vibe Conference, which for more than two decades has brought together leading executives and decision-makers in the on-premise beverage industry to exchange ideas, build relationships and share strategies for driving beverage program success. In 2027, Vibe heads to the Hilton Anatole in Dallas, Feb. 22–24.
Complete entry information, criteria and submission requirements are available at vibeconference.com/vibe-awards.