Rules

The Northeast Tennessee Tourism Pinnacle Awards Program has been celebrating our industry since 1997.

Objective

To pay tribute to individuals, groups, businesses and organizations that significantly contribute to the area’s economy through tourism promotion and development. 

Who Can Enter

The Pinnacle Awards Program is open to individuals, businesses, organizations or other entities located in the Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia region. The program is open to all Northeast Tennessee Tourism members and non-members. Our members receive special discount entry fees.  

Eligibility

All entries must have been produced between January 1 – December 31, 2022. Entries should pertain to programs that promote visitor and local travel to and within Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia.

Categories

All entries must have been produced between January 1 – December 31, 2022. Entries should pertain to programs that promote visitor and local travel to and within Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia.

Festival or Event of the Year – Budget over/under $50,000
Best New Event – Budget over/under $25,000 (in-person)
Best Sports Event – Budget over/under $50,000
Best Virtual Event -Budget over/under $50,000
Best Virtual Series -Budget over/under $50,000
Attraction of the Year – Budget over/under $100,000
Roll With It – Overcoming obstacles with an in-person event that may have transitioned to a virtual event, or continued in-person.

Marketing and Public Relations

Awards have budget categories over/under $50,000

Best Marketing Campaign
Best Public Relations Campaign
Best Social Media Campaign
NEW! Best High School Campaign (no budget)

Advertising and Promotions

Awards have budget categories over/under $50,000

Brochure or Guide
Rack Card
Mailer
Print Ad
TV Commercial
Long Video – over 1 minute
Short Video – under 1 minute

Supporting Businesses

Agency of the Year
Vendor of the Year
Partnership of the Year

Individual Achievement

Adventure Tourism – Outdoor recreation-based business or outfitter company.
Adventure Tourism Leader – Individual or activist with significant accomplishment or leadership in the outdoor industry.
Rising Star – Less than 2 years experience in the industry.
NEW! Sustainability – Individual, business or event with significant efforts or accomplishments in sustainability related to tourism and hospitality.
Volunteer – Individual who devotes time, energy, and/or resources to the tourism industry or events.
Frontline Employee – Frontline customer service employee that goes above and beyond.
Hospitality Leader presented by ETSU Office of Professional Development – Individual with significant accomplishment or leadership in hospitality or customer service-based industries.
Tourism Leader presented by TN Dept. of Tourist Development – Tourism executive with significant accomplishments or leadership within the tourism or destination marketing industry.
Lifetime Achievement – The highest honor presented to the individual or organization who has made a highly significant contribution to the travel and tourism industry in Northeast Tennessee.