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Welcome to the 2024 Experience Awards Nomination Page!

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We’re thrilled to open nominations for the 2024 Experience Awards, celebrating excellence in the tourism and hospitality industry across the South-Central Tennessee region. Here, you can nominate standout businesses, attractions, venues, events, staff members, and leadership across a variety of categories.

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The Experience Awards shine a spotlight on those who go above and beyond to make our region unforgettable. The "People’s Choice" voting round kicks off in February, followed by the announcement of category finalists in March. Winners will be celebrated during our awards program in April and will also receive a nomination for the prestigious Stars of the Industry Awards at the Governor’s Conference on Tourism, hosted by the Tennessee Tourism and Hospitality Association.

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Let’s honor the best of the best—nominate today!

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This category is all about celebrating the best cuisine and beverages our region has to offer. Whether it’s a savory bite, a crafted sip, or a food-centered event, The Foodies highlights the culinary stars that make South-Central Tennessee a food lover’s paradise.

Nominate your favorites for:

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  • Beer: This award is designated for a specific beer, not just a brand, but a style of beer produced by a brewery in the south central Tennessee region.

  • Wine: This award is designated for a specific wine, not just a brand, but a style of wine produced by a winery in the south central Tennessee region.

  • Whiskey: This award is designated for a specific whiskey, not just a brand, but a style of whiskey produced by a distillery in the south central Tennessee region.

  • Coffee: What is your favorite coffee or latte made by your favorite local coffee shop?

  • BBQ: Who makes the best BBQ in south central Tennessee?

  • Burger: Who makes the best Burger in south central Tennessee?

  • Catfish: Who makes the best Catfish in south central Tennessee?​

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Share your picks and help crown the best of the best in regional flavor! 🍴✨

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This prestigious award honors the very best in overall experience across the region, spotlighting excellence in lodging, dining, shopping, and attractions. It’s all about celebrating the destinations and establishments that create unforgettable moments for visitors and locals alike. Make your nomination now in the following categories:

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  • Lodging: This award is for the best experience at a hotel, sort-term rental, bed and breakfast, campground, or unique lodging stay in the region.

  • Dining: This award is for the best dining experience offered in the region. 

  • Shopping: This award is for the best shopping experience in the region which could be a shop, store, boutique, antique shop, or more!

  • Attraction / Destination: This award is for the best overall attraction or destination across the region.

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Nominate the places that deliver standout experiences and embody the heart of South-Central Tennessee’s charm and hospitality! ✨

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This category celebrates the incredible venues that make unforgettable experiences possible. From theaters and performance halls to music venues, conference centers, specialty venues, and more, this award shines a spotlight on the spaces that bring events to life.

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  • Theaters and Performance Halls

  • Live Music Venues

  • Conference, Convention, and Speciality Venues

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It’s also a tribute to the hardworking teams behind the scenes, dedicated to creating memorable moments for attendees while driving meaningful economic impact in communities across South-Central Tennessee. Nominate the venues and teams that set the stage for excellence! 🎭🎶✨

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Celebrate the events that bring our communities to life! Nominate your favorite Community Event, Live Music Event, Songwriter’s Event, or Performing Arts Event happening across the South-Central Tennessee region.

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  • Community Event/Festival 

  • Live Music Event/Festival

  • Songwriter's Event/Festival

  • Performing Arts Event/Festival

  • Food Event/Festival

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This award recognizes the events that entertain, inspire, and unite us, showcasing the incredible talent and creativity that make our region shine. Share your picks and help honor the experiences that keep us coming back for more! 🎤🎭🎶✨

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This category is dedicated to the individuals who go above and beyond to make it all happen—the backbones of events, establishments, and attractions. These are the people who set the tone, lead by example, and elevate everyone around them.

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We honor these exceptional individuals across various levels:

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  • DMO of the Year: Best tourism marketing organization 

  • Lodging Staff Member of the Year: Staff member in Lodging at any level

  • Dining Staff Member of the Year: Staff member in Dining at any level

  • Shopping Staff Member of the Year: Staff member in Shopping at any level

  • Attraction/Destination/Service Staff Member of the Year: Staff member at any level at a destination, attraction, or service organization such as a venue, conference center, or welcome center. 

  • The Rising Star Award: Employee in the industry with 2 years or less experience in the industry

  • Community Service Award: Recognizing volunteer service in the community impacting tourism

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Nominate the unsung heroes who make South-Central Tennessee shine! 🌟

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Official website of the South Central Tennessee Tourism Association

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