Nominate outstanding individuals and businesses from northeastern Pennsylvania for the 2026 PRLAEF Spirit of Hospitality Poconos Regional Awards  by March 16. 

The PRLA Educational Foundation (PRLAEF) Poconos Regional Spirit of Hospitality Awards shine a spotlight on the exceptional individuals and businesses that make the Poconos region a vibrant destination. These awards celebrate the dedication and positive impact restaurant industry professionals have on their communities in Bradford, Carbon, Columbia, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Monroe, Montour, Pike, Schuylkill, Sullivan, Susquehanna, Wayne, and Wyoming counties. Finalists will be honored at the Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau Tourism Day Summit on May 6. 

Regional winners not only receive local recognition but are also automatically considered a finalists for the prestigious statewide PRLAEF Spirit of Hospitality Awards, giving your achievements a chance to shine on an even bigger stage. Celebrate excellence and inspire others—nominate today!

Honors a non-management employee with 2+ years of experience, who provides outstanding service to their place of employment, customers, and the community.

Honors exemplary professionalism and exceptional service by an employee in a supervisory position. Nominees are judged on showing outstanding leadership qualities and consistently adding to the success of their place of employment.

Honors an industry supplier or vendor (individual or a business) with a proven reputation for quality and excellence, as well as giving back to their community and the hospitality industry.

Honors an emerging leader in the hospitality & tourism industry; one who demonstrates ongoing exceptional growth,  displays notable industry involvement, and strong leadership potential.

Recognizes a restaurant that has been operating for fewer than 2 years but more than 6 months. The candidate is likely to or already has made an impact in Pennsylvania’s hospitality industry.

The finalists will be celebrated the Poconos Mountains Visitors Bureau Tourism Day Summit on May 6. 

Finalists will be recognized during the event, and regional winners will advance as finalists for the statewide PRLAEF Spirit of Hospitality Awards this November.