NTTW Awards Category Descriptions

CATEGORY DESCRIPTIONS:

Bobby Melatti Attractions & Entertainment Award – This category is for a person who promotes and advances the Virginia Beach entertainment scene with programming and initiatives which appeal to locals and visitors of all ages. Priority will be given to a person, people or programs which highlight the premiere attractions and entertainment programming synonymous with Virginia Beach. This candidate has developed and supported programs which have garnered positive media attention. The criteria for nominations in this category require a contribution of a minimum of ten (10) years to this area of work.

Carlos Wilson Lifetime Achievement Award – Carlos Wilson was a gentleman that worked within the hospitality industry for most of his life. He held numerous positions from bellman to general manager. In honor of Mr. Wilson, this award was created in recognition of his service to the hospitality industry. Members with 25 plus (25+) years of service in the hospitality industry are eligible for this award. It should be made clear that all service does not need to be at one property but rather a combination of service within the industry.

James B. Ricketts Hospitality Hero Award – Jim Ricketts was the leader of the Virginia Beach CVB for more than 40 years. He dedicated his life to the success of the local, regional, and national hospitality industry. Anyone in the hospitality field who the nominator feels is a hospitality hero is eligible for this award. 

Arts & Culture – This category is for an employee or program which promotes and advances the Virginia Beach arts and culture scene. Priority will be given to people or programs that highlight the rich cultural diversity found in Virginia Beach, people or programs attributing to more than two (2+) in local cultural growth, and people or programs that have gained positive media attention for Virginia Beach.

Arts & Culture
This category is for an employee or program which promotes and advances the Virginia Beach arts and culture scene. Priority given to people or programs that highlight the rich cultural diversity found in Virginia Beach, people or programs attributing to more than 2 years in local cultural growth, and people or programs that have gained positive media attention for Virginia Beach.

Green Stewardship – This category is for a person or program which supports environmental stewardship and is making a significant impact on the local hospitality industry with their sustainability efforts. Examples include use and promotion of energy efficiency best practices, electric vehicle usage, water reduction, water conservation, reduction/elimination of single use plastics.

Hotel

Banquet/Catering – This category is for those employees who work primarily with the Banquet Catering division of a property.

Concierge/Bellman/Valet/Houseman – This category is for employees who work primarily with guests by arranging tours, reservations, and handling guest services. In addition, this category includes those employees who are responsible for greeting guests as they enter the property as well as tasking care of their needs, including parking their vehicle(s).

Front Desk – This category is for those employees who are Front Desk Agents at lodging properties whose primary role is to welcome guests with a positive and welcoming spirit while checking into their establishment.

Housekeeping/Laundry/Public Space Attendant – This category is for those employees whose primary jobs responsibilities include making beds, cleaning sleeping rooms and bathrooms, vacuuming common areas throughout the property and ensure a clean and tidy environment. As well as for those employees who are responsible for laundry services also include drop-off and delivery to cleaners. In addition, this category includes those employees who attend to the the public space within a property.

Maintenance/Engineer – This category is for those employees who are responsible for maintenance and repair of facilities and possess the knowledge, skills and ability to troubleshoot issues, realizing those situations when commercial resources are needed.  

Restaurant

Bus Person/Dishwasher – This category is for those employees who are responsible for clearing tables after guests depart and ensuring that the table, seating and floor areas are orderly and welcoming. This category also includes employees who are responsible for ensuring that all dishes are clean and ready for the kitchen staff to prepare for the next meal.

Kitchen Staff – This category is for all employees that work in the kitchen. Those positions include Chef – employees who cook creative meals; Line Cook – employees who are responsible for assisting the Chef with side items that require cooking for the main entrée; and Prep Person – employees who are responsible for ensuring all items the chef requires are prepared and ready for use.

Host/Hostess – This category is for those employees who are responsible for ensuring all guest are greeted with a smile and welcoming demeanor and are assisted as needed.

Wait Staff/Bartender – This category is for those employees whose responsibility if to greet guest in a timely manner and take beverage orders and entrée orders with a pleasant and cheerful manner, as well as those employees who are mixologists.

Restaurant Manager – This category position oversees daily operations, including managing staff, inventory, and budgets, while ensuring high customer satisfaction and adherence to safety and labor regulations. Key responsibilities involve hiring and training staff, creating work schedules, managing supplier relationships, resolving guest complaints, and tracking financial performance to promote profitability and a positive work environment.