Institute of Hospitality Northern Ireland launches awards

The Institute of Hospitality (IoH) Northern Ireland officially kicked off the 28th Annual Awards for Professionalism with a vibrant launch event at Nine Squared in Belfast.

The event was held at the contemporary Nine Squared venue, a standout addition to Belfast’s hospitality scene. Guests were welcomed by the Institute of Hospitality Northern Ireland’s Chairman, Aaron Logan FIH, who thanked the venue and its team for offering up their space for the evening’s event. The event was further supported by United Wine Merchants and Henderson Foodservice who showcased their products to those in attendance.

The evening also celebrated the continued support of the Institute’s generous sponsors. A heartfelt thank you was extended to Linencare for continuing as the headline sponsor of the Awards, along with a warm welcome to new and returning sponsors enabling the Institute to continue its vital work of supporting and elevating the hospitality industry in Northern Ireland.

A central message of the evening focused on the mission of the Institute of Hospitality: to raise professional standards across hospitality, leisure, and tourism. The organisation remains committed to providing valuable resources, training, and networking opportunities for its members. Moreover, the Institute’s drive for Chartered Status was highlighted as a key goal for 2025. Achieving this status is seen as a crucial step in formally recognising the significance of the hospitality sector and ensuring its professional development continues to meet the evolving needs of the industry.

Aaron also addressed the impact of the hospitality, leisure, and tourism industries on the Northern Ireland economy, emphasising their role in supporting thousands of jobs across the region. Despite this, the sector has long lacked formal representation at the highest levels. Achieving Chartered Status for the Institute of Hospitality would provide a structured platform for advocacy, professional development, and the establishment of industry standards.

A key part of the evening’s presentation was the announcement of the opening of nominations for the 2025 awards, which are live from March 7th. The Awards will feature 17 categories, including a new category for 2025: the People Development Award. This new category will recognise individuals who have demonstrated excellence in people management, training, and staff development, contributing to improved employee engagement and retention within their organisations.

The nomination process for the Awards is now live, with entries open until May 23rd. All hospitality professionals, whether IOH members or not, are eligible to participate if they meet the entry criteria. Nominations will be judged by an impartial panel of experts from various non-hospitality backgrounds, ensuring the integrity and fairness of the judging process.

The Awards will culminate in a prestigious ceremony on Friday, September 19th, 2025, at the luxurious Culloden Estate and Spa. In the lead-up, finalists will have the opportunity to network and celebrate at a special event in August, with judging taking place at Crowne Plaza Belfast in June.

For more information about the 28th Annual Awards for Professionalism and how to nominate, please visit www.iohniawards.co.uk