Corporate Guest Services Awards 2026 launch with new category celebrating workplace hosts

The Corporate Guest Services Awards have launched, marking the beginning of another year dedicated to recognising excellence across the UK and Ireland’s guest services professionals.

Building on its legacy, the awards continue to champion those who elevate guest experiences across the corporate sector, and this year introduces an exciting new category that reflects the industry’s evolution.

Introducing Workplace Host of the Year

For 2026, the Corporate Guest Services Awards is proud to unveil the brand‑new Workplace Host of the Year category, created to recognise individuals who bring workplaces to life through warm welcomes, proactive support and community‑focused engagement. These professionals play a crucial role in shaping day‑to‑day experiences for employees, stakeholders and visitors, making them an essential part of modern corporate hospitality. 

This addition reflects the continued expansion of guest services responsibilities, acknowledging that exceptional service extends far beyond reception desks and into the broader workplace environment. 

Celebrating excellence across three categories

Alongside the new Workplace Host of the Year award, the Corporate Guest Services Awards continues to honour two longstanding categories:

• Receptionist of the Year – celebrating outstanding front of house professionals who consistently deliver warmth, professionalism and exceptional service.
• Reception Leader of the Year – recognising the leaders who inspire their teams, champion service excellence, and drive innovation within the corporate guest‑services landscape.

Together, these three categories showcase the breadth of talent and expertise shaping today’s corporate hospitality experience.

Dirk Talsma, chair of the Corporate Guest Services Awards, commented: “This year marks another important step in the evolution of the Corporate Guest Services Awards. The introduction of Workplace Host of the Year reflects the growing diversity of roles that contribute to delivering truly exceptional workplace experiences. As expectations continue to rise, so too does the impact these professionals make, not just on guests, but on colleagues, communities, and company culture.

Our aim has always been to shine a light on the individuals who embody service excellence, and 2026 provides an even broader platform to celebrate the passion, dedication, and skill across our industry.”

Giles Gordon-Smith, head judge, added: “This year’s introduction of Workplace Host of the Year recognises a vital part of the guest‑services ecosystem. Workplace hosts often serve as the heartbeat of corporate environments, creating connection, fostering community, and ensuring every interaction feels personal. We look forward to meeting the exceptional individuals who bring these roles to life and set new standards for workplace hospitality.”

Key dates for 2026

• Competition launch: 16 March 2026
• Entries close: 5 May 2026 (midnight)
• Semi‑final assessment week: w/c 11 May 2026
• Finalists announced: w/c 18 May 2026
• Finalist assessment day: w/c 1 June 2026
• Awards ceremony: w/c 22 June 2026

Call for nominations

Corporate guest services providers across the UK and Ireland are invited to nominate exceptional individuals from their teams. Each organisation may submit one nominee per category.

To enter, visit www.cgsawards.com and complete the nomination form.

Nominations open today and close at midnight on 5 May 2026.

Get involved

The Corporate Guest Services Awards welcomes organisations and partners who share a passion for elevating standards in guest services. Sponsorship and collaboration opportunities are available for those wishing to support and champion excellence within the industry.