Excellence in Tourism Award Dinner
Get ready to shine at this year’s Awards Dinner, where Nevada’s rural partners will be celebrated in true “Western Glam” style. Think elevated Western looks with cowboy boots and a touch of sparkle, dressed up denim, bold accessories, and rich colors with metallic accents. Whether you go all out or add a subtle Western twist, we invite you to have fun with the theme and make it your own.
Top tourism partners are recognized and honored for their outstanding contributions to the state’s tourism industry. These awards are presented as part of the Excellence in Tourism Awards, first celebrated at the Awards Dinner on April 23, 2026.
Excellence in Tourism Award Nominees
Territory Member of the Year
Frontier Territory – Natalie Colunga;
Cowboy Country – Michelle Cromwell
Nevada’s Indian Territory – Leah Brady
Las Vegas Territory – Gloria Kritzler
Pony Express Territory – Richard Mitroz
Reno-Tahoe Territory – David Peterson
Best Organization
Frontier Territory – Goldfield Main Street
Cowboy Country – Winnemucca Main Street
Nevada’s Indian Territory – Charter Advertising/Design Inc.
Las Vegas Territory – Las Vegas Chamber
Pony Express Territory – White Pine Main Street
Reno-Tahoe Territory – Brewery Arts Center
Best Partner
Frontier Territory – City of Yerington/Yerington Main Street
Cowboy Country – Everything Elko
Las Vegas Territory – Circa Hospitality Group
Pony Express Territory – Visit Fallon
Reno-Tahoe Territory – Reno Sparks Convention and Visitors Authority
Best Event
Frontier Territory – Pahrump Social PowWow
Cowboy Country – National Cowboy Poetry Gathering
Nevada’s Indian Territory – Reno Sparks Colony PowWow
Las Vegas Territory – Mesquite Balloon Festival
Pony Express Territory – Fallon Cantaloupe Festival
Reno-Tahoe Territory – American Century Championship and Father’s Day PowWow
Best Innovation
Frontier Territory – Use of QR Codes in Old Tonopah Cemetery/Tonopah Main Street
Cowboy Country – Marson House Museum evolution to multifaceted high-engaging culture destination
Nevada’s Indian Territory – Explore Native Nevada Navigation App
Las Vegas Territory – Jackpot Jamboree
Pony Express Territory – Annual Visitor Programming/Bristlecone General Session and Stargazer Inn
Reno-Tahoe Territory – Jackpot Jamboree
Rising Star
Frontier Territory – Julie Sanchez, Assistant Director of Development, Mineral County Recreation and Community
Cowboy Country – Hollee Preece, Battle Mountain Chamber of Commerce
Pony Express Territory – Errol Porter, White Pine County
Reno-Tahoe Territory – Keith Lewis, Visit Carson Valley
Larry J. Freidman Partner of the Year Award
The Larry J. Friedman Partner of the Year Award, selected by Travel Nevada, honors a rural Nevada tourism partner who has gone above and beyond in representing their destination and supporting community and destination development. The winner will be announced at the Awards Dinner on April 23, 2026.