Judging Panel for AHEAD Americas 2026 Revealed

Why It Matters

The panel’s heavyweight composition signals industry‑wide endorsement, making the award a benchmark for design excellence and a marketing lever for emerging hotel projects.

Key Takeaways

• Brad Wilson, Ace Hotel Group, chairs the 2026 AHEAD judging panel
• Panel includes senior designers from Hyatt, Four Seasons, Marriott, Las Vegas Sands
• Entry deadline April 24; late deadline May 8, both 17:00 BST
• Winners announced October 15, 2026, at Gotham Hall, Manhattan

Pulse Analysis

The AHEAD (Award for Hospitality, Entertainment, Architecture & Design) Americas awards have become a barometer for design innovation across the continent. First launched in 2015, the program spotlights hotels, resorts and mixed‑use projects that push aesthetic, functional and sustainability boundaries. By aligning with globally recognized brands, AHEAD offers a platform where architects and developers can showcase work that blends local culture with cutting‑edge hospitality trends, attracting investors and media attention alike.

This year’s judging panel reads like a who’s‑who of the hospitality design elite. Brad Wilson, known for revitalizing the Ace Hotel brand, leads a group that includes Emily Keip of Hyatt, Francisco Lopez Cordoba of Four Seasons, and Johnathan Garrison of Marriott International. Their collective expertise spans boutique concepts to large‑scale luxury resorts, ensuring that entries are evaluated against a comprehensive set of criteria—from guest experience to operational feasibility. For firms entering the competition, the panel’s composition offers a rare opportunity for direct feedback from decision‑makers who shape the industry’s design language.

With the standard entry deadline set for 24 April and a late window extending to 8 May, developers have a narrow but strategic window to submit projects slated for completion in the next 12‑18 months. The October 15 awards ceremony at Gotham Hall in Manhattan not only crowns winners but also serves as a networking hub where developers, investors, and brand owners converge. Securing an AHEAD accolade can accelerate a property’s market positioning, drive pre‑opening buzz, and ultimately influence booking pipelines, making the competition a critical milestone for hospitality projects aiming for global recognition.