Northstar Meetings Group, along with its leading brands, Meetings & Conventions and Successful Meetings, announced the recipients of the 10th Annual 2026 Stella Awards. Recognizing 243 organizations globally, these awards celebrate outstanding achievements in quality service and innovation for meeting and event professionals. Among this year’s honorees, the Owensboro Convention Center received the Silver Medal for Best Convention Center (Regional, Standalone Facility) – Midwest.
Northstar’s Stella Awards honor excellence across key segments of the industry, including: hotels, convention and conference centers, airlines, cruise lines, DMOs/CVBs and DMCs. This year’s winners were selected from nearly 8,000 votes and a record-breaking 1,167 nominations, reflecting superior performance in overall excellence, food and beverage offerings, staff professionalism, sustainability initiatives, and other vital elements of the meetings and events experience.
“The Stella Awards honor the consistent contributions of the industry’s most trusted supplier partners who set new standards for service and innovation,” said Shalise DeMott, senior vice president, U.S. for Northstar Meetings Group. “Winners are first nominated and voted on by planners, then undergo a thorough review by an esteemed panel of judges.”
“This recognition means a great deal because meeting planners help select the winners,” said Jeff Esposito, General Manager of the Owensboro Convention Center. “Our team takes pride in serving great food, preparing each space, and making guests feel welcome. I’m proud of their work and grateful to the planners who trust us with their events.”
The list of winners, finalists and their profiles can be found at NorthstarMeetingsGroup.com/Stellas.