2026 ROSE Award Honorees

Congratulations to our 2026 ROSE Awards winners and finalists!

The 30th ROSE Awards was a celebration of excellence, honoring the dedicated professionals who elevate metro Detroit’s hospitality and travel industries. On August 20, 2026, at MotorCity Casino Hotel – Sound Board, the best of the best were recognized in a night filled with inspiration and entertainment. With WXYZ’s Carolyn Clifford as our esteemed mistress of ceremonies and Visit Detroit’s President & CEO Claude Molinari presenting the awards, the event highlighted the exceptional service and commitment that make Detroit a premier destination on the global stage.

Among the 138 outstanding nominees, this year’s honorees represent the pinnacle of dedication and professionalism, setting a standard that keeps visitors returning to our vibrant region. From exceptional customer service to behind-the-scenes efforts that create memorable experiences, the honorees exemplify the dedication and professionalism that keep visitors returning to our vibrant region. We extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who played a role in making this year’s ROSE Awards an unforgettable celebration of our community’s hard work and passion.

Check out these videos: Nominee Montage | ROSE Awards Judges

See your 360 Photo Booth | Watercolor Photo Booth

Relive the night: Event Photos

FROM LEFT: Samuel Anthony, Guest Experience Agent, Shinola Hotel (Hotels Category Winner); Camille Lewis, Chef, Sodexo Live! (Behind the Scenes category winner); Kevin Ryder, Lead Bartender, Library Bar at Hotel David Whitney, Autograph Collection (Restaurants category winner); Claude Molinari, President & CEO, Visit Detroit; Katie Meister, Volunteer, Belle Isle Conservancy (Volunteer category winner); Mia Zamora, Customer Service Agent, - Above the Wing, Delta Air Lines (Transportation category winner); Anita Akbar, Security Officer, MotorCity Casino (Attractions and Casinos category winner); James Quinn-Johnson, Customer Service Agent – Below the Wing at Delta Air Lines. (Overall Service Champion) category winner)

Event Press Release
Event Highlights Video

Winners By Category

Overall Service Champion

James Quinn-Johnson
Below the Wing at Delta Air Lines
Overall Service Champion Video

Attractions & Casinos

Anita Akbar
Motor City Casino
Attractions & Casinos Finalists Video

Behind the Scenes

Camille Lewis
Sodexo Live!
Behind the Scenes Finalists Video

Hotels

Samuel Anthony
Shinola Hotel
Hotels Finalists Video

Restaurants

Kevin Ryder
The Library Bar, Hotel David Whitney
Restaurants Finalists Video

Transportation

Mia Zamora
Delta Air Lines
Transportation Finalists Video

Volunteers

Katie Meister
Belle Isle Conservancy
Volunteers Finalists Video