Each year, the much-anticipated Calgary White Hat Awards recognize excellence in Calgary's tourism and hospitality industry. Save the date for the next magnificent awards gala May 14, 2025, at the Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium. Winners who take the stage are chosen from hundreds of frontline industry employees who go above and beyond to create unforgettable experiences for guests and visitors.
Who is eligible to be nominated for a Calgary White Hat Award?
The Standard Categories are designed for frontline staff only; Owners, CEOs, Presidents, Vice-Presidents, Executive Directors, Directors, GMs are not eligible in any of these categories UNLESS their role requires that they work in a frontline capacity for 90% or more of their regular daily job.
Who is a semi-finalist?
Every nominee who attended an interview at Heritage Park this year is officially a semi-finalist.
Are finalists announced ahead of time?
All finalists and winners are announced live at the award show.
Where & when will the awards be held?
The 62nd annual Calgary White Hat Awards will be held at the Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium on Wednesday, May 14, 2025. Please visit the Jubilee website for directions and parking information.
What is the timeline of the gala event?
Red Carpet Arrival - 6:00pm to 7:00pm
Live Awards Show - 7:00pm to 9:00pm
After Party - 9:00pm to 11:00pm
How much are tickets?
Tickets are $19.99 (includes GST) + applicable Ticketmaster fees
Who can attend the event?
This is a 16+ event.
What is the theme of the event?
Celebration Sparkle
What is the dress code?
Everything from casual to ball gowns (no leisure wear or ballcaps)
Calgary White Hat Award standard category nominations are now open! Good luck to all the nominees! Your dedication exemplifies Calgary's warm western hospitality and means the world to travellers visiting our city.
The Mayor's White Hat Award honours an individual who has made a significant and recognizable contribution to the tourism industry in Calgary.
This individual has created a legacy or positive recognition program or event that has enhanced or promoted Calgary either locally, nationally or internationally. With a minimum of five years related experience, this individual continues to a show a strong commitment to the industry.
Past Tourism Calgary President, Doug Johnson, spent 20+ years promoting tourism in Calgary and its surrounding area.
The Doug Johnson Service Award honours an individual’s commitment and longevity in the tourism industry with continuous service for a minimum of 20 years. Through holding high standards of service throughout their career, this individual continues to contribute to the enhancement of the industry.
This year we celebrated the 60th anniversary of the Calgary White Hat Awards, a program that recognizes inspiring individuals across the tourism and hospitality sector. 22 awards were presented to frontline and heart of house staff who consistently deliver unparalleled customer service – contributing to Calgary’s reputation as an Ultimate Host City.
In 2020, Tourism Calgary reimagined the traditional White Hat Awards Gala into a series of socially distanced, in-person presentations where each of the 20 Calgary White Hat Award winners were surprised with a coveted Smithbilt White Hat at their place of employment.