Awards & Recognition

The Outstanding Student Award recognizes the student or intern member who has worked to make a positive contribution to the Association, his/her property, or university/college.

AWARD CRITERIA

• Be a current member of REC Net .
• Be currently enrolled at a college/university or be on a university/college internship at an REC Net member property.
• Have made a significant and positive impact at his/her school or internship location.

The Outstanding Vendor Award recognizes an outstanding REC Net vendor who supports the association by being committed to providing REC Net members
excellent customer service and quality products.

AWARD CRITERIA

• Be an active REC Net Member for at least one year.
• Be a business owner for two years.
• Have sponsored a portion of an event, function or activity at a National Conference.

The Excellence in Research Award recognizes the valuable contribution of a selected piece of research that is presented at the REC Net Research Symposium.

AWARD CRITERIA

• Be an active REC Net Member.
• Present a piece of research at the REC Net Research Symposium at the National Conference.

Please note there has been changes to the award submission from last year.

The Excellence in Programming Award recognizes professional(s) or student(s) who have created and implemented a special, unique, and innovative program that has brought special recognition, significant increase in guest/student satisfaction, contributed to the betterment of the community, and/or increased profitability to the member’s property or educational institution.

• Ongoing Programming- program/event that you offered multiplies times throughout your fiscal year.
• Small Scale Event- program/event that is/was geared towards 100 or less people
• Medium Scale Event - program/event that is/was geared towards 500 or less people
• Large Scale Event - program/event that is/was geared towards 501 or more people

AWARD CRITERIA

• Program goals
• Guest/participant satisfaction
• Synopsis and duration
• Supplies required
• Number of participants
• Promotional materials
• Uniqueness / innovative
• Ease of reproduction
• Value / increased profitability
• Staffing efficiency
• Present at National Conference

• Earned special recognition
• Enhanced student satisfaction
• Positively impacted the community or university
• Made it easy to reproduce
• Raised funds for a future REC Net Conference

The Innovation Award recognizes an organization or property that has implemented groundbreaking ideas, forward-thinking strategies, or creative solutions that drive meaningful change within their workplace, operations, or industry. Whether through pioneering new practices, enhancing employee experiences, or improving efficiency, this award celebrates innovation that inspires and delivers lasting impact.

AWARD CRITERIA

• Employee Practices – Enhancing workplace culture, engagement, or well-being
• Recruitment & Retention – Attracting top talent and fostering long-term commitment
• Leadership – Developing forward-thinking leadership approaches
• Training & Development – Implementing new ways to educate and empower staff
• Operational Efficiency & Cost Savings – Streamlining processes or maximizing resources
• Creative Solutions – Unique ideas that challenge the status quo and inspire change

The Newcomer Award is back! This award recognizes the contributions of a new professional member who has made a significant impact in a managerial or leadership role at their property, university, or REC Net.

The Making The Difference Award recognizes the energies, motivation and commitment of a professional that is dedicated to the growth of this association and industry through creative ideas, promotional efforts and continued support all while making an impact at their own property.

AWARD CRITERIA

• Be a REC Net member for at least 2 years and in good standing.
• Be active in some capacity within REC Net .
• Have established impacts on profit, increased program attendance, guest
  satisfaction, property marketability or other related items.

To recognize commitment to, and excellence in the pursuit of, commercial recreation and service to the REC Net and its members.

Debbie Regnone is one of the original eight founding members of REC Net and has been a member of our Association since.
This award is one of the Association’s top honors.

AWARD CRITERIA

• Be a member of REC Net for no less than 5 years
• Be employed for no less than 5 years in the field of resort or commercial recreation
• Be active in REC Net committees and on-board assignments, outside contributions, and exhibits; leadership within and outside the Association; or has performed exemplary service to the Association
• Be of fine moral character

To recognize a career of extraordinary achievement providing inspiration, integrity and dedication to our Association, our members and the entire industry.

Dr. Howard Uibel was a professor of Recreation Management. As a former Association member, Board member, and Past President, he wanted everyone who is a member of REC Net to ACHIEVE greatness in the recreation industry. His legacy lives on through this lifetime achievement award.

This award is one of the Association’s top awards.

AWARD CRITERIA

• Be a member of REC Net for no less than 10 years
• Be employed for no less than 10 years as a college/university professor or professional recreation and park executive, supervisor, director, leader
  or specialist in the field of resort or commercial recreation
• Active in RCRAREC Net via committees, board assignments, outside contributions, and exhibits; leadership within and outside the Association; or has performed exemplary service to the Association
• Be of fine moral character
• Have won the Debbie Regnone Service Award
• Must be at least 2 years since the winning the Debbie Regnone Service Award

To recognize an individual for being a top professional in the field of commercial recreation. Celebrating and honoring a legacy of dedication, excellence, leadership, outstanding achievement and consistent contributions to our Association, our members and the entire industry.

This award is considered to be REC Net's top honor and truly celebrates an individual's dedication to the Association and industry.

AWARD CRITERIA

• Be a member of REC Net for no less than 15 years
• Have 15 years’ experience in the field, active in RCRA via committees, board assignments, outside contributions, and exhibits; leadership within and outside the Association; or has performed exemplary service to the Association
• Be of fine moral character
• Received the Debbie Regnone Service Award & The Howard Uibel Lifetime Achievement Award
• Must be at least 5 years since the winning the Howard Uibel Lifetime Achievement Award