NEWH, The Global Hospitality Network, has unveiled seven finalists for the 2026 ICON of Industry Award, which recognizes manufacturing leaders in hospitality design.
The award is presented annually to an individual whose career has influenced hospitality design through product development, business leadership and industry involvement. Nominees must have at least 30 years of experience, hold a senior leadership or ownership role, demonstrate innovation in product design or technology and show a record of philanthropic activity.
“The ICON of Industry award recognizes the individuals who have shaped the foundation of hospitality from behind the scenes,” Chris Tucker, CEO, NEWH, said in a statement. “These are leaders who have spent decades advancing product innovation, building businesses, mentoring the next generation and giving back to the industry and their communities. ICON is our way of recognizing that impact and ensuring it continues through scholarship.”
The 2026 finalists—selected by the NEWH Executive Committee and listed alphabetically—are Robert Duban of Evan Ross & Co.; Terry Eaton, president and chief curator of Eaton Fine Art Inc.; Stacy Garcia of Leba Tex Inc.; Michael Holy of Preciosa Lighting; Dennis Ripoli of Stylus Sofas; Janet Van Arsdale, CEO and founder of JVA Art Group; and Michelle Wildenhaus of Studio Twist.
The ICON of Industry award is limited to individuals on the manufacturing and supplier side of hospitality, with selection based on experience, innovation and philanthropy. The 2026 recipient will be announced May 5, 2026, at the NEWH Women in Design Awards Breakfast at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, held during HD Expo. The honoree will be recognized again at the Gold Key Awards for Excellence in Hospitality Design Gala on November 9, 2026, in New York City.
NEWH also awards a $7,500 scholarship in the recipient’s name each year, with funds supporting hospitality students. Additional scholarships—including the BERMANFALK Hospitality Design Scholarship and the NEWH Harvey Nudelman Scholarship—will also be presented at the May 5 event.