| Resume a previously saved form
Resume Later

In order to be able to resume this form later, please enter your email and choose a password.

Password must contain the following:
  • 12 Characters
  • 1 Uppercase letter
  • 1 Lowercase letter
  • 1 Number
  • 1 Special character

James Beard Awards®

Host Destination Request for Information (RFI)

Purpose

This Request for Information (RFI) is the first stage of the James Beard Awards host destination selection process for the five years beginning in 2029 and running through 2033. The Awards include three separate official events: the Media Awards, the Impact Awards, and the Restaurant & Chef Awards.


The purpose of this step in the process is to identify U.S. destinations that best align with the Foundation's ethos and mission, demonstrate the capacity to host the Awards, and can meet the financial and partnership commitment outlined. Destinations who complete the RFI and best meet these qualifications will be selected to advance to a formal Request for Proposal (RFP) in August 2026.


Estimated completion time: 90-120 minutes. Work can be saved to return to later.

Before You Begin

Minimum Annual Host Destination Commitment: A minimum of $4 million in Year One, with incremental increases in subsequent years not exceeding 5%.


The selected destination will be expected to assemble the minimum host destination commitment through a combination of cash investment, approved cash sponsorships, and public sector investment. In-kind contributions are additional and will be part of any bid evaluation but do not contribute to the cash commitment. A detailed financial plan is not required at this stage and will be requested only from selected finalists during the RFP process. 

Section 1 of 7: About Your Destination

Help us understand who is leading this opportunity and who will serve as the Foundation's primary partner.

Primary Contact
Social Media


Section 2 of 7: Why Your Destination?

Tell us why your destination is the right place for the James Beard Awards.






Section 3 of 7: Destination Profile
Provide a snapshot of your destination.
Section 4 of 7: Hosting the Awards

Help us understand your destination's readiness to host this event.


List up to three venue options for Restaurant & Chef Awards with the following capabilities:

  • 2,500+ theater-style space (not a convention center) including VIP sit-down dinner capacity  for 200-300
  • Red Carpet, step and repeat, press/media/activation capabilities
  • Post ceremony reception venue within walking distance of Awards venue for 3,000+

List up to three venue options for Media Awards with the following capabilities:

  • Accommodating 550-700 for theater-style or cabaret-style seating
  • An area within the venue for an after-party walk-around reception featuring multiple chef/restaurant and beverage stations
  • Red Carpet, step and repeat, press/media/activation capabilities

List up to three venue options for Impact Awards with the following capability:

  • Accommodating 300 for a sit-down lunch or dinner with formal presentation


The James Beard Awards draw thousands of attendees each year. The majority of hotel rooms are booked independently. Additionally, the James Beard Awards team utilizes several hotels for official room blocks. 


List up to three headquarter hotel options and number of rooms:

List up to three VIP hotel options and number of rooms:


Section 5 of 7: Ethos & Mission Alignment

The James Beard Foundation seeks destinations whose values align with its commitment to culinary excellence, sustainability, inclusion, accessibility, workforce development, cultural preservation, and community impact.


Section 6 of 7: Financial & Partnership Commitment

Minimum Annual Host Destination Commitment: A minimum of $4 million in Year One, with incremental increases in subsequent years not exceeding 5%.


The selected destination will be expected to assemble the minimum host destination commitment through a combination of cash investment, approved cash sponsorships, and public sector investment. In-kind contributions are additional and will be part of any bid evaluation but do not contribute to the cash commitment. A detailed financial plan is not required at this stage and will be requested only from selected finalists during the RFP process.


Section 7 of 7: Next Steps

If your destination is selected to advance in the process, the following information will help us prepare for the next phase.


Your Submission Checklist:
  • All required questions completed
  • Host commitment reviewed
  • Link provided to required document
  • Primary contact verified

Thank you for participating in this process! A confirmation email will be sent to you once this RFI response is submitted.

Save my progress and resume later | Resume a previously saved form