Each year during the annual South Dakota Governor's Conference on Tourism, awards are presented to members or organizations that have made outstanding contributions to South Dakota's visitor industry.
Five of the awards are based on peer nominations. If you know of an individual or business worthy of consideration, submit one (or more) of the online forms linked below.
The nomination deadline is Tuesday, November 18, 2025. The awards are scheduled to be presented the evening of Thursday, January 22, during the 2026 Governor's Conference on Tourism.
GOVERNOR'S TOURISM RISING STAR AWARD
The Governor's Tourism Rising Star Award recognizes an individual who has worked in the South Dakota tourism industry for 2-4 years and excels at their job, is passionate about the industry's growth and importance, is engaged on the local and state levels, and will make a positive difference in the future.
Submit a 2026 Governor's Tourism Rising Star Award Nomination
BEN BLACK ELK AWARD
The Ben Black Elk Award recognizes an individual who has made tireless and outstanding contributions to the state’s tourism industry.
Submit a 2026 Ben Black Elk Award Nomination
A.H. PANKOW AWARD
The A.H. Pankow Award recognizes a member of the media or public relations industry who has shown superior interest in and coverage of the South Dakota tourism industry.
Submit a 2025 A. H. Pankow Award Nomination
PETER NORBECK EXCELLENCE IN TOURISM INNOVATION AWARD
The Peter Norbeck Excellence in Tourism Innovation Award is awarded to a member of the South Dakota tourism industry for innovative marketing, special promotions, or improvements to their business or attraction that elevates the visitor experience and catches the attention of the visitor industry.
Submit a 2025 Peter Norbeck Award Nomination
RUTH ZIOLKOWSKI OUTSTANDING HOSPITALITY & CUSTOMER SERVICE AWARD
The Ruth Ziolkowski Outstanding Hospitality & Customer Service Awards recognize members of the South Dakota tourism industry who, like Ruth Ziolkowski, provide remarkable service to every visitor he or she encounters, and whose work demonstrates an outstanding spirit of hospitality, warmth and genuine kindness. (These nominations will be distributed to the four regional associations.)
Submit a 2025 Ruth Ziolkowski Award Nomination
Deadline for nominations for all five awards: Tuesday, November 18, 2025
Questions should be directed to Jim Hagen at [email protected].
GEORGE S. MICKELSON AWARD
Find more information here. In order to be considered for the George S. Mickelson Award, businesses must have applied for and received the South Dakota Great Place designation by Tuesday, September 30, 2025
ROOSTER RUSH CACKLIN' COMMUNITY AWARD
Find more information and a link to the 2024 form here. The 2025 application deadline is TBD.
RALLY RUSH COMMUNITY AWARD
Find more information and a link to the 2025 form here. The 2025 application deadline is Friday, September 12, 2025.