HIX Thirty Under 30

HIX, together with our partners at Sleeper Magazine and the AHEAD Awards, are launching HIX30: a new 30 Under Thirty programme celebrating exceptional young professionals who are challenging convention, driving innovation and shaping the future of hospitality design.

Created to recognise the people whose passion, leadership and ambition are transforming guest experience, the programme shines a spotlight on work across hotel guest rooms, lobbies, bars, restaurants, spas, outdoor spaces and event spaces. 
 
Who can enter?

The programme is open to design professionals aged 29 and under or turning 30 during 2026. We welcome nominations from design professionals who can demonstrate their work that fits into any of the hospitality design categories (as per AHEAD Awards) below: 

• BAR, CLUB OR LOUNGE 
• EVENT SPACES 
• GUESTROOMS 
• HOTEL CONVERSION 
• HOTEL NEWBUILD 
• HOTEL RENOVATION 
• LANDSCAPING & OUTDOOR SPACES 
• LOBBY 
• LODGES, CABINS & TENTED CAMPS 
• RESORT 
• RESTAURANT 
• SPA & WELLNESS 
• SUITE

Make a nomination

Nominate yourself or someone else who deserves recognition. 

Being named one of HIX’s Thirty Under 30 is more than an award;
it is an opportunity to become part of a thriving network of ambitious professionals. 

Successful nominees receive: 

• Industry-wide recognition 
• Attendance at the official HIX30 Induction Ceremony, with a special event on the main stage at HIX on Thursday 26 November
• Exclusive HIX30 Summer networking event 
• Annual HIX30 Alumni lunch at HIX every November
• Opportunity to contribute to the HIX Thirty Under 30 feature in Sleeper Magazine 
• A certificate and inclusion in the official HIX Thirty Under 30 listing on the HIX and Sleeper Magazine websites
• Deadline for entries: Tuesday 10 November 2026

Judging process

The Sleeper editorial team will select the shortlisted candidates, 
with the 30 winners announced at a special ceremony on the main stage at HIX on Thursday 26 November.