An afternoon of recognition honors the people and businesses working every day to give Great Smoky Mountains visitors a memorable experience.
SEVIERVILLE, Tenn. (Smokies.LIVE Events Center) — The people who greet guests with a smile, serve the meals, keep attractions running and make visitors feel at home in the Smoky Mountains are getting their moment in the spotlight.
Stars of the Industry 2026 will celebrate Sevier County’s top hospitality and tourism talent on Thursday, Aug. 20, from 2 to 4 p.m.
The annual award ceremony, hosted by the Sevier County Hospitality & Tourism Alliance, brings together the Gatlinburg Hospitality & Tourism Association, Pigeon Forge Hospitality & Tourism Association, Sevierville Hospitality Association and Smoky Mountain Vacation Lodging Association.
The event is all about recognizing the hard work and dedication of the people and businesses that help make Sevier County a world-class tourism destination.
🏆 Celebrating the People Behind the Experience
From lodging and restaurants to attractions, chefs and front-line workers, Stars of the Industry recognizes those who demonstrate exceptional service, innovation and guest satisfaction.
These are the people who help create the memories visitors take home from the Great Smoky Mountains — often working behind the scenes or spending their days welcoming thousands of guests.
The event provides an opportunity for industry leaders, community members, local dignitaries and guests to come together and celebrate that work.
⭐ From Sevier County to the State
There is also a chance for local winners to take their recognition even further.
Stars of the Industry is affiliated with Hospitality Tennessee’s statewide Stars of the Industry: Purple Iris Awards.
Winners of the Sevier County Hospitality & Tourism Association awards gain entry into the statewide competition, where they can compete for recognition at the Governor’s Conference in September.
That gives Sevier County’s hospitality professionals an opportunity to showcase their work on a statewide stage while learning from other outstanding tourism professionals across Tennessee.
❤️ A Celebration of Smoky Mountain Hospitality
At its heart, Stars of the Industry is about people.
Every day, hospitality workers help visitors experience the beauty, attractions, food and welcoming spirit of the Great Smoky Mountains. Their dedication plays a major role in making Sevier County a destination people return to year after year.
Stars of the Industry 2026 is a chance to say thank you to those workers and celebrate the people who work hard to make every guest feel welcome.
The event takes place Thursday, Aug. 20, 2026, from 2 to 4 p.m.
For additional questions, contact Sevier County Hospitality & Tourism Alliance President Josh Norris at joshnorristn@gmail.com.
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