Best in Industry Awards

The Rowing Industry Trade Association is pleased to announce the launch of the RITA Best in Industry Award, a new annual recognition program honoring individuals who demonstrate exceptional professionalism, service, and dedication to the rowing industry.

As a recognized leader in advancing professionalism and collaboration within the rowing industry, RITA continues its commitment to identifying and elevating best practices that strengthen the sport’s ecosystem. This program reflects RITA’s ongoing efforts to support high standards of execution, engagement, and industry partnership — and to celebrate the people behind them. RITA’s ongoing efforts to support high standards of execution, engagement, and industry partnership — and to celebrate the people who make it all possible.

A Different Kind of Recognition

Unlike traditional awards that focus solely on competition outcomes, the RITA Best in Industry Award recognizes individuals who go above and beyond to strengthen the broader rowing ecosystem.

“Our goal is to recognize the people who strengthen the entire rowing community,” said Andrea Buch, RITA President. “This award is about industry leadership, professionalism, and the kind of service and dedication that elevates the sport for everyone.”

Individual Awards

The Best in Industry Individual Award recognizes rowing industry professionals who demonstrate outstanding service, communication, and dedication to the broader rowing community. These are the people who go beyond the transaction — building trust, solving problems, and raising the standard for everyone they work with. Up to three individuals may be recognized per year, regardless of the size or geographic location of the event they are associated with. The RITA Board of Directors will exercise discretion to ensure the award reflects genuine merit across the full range of rowing.

Individual Categories:

Outstanding Event Leadership Award -Recognizes an individual who demonstrates exceptional leadership, professionalism, and execution in the planning and delivery of a rowing event (including regattas, conferences, competitions, etc.) that bring the rowing community together. This award honors someone who creates a positive experience for participants, partners, vendors, officials, and spectators while helping raise the standard for events across the rowing community.

Emerging Industry Leadership Award – Recognizes an individual who is early in their career or relatively new to the rowing industry and is already demonstrating strong leadership, initiative, collaboration, and professionalism. This award honors someone who is making a meaningful contribution today while showing the potential to have a lasting positive impact on the future of the rowing industry. This individual is part of a RITA member organization.

Nominees may come from any segment of the rowing industry. RITA members are encouraged to nominate individuals based on direct experience working with them.

Evaluation Criteria

Nominations are evaluated in alignment with RITA’s core values:

  • Professionalism: Clear communication, fair contracting, reliable follow-through, and high operational standards.
  • Responsiveness: Timely, consistent, and constructive engagement with stakeholders, partners, and the broader community.
  • Safety: Visible commitment to participant and operational safety through thoughtful planning and contingency preparation.
  • Inclusion: Intentional efforts to reduce barriers and create welcoming experiences for a diverse range of participants and stakeholders.
  • Sustainability: Responsible stewardship of resources and practices that support the long-term viability of rowing.
  • Collaboration: Meaningful integration of partners and vendors into the event or work experience, fostering mutual benefit across the rowing community.
  • Innovation: Forward-thinking ideas and continuous improvements that influence the future of rowing events.

Nomination Process

The 2026 award cycle covers January 1 – December 31, 2026. Nominations will be accepted through January 15, 2027.

Individuals may be nominated by any RITA member based on direct experience. Winners will be selected by the RITA Board of Directors and announced on February 15, 2027.