LGBT+ hospitality network Checking-IN invites nominations for its first 10 LGBT+ Champions List 2026
April 16, 2026Checking-IN, the LGBT+ hospitality network, is inviting nominations for its new 10 LGBT+ Champions List, to be announced at a special event on Thursday 28th May 2026 at the South Place Hotel, London.
The list aims to shine a light on the amazing LGBT+ people and allies who are blazing a trail in the hospitality industry. Checking-IN is seeking nominations for LGBT+ people, and allies, who are making positive contributions to the community, making an impact as role models, effecting change, and ensuring that hospitality is a safe, welcoming, diverse and inclusive sector for both employees and customers.
Founded in 2018, Checking-IN is a community of LGBT+ professionals and their allies working throughout hospitality. It provides a network to champion, promote, inspire and provide a voice for all LGBT+ employees and allies within the industry; creates visibly open forums to share and celebrate all LGBT+ individuals; and provides resources and support to the industry in creating inclusive environments.
To be nominated for the 10 LGBT+ Champions List 2026, individuals must work in hospitality (broadly, but not limited to, hotels, restaurants, pubs, bars, venues, serviced apartments, co-working and contract catering) and should:
- Be a visible member or ally of and role-model for the LGBT+ community
- Positively impact the LGBT+ community and their workplace
- Work to promote hospitality as an inclusive and diverse industry
- Champion LGBT+ issues in the industry
A panel of judges from across the sector, each of whom has a unique and informed view and understanding of the industry, includes: [names and brief info please]
Nominations will close at midday on Friday 8th May and can be submitted online – by employers, peers, team members, clients or individuals themselves.
The List will be published towards the end May, and an event will be held to celebrate the 10 LGBT+ Champions chosen on Thursday 28th May 2026 at the South Place Hotel, London.
Say Checking-IN co-founders Liam Rezende and Will Davies, “Hospitality deserves its reputation as a welcoming, inclusive industry to work in for the LGBT+ community, but it’s important not to be complacent and to recognise that that doesn’t happen by magic. It’s thanks to the visibility, hard work and example of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer people blazing a trail in hospitality, and who we are seeking to celebrate with Checking-IN’s 10 LGBT+ Champions List 2026.”
About Checking-IN
Checking-IN was founded in 2018 by Liam Rezende, formerly Marketing Manager EMEA at Hyatt Hotels, now Assistant Director - Global Brand, Marketing & Communications - Sustainability at EY and Will Davies, Director at HBD Partners Hospitality Recruitment.
The pair founded Checking-IN to advocate for LGBT+ people working in hospitality and to provide opportunities to network, share best practices and to champion diversity and inclusion throughout the industry.
Checking-IN hosts regular networking events, as well as learning experiences including panel discussions, round-table events and presentations and online content.
For more information please contact: [email protected]