We've launched the selection process for the next host destination of the James Beard Awards®.
Photo: Eliesa Johnson
Economic and Media Impact
The 2026 James Beard Awards had a $17 million impact on its host city Chicago and the greater Chicago area. This included:
- $8.3 million in direct spending
- 175 FTE jobs supported
- $1.2 million in state and local tax revenue
As of June 25, 2026, the 2026 Awards cycle generated 7,300+ pieces of coverage and nearly 140 billion impressions, reaching audiences through national, regional, and local outlets.
FAQs
With the current destination host city contract up for renewal after 2028, the time is right for the James Beard Foundation to explore its options and consider new opportunities to continue the growth and success of the James Beard Awards and its surrounding events for 2029 through 2033.
The host destination must host the James Beard Awards consecutively from 2029 through 2033.
The James Beard Awards weekend must occur in May or June each year.
Yes. The RFI is open to all U.S. destinations who wish to apply. After the RFI process, JBF will notify the destinations selected to move on to the RFP (request for proposal) process.
The RFI is being issued on July 15, 2026. All responses are online and are due by 5 P.M. EDT on Friday, August 7, 2026. Destinations selected to move on to the RFP process will be notified on or after August 17, 2026.
Yes. All questions must be submitted by email to rfi@jamesbeard.org between 8 A.M. EDT on Wednesday, July 15 and 11 P.M. EDT on Monday, July 27, 2026. All responses will be by email.
There must be one lead organization and one primary contact for all host destination applicants. However, partnerships and consortium responses are welcome, including regional and state collaborations.
Yes. However, a detailed financial plan is not required for the RFI. A funding proposal that shows how your destination would deliver financial support will be required to be submitted during the RFP stage of the process.
Yes, you can save your application while it’s in process.
Once an RFI response has been submitted, it is final.
There are no site visits, presentations, or interviews as part of the RFI process. These will be part of the RFP process for destinations selected to continue on to that phase of the process.
The criteria for evaluation throughout the RFI and RFP process include:
- Ethos and mission alignment
- Financial commitment and structure
- Event delivery capacity and capabilities