The Golden Key Awards is a prestigious event dedicated to recognizing and honoring outstanding professionals in the multifamily industry. We shine a spotlight on individuals who have demonstrated exceptional dedication, innovation, and leadership, contributing to the success and growth of our vibrant industry.
Nominations are Now Open until August 31, 2026!
Nominations for the Golden Key Awards open from July 10th through August 31st.
July 10 - August 9: FREE Early Bird Pricing for Nominations.
(USE Promo Code: “GKA2027” at check out)
August 10 - August 31: Nominations will be $25 per submission.
ALL NOMINATIONS must be submitted by FRIDAY, AUGUST 31, 2026 AT 5PM to qualify! This includes nomination forms, supporting documents, letters, photos, etc. Any late Submissions will not be accepted.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Deadlines & Fees
- How much does it cost to submit a nomination?
- Nominations are free from July 10th through August 9th using the promo code GKA2027 at checkout. Starting August 10th, a $25 fee will apply per nomination.
- Nominations are free from July 10th through August 9th using the promo code GKA2027 at checkout. Starting August 10th, a $25 fee will apply per nomination.
- When do nominations close?
- All nominations—including nomination forms, supporting documents, letters, and photos—must be fully submitted by Friday, August 31, 2026, at 5:00 PM EST to qualify. Late submissions will not be accepted under any circumstances.
- All nominations—including nomination forms, supporting documents, letters, and photos—must be fully submitted by Friday, August 31, 2026, at 5:00 PM EST to qualify. Late submissions will not be accepted under any circumstances.
- What documents or materials will I need to submit a nomination?
- You’ll need to provide:
- A high-quality photo of the person, team, or company you are nominating.
- A signed letter of support from the company they work for and/or their direct supervisor.
- Optional: Up to 5 supporting documents (PDF letters of support, PowerPoint presentations, images, etc.).
- You’ll need to provide:
- Can I nominate someone from another company?
- Yes! You can absolutely nominate supplier partners or people from different companies, provided their organization and/or direct supervisor is in support of the nomination.
- Yes! You can absolutely nominate supplier partners or people from different companies, provided their organization and/or direct supervisor is in support of the nomination.
- Can I nominate myself?
- No, a colleague or client must submit the nomination for you. Nominations require a signed letter of support from your company, a supervisor, or a client to be validate.
- No, a colleague or client must submit the nomination for you. Nominations require a signed letter of support from your company, a supervisor, or a client to be validate.
- Can I edit my nomination after I hit submit?
- No. Once a nomination is submitted, it is final. If you need to make a revision before the August 31st deadline, you will need to fully resubmit the nomination form.
- No. Once a nomination is submitted, it is final. If you need to make a revision before the August 31st deadline, you will need to fully resubmit the nomination form.
- I started and saved a nomination. How do I resume and complete it?
- Log into the nomination platform and click “View Entries” to edit, delete, or add new nominations. To finalize your entry, don’t forget to go through the checkout process. Use promo code GKA2027 for free entry from July 10 – Aug 9, or pay the $25 fee from Aug 10 – Aug 31.
Categories & Eligibility
- Log into the nomination platform and click “View Entries” to edit, delete, or add new nominations. To finalize your entry, don’t forget to go through the checkout process. Use promo code GKA2027 for free entry from July 10 – Aug 9, or pay the $25 fee from Aug 10 – Aug 31.
- Is there a limit to the number of nominations that I can submit?
- You can submit as many unique nominations as you want! However, you can only nominate the same person or company once per category.
- You can submit as many unique nominations as you want! However, you can only nominate the same person or company once per category.
- Can a person or company be nominated in multiple categories?
- Yes. You can nominate the same person or company across different categories (for example, nominating someone for both "Property Manager of the Year" and "Community of the Year"). However, a separate, complete nomination form must be submitted for each individual category.
- Yes. You can nominate the same person or company across different categories (for example, nominating someone for both "Property Manager of the Year" and "Community of the Year"). However, a separate, complete nomination form must be submitted for each individual category.
- How do I know if a nominee is eligible for a specific category?
- Each nomination form features a short description at the top explaining exactly who qualifies for that specific award. Please review that description carefully before submitting.
- Each nomination form features a short description at the top explaining exactly who qualifies for that specific award. Please review that description carefully before submitting.
- Will the nominee be notified that they were nominated?
- Yes, but it will be a surprise during the process! Once the nomination window officially closes, an automated email will be sent to the nominee letting them know they have been nominated. Please ensure you provide their accurate contact information within the nomination form including email address and address to receive their pin.
- Yes, but it will be a surprise during the process! Once the nomination window officially closes, an automated email will be sent to the nominee letting them know they have been nominated. Please ensure you provide their accurate contact information within the nomination form including email address and address to receive their pin.
- How are the award nominations judged?
- To ensure complete fairness, judges are selected from all over the United States. They are entirely independent and have no prior relationship with the nominees.
- AAGO does not provide any additional information and DOES NOT judge any awards. Because the judges do not know the nominees, make sure your nomination tells the full story and includes as many helpful, specific details and supporting documents as possible.
- How many winners are recognized in each category?
- Typically, there is one winner per award. However, some categories may feature multiple winners based on specific divisions, such as company or community size (e.g., small, medium, and large communities).
- Typically, there is one winner per award. However, some categories may feature multiple winners based on specific divisions, such as company or community size (e.g., small, medium, and large communities).
- When and where is the awards ceremony, and when will winners be announced?
- Date: January 16, 2027.
- Time: 5:30 PM – 10:00 PM.
- Location: Marriott World Center.
All winners will be revealed live at the 18th Annual Golden Key Awards!
Submission Requirements
Judging & Notifications
Awards Ceremony
- Yes. Tickets will go on sale in August 2026. Please note that all attendees must purchase a ticket to enter the event, regardless of whether they or their company have been nominated for an award..
Don't hesitate to reach out with any additional questions. You can give us a call at 407-644-0539, or e-mail Linsay@aago.org.
Submit Your Nomination
