JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) — Tourism in Northeast Tennessee thrives on strong partnerships, campaigns, and advertisements, and now boasts numerous Pinnacle Awards to highlight its success.

This year, the Northeast Tennessee Tourism Association broke records at the 28th annual Northeast Tennessee Pinnacle Awards with more than 10 nominations in categories for marketing, advertising, events, attractions, individual achievement and supporting business.

Ranked by a panel of judges within the tourism and hospitality industry across the United States, Pinnacle Awards were given to the following projects, events and individuals in both small and large budget categories:

Attraction of the Year

Copperhead Road Landmark

Tiebreakers

Event of the Year

Johnson City Main Street Days

Fun Fest

Best New Event

Bristol Open 2024 – PPA Tour Event – Bristol Sportsplex

Appalachian League All-Star Game – Visit Johnson City

Best Sports Event

Bike Ride Across Greene County – Greene County Partnership

MATE ROV World Championships – Visit Kingsport

Frontline Employee of the Year

Paul Harris – nominated by Jonesborough Tourism Department

Volunteer of the Year

Barbara Mentgen – nominated by Visit Johnson City

Entrepreneur of the Year

Katherine Hackler – nominated by Main Street Greeneville

Hospitality Leader of the Year

Gabe Davis– nominated by Visit Johnson City

Tourism Leader of the Year

Matt Bolas – nominated by Ripl Creative

Vendor of the Year

Interstate Graphics – nominated by Visit Johnson City

Partnership of the Year

Jonesborough Tourism Department and Highland Cow Farms

Best Marketing Campaign

StoryTown Radio Show Rebranding – McKinney Center

Explore More in Bristol

Best Public Relations Campaign

Outdoor Writers Association of America – Visit Johnson City

Best Social Media Campaign

The Juice is Loose: Believe in Bristol’s Halloween Campaign

Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion

Best High School Campaign

Work-Based Learning at Sullivan Co. Schools  – West Ridge High School

Roll With It

Storytelling Benefit Concert – McKinney Center

Johnson City Railroad Experience – Visit Johnson City

Brochure or Guide

Northeast TN Museum Association Brochure & Map

Jonesborough Visitors Guide

Rack Card

Visit Mountain City, TN

Candy Land Christmas – Visit Johnson City

Mailer

Alliance for Continued Learning – ETSU Office of Professional Development

Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion Wristband Mailer

Print Ad

Buffalo Mountain Writers Workshop: Wild Words – ETSU Office of Professional Development

You Can Do You – Visit Johnson City

Photography – Lifestyle

Under the Lights by Ashli Linkous

Photography – Landscape

Downtown Kingsport by caseSensitive Photos

Commerical

Birthplace of Country Music Museum 10th Anniversary

Best Virtual Series

Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion Paste Magazine Sessions

Long Video

Copperhead Road Landmark  – Visit Mountain City, TN

Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion 2024 Recap

Short Video

The Jackson Theatre

Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion 2024 “Thank You”

Adventure Tourism

SORBA Tri-Cities – nominated by Visit Johnson City

Rising Star

Isabel Hawley-Lopez – nominated by Jonesborough Tourism Department

Sustainability Leader

Eastman Global Innovation Summit – nominated by Visit Kingsport

Winners were recognized at the 28th Annual Pinnacle Awards Ceremony on Wednesday at Tennessee Hills Distillery.

According to the Northeast Tennessee Tourism Association, Northeast Tennessee generates more than $867 million in direct visitor spending, more than $205 million in payroll while employing 7,000 people, and generates $34 million in local sales tax annually.

The Pinnacle Awards are presented by Bristol Motor Speedway and produced in partnership with the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development, representatives from the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development and the Tennessee Hospitality & Tourism Association.