The Recreation Awards 2026 have begun. From today, professionals and organisations in the recreation sector can be nominated for the Recreation Awards 2026. Nominations can be submitted until 30 September via www.recreatieverkiezingen.nl. The winners will be announced on 9 December during the Day of Recreation.
The awards focus on three categories: Best Training Company, Best Practical Trainer, and Employee of the Year. Anyone working in an organisation that falls under the Social Fund Recreation can be nominated by colleagues, supervisors, or interns.
Talents in the workplace
The recreation sector faces a structural challenge: attracting and retaining sufficiently qualified staff. Good guidance in the workplace is important in this regard. The Recreation Awards highlight which training companies and practical trainers excel in this area and inspire others to do the same.
The awards also emphasise the connection between education and the professional field. Peter van Binsbergen from De Rooi Pannen: "By linking education with the professional field, we create opportunities for students to grow and excel in their future careers and personal Your career."
Selection process
An independent jury evaluates all entries. The jury consists of Herbert van Oord (HISWA-RECRON), Joost Plat (De Horecabond), Remko Vogelaar (S-BB), Peter van Binsbergen (De Rooi Pannen), and Johanneke Hagedoorn (Beerze Bulten, winner Best Training Company 2025-2026). The top 10 per category is invited to submit a short video or text. For Best Training Company, the jury visits the three finalists on location.
The Recreation Awards are an initiative of Kikk recreation, HISWA-RECRON, De Horecabond, and CNV.