2026 HBA Rising Star and Luminary Award Information
Submissions for the 2026 Rising Star and Luminary Awards are Now Open!
We look forward to honoring the 2026 Class of the Rising Stars and Luminaries at the 2026 Global Ascension Leadership Awards event on 23-24 April in sunny San Diego at the Gaylord Pacific Resort.
New for 2026: Spotlight More Rising Stars & Luminaries!
For the first time, HBA Corporate Partners can purchase additional Rising Star and Luminary recognitions for 2026!
It’s a powerful way to elevate more of your emerging and influential leaders at our signature spring celebration—the Global Ascension Leadership Awards—and throughout the year.
How it works
Check your company’s eligible number of honorees in the CP Portal before purchasing. If purchases exceed your allowable limit, the HBA will issue a refund minus an administrative fee.
Eligibility
• Visionary, Global, Strategic Influencer Partners: Up to 2 additional honorees
• Innovation 360, Trailblazer, Accelerator, Elevate Partners: 1 additional honoree
Pricing
• 12 Nov–22 Dec: $5,499
• 5 Jan–30 Jan: $5,999
Availability is limited and offered first-come, first-served. Payment by credit card or ACH only.
RSL Benefits
- Brand visibility for honorees and company at HBA’s annual Spring celebration—the Global Ascension Leadership Awards (formerly Woman of the Year)
- Branded social media toolkit (before the HBA’s 31 March announcement) to help promote your honorees
- Invitation to exclusive RSL events on 23 April
- Complimentary registration to the Global Ascension Leadership Awards on 24 April
- Complimentary HBA membership
- Exclusive honoree access to the Astral Leadership Program, a virtual program led by HBA’s Constellation League*
*Led by HBA’s Constellation League, the Astral Leadership Series is a five-part virtual program offering honorees practical leadership development and cross-industry networking through interactive sessions on influence, executive presence, and driving change. In 2025, several participants received promotions.
Important Dates
12 November - Rising Star and Luminary Submissions Open
15 January - Deadline for Rising Star and Luminary Submissions
Late submissions will be accepted until 30 January, but will incur a $75 fee per nominee.
20 February - Rising Star and Luminary Responses due
6 March - Deadline to register for in-person events
31 March - Public Announcement of Awardees
23 April - Invite-Only Celebrating Rising Stars and Luminaries events in San Diego, Calif.
24 April - Global Ascension Leadership Awards (GALA) Event in San Diego, Calif.
Checklist for Submitters
- Awardee name
- Awardee email address
- Rationale for submission (maximum 300 words)
- Rising Star: Describe how the nominee has served as an emerging leader by driving results, inspiring collaboration, and uplifting others as they help to shape the future of their organization and community.
- Luminary: Describe how the nominee has served as an influential leader, and how their vision and mentorship/sponsorship has helped light the way for the next generation of healthcare talent.
Checklist for Rising Star/Luminary Recipients
- Preferred contact information
- High-resolution headshot (minimum of 2400 x 3000 pixels, 300 DPI)
- Name and company pronunciation
- RSVP for HBA's Global Ascension Awards Event (23-24 April, San Diego, CA)
- Reaction video (show us your excitement about your honor!)