Award Categories

CONNECT: Emerging Leader Award 

Recognizing rising stars shaping Indiana’s future.
This category honors our Young Leaders (YLG) 35 and under—or emerging leaders of any age—who have demonstrated exceptional achievements and innovative contributions to planning and real estate development in Indiana.

Criteria:

• Outstanding leadership and collaboration in partnerships, civic engagement, or consensus building.
• Measurable contributions to education, advocacy, innovation, or resource mobilization within the last three years.
• Must live and work in Indiana and be a ULI member.

INSPIRE: Visionary Leader Award 

Celebrating sustained impact and leadership in land use.
This award honors organizations, individuals, or elected/appointed officials who have achieved exemplary results in planning, advocacy, or community development through professional practice, teaching, research, policy, initiatives or public service.

Criteria:

• A history of sustained contributions to planning or real estate development.
• Demonstrates innovation and community impact through education, organizational development, or transformative projects.
• Must live and work in Indiana (membership not required).

LEAD: Legacy Member Award

Honoring a career of transformative contributions.
This lifetime achievement award recognizes individuals with 20+ years of leadership in the built environment.

Criteria:

• Documented contributions to Indiana’s built environment ecosystem.
• Evidence of community service, creativity, and innovation.
• Must live and work in Indiana (membership or former membership required).

Key Dates

• Sept. 1, 2025:  Awards nominations open
• December 15, 2025:  Award applications close
• January 15, 2026: Finalists notified confidentially to provide quote and any final corrections
• January 22, 2026: Winners celebrated at the ULI Indiana’s annual signature event, Emerging Trends in Real Estate

Nomination Process

Submit your nomination via our interactive online form. Required materials include:

• Nominee information: Name, title, company, contact details, and professional profiles.
• Supporting materials: Resume, headshot, and any relevant press releases or media.
• Narrative: Describe the nominee’s contributions, leadership, and impact aligned with the selected category.
• Confirmation: Nominees must live and work in Indiana and be available to attend the awards ceremony.

Ceremony Details

Winners will be announced and celebrated at a formal awards ceremony as part of ULI-Indiana’s signature Emerging Trends event at the Indianapolis landmark Scottish Rite Cathedral on January 22nd, 2026. Winners will be highlighted and accept their award on stage at the historic theater in front of up to 500 industry peers in land use and real estate.

Join the Celebration

Celebrate Indiana’s best in land use and real estate by nominating a candidate or project that exemplifies excellence, leadership, and impact. And don’t forget to register to attend the Emerging Trends event to celebrate the winners! Registration Link

Visit ULI Indiana’s Website for nomination details. Stay connected by following us on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram, and use our campaign hashtag.
#ULITrendsetterAwards #ShapeIndiana

For questions or assistance, contact us at [email protected].