The selection process for Hotel Hero finalists and winners is time-sensitive and labor-intensive – especially as the event has grown in popularity and size. In an effort to increase participation within the San Francisco community, the Hotel Hero Steering Committee rotates the representatives on the Judging Committee in the following categories:
- Media/Press
- Tourism
- Hospitality Education
- Business Community
- Related Industry
2012's Judging Committee consists of the following individuals:
- Rob Black, Golden Gate Restaurant Association
- Kevin Carroll, Hotel Council of San Francisco
- Gordon Judd, NRG Energy Center
- Mary Huss, San Francisco Business Times
- Tom Kiely, San Francisco Travel
- KO Odsather, University of San Francisco