About the awards
The We Are Puerto Vallarta Awards began as a grassroots initiative to give visitors and guests a formal voice in recognizing the establishments and individuals that make the city a premier destination. Launched in 2023 by PVRPV, the program quickly gained momentum as local businesses, rental agencies, and real estate companies embraced the opportunity to gather valued feedback from their clients by participating and sharing the voting survey with their clients and guests.. This collaborative effort transformed the awards into a community-wide celebration that honors the venues and people who enhance Puerto Vallarta’s global reputation.
To ensure the Award program’s longevity and impartiality, the organization transitioned to the oversight of an independent committee in 2024. This committee is led by Co-founder Jamie Alexander, who serves as the chair to manage the awards and ensure a professional legacy for the project. Under the committee's guidance and recommendations, the awards have evolved to include enhanced guidelines and expanded categories, such as the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award introduced in 2025. This specific honor is dedicated to individuals who have made a definitive impact on the community for 20 years or more, emphasizing legacy and long-term contribution over mere popularity.
The organization remains committed to a fair and transparent voting process, utilizing strict technical controls to prevent multiple entries from a single source. As the journey continues, the committee continues to rely on the recommendations and insights of both guests and passionate community members to introduce new categories and refine the selection process. Ultimately, these awards serve as a heartfelt thank-you to everyone who contributes to making Puerto Vallarta one of the best destinations in the world.
We Are Puerto Vallarta Awards Committee Rules & Governance
1. Committee Composition
* The committee must consist of a minimum of nine (9) members.
* The committee shall include the following roles:
* Chair
* Co-Chair
* Treasurer
* Additional members may serve in non-executive roles.
2. Term Limits & Leadership
* The Co-Chair and Treasurer may serve a maximum of three (3) consecutive years in their respective roles
* The Co-Chair and Treasurer are nominated and elected by the committee.
* The Chair is an elected position by the committee.
* The Chair must have served on the committee in the past.
* The Chair may remain in position until they:
* Choose to step down,
* Are requested by the 8 committee members to step down, or
* Retire from the role.
* Executive roles may not be held by the same individual simultaneously.
3. Committee Continuity & Membership Renewal
* No more than 50% of non-elected committee members may carry forward from the previous year.
* New members must be nominated and approved to ensure renewal and diversity.
* If insufficient nominations are received, the Chair may request or appoint new members, without committee approval.
4. Voting & Decision-Making
* All committee decisions are made by majority vote unless otherwise stated.
* In the event of a tied vote, the Chair shall cast the deciding vote.
* A quorum must be present for votes to be valid.
5. Award Voting Restrictions
* Committee members shall not vote in award categories prior to or during the public voting process.
* After awards voting is completed:
* If a tie occurs in any award category, the committee may vote solely to determine a final winner for that category.
* This safeguard exists to preserve fairness and transparency.
6. Representation & Diversity
* The composition of the committee should reflect the diversity of award categories, industries, and community sectors represented in the awards.
* The committee is encouraged to include voices from business, arts, hospitality, non-profits, and community leadership.
7. Residency & Community Standing
* Committee members must be upstanding members of the Puerto Vallarta community.
* At least two-thirds (2/3) of the committee must reside in Puerto Vallarta.
* All members are expected to positively represent the awards and the community.
8. Conduct & Ethics
* Committee members must conduct themselves with integrity, professionalism, and respect.
* Conflicts of interest must be disclosed immediately.
* Members must recuse themselves from discussions or decisions where a conflict exists.
* Members must agree to step aside in the event of any conduct or community conflicts at large or any conduct that would be in contradiction to the goals, idea and spirit of these awards.
9. Confidentiality
* Committee members are strictly bound to confidentiality regarding:
* Nominations
* Deliberations
* Voting processes
* Voting results
* Breach of confidentiality may result in removal from the committee.
10. Community-First Purpose
* The committee exists to represent, uphold, and protect the integrity of the awards.
* The awards are for the community, by the community, and must always reflect that purpose.
11. Non-Profit Status
* The committee and awards operate as not-for-profit.
* No committee member, nor the committee as a whole, may:
* Render the awards,
* Use the organization, or
* Leverage the platform
for personal or financial gain.
12. Financial Oversight & Surplus Funds
* Any surplus funds carried forward year-to-year must be applied to:
* Community improvements, and/or
* Future award ceremonies, and/or
* Day-to-day operations (e.g., website, social media, marketing assets, administration).
* Funds may not be distributed to individuals.
13. Treasurer Responsibilities
* The Treasurer shall:
* Track all donations and expenditures.
* Maintain accurate financial records.
* Reconcile all financial activity within one (1) month following the close of the award ceremony.
* Financial transparency must be maintained at all times.
14. Removal & Resignation
* Committee members may resign at any time with written notice.
* Members may be removed for:
* Ethical violations,
* Breach of confidentiality,
* Conduct detrimental to the awards or community.
* Removal requires a 3/4 vote of the committee.
15. Amendments to Rules
* These rules may be amended by 3/4 vote of the committee.
* Any changes must align with the core principles of transparency, fairness, and community service
Past Sponsors
