2026 BOMA/Chicago Local TOBY Award Applications
Wednesday, September 17, 2025
Description
TAKE HOME A TOBY AWARD IN 2026!
Applications Due September 17 | $300 Application Fee
ABOUT THE AWARD
The Outstanding Building of the Year (TOBY) Award is the most prestigious and comprehensive program of its kind in the commercial real estate industry. TOBYs recognize excellence in building management, operational efficiency, tenant retention, emergency planning, and community impact.  
To win a BOMA International TOBY Award, a property must first earn the BOMA 360 designation and win both local and regional competitions. As a winner (local, regional, or international), you can showcase your building’s strengths and the recognition as best-in-class operations and management. Judging is based on criteria that include community impact, tenant and employee relations programs, energy management, accessibility, emergency evacuation procedures, building personnel training programs, and overall excellence. 
In Chicago
Our Chicago buildings are truly the best of the best and continue to win at the international level. Since 2010, 22 Chicago buildings have won the International TOBY Award.
THREE STEPS TO APPLY FOR A TOBY
You are more TOBY-ready than you think! And that is why we encourage you to apply for the local 2026 TOBY. This is your chance to showcase your expertise and excellence in property management.
Step One: Read through the Requirements & Resources
- Application Process
- Best Practices & FAQ
- Online Portal
- TOBY Portal Step-by-Step Guide
- 2026 Entry Requirements by Category in which you will apply:
Step Two: Contact Jaclynne Madden by July 25
Please contact Jaclynne Madden by July 25 with the building and category you plan to enter.
Jaclynne Madden will become the main point of contact and an excellent resource to you and your team. She will update you on new changes, important dates, BOMA 360 details, application processes, and more.
Step Three: Submit Your Application
To enter the Local TOBY awards competition, you must pay the $300 entry fee directly to BOMA/Chicago before submitting your application. To pay this fee (via credit card or invoice), please log into the BOMA/Chicago website and click here.
Applications must be submitted on the online portal by 5 PM on September 17.
2026 TOBY CATEGORIES
There are 19 categories this year, and you can only apply for one.
- Under 100,000 Square Feet
- 100,000 to 249,999 Square Feet
- 250,000 to 499,999 Square Feet
- 500,000 to 1 Million Square Feet
- Over 1 Million Square Feet
- Corporate Facility
- Earth
- Historical Building
- Industrial
- Life Sciences Building
- Medical Building
- Mixed-Use
- Public Assembly
- Renovated Building
- Retail – Enclosed Mall Under 1 Million Square Feet
- Retail – Enclosed Mall Over 1 Million Square Feet
- Retail – Open Air/Strip Mall
- Suburban Office Park - Mid-Rise
- Suburban Office Park - Low-Rise