MIAMI—1 Hotels is proud to announce that 1 Hotels Mission Membership has been named an honoree of Fast Company’s 2026 World Changing Ideas Awards. This annual recognition honors bold and transformative efforts that tackle the world’s most pressing issues—from fresh sustainability initiatives and cutting-edge AI developments to ambitious pursuits of social equity that are helping mold the world.
Now in its ninth year, the World Changing Ideas Awards celebrate organizations and projects that are delivering measurable impact across industries—from climate solutions and AI advancements to health, social justice, and beyond.
“We created 1 Hotels Mission Membership to challenge the traditional idea of loyalty and build something fundamentally different, not a transactional program, but a platform rooted in emotional connection, shared values, and real impact through every stay,” said Raul Leal, CEO, Starwood Hotels.
1 Hotels Mission Membership is a purpose-driven loyalty program designed to reward both guests and the planet. Moving beyond traditional points and status tiers, the program focuses on personalization, environmental stewardship, and meaningful guest engagement, allowing members to support environmental nonprofit partners, enjoy curated experiences aligned with their values, and contribute to reforestation efforts through every new membership. To date, Mission Membership has generated nearly $1,000,000 in donations to environmental causes (Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), Oceanic Global, Green Our Planet), including the planting of over 82,000 trees. By creating a more intentional, values-led approach to travel, Mission Membership empowers travelers to make a difference with every stay while advancing 1 Hotels’ mission to care for both people and the planet.
Almost 200 Projects Highlighted
This year’s awards, featured on fastcompany.com, highlight 191 outstanding projects across 14 categories. A panel of Fast Company editors and reporters evaluated more than 1,500 entries based on their impact, sustainability, design, creativity, scalability, and ability to improve society.
“Being recognized by Fast Company’s World Changing Ideas Awards is incredibly meaningful because it reflects what we believe the future of hospitality must be: more personal, more purposeful, and more impactful for both people and the planet,” Leal said. “We created 1 Hotels Mission Membership to challenge the traditional idea of loyalty and build something fundamentally different, not a transactional program, but a platform rooted in emotional connection, shared values, and real impact through every stay. In a world where so much can be replicated, we focused on creating something deeper, an experience that connects our guests more meaningfully to the places they visit, the communities they engage with, and the positive change they can help create. This recognition reinforces the direction we are heading and our belief that exceptional hospitality and meaningful impact are not separate ideas, but one and the same.”
Fast Company’s Summer 2026 issue (on newsstands June 23) will feature select award winners working on solutions that include geothermal energy, privacy-first cell plans, municipal grocery stores, and more.
“The World Changing Ideas Awards are more than inspiration—they’re a measure of real-world impact,” says Fast Company Editor-in-Chief Brendan Vaughan. “This year’s honorees are turning bold ideas into tangible solutions and addressing urgent global challenges with creativity and rigor.”
