What are the TOBY Awards?
The Outstanding Building of the Year "TOBY" Award is the most prestigious and comprehensive program of its kind in the commercial real estate industry recognizing excellence in building management, operational efficiency, tenant retention, emergency planning and community impact. The competition consists of three levels of judging. The first level of competition is held at the local level by BOMA associations. Winning entries then have the opportunity to advance to the regional level in each of the eight North American regions of BOMA International. Finally, regional winners advance to the international level.

The admission requirements for the BOMA local level award have been modified and no longer require the submission of a portfolio for the first level local award; however, the portfolio is required by mid-November for the regional award submission. To nominate a building, please review the enclosed guidelines and, if your building meets the entry requirements, complete the nomination form and return it to BOMA Greater Hartford, One Regency Drive, Bloomfield, CT 06002. A "walk through" by a panel of judges will be scheduled for all nominated buildings in the fall. The buildings will be judged on the following criteria: A detailed Building inspection, Community Impact, Tenant/Employee Relations, Energy Management Procedures, Building Accessibility, Emergency Evacuation, Building Personnel Training, and Physical Attractiveness.

It is an easy process to begin your quest towards awarding excellence in Office Building Management. If you are one of the fortunate winners of the local award, the BOMA TOBY Award Committee will be available to provide guidance on the preparation of a portfolio for the next level of competition.

Rules (back to top)

• You may nominate your own building or any other building in the state of Connecticut.
• A building that received the TOBY Award in the past three (3) years is not eligible to re-enter.
• At least 50% of a building's space must be used as office space.
• The building must be at least 3 years old from the date of occupancy of the first tenant by June 2003.
• The building may not have won at the international level during the past ten years.
• The building must be a member, or managed by an entity that is a member, in good standing with both the local BOMA association and BOMA International, if that entry is to progress to the regional and/or international judging.