TOBY Application Process

2025 Buffalo BOMA/Local TOBY Awards Application Process

PLEASE NOTE: The application period will begin on July 1st, 2025.

2025 Awards Season Schedule:
July 1: Applications Period Begins
October 10: Application Period Ends
Nominations Review Period: October
Winners Announced: 2025 BOMA Buffalo Annual Member Meeting & Awards Ceremony
Application Link: https://bomabuffalo.starchapter.com/form.php?form_id=22&c=1

The Outstanding Building of the Year (TOBY) Awards
The TOBY Awards are the most prestigious recognition in the commercial real estate industry, honoring excellence in building management, operations, tenant relations, energy performance, emergency preparedness, and community impact. The journey begins at the local level with BOMA Buffalo, where outstanding buildings across Western New York compete for distinction.

Winners from the local competition are announced during the 2025 BOMA Buffalo Awards Ceremony, with the opportunity to advance to the Middle Atlantic Region and eventually the international level.

Advancing to Regional and International TOBY Competitions
To be eligible for the Regional and International TOBY competitions, a property must first:

• Earn a BOMA 360 Performance Program designation

• Win at both the local and Middle Atlantic Region (MAC) levels

Note: The BOMA 360 designation is a prerequisite for all Regional and International entries. The designation comes with an application fee ranging from $875–$1,150, which may present a barrier to some local entrants. BOMA Buffalo is exploring options to assist with these costs to support broader participation beyond the local level.

The Middle Atlantic Region (MAC) includes 15 local associations across 11 states and the District of Columbia, including:
Albany (Capital Region), Baltimore, Boston, Central New York, Greater Buffalo, Greater Hartford, New Jersey, Greater New York, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Rochester, Southern Connecticut, Washington D.C. (AOBA/BOMA), and Westchester County, NY, along with Members-at-Large.

Why Enter the TOBY Awards?
Whether at the local, regional, or international level, the TOBY Awards offer a platform to:

• Showcase excellence in operations and management

• Earn recognition for innovative and sustainable practices

• Promote tenant and employee satisfaction programs

• Benchmark your property among the best in the industry

Judging criteria include community involvement, tenant relations, energy conservation, building accessibility, emergency protocols, staff development, and overall building performance.

How to Enter Your Building

TOBY Competition Levels:

1. Local – BOMA Buffalo

2. Regional – Middle Atlantic Conference

3. International – BOMA International

Local Entry Deadline:

• October 10, 2025

• No cost to enter at the local level

• BOMA 360 certification is not required for local entries

BOMA 360 Requirement for Regional & International Competitions:

• Required at time of entry and valid through June 29 of the competition year

• New BOMA 360 applications must be submitted by January 15 of the competition year

You may begin your applications for both the TOBY Awards and BOMA 360 designation here:
👉 BOMA Recognition Platform

Be sure to review all criteria and FAQs, as categories have recently expanded to 18 options. You may only enter the one category that best matches your property type.

For local competition guidelines and updates, visit:
👉 BOMA Greater Buffalo – TOBY Awards