The Heartland-themed package was spearheaded by editors Nick Mancall-Bitel and Lesley Suter, and designed by associate creative director Nat Belkov and his team, with lively illustrations by Morgan Thompson. Contributors included former Eater staffers Monica Burton and Amy McCarthy, as well as myriad voices from the food world, such as chef Sean Sherman and Mecca Bos.

For Thrillist, the award-winning pieces were written by freelancer contributors Justin Fornal, Kinsey Gidick, and Sheeka Sanahori; edited by former staffers Kori Perten, Ali Conti, and Lindsay Schrupp; with art by former staffers Maitane Romagosa and Manali Doshi.

A panel of 26 judges combed over nearly 1,500 entries and praised work that fostered “connection” and “understanding” and “put readers on the edge of their seats” or were elevated by “smart, agile reportage.” The SATW foundation has been rewarding travel journalism work for more than 40 years.