The Distinguished Achievement Award honors an individual who has established a meritorious career record in a specific field of expertise in any area of design or technology in the performing arts or entertainment industry.  Areas of achievement include, but are not limited to disciplines represented by the Commissions of USITT, scenic design, lighting design, sound design, technical direction, costume design & technology, theatre architecture, theatrical consulting, production management, stage or arts management, costume direction, entertainment technology, education or a convergence of these disciplines. The recipient, who does not have to be a member of USITT, is honored during the Annual Conference & Stage Expo. It is encouraged that the nominating Commissioner identify Conference  programming which will focus on the contributions and career(s) of recipient(s).  Additionally, the nominee's work is frequently featured in an exhibition.

The process for Distinguished Achievement Award includes the endorsement by the appropriate Commissioner and the VP for Commissions who will then forward the nomination to the USITT Awards and Resolutions Committee.

Recipients of Distinguished

Achievement Awards