Bill Winsor to Posthumously Receive Legendary Leadership Award at ARTS Awards

Dallas Market Center and ART, the creative home furnishings network, have announced that the late Bill Winsor will be honored with the Legendary Leadership Award for his decades of dedication, guidance, and lasting impact. The 36^th ARTS Awards will take place at the Hilton Anatole Hotel in Dallas on Friday, January 9, 2026.

The Legendary Leadership Award recognizes an individual who has earned esteemed recognition from industry peers, led with passion and integrity, and whose lifelong dedication has shaped and strengthened the home and design industry.

“Bill’s influence reaches far beyond the walls of Dallas Market Center,” said Cindy Morris, president and CEO of Dallas Market Center. “He built a community rooted in creativity, collaboration, and opportunity that still inspires how we do business. This award honors not only his leadership but his enduring legacy.”

Added Sharon Davis, executive director of ART, “Bill was a passionate advocate for this industry and a true leader whose impact reached far beyond Dallas. His vision and commitment to excellence helped elevate and enhance the home industry at Dallas Market Center. Honoring him with the Legendary Leadership Award is a tribute to his extraordinary career and his legacy.”

Bill Winsor, former chairman emeritus, president, and CEO, helped shape Dallas Market Center into one of the most influential trade and design destinations in the world. For over two decades, he expanded the marketplace into an international hub for commerce and creativity to become the home to the largest residential lighting marketplace in North America, a thriving open-daily design center, and a destination for buyers and brands around the world. His vision turned Dallas Market Center into a community built on creativity, connection, and endless possibility.

Winsor’s impact extended far beyond business growth. Early in his career, he was hand-picked by developer Trammell Crow to lead ambitious new ventures, including INFOMART, one of the world’s first technology marketplaces, before taking on the role of President and CEO at Dallas Market Center. He was known for his mentorship, warmth, and generosity. He treated employees and customers with the same dedication and respect he gave to running the business. His ability to inspire others, build relationships, and strengthen the community continues to shape Dallas Market Center and the home industry today.

“It means so much to our family that the home industry is celebrating our hero Bill Winsor,” said Kelley Winsor on behalf of the Winsor family. “We are honored for his legendary leadership and this award. This award reflects his integrity, vision, and heart, which he shared with all who knew him.”

In addition to the Legendary Leadership Award, there are dozens of categories of awards being presented at the ARTS Awards to retailers, manufacturers, designers and sales representatives. Special award categories include HEARTS Award presented to Heart on Main Street and the Academy of Achievement award, being posthumously presented to John Feizy, Founder of Feizy Rugs. All 36th ARTS Awards finalists can be viewed here.

Reservations for the ARTS Awards are now open. Tickets will be $190 for ART members and $225 for non-members. Discounted rates for full tables of (8) and (10) guests are also available. Tickets are available here.