No, I don't think they are annual, but it isn't calendar year based or anything either. My understanding is the award is based on when one hits 5 brands, whenever that happens (and a second award at 10 brands). I currently have checks for HP, HR, and HHs --- the GH and the Hyatt Centric should get me that certificate next year (as long as they don't drop it).

I rarely seem to travel to many cities with other brands, or when I do, the other brands have ended up being quite too much for those dates for me to justify (aka. last time I was in New Orleans, the HC was more ~$350 while the HR and HH were about 160-200. As much as I wanted to try out the HC, I wasn't going to spend twice as much for it). On this trip, I am not too keen on the GH new york, but right now it is 200$ cheaper than the Andaz's which I would rather try out (and a little be harder than GH for me to find)--I will monitor the prices and hope to switch reservations.