The STS Shining Example Awards recognize outstanding contributions to travel and tourism within the Southeast United States. This includes Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia & District of Columbia.

Please Read the Submission Requirements

• Nominations are open to Members and Non-Members of Southeast Tourism Society. You can nominate yourself, your organization or be nominated by a third party.
• Shining Example Award Nominations must be submitted online by Friday, June 13, by 5:00 pm EDT.
• Nominations may be prepared in-house or by an advertising/marketing agency. The time period examined is November 1, 2023 to December 31, 2024, unless otherwise noted. It is permissible for the advertising agency or public relations firm of record to prepare an entry on behalf of the nominating organization. Entries selected will be honored under the name of the organization.
• The nomination form must be completed and submitted along with any supporting materials (newspaper articles, advertisements, brochures, photographs, or merchandising material). Aside from the company logo and letter of support, you are welcome to include additional supporting materials (Press releases, posters, brochures, newspaper articles, additional letters of support, etc.) but we ask that you limit actual photos/images to (5) total. 
• A one-page letter must be included with each entry stating why the nominee is deserving of the award.
• There is a fee of $75 per nomination for STS members and $100 per nomination for non-STS Members. 
• Send your nomination via this online form. Email submissions will not be accepted. 
• 2024 award winners (Awarded at 2024 Connections in Auburn, Alabama) are NOT eligible to win in the same category for 2025.
• Entries become the property of Southeast Tourism Society and will not be returned.
• It is anticipated that one award will be presented in each category (unless otherwise noted). The judges, however, reserve the right to present special awards or honorable mentions or to not present an award in a particular category.
• Entries are judged by a committee of industry peers and are considered on their own merit according to stated criteria and are not in competition with other entries in the category. The decisions of the judges are final.

This year's winners will be announced at STS Connections during the STS Shining Example Award Ceremony in Lake Charles, Louisiana on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, during the STS Shining Example Award Ceremony. (Attendance is preferred but not required to win.)

 

Winners will be:

• Featured in the Connections follow-up newsletter
• Featured in the post Connections press release
• Featured on the STS website for a year, including submission
• Dedicated social media posts (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter), including submission
• Spotlight in an STS monthly newsletter

 

Questions? Email Adrienne Gadling, Marketing & Communications Specialist at adrienne@southeasttourism.org. 

1. Campaign Overview (10 points) 
• What was the primary goal of this campaign/project? 
• Who was the target audience? (Demographics, behaviors, interests) 
• What makes this initiative unique or innovative? 

2. Strategy & Execution (15 points) 
• What research or insights informed your approach? 
• What marketing channels were used? (e.g., print, social media, digital ads, PR, partnerships) 

3. Measurable Results (15 points) 
• What were the key performance metrics? (Include actual numbers where possible) 
• How did the campaign impact the market and/or audience? 

4. Supporting Documentation (5 points)   
• Screenshots, campaign visuals, or links to digital materials. 
• Media coverage, testimonials, or additional supporting data. 

Checklist Prior to Submitting:

• Complete this online form
• Submit a (1) page letter of explanation for each entry
• Submit applicable event or company logo
• Include additional supporting materials (posters, brochures, photos). No more than (5) additional photos please
• $75/members and $100/non-members per nomination
• Questions: Contact Adrienne Gadling at adrienne@southeasttourism.org.

 

Link for Additional Supporting Documents:

Upon successful completion and hitting "Submit", you will see a "Thank you" confirmation message and also receive an email confirming receipt.