The Southeast Tourism Society (STS) is proud to present the "40 for the Future" award, recognizing 40 outstanding individuals who have made significant contributions to the travel and tourism industry within the Southeast United States (AL, AR, FL, GA, KY, LA, MS, MO, NC, SC, TN, VA, WV, & DC). This award celebrates individuals from all corners of the industry, and there is no minimum or maximum time requirement for someone's current role or industry experience.
Who We're Seeking:
We're searching for passionate leaders from all corners of the industry, individuals whose dedication and ingenuity are propelling the Southeast towards continued success as a top travel destination. This could be anyone from:
• Destination marketing professionals
• Hospitality trailblazers
• Conservation champions
• Marketing and PR mavericks
• Community-minded tourism advocates
• Sales and Sports professionals
What Makes You a "40 for the Future" Honoree? We're looking for individuals who exemplify the following core values:
• Leadership and Innovation: Developing groundbreaking programs or initiatives that push the boundaries of the industry.
• Economic Growth Engine: Contributing significantly to job creation, tourism spending, and attracting investment to the Southeast tourism sector.
• Marketing Mastermind: Executing successful marketing campaigns that elevate awareness and visitation to the Southeast.
• Community Champion: Actively engaging with local communities to foster positive relationships and promote sustainable tourism practices.
• Sustainability Advocate: Championing sustainable practices to protect the environment and cultural heritage of the Southeast.
• Industry Collaborator: Building strong connections with colleagues and advocating for policies that benefit the entire Southeast tourism industry.
There's no minimum or maximum time requirement for experience – we're honoring those who have consistently made a positive impact throughout their careers.
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.
• "40 for the Future" must be submitted online by Friday, June 27, 2025.
• Nominations may be prepared in-house or by an advertising/marketing agency.
• The nomination form must be completed and submitted along with any supporting materials (newspaper articles, advertisements, brochures, high-res photograph, including a headshot, 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 five (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. If nominations are submitted by an advertising/marketing agency that is a member of STS, the member rate applies even if the nominee itself is not a member of STS.
• Entries become the property of Southeast Tourism Society and will not be returned.
• Entries are judged by a committee of industry peers and are considered on their merit according to stated criteria and are not in competition with other entries in the category.
The decisions of the judges are final.
Winners will be:
- Recognized throughout the STS Connections conference in Lake Charles, LA.
- Featured in an STS press release
- Featured in an STS newsletter
- 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
- Issued an official "40 for the Future" Certificate of Achievement