Thank you for your interest in serving as a speaker at a future Southeast Tourism Society (STS) event. STS events feature workshops, keynote presentations, general sessions, and breakouts. Please read the information presented below before completing this form.

Note: This form will not be used to identify potential professors for the STS Marketing College program.

Our Mission
STS empowers a diverse network of tourism professionals through Education, Advocacy, Recognition, and Networking.

What We Look for:

Our travel and tourism attendees want to hear from thought leaders and industry experts. The STS Education Pillar is seeking submissions for compelling sessions for 2025 programs.

Topics: 

• Should be objective and educational
• The material should feature topics of current and continuing interest
• Presentation material should be practical, relevant, creative, and innovative
• Interactive presentations are encouraged
• No company or product-specific promotion is permitted

Topics must align with one or more of the STS Education Pillar and member interests:

• Visitor Research & Trends
• Tourism Sales
• Tourism Marketing
• Public Relations
• Destination Marketing Trends
• Leadership
• Niche Marketing (Music, Food, and Culture)
• Destination Development - Planning & Execution
• Partnering with Economic Development
• Advocacy Strategies - Local, State, and Federal
• Workforce Development Strategies for Tourism
• Festivals & Events Management & Trends
• Short-Term Rentals (Research & Trends)
• Community Partnerships
• Regional Marketing Programs - Across State Lines (Facilitator & Moderator)
• Unique Festivals & Events - Across State Lines (Facilitator & Moderator)
• ADA Compliant Websites
• Crisis Management
• New DMO Funding Models
• New DMO Budgeting & Financial Management Strategies
• Tourism Case Studies for Social Media
• Future of DMOs & Tourism
• Infrastructure Management, Funding & Impacts on Tourism
• Conscious Inclusion: Accessibility, Sustainability and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
• How to Develop & Sustain a Local Advocacy Program
• Grant Writing Tips for Tourism Organizations
• Deeper Dive: Building Relationships with Influencers & Bloggers
• Deeper Dive: Social Media Strategy
• Deeper Dive: Product Development

2025 STS Program Dates:

• 2025 SMPR Forum & Media Marketplace: March 17-21 in Atlanta, GA
• 2025 Congressional Summit: June/July in Washington, D.C. 
• 2025 Connections Conference: September 9-12 in Lake Charles, LA

Annual Conference Attendees & Other Programs:

• 100-400+ participants
• Primarily decision-makers representing member and non-member organizations
• Tourism industry audience representing many sectors: city, state, and regional destination organizations, attractions, events, lodging, and marketing and media services

Formats:

Sessions range from 45 minutes to 75 minutes and may include sponsor recognition, introductions, presentations, and Q & A. Agendas included. Indicate the type of format(s) best suited for your presentation:

• Keynote presentations
• General sessions
• Concurrent breakouts
• Rapid-fire sessions
• Meal functions
• Moderated panel discussions
• Webinars
• Workshops
• Roundtable discussions

 Speaker Types include the following:

• Professional speakers who share expertise and subject matter passion through unique delivery styles
• Faculty who share specific industry knowledge and information through adult learning experiences
• Subject matter experts who share specific knowledge and expertise in the industry
• Meeting and event professionals and suppliers who share stories, case studies, best practices, and personal experiences                                                                                                 

Speaker Proposal Requirements:

• Presenter name, title, organization, and website
• High-resolution photograph and a brief biography (100 words or less in PDF format) of the presenter(s) including professional background and qualifying experience
• Speaker email address, phone number, social media links (all that apply)
• At least three references from groups of similar size and focus and past presentations Presentation description (title, format, and brief overview of the session)
• Any other requirements such as speaking fee, travel/transport needs, etc. STS prefers to select speakers who are local to the venue but may offer to cover limited expenses in certain cases

Note: Speaker Fees - Most of our conference speakers donate their time, travel, and fees to support the ongoing education of the travel and tourism industry. By responding to a request from STS, you are acknowledging that you are willing to consider speaking at no cost and provide your own travel. The meeting hosts may provide, at their discretion, some reimbursement for travel costs and speaker fees. Since this opportunity provides key visibility in our industry, STS will promote your involvement in the educational program through various forms of communication.