STS Shining Example Categories

Deadline for nominations: July 18, 2008

Entry Rules

  1. Travel Attraction of the Year Award - This is an award for attractions that are STS members. It is given to an attraction whose work has resulted in a year of notable accomplishment (examples: development of new business markets, substantial growth in revenue or attendance, or special outreach). Nominations should show concrete results. Explanations can include descriptions of advertising/promotional campaigns, special celebrations or commemorations. The time period being examined is June 1, 2007, through May 31, 2008.
  2. Convention & Visitors Bureau/Chamber of Commerce of the Year Award - Two awards will be given - Category 1: Under $1 million total budget; or Category 2: $1 million budget and over.
  3. Regional or State Destination Marketing Organization (DMO) of the Year Award - Two awards will be given - Category 1: Private Regional State Org.; or Category 2: Public Regional/State Org.
    These are awards for organizations that are STS members. Nominations are evaluated on the overall performance of the organization. Nominations should show demonstrable accomplishments through effective tourism marketing (advertising, promotions, public relations, etc.) Nominations should show creativity in design, development and implementation of any projects cited. While nominations can include the history and growth of an organization, the emphasis must be on projects or programs developed or implemented from June 1, 2007, through May 31, 2008.
  4. STS Top 20 Event or Festival of the Year Award - Two awards will be given - Category 1: Attendance below 100,000; Category 2: Attendance of 100,000 and over.
    This award is for events that have been nominated at least once as an STS Top 20 Event. Nominees include events such as festivals, themed events, community celebrations, holiday programs, home tours and craft festivals. The nominated events should show a high level of organization, event production and community involvement. Factors that can influence selection include attendance growth, innovative marketing and special promotional efforts.
  5. Governmental Tourism Leadership Award - This award honors an elected official (city, county, state or federal) whose support or influence greatly enhanced the tourism industry. The nominations may include achievements or contributions over the nominee’s entire career rather than a single accomplishment in the recent past.
  6. Visual Excellence Award - This award will be given to the nominee who shows the best use of video or photography for a destination. To nominate best use of video, full-length destination videos or TV ad clips are permitted. For those nominating a photograph, the nomination should illustrate the appropriate image(s), their layout and how each photo was used in a newspaper, magazine, TV ad, brochure or other promotional material.
  7. Internet Excellence Award - This award recognizes extraordinary performance in digital communication. Nominations should highlight effective online promotions, contests, advertising, editorial communication, social networking and other content. Evaluation factors include results, creativity, innovation and ease of use.
  8. Tourism for Tomorrow Award - This award recognizes the accomplishments of a destination, company or organization in the realm of sustainable tourism. Nominations should illustrate how the nominee promotes tourism development while safeguarding local culture and/or protecting the environment. The connection between development and tourism must be clear.
  9. Rising Star Award - This award recognizes extraordinary on-the-job performance by a person new to the travel and tourism industry. Nominees must work full-time for an STS member organization, and their initial employment in the industry must have come between March 1, 2003 and March 1, 2008. Nominations will be evaluated on leadership, enthusiasm for the industry, innovation, successful programs or events and other performance-related accomplishments. Extra consideration goes to nominees who are involved in the industry outside of their normal employment (examples: participation in industry associations, assistance to mentoring programs for prospective tourism industry employees). Employers, supervisors or colleagues may nominate individuals; self-nominations are acceptable.

    10. RULES FOR ENTRY

  • Entry form must be completed and submitted along with any supporting materials you wish to enter.
  • Supporting materials may include newspaper articles, advertisements, brochures, photographs or merchandising material.
  • A one-page typewritten letter must be included with each entry stating why the nominee is deserving of the award.
  • There is a fee of $50 for each entry. Checks are payable to Southeast Tourism Society.
  • Nominations may be prepared in house or by an advertising or marketing agency.
  • Only Southeast Tourism Society members may make nominations.
  • Only Southeast Tourism Society members may be nominated in Categories 1, 2, 3, 6, 7 or 9.
  • Last years award winners are not eligible to win again in the same category.
  • Entries are judged by a committee of industry peers.
  • It is anticipated that one award will be presented in each category. The judges, however, reserve the right to present special awards, honorary mentions, etc. or not to present an award in a particular category.
    • Decisions of the judges are final.