Do you know someone who blazes the way in travel and tourism? If so, nominate these stars for 2012's Forty for the Future: Travel's Leading Talent.

Southeast Tourism Society identifies forty young individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities and are contributing to a significant future for the travel and tourism industry in the United States. These are the individuals making their mark in convention and visitors bureaus, destination management organizations, lodging, transportation, education and partners of tourism.

We profile the industry's most promising young leaders, all under the age of 40. These rising luminaries represent a variety of backgrounds and occupations. But what makes these stars special is not just the broad and impressive list of accomplishments on their resumes, but their devoted service to the travel and tourism sector and respective community.

Details

• Any U.S. resident is eligible
• Nominations welcome from all U.S. states
• Nominees be under 40 years old as of Dec. 31, 2011 (born after January 1, 1972). If selected, proof of birthday will be requested and must be submitted.
• Deadline to submit nomination: March 31, 2012
• Nominees must submit their application using form below

What

• Those selected receive a distinctive certificate
• There is an option to receive a wood plaque noting the accomplishment of being selected
• Special luncheon to honor winners

A panel of industry experts will comb through the entries and select 40; those selected will be notified in May of his/her crowning achievement.

Those selected will be invited to a special ceremony in the southeast honoring his/her achievement in June 2012. This luncheon will have a prominent featured speaker as well as contain a superb networking opportunity to meet other movers-and-shakers within the travel and tourism community.

(Please have all of your materials ready to input (cut/paste) at one time as you do not have the ability to return and change your responses.)

We thank you for your submissions; those names of those selected will be released shortly.

RULES FOR ENTRY

• Nominations must be received by March 31, 2012.
• Nominations will only be accepted electronically; mailed submissions will not be accepted.
• Those selected will be notified in May 2012.
• Entry form must be completed and submitted along with one (1) page letter stating how this person is contributing to a significant future for the industry OR one (1) page letter of recommendation. Letters shall not exceed 300 words.
• A high resolution photograph of the nominee must be submitted. This will only be used for the ceremony program to be handed out at the luncheon.
• There is a fee of $25 for each nomination. Fees will go to create scholarships for STS Marketing College.
• Nominations may be prepared in house or by an advertising or marketing agency.
• You must be present at special luncheon to be recognized; proxies are not accepted to pick up award. Those selected who cannot attend luncheon will be mailed their certificate. Transportation and lodging are the responsibility of the recipient.
• Any U.S. organization can submit a nomination.
• You do not have to be an STS member to be nominated or selected.
• Entries are judged by a committee of industry peers.
• Decisions of the judges are final.