July 2008
I am STS
A look at those that comprise our Society. Learn more about our newest state's state tourism director. I am STS.

WhoWhatWhere?
The latest happenings with STS members. More.

It is a Fine Time...
to try something new. Visit an event or festival out of your state. Use the Top 20 Events list!

The deadline to submit items for Winter 2009 (January, February, March) Top 20 Events is July 11. Download the nomination form.

Summer 2008
Fall 2008

Summer Gives New Posibilities
A couple of new positions have opened up in the Southeast. Visit the STS Jobs page.

Looking for quality candidates? As an STS member, you get to post your listing for free. Let us know about your openings.

2008 Fall Meeting
Arkansas Fall Meeting will be held in our newest state: Arkansas. "The Natural State" is the perfect locale for this year's theme: "The Great Outdoors." Join us as we discuss outdoor recreation and the greening of many destinations at The Peabody Little Rock. In addition, there will be lively debate on "green tourism" - the ramifications and what it all means. If this isn't enough, STS celebrates its 25th anniversary at this conference. Come join your friends in Little Rock, September 3 - 5.
>> Learn more >> Register today


Will You be Recognized This Year?
We hope so... but the only way to positively find out is to enter the STS Shining Example Awards. As in years past, there are sure to be some surprises. And what has become a tradition, Berkeley Young of Young Strategies and Lee Curtis of Tennessee's Department of Tourist Development will host this year's presentation.

We encourage you to nominate someone who is new to the tourism industry through the "Rising Star" award. This special category recognizes the hard work and talent of a person who has been in the industry less than five years. If you know of a special someone, nominate them today.

All entries must be postmarked by Friday, July 18 and winners will be announced at Fall Meeting in Little Rock. Read about all the categories...


Marketing College and Thee
Marketing College STS Marketing College commences Sunday, July 27 so registration is fast coming to a close. If you'd like to register, as 270 of your colleagues have already done, we encourage you to do so today. Challenge and stretch yourself intellectually in ways that will expand your career and assist your organization. Be a part of the premiere tourism marketing program in the U.S.
>> I'd like to register


An Advanced Look at Research (for TMPs)
VISIT FLORIDA®'s Barry Pitegoff (left) teaches a course on the relevancy of research and applications to your day-to-day work activities for Marketing College's Alumni course. This 1.5-day class is designed with working professionals in mind. Limited seating guarantees your questions will be discussed and analyzed. Sign up today.


Congressional Summit Targets D.C.
Congressional Summit STS is reviving its popular Congressional Summit; with an intensive one-day seminar planned, you will be able to meet with federal agency partners, learn more about the House Travel and Tourism Caucus, plus have time to spend with your Congressperson. >> Learn more...


Are You Taking Advantage Of Every Opportunity?
If you rely on an outside agency to place your advertising - do they know about the most current STS Co-Ops? Are they getting the information they need to make the best buying decisions for your marketing plan? More...


Salutations to SETTRA
SETTRA You may be unaware that STS is the administrative arm for SETTRA - the Southeast States Chapter of Travel and Tourism Research. The past twelve months have been particularly active for the chapter and the International office recognized the Southeast States chapter's hard work. SETTRA was bestowed with "Chapter of the Year" honors at is annual convention in Philadelphia. Among its activities during the past year: building a new Web site, increasing attendance (by 100%) at its annual Symposium and distributing eight conference scholarships to undergraduate college students. View the pictures.


STS Co-Op Delivers A Sweet Deal for Members
A tempting treat from Paula Deen. More...


Tap into the Lucrative UK Travel Market
The southeastern U.S. is among one of the most popular vacation spots for UK travelers. Invite them to experience your destination now. More...


Extend the Message of STS
Beginning this month, Southeast Tourism Society will offer a series of Webinars using tourism industry specialists. We are excited to offer these events that are designed to help destinations increase tourism revenue and expand their tourism product.

We will use tourism professionals from the STS Marketing College to examine trends, study research and analyze how-to methods. The webinars will be offered every other month. Please let Darryl Wilson know if you are interested in these 25-minute sessions. Prospective STS members are welcome.

Welcome

View the 29 Howard Johnsons that are new STS members.

Jody Taylor, NarroWay Productions, Inc. - Operation/Marketing Director; jody@narroway.net; (Fort Mill, SC)

Kathy Hoelscher-Levine, Gilmer County Chamber of Commerce - Membership Director; khlevine@gilmerchamber.org; (Ellijay, GA)

Mark Shore, Williamson County CVB - Executive Director; mark@visitwilliamson.com; (Franklin, TN)

Kim Paul, Knoxville Tourism & Sports Corporation - SR VP of Sales & Marketing; kpaul@knoxville.org; (Knoxville, TN)

Naomi Conner, The Angus Restaurant - General Manager; naomi2716@hotmail.com; (Pensacola, FL)

Additional representatives from member organizations

Cordelia Anderson, Cabarrus County Convention & Visitors Bureau - Marketing Manager; Cordelia@visitcabarrus.com; (Kannapolis, NC)

New Representatives

Patty Pitrolo, Charleston Convention & Visitors Bureau - Interim President & CEO; ppitrolo@charlestonwv.com; (Charleston, WV)

Southeast Tourism Society
3400 Peachtree Rd., Suite 725, Atlanta, GA 30326
t: 404.364.9847 e: Neville@southeasttourism.org


Southeast Tourism Society Corporate Partners
AMTRAK     Days Inn    Madden Media    SMITH Advertising    Southern Living     Streeter Printing & Graphics     Tripinfo.com    USDM.net