Shining Example Awards
The STS Shining Example Awards, an industry fixture since 1985, recognizes outstanding contributions to travel and tourism in the Southeast United States. This includes, Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia.
Submissions Now Open!
Deadline for Submissions: August 7, 2026 5:00pm EST
2026 Shining Example Award Ceremony
(held in conjunction with Connections)
Thursday, September 10, 2025
Richmond, Virginia
Presenting
the 2025 Shining Example Award Winners
Shining Example Winners from 2025
Recognized at STS Connections in Lake Charles, Louisiana
September 10, 2025
Escape to the Southeast® Travel Attraction of the Year
Perry Historical Museum
Tourism Office of Year
(Under $1 million)
Visit Hickory
Tourism Office of Year
(Over $1 million)
Visit The Northshore
Event or Festival of the Year
Visit Oxford
Fired Up Culture Beacon Award
Kyle Edmiston, Visit Lake Charles
Best Marketing Award Budget of $1mil
Visit Jackson
Rising Star Award
Tyler Duplantis, Explore Houma
Best Marketing Award Budget of $100,000-$499,999
Think Tifton
Best Marketing Award Budget of $500,000 - $999,999
Visit The Northshore
Best Niche Marketing Award
Mississippi Tourism Association
Partnership Award
Visit Lake Charles
Best Digital Marketing Award
Visit Oxford
Dorothy Hardman Spirit of STS Award
Melanie Beauchamp
Chairman's Award
Jill Kidder