Southeast Tourism Society Announces 2026 Shining Example Award Winners
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact: Adrienne Gadling, Director of Marketing & Communications adrienne@southeasttourismsocitey.org
This year's honorees recognized across nine categories for marketing excellence, leadership
and impact throughout the Southeast
RICHMOND, Va. (September 2026) – Southeast Tourism Society (STS) announced the recipients of its 2026 Shining Example Awards during the STS Connections Conference in Richmond, Virginia. Presented annually, the awards recognize tourism professionals and organizations across the Southeast for excellence in marketing, innovation, leadership and contributions to the region's tourism industry. This year's honorees were recognized across eight categories.
Best Marketing Awards
These awards recognize successful campaigns for their creativity, audience strategy, research and overall result
• Best Marketing Campaign, $100,000–$499,999: Visit Oxford
•Best Marketing Campaign, $500,000–$999,999: Visit Indian River County, FL
• Best Marketing Campaign, $1 Million+: Visit Baton Rouge
• Best Niche Marketing Award: Auburn-Opelika Tourism
• Best Digital Marketing Award: Visit Baton Rouge
Additional Shining Example Awards
• Rising Star Award: Candy Rodriguez, Visit Lake Charles
• Tourism Office of the Year, Under $1 Million: Visit Indian River County, FL
• Tourism Office of the Year, $1 Million+: Visit Lake Charles
• Board President Award: Chris Cavanaugh, President and Founder, Magellan Strategy Group
“Every year, the Shining Example Awards remind us just how much talent and dedication drive tourism across the Southeast,” said Nan Marchand, President & CEO of Southeast Tourism Society. “This year’s winners represent the very best of our industry — bold marketing, strong leadership and a genuine commitment to the destinations and communities they serve. Congratulations to all of them.”
