January 16, 2026
Celebrating Excellence at Marketing Outlook Forum
The Travel and Tourism Research Association (TTRA) is proud to recognize the recipients of the 2026 Marketing Outlook Forum (MOF) Awards, honoring individuals whose work exemplifies excellence in travel and tourism marketing, research, and leadership. These awards celebrate meaningful contributions that strengthen destinations, inform decision making, and advance the connection between research and practice across the industry.
The Marketing Outlook Forum brings together researchers, destination professionals, and industry leaders from around the world to explore timely insights shaping the future of travel and tourism. Within this collaborative and forward-looking setting, TTRA is pleased to highlight this year’s award winners, whose achievements reflect the innovation, rigor, and impact that define the MOF community.
At MOF 2026, we are honored to celebrate the individuals recognized this year for their outstanding contributions to the travel and tourism industry.
Award Winners
John and Joan Markham Tourism Marketing Award
This award recognizes outstanding student research focused on future trends in destination marketing. It honors emerging scholars whose work demonstrates strong analytical thinking and a clear connection between research and real-world application in travel and tourism.
This award is sponsored by Longwoods International.
🏆 Winner: Abby Kidder, North Carolina State University
Recognized for student research exploring how research-driven marketing can strengthen destination resilience amid economic, environmental, and social change.
Emerging Leader Rising Star Award
The Emerging Leader Rising Star Award recognizes an early-career professional who has demonstrated exceptional leadership, commitment, and promise within the travel and tourism industry. It honors individuals who are already making meaningful contributions early in their careers.
This award is sponsored by Lighthouse.
🏆 Winner: Justinna Brown-Walter, Visit Lafayette–West Lafayette
Recognized for building strong research foundations, advancing data-informed decision making, and strengthening the role of tourism in community wellbeing early in her career.
J. Desmond Slattery Professional Marketing Award
The J. Desmond Slattery Professional Marketing Award honors a travel and tourism marketing professional whose work reflects originality, excellence, and measurable impact at the state or national level. The award recognizes leadership that advances destinations through strategic, research-informed marketing.
This award is sponsored by TTRA.
🏆 Winner: Bianca Cook, Founder, The NOLA Collective
Honored for redefining destination storytelling through authentic, culture-centered marketing that drives measurable tourism and economic impact for Louisiana communities.
A Celebration of Excellence
Each winner has earned a complimentary registration to the 2026 Marketing Outlook Forum, along with additional prizes that may include plaques, memberships, travel support, and more. Awards will be presented during the conference’s celebratory luncheon, where the industry will come together to recognize excellence in travel and tourism marketing.
Want to learn more about TTRA and Marketing Outlook Forum? Visit TTRA.com for updates on our events, membership benefits, and how we support excellence in travel and tourism research.