September 16, 2026

2027 Marketing Outlook Forum Awards, New Orleans, Louisiana
Marketing Outlook Forum 2027

Recognizing Excellence in Travel and Tourism

The 2027 Marketing Outlook Forum Awards are now open for nominations and submissions.

Each year, the MOF Awards recognize individuals and organizations whose research, leadership, creativity, and contributions are helping move travel and tourism forward.

Consider nominating a colleague, emerging leader, industry professional, organization, or student whose work deserves recognition.

Submission Deadline Friday, November 20, 2026 All nominations and supporting materials must be received by the deadline.
Submit a Nomination
2027 MOF Awards

Award Categories

The MOF Awards celebrate excellence across tourism research, destination marketing, professional leadership, and the next generation of tourism professionals.

01

Cheryl Schutz Award for Destination Marketing and Research Excellence

Purpose

Recognizes a Destination Marketing Organization or individual whose research-driven decisions have made a measurable, positive impact on travel and tourism.

Requirements

Open to DMOs and industry professionals. Submissions should include a 1 to 2 page summary detailing the research, goals, measurable impacts, and creative execution.

Award

Plaque, one-year TTRA Organizational Membership, two hours of consulting with the MMGY Travel Intelligence team, and $500.

02

Emerging Leader Rising Star Award

Purpose

Celebrates a rising professional who exemplifies passion, innovation, and leadership in travel and tourism.

Requirements

Nominees must be early-career professionals with at least one year of industry experience and must be nominated by a TTRA member. Nominations should include examples of leadership and achievements.

Award

Plaque, complimentary 2027 Marketing Outlook Forum registration, one-year TTRA Premier Membership if not already a member, hotel accommodations for up to three nights, and $150 for incidentals.

03

J. Desmond Slattery Professional Marketing Award

Purpose

Honors a professional whose outstanding work has significantly advanced travel marketing at the state, regional, or national level.

Requirements

Open to all travel marketing professionals. Self-nominations and peer nominations are accepted and judged on originality, measurable outcomes, and program excellence.

Award

Plaque, complimentary 2027 Marketing Outlook Forum registration, one-year TTRA Premier Membership if not already a member, and $500.

04

John & Joan Markham Tourism Marketing Award

Purpose

Established in honor of John and Joan Markham’s enduring commitment to TTRA, this award supports a student exploring the future of tourism marketing.

Requirements

Open to undergraduate or master’s students. Submissions must include a five-page paper on emerging destination marketing trends and two recommendation letters.

Award

Plaque, one-year TTRA Student Membership, complimentary 2027 Marketing Outlook Forum registration, airfare, hotel accommodations for up to three nights, and $150 for incidentals.

Awards Presentation
January 27 2027

Marketing Outlook Forum 2027

Award recipients will be recognized during the 2027 Marketing Outlook Forum in New Orleans, Louisiana, on Wednesday, January 27, 2027.

Submit a Nomination

Help Us Recognize Excellence

Help TTRA recognize the people and organizations making a meaningful contribution to tourism research, marketing, and leadership.

Nominations close Friday, November 20, 2026.
Submit a Nomination

There will be no extensions to the submission deadline. Questions about the MOF Awards can be directed to in**@**ra.com.

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