October 30, 2025
Get ready for an unforgettable gathering of the brightest minds in travel and tourism.
The Marketing Outlook Forum (MOF) 2026 brings together researchers, destination leaders, and marketing innovators to explore what’s next for our industry.
Over three days, you’ll gain data-driven insights from leading experts, uncover emerging trends, and connect with the colleagues and partners shaping the future of travel and tourism.
Join us in Charlotte—where research meets strategy, inspiration sparks innovation, and community drives impact.
MOF 2026 Awards Program
Each year, the MOF Awards shine a spotlight on excellence in tourism marketing—honoring the individuals and organizations using research, creativity, and leadership to move our industry forward.
Whether you’re an established professional or an emerging leader, these awards celebrate the best in our field and showcase the power of insight-driven decision-making in tourism.
Award Categories:
Cheryl Schutz Award for Destination Marketing and Research Excellence
Purpose: Recognizes a Destination Marketing Organization (DMO) 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 1–2 page summary detailing the research, goals, measurable impacts, and creative execution.
Prize: Plaque, one-year TTRA Organizational Membership, two hours of consulting with the MMGY Travel Intelligence team, and $500.
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, nominated by a TTRA member. Include examples of leadership and achievements.
Prize: Plaque; complimentary 2026 MOF registration; one-year TTRA Premier Membership (if not already a member); hotel accommodations for up to three nights; and $150 for incidentals.
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. Nominations—self or peer—are judged on originality, measurable outcomes, and program excellence.
Prize: Plaque; complimentary 2026 MOF registration; one-year Premier Membership (if not already a TTRA member); and $500.
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.
Prize: Plaque; one-year student membership; complimentary 2026 MOF registration; airfare; hotel accommodations for up to three nights; and $150 for incidentals.
Submission Deadline: All submissions MUST be received by End of Day, Friday, December 5th to be considered! There will be NO EXTENSIONS on this deadline.