Presented annually by MTJA to recognize an Associate or Alternate Associate member who has demonstrated exceptional hospitality, professionalism, and creativity in hosting or pitching travel journalists. The award celebrates the DMO staff who make Midwest travel stories possible by going above and beyond in service to the writers, photographers, and content producers they work with.
Open to any individual currently serving as an Associate or Alternate Associate member of MTJA. Nominees must have worked directly with one or more MTJA Active members on a hosted visit, press trip, or story pitch within the current membership year. Nominations are submitted by MTJA Active members who have personally experienced the nominee’s hosting or pitching efforts. Each nomination should include a brief written account of the interaction and why it stood out.