Membership and Chapter Awards for 2023
TMAC Membership and Chapter Awards for 2023 are OPEN!
We are pleased to share the details for the Travel Media Association of Canada (TMAC) Membership and Chapter Awards for 2023.
Leopard among the trees in South Africa, photographed by Tamara Elliott. People's Choice Photo of the Year (2022) Award Honourable Mention.
Please review the submission details below and complete the form provided. Winners will be selected as outlined and announced at the 2024 TMAC Conference Awards Gala on June 15 in St. John's, Newfoundland & Labrador.
TIMELINE For Submissions
OPENS: March 4, 2024
CLOSES: April 8, 2024
MEMBER VOTING
Member voting for People’s Choice Photo of the Year will take place: April 16 - April 30, 2024
WINNERS ANNOUNCED
Winners will be announced at the TMAC Conference during the Awards Gala in St. John's, Newfoundland & Labrador on June 15th.
Fire in the Sky, as photographed by Robin Karpan. People's Choice Photo of the Year (2022) Award - Second Place.
GUIDELINES & FAQ's specific to MEMBERSHIP & CHAPTER AWARDS:
Please note that the 2023 Awards are presented in 2024, based on work published in 2023, unless otherwise specified.
Q. Do nominees for Volunteer and Industry Awards have to be members of the Travel Media Association of Canada (TMAC) or can they be anyone?
A: Nominees must be TMAC members whose membership fees are fully paid for 2024 BEFORE submissions are eligible to be submitted.
Q. Can I nominate myself or does someone else have to nominate me?
A: For ALL Award Categories as the member, you can only submit your own work for consideration - no one can submit on your behalf.
*EXCEPTION: Industry Member of the Year and Volunteer of the Year which are nomination based, by someone other than yourself.
Q. Do my entries have to have been published?
A: YES, and NO.
People's Choice Photo does not have to have been published - Industry members are not published as Media are, and are invited to submit.
For any Written and All Forms of Media categories, the entry is subject to our Media Membership Criteria. Submissions must have appeared in a publication or digital posting between January 1, 2023 - December 31, 2023, unless otherwise stated.
Q. Can I re-enter a submission that did not win in 2023 but was published within the time period?
A: No.
Q. I have a story that I have submitted for one of the 12 National 'JUDGED' Award categories, but would also like to submit it for one of the 'Membership & Chapter Awards' categories - can I?
A. YES, and NO!
Within the People's Choice Photo of the Year category, you are not permitted to submit the same photo, if it was previously used for the Judged Award Categories. Please do pull from your anticipated large portfolio to submit a new piece for this category.
For Written or other forms of Digital Storytelling, the 12 'Judged' Awards are judged separately from the Membership & Chapter Awards, and thus you are able to enter a piece the same story (or a different one) in both the 'Judged' Awards and the Membership & Chapter Awards.
Q. I reached my maximum of 6 submissions in the National 'Judged' Award categories, am I permitted to submit under the Membership & Chapter Awards Categories?
A. YES! The Membership & Chapter Awards are considered separate from the National Awards, please do submit, based on the entry limitations described below associated with each Award.
Q: How do I submit my entry(ies)?
A: Please use the online 2023 TMAC Awards Entry Forms below.
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Membership Awards for 2023
People's Choice Photo Award
New for the 2023 Awards, the People’s Choice Photo of the Year will adopt and embrace an annual theme which will draw attention to, and celebrate, key ideas and issues that are critical to the tourism industry. Members, media and industry, are invited to submit an image that meaningfully honours this year’s theme.
Celebrating the Pearls of the Tourism Industry.
The privilege of travel gives us the opportunity to discover, explore and experience destinations, but this wouldn’t be possible without the people who work within the industry - in all its channels.
Through photography, this category recognizes and acknowledges the role and value of those who serve on the frontline; including (but not limited to) experience and tour leaders, front desk, reservation and guest service attendants, room keepers and kitchen support teams, food and beverage servers and bussers, and groundskeepers.
Within this year's theme, through your lens, we invite you to draw attention to the unsung pearls of the industry. Your photo will capture an individual within their role, celebrating and showcasing the people who make travel possible.
Tea Time in the Atlas Mountains, Morocco, as photographed by Kevin Wager. People's Choice Photo of the Year (2022) Award - Third Place.
Judging: TMAC members will be invited to review all submissions and cast their vote for the image they feel best exemplifies the theme. Five (5) finalists will be determined, with certificates being awarded to 1st, 2nd and 3rd place and presented at the TMAC Awards Gala.
Criteria
- This award is open to both media and industry.
- There is no entry fee for this category.
- Submission limit is ONE (1) Entry per member. Any submissions above and beyond the first submitted will result in disqualification.
- Photo must have been taken within 2023 but does not need to meet the minimum criteria set for the TMAC Awards.
- Photo must include at least one individual
- A 15-25 word caption must accompany the photo to acknowledge the individual within the image.
- You cannot use an image that you have already submitted for the Judges Awards.
All submissions will be voted on by the membership. Voting will determine the five (5) finalists, and the subsequent 1st, 2nd and 3rd place which will be announced at the 2024 TMAC Conference Awards Gala.
Submit People's Choice Photo Award Here
Volunteer of the Year Award
The annual Volunteer Member of the Year award is presented to an outstanding TMAC member who stands out to both industry and media members as a highly respected colleague, using volunteerism to better TMAC and the travel media landscape.
This award will highlight a TMAC member who, during the past year, has demonstrated a commitment to TMAC and the travel media industry as a volunteer who is generous with both their time and their talents.
Nominees should have taken initiative to better the association and/or the greater travel media landscape. Examples include creating professional development opportunities; fostering industry connections; propelling TMAC to be more inclusive, open and/or forward-thinking; or contributing to the general management of TMAC as a professional organisation.
Did someone from TMAC go out of their way for you or the organization or industry as a whole? Submit your nominee along with a 50-250 word description, with example(s), of why the nominee is deserving of this recognition.
Presented annually, this individual is nominated by members of TMAC.
Our 2022 Volunteer of the Year Award Winner: Yashy Murphy
Judging: The final selection will be made by a panel of industry experts, upon review of all the nominees. New for 2024: the winner will be presented with a certificate and small gift of recognition from TMAC.
Criteria
- This award is open to both media and industry nominators and nominees.
- There is no entry fee for this category.
- Nominee is a champion for TMAC and a positive representative of the association.
- Nominee is reliable and demonstrates a strong commitment to the association and its mission. This nominee must be worthy of such a recognition.
- Nominee makes a significant impact on the work TMAC does in the association or in the industry more generally.
- There is something unique about the work the nominee does, the way they do it or their overall attitude that sets them apart from other volunteers.
Submit Volunteer of the Year Award Here
Industry Member of the Year Award
The annual Industry Member of the Year award is presented to an outstanding TMAC industry member who stands out both to industry and media members as a highly respected colleague, demonstrating true expertise in the field of travel and media relations.
This award highlights the work of a TMAC industry member who, during the past year, demonstrated excellence and pride in their work by: understanding and appreciating the needs of travel media professionals; seeking out and facilitating partnerships or collaborations; and approaching their role with creativity and excellence.
Nominees should have a track record of helping media develop unique story opportunities in a timely manner, curating tailored itineraries, and / or connecting media with the perfect industry expert.
Did an industry member impress the heck out of you this past year? Submit your nominee along with a 50-250 word description, with example(s), of why the nominee is deserving of this recognition.
Our 2022 Industry of the Year Award Winner: Tracy Ford
Judging: The Industry Member of the Year Award is presented annually with industry member nominations coming from TMAC members. The final selection of the Award recipient will be made by a panel of industry experts, upon review of all the nominees. New for 2024: the winner will be presented with a certificate and small gift of recognition from TMAC.
Criteria
- Nominations for Industry Members are welcomed from both media and industry members.
- There is no entry fee for this category.
- Nominee is a TMAC Industry member and a true professional who has contributed to the industry as a trusted resource.
- Nominee cultivates positive relationships and is highly respected in the travel industry. This nominee must be worthy of such a recognition.
- The Nominee fosters collaborations and partnerships that support TMAC travel media and inspire travel. They are recognized and leaned on by TMAC members, and create impact within the earned travel media space.
Submit Industry Member of the Year Award Here
TMAC CONFERENCE HOST DESTINATION AWARD
All media delegates of the 2023 TMAC Conference & Media Marketplace are invited to submit your stories (in any media format) about your experiences in and around Sudbury, Ontario.
Work published by conference delegates between January 2023 to the submissions deadline of April 8, 2024 are welcome.
Judging: All submissions will be shared with our 2023 Host Destination for their review and selection of the winner, with the winner being announced at the Awards Gala. There is no fee and no limit on the number of entrees.
Prize: Provided by Sudbury Tourism, our 2023 Host Destination, this gift of recognition will be a surprise for the lucky winner.
Submit Your TMAC Sudbury Conference Host Destination Story Here
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CHAPTER AWARDS
Nathan Fong Memorial Award
The annual Nathan Fong Memorial Award is generously sponsored by Nathan's family in partnership with the BC & Yukon Chapter.
This award, in memory of long-time TMAC member Nathan Fong, was created to raise awareness and highlight the many contributions Canadians of Asian descent have made to Canada.
Stories submitted for this award can be inspired by anything from the best places to eat in Chinatown, to historical places of interest, to modern-day attractions, culture, festivals, unusual distilleries, chef profiles, and more. The stories must include both an Asian and Canadian connection.
All forms of media storytelling are welcome in this category from written word to podcasts, video, and immersive and interactive media.
Nathan Fong, relaxed and happy on a family cruise. Image care of Nathan's sister, Lori Fenton.
All submissions will be provided to the BC & Yukon Chapter for review by a judging panel of community experts. Winners will be announced during the Awards Gala, June 15, 2024 in St. John's, Newfoundland & Labrador.
Submission Guidelines / Criteria:
- Submission timeframe for this award welcomes works published from January 1, 2023 to the submissions deadline of 2024.
- TMAC Members may submit up to 2 entries.
- Any submissions above and beyond the first two will be disqualified.
- You can use work that you have already submitted for the Judges Awards.
- You may not re-enter a submission that you submitted to the previous year's Nathan Fong Memorial Award.
- There is no fee for submissions.
The winning entries will be presented with a certificate and the following cash awards:
- First Place: $250
- Second Place: $150
- Third Place: $100
(See Judges’ scoring criteria: Nathan Fong)
Submit Nathan Fong Memorial Award Here
Ann Britton Campbell Award
The annual Ann Britton Campbell Family Travel Memorial Award is generously sponsored by Kent Campbell and Family in partnership with the BC & Yukon Chapter. Presented in memory of TMAC member and family travel advocate, Ann Britton Campbell, this award is designed to celebrate the many ways that family and adventure travel can positively impact the life of a child. If you’ve written a story that highlights a trip or adventure(s) you’ve experienced with your kid(s)—this is the place for it.
All submissions will be provided to the BC & Yukon Chapter Judge's Panel for review, and will be narrowed down to the top ten. The finalists will then be forwarded to Kent Campbell and Family for selection of the top three. The winners will be announced at the TMAC Awards Gala, June 15, 2024 in St. John's, Newfoundland & Labrador.
Ann Britton Campbell with her beloved family. Our thanks to Kent Campbell for the photos and the memories.
Submission Guidelines / Criteria:
- Submission timeframe for this written award welcomes works published from January 1, 2023 - December 31, 2023.
- TMAC Members may submit up to 2 entries.
- Any submissions above and beyond the first two will be disqualified.
- You can use work that you have already submitted for the Judges Awards.
- There is no fee for submissions.
The winning entries will be presented with a certificate and the following cash awards:
- First Place: $500
- Second Place: $200
- Third Place: $100
(See Judges’ scoring criteria: Written Word)