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2025 Recognition Awards

Awards are now closed for 2025 submissions.

 

The Recognition Awards (NEW NAME, previously called Member and Chapter Awards) recognize the outstanding contributions of our industry members, with some categories also open to media (such as the Nathan Fong Memorial Award and Volunteer of the Year Award). In these awards, you can nominate a colleague, submit your own work, or celebrate an industry partner, depending on the category. This year, there are five categories in this section, highlighting the exceptional work being done within the industry—examples include Industry Person of the Year and Volunteer of the Year.

Fee: There is no cost to submit entries for these awards.

Note: Proof of Compensation and circulation numbers do not apply to the categories within this award section. 

Key Dates:

Awards Website Portal Opens (ALL AWARDS): November 17, 2025, 12 PM EST
Awards Website Portal Closed (ALL AWARDS): January 9, 2026, 3 PM EST
Top Finalists in Each Category Announced: April 8, 2026
Winners Announced: May 2, 2026 (at the 2026 TMAC Conference Awards Gala)

🏆 2025 Recognition Awards Categories 🏆

Best Itinerary of the Year

This award recognises the extreme care and effort that goes into a well-executed itinerary; one that helps TMAC media members bring partner destinations’ stories to life. TMAC media members may nominate industry members (industry members may also self-nominate) who created a press trip itinerary in 2025 that went above and beyond. This is the itinerary that inspired multiple stories, or a trip that people will be talking about for years to come.
Click here for Judges’ Scoring Criteria.

Host Destination Award

All media delegates of the 2025 TMAC Conference & Media Marketplace in Saskatoon are invited to submit your stories – created and shared on any platform/communication channel – about your experiences while in Saskatchewan. This includes pre- and post-tour articles, as well as articles written during your time in Saskatoon.

First Place: $250

Second Place: $150
Third Place: $100

Click here for Judges’ Scoring Criteria.

Nathan Fong Memorial Award

Established in 2021, this award is in memory of long-time TMAC member Nathan Fong, who served on the BC & Yukon Chapter Board and was president at the time of his passing. Nathan was a Vancouver legend, an award-winning food stylist, a media personality and a chef for the British Columbia government. He tirelessly promoted chefs through his various media platforms, which included 27 years on Global BCTV News, columns for the Vancouver Sun and a weekly radio show, Fong on Food.
 
The award, which is open to all TMAC members across Canada, 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.
 
First Place: $250

Second Place: $150
Third Place: $100
Click here for Judges’ Scoring Criteria.

TMAC Industry Member of the Year

The Industry Member of the Year award is presented to a TMAC industry member who distinguishes themself as a highly skilled and respected colleague to both industry and media members. This award highlights the work of a member who consistently demonstrates excellence. This industry member shows a deep understanding of and appreciation for the ever-changing needs of travel media. Nominees have a track record for developing unique story opportunities, facilitating successful partnerships and collaborations, curating tailored itineraries, and connecting media with expert voices. In other words, this is the industry member everyone raves about.
Click here for Judges’ Scoring Criteria.

TMAC Volunteer of the Year

This award is presented to an outstanding TMAC member, in good standing, who has demonstrated an instrumental role as a volunteer, including dedication, leadership and commitment to service and support of the association.

Click here for Judges’ Scoring Criteria.

National and Recognition Awards Submission Guidelines can be viewed here.

Meet Your Judges!