Sunshine Matters

Many new and exciting changes to the Flagler Awards have transpired this year, but the principle remains the same: to recognize outstanding tourism marketing in Florida.  Each year, the Flagler Awards pay tribute to the determined efforts of those who use their skill, resourcefulness, creativity and innovative spirit to market Florida to the world and, in doing so, help ensure the continued success of the state’s most important industry.

Changes in the format are the result of a recent industry survey, input from past judges and entrants, and a historical review of previous Flagler entries by category.  Based on that information, some categories have been combined and one redundant category was eliminated.  The goal of the revised format was to redefine categories to better accommodate new technologies, without creating too many overall.

The new categories for 2011 are listed and described below:

Niche Marketing – This is an expansion of the “Multicultural Marketing” category and is for entries that target any niche audience, by ethnicity (African American, Hispanic, etc.), lifestyle (GLBT), interest (eco, wedding, golf, historic, pet travel) or other factors. 

Tourism Advocacy – This category will capture any programs intended to promote the industry and its importance to the state and smaller regions, including legislative activities, National Tourism Day, annual reports, industry events, annual meetings, industry newsletters, marketing presentations, etc.

Mobile Marketing – This new category is for all marketing intended for cell phones, tablets and other mobile devices using apps, SMS, MMS, in-game, mobile web, proximity and location-based and other mobile technology.

Social Media Marketing – Perhaps the most significant addition to the line-up, this category is for all forms of social media marketing, including email, blogs, vlogs, IM, crowdsourcing, enewsletters, Internet forums, podcasts, wikis, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, viral video, music/photo/video sharing, microblogging, social bookmarking and anything else out there.

An additional change this year is that there will be a Henry, Silver and Bronze Flagler Award given in each category.  As in years past, Best of Show awards will also be given, based on three dollar levels of marketing budget. 

Every year, the Flagler Awards honor many of the countless individuals and organizations that help maintain and improve Florida’s position as the No. 1 travel destination in the world.  The awards are open to all individuals, private businesses and not-for-profit organizations offering a product or service that promotes tourism to or within the state of Florida.

Nominations are now open and the deadline for entries is Friday, May 27, 2011.  For more information on the Flagler Awards, please visit VISITFLORIDA.org/Flagler or contact Maria Hayworth at (386) 677-7000 or email flaglerawards@visitflorida.org.

The Flagler Awards will be presented during the Florida Governor’s Conference on Tourism, September 25-27, 2011, at the Westin Diplomat Resort & Spa in Hollywood, Florida.  We hope to see you on stage!