Rising Industry Professionals
Rising Industry Professionals (formerly the Young Professionals Leadership Development Program) is a development program for emerging professionals at DI partner organizations. By connecting them to a global network, targeted learning and real-world industry exposure, the program helps shape a stronger workforce for the future.
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Applications are Now Open!
Applications for the 2026 Rising Industry Professionals class are officially open! Review the program requirements, 2026 scoring rubric and applications questions below.
Apply for Rising Industry Professionals Program
Application deadline: January 20, 2026
Program Benefits
- Meaningful Connections: Join a tight-knit cohort of peers, building relationships that open doors, spark collaboration and support you throughout your career. The experience culminates with in-person connection at DI’s Annual Convention in July.
- Future-Ready Professional Development: Participate in a monthly workshop series designed to strengthen your leadership, personal development and industry skills. Gain discounted access to DI certificates and micro-courses to help you advance and stay rooted in tourism for the long term.
- Elevate Your Voice: Share your perspective through thought leadership opportunities and speaking engagements, gaining visibility across the industry.
- Nurture the Future: Participate in DI’s Mentorship Program and serve as a mentor to Pathways to Success scholarship recipients, shaping the next wave of talent entering our industry.
Criteria & Requirements
Please ensure you meet the below criteria before submitting your application.
Criteria
- Must be under the age of 30 on January 20, 2026.
- Must presently work for an organization that is a partner in good standing of Destinations International.
- Must have been an employee at your current organization for at least 18 months at the time of application submission. Must have been in your current role for at least one year.
- Only one individual from an organization will be chosen if multiple applicants from the same organization are nominated.
Requirements
- Nominees must have department leader or CEO support. This includes permission to take time to engage in year-round programming.
- Must be able to attend Annual Convention. All costs related to Annual Convention must be covered by employer.
- Participate in monthly virtual leadership workshop series.
- Serve as a mentor for Pathways to Success scholarship recipients.
- Commit to volunteer to serve on DI Committee in 2027.
2025 Honorees
Our industry partners under the age of 30 have the opportunity to apply for this special program that opens additional virtual networking and professional development opportunities throughout the year alongside the 30 Under 30 class.
August Erickson
Development Manager
Miles Partnership
Video
Geena Bevenour
Marketing Manager
Tourism Economics
Video
Mackenzie Shields
Digital Media Specialist
JNS Next
Video
Samantha Gerhart
Associate Director
Madden Media
Video