Each year, Destinations International announces its list of 30 individuals under 30 years of age who are making some serious waves in the tourism industry. The 30 Under 30 Program is a program by the Destinations International Foundation, which helps develop leaders of tomorrow in our industry. To learn more about the Destinations International Foundation, click here. 

Supported by founding program partner, SearchWide Global, and other powerhouse sponsors like IMEX, MMGY Global, and Northstar Meetings Group, these 30 individuals receive career-launching opportunities and nuggets of wisdom that could take decades to unlock on your own. If you are a 20 something or a CEO considering nomination of a young trailblazer in your office —listen up. This blog is for you. Here’s what you can expect from Destinations International’s 30 Under 30 program.

C-Suite Accessibility

 One of the most valuable components of the program is having the opportunity to learn from some of the industry’s top leaders. Honorees have exclusive access throughout the year (yes, even after the conference ends) to have discussions with current CEOs and executives of major industry organizations. Covering everything from leadership skills and lessons learned to asking for a raise or handling difficult office situations, these mentoring sessions answer the burning questions you weren’t taught in school.

Connections

It can be intimidating to stand alongside the boldest and brightest young leaders, but rest assured, after spending one week together these once unfamiliar peers quickly feel like life-long friends. It’s an impressive club and support goes well beyond the board room. It extends to being there for one another while facing life’s most significant challenges such as natural disasters, advocacy support, family crisis and more. Built on years of credibility, being named on the list opens doors to new opportunities in an ambitious and imaginative community.

Challenge

Selection for this award is obviously a great honor, but it is also a humbling experience. It allows you to see the industry from a wide-ranging perspective which gives you the tools to take your career to the next level. In the year following the award, I’ve witnessed promotions, career moves, and organizational progress—but it doesn’t end there. Career advancement is only one piece of the puzzle. We also inherited the responsibility to be the voice of the next generation of leaders. As we welcome the 2019 class, we challenge the collective group to continue to build upon the legacy of the 30 Under 30. You no longer belong to “tomorrow’s leaders,” but instead, today’s leaders.

I strongly encourage anyone that is interested in joining a group of intelligent, driven, and influential individuals to apply for 30 Under 30 today. There is a new tide of leadership, and it is up to us to help ride or change the waves.

The application deadline is March 22, 2019.