Tourism Summit RSVP & Thelma Parks Spirit Award Nomination
RSVP today for the 16th Annual Santa Monica Tourism Summit, where industry leaders, businesses, and community members gather for a morning of insights, networking, and celebration. This year’s theme is Santa Monica Tourism: A 360° Perspective. Enjoy a delicious breakfast, an awards ceremony, and expert discussions on the future of travel with top industry speakers— learn more and secure your spot now!
Looking to nominate an outstanding hospitality professional for the Thelma Parks Tourism Spirit Award and help celebrate those who go above and beyond in Santa Monica’s tourism industry? Submit your nomination today to honor exceptional service and dedication at this year’s Tourism Summit!
A heartfelt thank you to the team at Regent Santa Monica Beach for graciously opening up their beautiful property to host this event.
SMTT’s 16th Annual Tourism Summit
Description:
Santa Monica Travel & Tourism is pleased to invite you to the 16th Annual Tourism Summit. Join us for an informative morning on the future of travel with compelling speakers, including SMTT’s President/CEO, Misti Kerns, Visit California’s President and CEO, Caroline Beteta and more. This year’s Summit theme is Santa Monica Tourism: A 360° Perspective.
The event will feature an awards ceremony, delicious breakfast at Santa Monica’s newest hotel and a deep-dive into the future of our tourism economy—including insights into Santa Monica’s travel outlook, California forecasts, and industry trends.
Event Details:
When: Tuesday, June 10, 2025 | 8:15 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Where: Regent Santa Monica Beach | 1700 Ocean Ave
Summit Agenda:
8:15 a.m.
Breakfast Buffet
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Presentation: Travel Outlook,
Forecasts, and Industry Trends
Nominate This Year’s Thelma Parks Tourism Spirit Award Winner!
Description:
Has someone made your day? Santa Monica’s vibrant tourism and hospitality industry generates over $1 billion annually, thanks to the dedicated individuals who make it a world-class destination. To honor exceptional service, Santa Monica Travel & Tourism (SMTT) created the Thelma Parks Tourism Spirit Award, named after a beloved 23-year SMTT employee who exemplified dedication and hospitality before her passing in 2011.
This annual award, presented each May at the Santa Monica Travel & Tourism Summit in partnership with the Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce, recognizes those who go above and beyond in the industry. Nominations are open to businesses, residents, and visitors, with winners selected by a panel of industry peers and leaders.
Deadline to Nominate:
June 1, 2025
Nomination Rules:
- The business must be in good standing with the City of Santa Monica and SMTT.
- Have all required permits and licenses required by the law.
- All submitted entries become property of the SMTT, and by submitting an entry, you irrevocably grant SMTT the right permission to edit, reproduce, publish, broadcast, and display the essay and any related materials submitted by you. By submitting an entry, you further represent the entry does not violate any copyright or right of publicity or privacy, and agree to defend and indemnify SMTT for any such claims brought against it.
- Nominees must be a graduate of the I Am Santa Monica workshop.
- All chosen finalists/winners will be provided seating to attend the Santa Monica Travel & Tourism Summit each May and must agree to name and image in promotions.
- One (1) winner will be presented the Thelma Parks Tourism Spirit Award and the recipient will be announced at the Travel & Tourism Summit each May.
- Nominations must be submitted using the below form.