Southeast Tourism Society Marketing College
July 25-30, 2010, Dahlonega, Georgia
Propel your event and your career to the next level
For one week each year, tourism, festivals and events professionals from all over the Southeast meet at North Georgia College & State University for the Southeast Tourism Society Marketing College. During the week, students experience a broad-based curriculum of courses designed to teach marketing techniques from all facets of destination management. Marketing College professors are working, experienced professionals from across the U.S. who not only bring expertise, but real-world knowledge and experience, to the classroom.
From the time students arrive on Sunday evening until they depart on Friday, they enjoy classes, lectures, discussion groups and one-of-a-kind networking opportunities in an academic environment conducive to learning. Students who attend three years of Marketing College receive a Travel Marketing Professional (TMP) certification, presented at a special graduation ceremony at the STS spring meeting.
We incorporate plenty of downtime within the week, as well. Take part in the annual Hardman picnic, rafting down the Chattahoochee, shopping in quaint Dahlonega, playing hearts with your new friends and more.
- The premier educational program for the tourism industry in the U.S.
- A superior educational opportunity in a tranquil environment
- Classes taught by industry leaders and working professionals
- A perfect forum for the exchange of ideas
- Opportunities for networking with your peers from across the Southeast and the U.S
New in 2010!
We recognize the growing importance that festivals and events have in a community; in fact, festivals are the life-blood of a community’s tourism outreach.
Southeast Festivals and Events Association, in conjunction with Southeast Tourism Society, will offer courses at Marketing College that speak to those that work more closely with festivals and events.
Courses offered will be event management, sponsorship dollars, revenue generation and more. At the end of three years, a Travel Marketing Professional certification with official recognition given as a Festivals and Events Specialist will be bestowed.
Quotes from Past Marketing College Students
"I truly believe anyone in the tourism industry should attend this school. I have only held my position for seven months as Tourism Director and Every day I was telling myself, ‘I’m just not there yet,’ if you know what I mean. Now, I know I am ‘not there,’ however, I know I can ‘get there’ and do my job well, thanks to STS Marketing College. I have an altogether new approach for my marketing plan and I owe it all to STS."
"Marketing College was an excellent opportunity to learn from industry leaders about destination marketing. The networking opportunities with peers also proved to be an invaluable experience. I highly recommend the program."
"Marketing College has continued to revitalize my energy towards tourism, the organization and customer service."
"Attending STS Marketing College is one of the most memorable experiences of my career. The one week session each year allows you the time to step out of your day-to- day work responsibilities and become re-energized which in-turn helps you stay competitive and marketable in today’s travel and tourism environments."
"Professional development is important. We never know everything and with the TMP designation and the opportunity to attend the program offered for alumni, the development continues as well as keeping me on top of the latest and greatest affecting the hospitality industry. It’s good to see how other destinations are dealing with similar situations. Sometimes we forget that although the destination is different — larger or smaller — we all have the same struggle or challenges or needs. I look forward to the Alumni program knowing it will provide new and exciting ideas."