The TODAY! Award will be presented to an ABA member who has demonstrated they have what it takes to make an impact in the group travel industry—today. When making your nomination, consider the following questions:
- What is this member doing to be relevant?
- What is this member doing to make an impact?
- What is this member doing to make a difference?
- What is this member doing to expand their clients' horizons?
- What is this member doing to advocate, innovate and create?
- What is this member doing to influence tomorrow?
The chosen ABA member will receive this prestigious honor among an audience of their peers during the 2026 ABA Marketplace in Reno, Nevada. The TODAY! Award honoree will also be profiled in the May/June issue of Groups Today.
Nominations open October 27 to November 20, 2025.
**Nominee must be a member of ABA to be considered.**
**Nominee must be a member of ABA to be considered.**
Get to know some recent TODAY! Award winners below!
Kris Hoff
President, Distinctively Detroit Tours & Happy Times Tours
2025 TODAY! Award Winner
"I feel totally honored. It means that people really appreciate what we've done and really think a lot of us. I was honestly shocked!” Hoff said. “I believe to make a tangible impact you need to leverage unique qualities in order to shape perceptions and drive meaningful change, but it must be done while maintaining authenticity, integrity, and a strong work ethic for success."
Elizabeth Hall
President, John Hall’s Alaska
2024 TODAY! Award Winner
"This award recognizes my own work, my own leadership and the continued forward progress I push for in both my business, and the industry I love beyond anything else (besides my fur children),” Hall said. “Every time one of our clients, whether a group or direct, shares their positive experiences, it reminds me why we do what we do. I love sharing the world with people in the most perfect way possible—from Alaska to Africa."
Kate Scopetti
President, MARS and Companies
2023 TODAY! Award Winner
The Trailblazers of Group Travel: Women of Influence initiative celebrates the dynamic women shaping the group travel industry. These leaders bring talent, creativity, innovation, influence, and resilience to the table, making a lasting impact on every facet of the group travel experience.
These women are undoubtedly an integral part of what keeps the industry growing and thriving. That’s why we’re inviting you to nominate a trailblazing and influential woman who inspires, excels and leads in group travel. Whether they’re mentors, visionaries or brilliant leaders, their contributions deserve to be honored. Join us in spotlighting the remarkable women who make group travel thrive! These women can be from any area of group travel, from hospitality and DMOs/CVBs to tour operators and suppliers.
Nominations are open April 14 - May 27, 2025. Those chosen to be recognized will be featured in the September/October issue of Groups Today.
Nominations are now closed.
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