Linda Thompson Memorial Scholarship
Scholarship Sponsored by Association of Destination Management Executives International
Overview
ADMEI administers the Linda Thompson Memorial Scholarship, an annual academic award that honors a respected leader in the Destination Management Company (DMC) profession. The scholarship supports hospitality students pursuing careers in the DMC and meeting & events industries. Applications are accepted from June through November, and recipients are announced in December. Winners are invited to the ADMEI Annual Conference to connect with industry leaders and assist with conference planning and onsite logistics.
Description: An annual scholarship administered by ADMEI to support hospitality students entering the DMC field and to honor Linda Thompson’s legacy.
- Annual award for students pursuing DMC careers
- Application window: June–November; recipients announced in December
- Conference participation and industry engagement opportunities for winners
Eligibility
The scholarship is open to students pursuing careers in the Destination Management Company (DMC) or meeting and events industry. Applicants should demonstrate interest and intent to build a career in these sectors. Specific enrollment status or academic level requirements are not detailed in the source material.
Eligibility: Any student pursuing a career in the DMC or meeting & events industry.
- Open to students focused on DMC or meeting & events careers
- No additional eligibility details provided in source
Application Requirements & Timeline
Applicants must submit a set of materials that demonstrate qualifications and interest in the field. Required items include a resume, a letter of recommendation, and a video essay of one to three minutes. Applications are accepted from June through November, with recipients notified in December. Winners are later invited to participate in the ADMEI Annual Conference the following February.
Required Materials: Resume; letter of recommendation; video essay (1–3 minutes).
Application Timeline: Applications accepted June–November; recipients announced in December; conference participation in February.
- Resume, recommendation, and short video essay required
- Application period: June–November
- Recipients announced in December; conference in February
Award Details
The scholarship provides financial support and professional development opportunities to the recipient. The award includes a $2,500 payment made directly to the recipient’s university. Winners receive an invitation to the ADMEI Conference in New Orleans (21–23 February 2027), including hotel accommodations and round-trip airfare, along with hands-on event experience and access to the ADMEI Awards Gala. The opportunity also offers exclusive networking with industry leaders.
Award Value: $2,500 paid to the university; conference invitation with travel and hotel included; hands-on event experience and gala invitation.
- $2,500 scholarship paid to the university
- Conference invitation (New Orleans, 21–23 February 2027) with travel and lodging
- Practical event experience and networking opportunities
History of the Award
The scholarship commemorates Linda Thompson, former owner of Cappa and Graham, Inc., and a major contributor to the DMC Network. She was known for mentoring young professionals, promoting educational programs and professional certifications, and advancing sustainability practices within the industry. The Linda Thompson Memorial Scholarship preserves her leadership, positive spirit, and commitment to excellence by supporting students pursuing hospitality degrees. The award reflects her legacy of professional development and environmental stewardship.
History of the Award: Established in memory of Linda Thompson to honor her mentorship, industry leadership, and advocacy for education and sustainability in the DMC profession.
- Named for Linda Thompson of Cappa and Graham, Inc.
- Recognizes mentorship, education, and sustainability contributions
- Supports students following Thompson’s legacy in the DMC industry