Frequently Asked Questions
Objective
To pay tribute to individuals, groups, businesses and destination marketing organizations that significantly contributes to the
Commonwealth of Virginia's economy through tourism promotion and development.
Why the VIRGO Awards?
VIRGO is a Latin derivative of the name “Virginia” and related to the Roman Goddess in the Virginia State flag “Virtus.” “VIRGO” is an astrological sign and one of the largest constellations in the sky used by early settlers and explorers as they “visited” new worlds. Spica, the brightest star in the Virgo Constellation, is one of the 15 brightest stars in the night sky.
Format
The VIRGO Travel & Tourism Awards Program is organized by the Virginia Association of Destination Marketing Organizations (VADMO) and is open to individuals, businesses, organizations or other entities located in the Commonwealth of Virginia. The program is open to VADMO members
and non-members. Submissions due by March 8, 2024.
Eligibility
Entries must have been produced between January 1, 2023 and December 31, 2023 and should pertain to programs that promote travel to and within the Commonwealth of Virginia, not outbound travel.
*Entries eligible for the "Creative Pandemic Marketing" category must have been produced between March 2019 through December 2021 and directly in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Judging
All entries are evaluated by impartial judges - tourism and marketing professionals outside of Virginia.
Cost of Entries
First Three Entries: VADMO member $40 each | Non-members $55 each
Fourth and More Entries: VADMO member $30 each | Non-members $45 each
Payment Portal
Award Ceremony
The Virgo Awards will be presented to winners at the VADMO Spring Symposium on Wednesday, March 27, 2024, at 12:15pm during lunch. Winners may make a brief acceptance speech at the podium when receiving award. Please limit speeches to three minutes. Winners will be expected to pose for photos with individual awards and then as a group at the end of the ceremony.
Media
A media release will be disseminated by VADMO announcing winners following the conclusion of the VADMO Spring Symposium. A media release template will be provided for Virgo winners to complete and share with their respective communities.
To pay tribute to individuals, groups, businesses and destination marketing organizations that significantly contributes to the
Commonwealth of Virginia's economy through tourism promotion and development.
Why the VIRGO Awards?
VIRGO is a Latin derivative of the name “Virginia” and related to the Roman Goddess in the Virginia State flag “Virtus.” “VIRGO” is an astrological sign and one of the largest constellations in the sky used by early settlers and explorers as they “visited” new worlds. Spica, the brightest star in the Virgo Constellation, is one of the 15 brightest stars in the night sky.
Format
The VIRGO Travel & Tourism Awards Program is organized by the Virginia Association of Destination Marketing Organizations (VADMO) and is open to individuals, businesses, organizations or other entities located in the Commonwealth of Virginia. The program is open to VADMO members
and non-members. Submissions due by March 8, 2024.
Eligibility
Entries must have been produced between January 1, 2023 and December 31, 2023 and should pertain to programs that promote travel to and within the Commonwealth of Virginia, not outbound travel.
*Entries eligible for the "Creative Pandemic Marketing" category must have been produced between March 2019 through December 2021 and directly in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Judging
All entries are evaluated by impartial judges - tourism and marketing professionals outside of Virginia.
Cost of Entries
First Three Entries: VADMO member $40 each | Non-members $55 each
Fourth and More Entries: VADMO member $30 each | Non-members $45 each
Payment Portal
Award Ceremony
The Virgo Awards will be presented to winners at the VADMO Spring Symposium on Wednesday, March 27, 2024, at 12:15pm during lunch. Winners may make a brief acceptance speech at the podium when receiving award. Please limit speeches to three minutes. Winners will be expected to pose for photos with individual awards and then as a group at the end of the ceremony.
Media
A media release will be disseminated by VADMO announcing winners following the conclusion of the VADMO Spring Symposium. A media release template will be provided for Virgo winners to complete and share with their respective communities.