SITE Global Conference Scholarship

Application are now open for 2027:

The SITE Global Conference Scholarship was created in memory of SITE Past President David Riddell to expand access to SITE’s educational and professional development opportunities. The SITE Foundation will offer nine scholarships (up to $6,000 USD or equivalent each) to attend the 2027 Global Conference in Vancouver, Canada.

These scholarships are intended to support individuals who would benefit from participating in the event but may not otherwise have the financial means to attend.

Key dates:

Applications open: Wednesday, July 22

Applications close: Wednesday, September 2

Conference dates: March 1–4, 2027

Apply now

Application Process

Scholarship recipients will be selected by the SITE Foundation Board of Trustees based on demonstrated need, engagement with SITE, and the anticipated impact of attending the Global Conference.

Applicants will be asked to provide the following information:

Indicate whether you have attended a SITE Global Conference previously

Briefly describe your current role, career stage, and organization

Briefly describe your current and/or past involvement with SITE

Applicants must also submit:

Statement of Need (250–500 words)

Please describe the financial or professional barriers that would otherwise prevent you from attending the 2027 Global Conference and explain how this scholarship would make participation possible.

Essay Prompt (maximum 500 words)

Describe how attending the SITE Global Conference will contribute to your professional growth. Include how you plan to apply the knowledge, connections, and experiences gained to advance your career and contribute to your organization, community, or the SITE network.

Hear from a 2026 recipient, Glenn McCormack

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the scholarship cover?

Each Scholarship Includes

One complimentary registration for the 2027 Global Conference, including all educational sessions and evening events.

Hotel accommodations in a standard room at the Global Conference host hotel for the duration of the event.

Reimbursement for travel expenses, including flights and hotel transfers.

Please note: The total scholarship value will not exceed $6,000 USD. Travel reimbursement is limited to economy-class airfare; upgrades and premium cabin fares are not eligible. Hotel reimbursement is limited to standard room rates; suite upgrades and premium room categories are not eligible for reimbursement.

Who is eligible?

Applicants must:

Be a current SITE member in good standing

Be an individual for whom financial assistance is necessary to attend the SITE Global Conference

Be a student or an individual currently working in hospitality, motivational experiences, incentive travel, or a related industry field

Be at least 18 years of age at the time of application

Preference may be given to applicants for whom employer sponsorship, professional development funding, or other financial support is not readily available.

Who is NOT eligible?

Current SITE Board of Directors and Trustees

SITE staff members

Immediate family members of SITE staff or Board members

Scholarship Disclaimer and Terms & Conditions

This scholarship is awarded to support the recipient’s attendance at the 2027 SITE Global Conference. By accepting this scholarship, the recipient agrees to the following terms and conditions: 

Mandatory Attendance: The recipient must attend all scheduled days of the conference. Full participation in all main conference sessions, workshops, and designated activities is required.

Non-Transferability: The scholarship is awarded exclusively to the named recipient and may not be transferred to another individual.

No Cash Value: The scholarship is not redeemable for cash, nor may it be exchanged for any other form of compensation or reimbursement.

Expenses Covered: The scholarship will cover only the specific expenses as outlined in the official award notification. Any additional costs incurred are the responsibility of the recipient.

Conduct: Recipients are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner and comply with all conference rules and regulations.

Recipient Participation: By accepting the scholarship, applicants agree that SITE and the SITE Foundation may reference their scholarship application materials, including excerpts from submitted essays, for promotional, educational, and reporting purposes. Scholarship recipients may also be asked to provide a post-conference reflection, testimonial, quote, interview, or brief follow-up with the SITE staff team.

Revocation: Failure to adhere to these terms may result in revocation of the scholarship and the requirement to reimburse funds provided.

Acknowledgement: By accepting the scholarship, the recipient acknowledges and agrees to abide by all terms and conditions as stated above.

Reimbursement Process

Travel and hotel expenses will be reimbursed after the event. Recipients must:

Submit a completed reimbursement form along with all original receipts to the designated SITE staff contact.

Submit reimbursement documentation by the deadline provided in the award notification. Late submissions may not be honored.

Ensure all receipts are itemized and clearly show the amount paid. Receipts in a currency other than USD should include a note of the exchange rate at the time of purchase.