Linda Thompson Memorial Scholarship

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ADMEI proudly administers the Linda Thompson Memorial Scholarship—an annual academic award honoring a beloved leader in the Destination Management Company (DMC) profession.

Each year, up to two $2,500 scholarships are awarded to hospitality students who are preparing for a career in the DMC industry. The application window runs from May through November, with recipients announced in December. Scholarship winners are also invited to attend the ADMEI Annual Conference—with hotel and airfare assistance provided—for an unforgettable opportunity to connect with industry leaders and peers.

Pursuing a career in hospitality and Destination Management? Apply today!

Application Process


About Linda Thompson

Linda Thompson

Linda Thompson was the owner of Cappa and Graham, Inc. in San Francisco, CA and was a driving force in the development of the DMC Network. Linda dedicated herself to mentoring young professionals and raising the level of excellence in the DMC industry.

Not only did Linda run a successful DMC, she also advanced the industry by promoting educational programs and professional certifications. In addition, she was ahead of her time in the sustainability movement and incorporated environmentally ethical and “green” initiatives into her work.

The Linda Thompson Memorial Scholarship (LTMS) takes her leadership, positive spirit, and passion for the DMC industry and transcends it to a deserved student looking to pursue a degree in the hospitality field.

Please donate to the Linda Thompson Memorial Scholarship fund.


2025 Scholar

Karen Levy Weissmann

Karen Levy Weissmann - Karen is pursuing a masters degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management with a specialization in Mega Events from Florida International University.  An international student from Bogotá, Colombia, Karen is proficient in the English and Spanish languages.

Some of her work experience includes Kenes Tours, an Israeli DMC and ProColumbia (DMO) in Miami.

" I am truly honored to be selected for this scholarship, and I am excited to use this opportunity to connect with a network of inspiring individuals who share my passion for the Hospitality Industry. I look forward to making the most of this opportunity and achieving great things."

--Karen Levy Weissmann


2024 Aminah Coyne Indiana University
2023 Debby Rasson New York University
2022 Kylie Egbert Iowa State University
2021 Avery Engelman University of Central Florida
2021 Runner-Up Arnav Gupta New York University
2021 Runner-Up Lily Sweet King University of Mississippi
2021 Runner-Up Gracelyn Mansfield Virginia Tech
2020 Erica Nossaman Iowas State University
2019 (North American Winner) Hannah Patterson University of Central Florida
2019 (Non US Winner) Ekaterina Antonova St. Petersburg State University
2018 (Co-Winner) Natalie Castillo Niagara University
2018 (Co-Winner) Lindsay Bauman University of Central Florida
2017 Danny MacMillan Johnson & Wales University
2016 (Non US Winner) Khanh Pham Conrad N. Hilton College
2016 (North American Winner) Christine Wilson Michigan State University
2015 (North American Winner) Daniella Andrea Hoar Florida State University
2015 (Non US Winner) Debora Mathis George Washington University
2014 (Co-Winner) Chang Guan Roosevelt University
2014 (Co-Winner) Clare Luscinskas University of Massachusetts
2013 Amanda Johnson University of Las Vegas