MTM Alum among the 30 & Under Emerging Leader Awards at the statewide California Travel Association

 February 19, 2024

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Last September, over 400 travel and tourism professionals across the state of California convened in Monterey for the 40th annual CalTravel Awards. The awards recognize extraordinary individuals and organizations whose leadership efforts have significantly impacted the travel and tourism industry in California. Bringing home some hardware at the Monterey Conference Center was Cayla Turain, a 2016 graduate from the Master of Tourism Management program. Turain was named among the 30 & Under Emerging Leader Awards given to those who have contributed through their individual efforts, to the promotion of travel, tourism, and hospitality in California. The description further states that these exceptional individuals have demonstrated the skills, talents, attitudes, and initiative that are the hallmarks of emerging leaders.

At the time, Turain was the Assistant Marketing Manager for Santa Monica Travel and Tourism, but as of January 2024, she was promoted to Marketing Manager, Trade and International. The destination management organization’s purpose is to promote Santa Monica as a conference, business and leisure travel destination.

Recently, Turain caught up with Dr. David Knight and MTM’s Tourism Leadership course along with sitting down for a Q&A.
Was receiving this award a surprise? What campaigns throughout the year were successes?
“Yes, it was quite a surprise and very unexpected—a true honor to receive this award! Some campaigns and initiatives that really made an impact on my work included our Brighton activation to announce our new Sister City partnership (we just received a Silver Adrian Award for this campaign); scheduling, shooting and presenting our first destination VR video to Visit California; and…honestly so much more. It’s been a great, hands-on job!”

How did you find the Santa Monica job?
“I researched what opportunities were available and utilized my network to make connections. I really had to tap into my confidence to attend a regional event alone to begin making local connections. Luckily, my future employer was in attendance and even though I didn’t meet them at the event, the CMO recognized me in the interview and shared that he remembered me because of how impressive it was that I had such confidence and skills.”

After just about two years, you’ve been promoted twice within the organization. How did you grow in that timeframe?
“It was my first time working in an admin position after a career of customer service positions. I was triple-stroking to learn an administrative position, marketing and the destination. I’m incredibly lucky to have found myself an incredible mentor in my boss and an extremely supportive team. Adjusting to my position, I relied heavily on basic information I learned in the MTM program, including the language and common acronyms used within the tourism industry. I even referred to a couple MTM books in the beginning! My knowledge of the tourism industry learned throughout the MTM program really saved me in the beginning and no doubt helped me land the position I did!”
What skills and knowledge from your graduate program are you using in your current position?
“Too many to name, but “a few” would include: Marketing; Research; Networking; Strategy; Sustainability Initiatives; Cultural Awareness; and, of course, Passion!”

What was your favorite aspect of your graduate program at CSU?
“My favorite aspect was the unique blend of intimate, long-term networking opportunities, which allowed me to forge meaningful connections with industry professionals in a close-knit setting. Additionally, the program’s emphasis on hands-on learning directly within the industry provided invaluable real-world experiences, enabling me to actively and confidently engage and grow in my field.”

Can you share a favorite memory from your time at CSU?
“One of my favorite memories from my time at CSU was presenting a comprehensive business plan alongside a fellow cohort member to the MTM Board, and achieving second place. This moment not only affirmed the culmination of skills and knowledge acquired through the program but also instilled confidence in my abilities. It was the best way to end my time in the program!”

What is some advice you would like to share with current students and/or prospective students considering your program?
“I advise current students to leverage your time in the program and be confident to make meaningful connections. The industry is small and the community is very close-knit. Everyone knows someone and connections can happen where you least expect it! For prospective students: this is the program you’re looking for. The flexibility provided by the MTM program and the deep investment in your success, and the industry, shared by the professors is something I didn’t experience until I enrolled in this program.”
What are your goals now?
“I’m adjusting to my new role and shifting my responsibilities on our team. Personally, I’m currently working on a certification in AI. No doubt this will impact our industry moving forward, and this is *the* biggest topic for our industry.”

For more information on the Master of Tourism programs: https://warnercnr.colostate.edu/hdnr/master-tourism-management/