As we reflect on 2023, a year etched with vibrancy and progress, a profound sense of gratitude washes over us at Visit Lake Charles. This journey of remarkable growth, impactful initiatives, and industry recognition wouldn’t have been possible without the unwavering support and collaborative spirit of each of you. This annual report serves as a testament to the collective effort that propelled Visit Lake Charles forward, weaving a tapestry of success stories that highlight the strength of our community.
In 2023, our destination’s appeal grew, drawing visitors with exciting new events and attractions. The inaugural Louisiana Food & Wine Festival offered a diverse culinary showcase, drawing a crowd of over 3,000 attendees, many venturing to Southwest Louisiana for the first time. Another highlight was the inaugural Chuck Eats Restaurant Week. The response from both visitors and locals was overwhelmingly positive, with nearly 21,000 website sessions and over 10,000 clicks to individual offers. Chuck Eats Restaurant Week not only highlighted the incredible food scene in our area but also provided a much-needed boost to local restaurants and businesses. These innovative events, alongside established favorites like Chuck Fest and the Black Heritage Festival, solidified our position as a haven for year-round experiences.
But growth wasn’t solely measured in visitor numbers. We deeply believe in fostering connections within our community, and 2023 saw us forge meaningful partnerships that enriched the lives of both residents and visitors. In partnership with the LA Rural Water Association, their annual convention was hosted in Lake Charles, contributing over $1 million to our local economy and displaying our hospitality to nearly 1,350 attendees. Through our support of SOWELA’s Culinary, Gaming, and Hospitality program with Chuck Tastes Restaurant Night, we backed the upcoming leaders in the industry, ensuring a bright future for Southwest Louisiana’s tourism sector. These initiatives, and countless others, underscore our commitment to being a driving force for positive change within our community.
One of the key themes of 2023 was our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. In May, we had the honor of hosting the Travel Unity Summit, which brought together industry leaders from across the country to discuss practical applications of DEI practices in travel. This event demonstrated our dedication to fostering a destination that is inclusive and welcoming to everyone.
The LHSAA Boys’ Marsh Madness State Basketball Championship Tournament and the Southland Conference Men’s and Women’s Basketball Championships were also major highlights, showcasing Lake Charles as a premier destination for sports events.
As we celebrate these achievements, we remain focused on the future. With the completion of our 2024-2026 strategic plan, we embark on a new chapter, guided by principles of sustainability, inclusivity, and enriching the quality of life for all in Southwest Louisiana. We envision a future where responsible tourism practices safeguard our unique cultural heritage and natural beauty. We dream of a destination that embraces diversity and creates equitable opportunities for all. And we strive to be a catalyst for community development, ensuring that the benefits of tourism reach every corner of Southwest Louisiana.
As we conclude this report, we express our sincerest gratitude for your support and collaboration. It is through your shared commitment that Visit Lake Charles continues to thrive, and we look forward to embarking on the next chapter of growth and impact, together with each of you.
Kyle Edmiston , CDME , CDTP President/CEO, Visit Lake Charles
Kyle Edmiston, President/CEO of Visit Lake Charles, addresses the crowd at the Louisiana Seafood Cookoff.
A world-class destination where all are welcome to experience our authentic culture.
To enhance the quality of life in Southwest Louisiana by optimizing visitor-related economic impact.
We Believe In:
Strategic Collaboration: We accomplish more through partnerships.
Authentic Kindness: We exercise intentional care and compassion for all.
Impassioned Hospitality: We ensure exceptional experiences through our commitment to service.
Our community and industry stakeholders know Visit Lake Charles as:
A transparent, trustworthy, and credible organization.
Innovative, impactful, and inclusive leaders.
Strategic and collaborative partners.
• Successful implementation of three of the following four catalytic projects as defined by Just Imagine SWLA (lakefront development, mid-city housing, Bayou Greenbelt, Nellie Lutcher District).
• Increase in minority-owned tourism businesses based on 2023 data.
• Increase average length of stay in Calcasieu Parish.
Visit Lake Charles is the only organization in Southwest Louisiana providing advocacy, promotion, and education for the tourism industry through:
Cutting-edge marketing and product development that inspires visitation.
Community leadership and collaboration with elected officials and industry stakeholders.
Programs, partnerships, and communications that drive destination development and economic impact.
1. Partner with City of Lake Charles to identify, contract and build an event center hotel.
2. Create and launch a SWLA sports commission.
3. Develop and launch implementation of a transportation strategy i.e., ridesharing taxis, water taxis, casino shuttles, core event shuttle transportation.
4. Complete construction and grand opening of Mardi Gras Museum of Imperial Calcasieu.
5. Partner with Southwest Chamber of Commerce, Black Chamber of Commerce, AAHOA, and Women in Business Network to identify minority-owned partnership opportunities.
1. Create and implement a baseline resident sentiment survey in 2024 and 2026.
• Year-over-year growth in Earned Partnership Value (EPV) average score over 2023 baseline.
• Year-over-year growth in aggregate score on stakeholder survey over baseline 2023.
• Increase in resident sentiment over 2024 baseline.
• Year-over-year growth in ADR, at least 0.5% above inflation.
• Year-over-year increase in visitor spend by segment (gaming revenue, economic impact, credit card spend data, seasonality spend).
• Year-over-year growth in organic Visit Lake Charles website traffic by 5%.
2. Enhance partnerships with McNeese and SOWELA, including workforce development, scholarships and internships.
3. Begin conversations and negotiations with Cameron Parish leaders to move tourism promotion under the direction of Visit Lake Charles.
4. Utilize EPV scores for grant application considerations in 2024 and forward.
1. Execute visitor behavior study in 2024 and 2026.
2. Share VLC owned data with partners (as appropriate) and staff to enhance their marketing and product development.
3. Use innovative technologies (i.e., ChatGPT) to enhance marketing and communications.
Festival/Event of the Year:
The Louisiana Travel Association (LTA) named the Louisiana Food & Wine Festival as the Festival/Event of the Year.
The inaugural Louisiana Food and Wine Festival, hosted by Visit Lake Charles, was created to showcase the entire state of Louisiana, from its unique culture and beauty to its renowned cuisine. The festival celebrated Louisiana’s spirit by showcasing food, music, and drink with local and celebrity guest chefs and beverage experts.
Best Niche Marketing Award:
The Southeast Tourism Society (STS) awarded Visit Lake Charles the Shining Example Award for Best Niche Marketing campaign. Visit Lake Charles captured the award for its Austin Integrated Marketing campaign.
Bronze Adrian Award:
VLC was recognized by the Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMAI) with the Bronze Adrian Award for its outstanding achievements in travel marketing. Visit Lake Charles won in the Experiential Marketing category for this year’s “As Much Joy As You Can Pack In” campaign launch.
Last July, Kyle Edmiston, President/ CEO of Visit Lake Charles, was honored with the Destination Organization Leadership Award at the Destinations International Annual Convention in Dallas, Texas. The Destination Organization Leadership Award is among the association's most prestigious honors, recognizing outstanding individuals who, through their exceptional work and achievements, have made a significant contribution to the destination marketing industry and a profound difference in the communities they serve. While Edmiston received the award, he emphasized that it
is also a strong reflection of the work done by the entire Visit Lake Charles team. “I am deeply honored by this recognition,” said Edmiston. “To be recognized by my peers in this way is a testament not only to my work, but to the hard work of the entire Visit Lake Charles team. They work tirelessly to promote our community and the joy that travelers can experience here. Additionally, I must acknowledge the committed leaders in Calcasieu and Cameron Parishes who understand the importance of collaboration in creating the best possible future for the Lake Area.”
Certified Destination Management Executive (CDME):
Anne Klenke, Vice President of Destination Development/Community Engagement, earned the tourism industry’s highest individual educational achievement, the CDME designation from Destinations International.
Destinations International’s 2023
30 Under 30:
Kathryn Shea Duncan, Sr. Director of Social Media, was named one of Destinations International’s 2023 30 Under 30 recipients. The members of the 2023 class were selected through a submission process, and Kathryn showcased how she has made strides for the area through visual storytelling, social media, and public relations efforts
Travel Marketing Professional: Colten Miller, Sr. Director of Brand Marketing, completed the three-year program at the Southeast Tourism Society’s Marketing College, earning the Travel Marketing Professional (TMP) certification.
Certified Travel Specialist:
Melissa Trahan, Director of Visitor Experiences, earned her credentials as a Certified Travel Specialist from the Louisiana Travel Association.
Louisiana Tourism Leadership Academy:
Brady Renard, Director of Content/Video Marketing, completed the year-long LTLA program. LTLA offers students the opportunity to meet and learn from seasoned and up-and-coming professionals in the tourism industry.
2023 Impact Award:
VLC President/CEO Kyle Edmiston was honored with a Louisiana Community and Technical College System (LCTCS) 2023 Impact Award. Edmiston received the Joe D. May Excellence in Public Policy Award, which recognizes individuals, organizations, businesses, and industries whose leadership efforts have been notably effective in advancing Louisiana’s education and workforce needs of students, businesses, and communities.
Chuck Tastes Restaurant Night:
VLC and Golden Nugget Lake Charles hosted a wildly successful Louisiana Seafood Cookoff. Chef Owen Hohl of New Roads and Prairieville was crowned the new King of Louisiana Seafood, with Lake Charles’ Queen of Louisiana Seafood, Chef Amanda Cusey handing over the title. Held with the cookoff was Chuck Tastes Restaurant Night, where 14 area restaurants offered samples showcasing Southwest Louisiana’s delicious culinary offerings and raised $12,500 for SOWELA’s Culinary, Gaming, and Hospitality program.
Colten Miller, Travel Marketing Professional Certification
Melissa Trahan, Certified Travel Specialist, Louisiana Travel Association
Anne Klenke (3rd from left) earns CDME designation; Kathryn Shea Duncan (far right), Destinations International’s 2023 30 Under 30 Recipient
Visit Lake Charles, Best Niche Marketing, Southeast Tourism Society
Adrian Award for “As Much Joy As You Can Pack In” campaign launch
Kyle Edmison receives the Impact Award
Result: In May, the Visit Lake Charles team launched the new “Joy” campaign with an interactive booth experience at the Pecan St. Festival in Austin, TX. The activation generated more than 1,000 newsletter signups with a post-event open rate of 35.2% and reached 950,000+ through social media ads, influencer partnerships and streaming ads. The campaign will continue to grow in 2024 to reach our target markets and capture the diversity of the destination and the experiences that evoke light-hearted yet adventurous feelings that are available year-round.
Result: Although out-of-state visitors were targeted with relevant advertising content, average spending decreased by 3% ($124) YoY. The slight 3% year-over-year decline in visitor spending can be attributed to multiple factors. Notably, inflation and economic downturns have led to travelers becoming more budget-conscious, impacting their spending patterns.
Result: Visit Lake Charles is dedicated to advancing diversity and inclusivity, with active support for both BIPOC and LGBTQ+ communities. Initiatives include the Black and Brown Fam tour, which spotlighted six Black-owned businesses ahead of the Louisiana Food and Wine Festival, generating significant media attention, including two features in Black Enterprise Magazine. Additionally, the organization has advocated for LGBTQ+ pride via social media and inclusively represented diverse individuals in its 2023 advertising campaign, “As Much Joy As You Can Pack In.” This campaign notably includes its first same-sex couple and centers on Simone, an African American woman, highlighting Lake Charles as a welcoming destination.
GOAL: Increase organic website user traffic by 15% over 2022
Result: Creating and distributing engaging, highquality content tailored to the interests of VLC’s audience, including detailed travel guides, blog posts, and videos, along with effective use of social media platforms to share content, drove a 22.5% increase in organic website traffic, comfortably exceeding the target of a 15% increase.
GOAL: Increase the number of earned media stories generated around Lake Charles brand pillars by 15% over 2022
Result: Through the strategic hosting of media writers, aligning with the destination’s brand and experiences via customized itineraries, there was a notable achievement of generating 34 articles about Lake Charles. This represents a 70% increase in coverage compared to 2022, showcasing the effectiveness of targeted media engagement.
2023
At the onset of the year, Visit Lake Charles embarked on a mission to redefine the destination as a sanctuary of year-round playful experiences, targeting high-value travelers and generating significant overnight visits from key audience segments. The goal was to rejuvenate its reputation as a premier destination that seamlessly melds excitement with relaxation, offering an unmatched experience. It was crucial to communicate that the destination not only bounced back but also expanded its leisure offerings.
In early 2023, Visit Lake Charles worked with Miles Partnership to unveil a new campaign titled “As Much Joy As You Can Pack In” to highlight the diverse attractions of the destination and the joyous, adventurous experiences available throughout the year.
The campaign’s launch was marked by an innovative activation that included a media component aimed at re-establishing Lake Charles as a top leisure travel destination within the influential drive market of Austin, Texas. The Pecan Street Festival in Austin was selected as the ideal venue for this activation. Evidence from media
performance, visitor statistics from resort partners, and a recent successful digital campaign in the Austin area all indicated that this festival was the optimal choice for the campaign’s introduction. Furthermore, the fact that Lake Charles hosts a multitude of festivals annually underscored the opportunity’s significance.
This original, four-part video series premiered on September 12 exclusively on the Visit Lake Charles YouTube channel. The season follows Lake Charles couple Eloise and Grant as they tour five of the region’s event venues and ultimately choose one to host their wedding reception.
Episodes aired on Sept. 12, 19, 26, and October 3.
Since Episode 1’s launch on September 28, 2022, Louisiana’s Playground podcast has aired 39 episodes and seven special editions. With nearly 8,000 listens, it has proven to be a remarkable platform for us to showcase the unique stories of Southwest Louisiana. According to Listen Notes, the podcast ranks in the top 10% of podcasts across the globe! VLC recently welcomed a new co-host, Jillian Corder, the Anchor and Assistant News Director at KPLC-TV.
Lake Charles came alive in September with a blend of food, wine, beer, and spirits, celebrating the vibrant culture of Louisiana and the South. The inaugural Louisiana Food & Wine Festival drew a diverse crowd of more than 3,000 attendees, many first-time visitors from 14 states and internationally. The festival took place in downtown Lake Charles at Bord Du Lac Park.
In January, Visit Lake Charles launched the inaugural Chuck Eats Restaurant Week, a celebration of local culinary delights. This event garnered significant attention, evidenced by nearly 21,000 website sessions, demonstrating the community’s enthusiastic participation. Additionally, the event sparked considerable interest in our culinary offerings, with over 10,494 clicks on individual restaurant deals. Visitors also engaged with the content on the ChuckEats.org landing page, spending an average of 1 minute and 24 seconds exploring what was on offer. This impressive engagement highlights the success of the event in connecting food enthusiasts with the rich culinary landscape of Southwest Louisiana.
In the dynamic realm of social media, our strategic approach underwent a transformation to align with the surge in vertical and short-form video content. Focused primarily on Instagram and Facebook Reels, TikTok, and YouTube shorts, our efforts culminated in a substantial 151% increase in video views.
Setting an ambitious goal of a 25% engagement boost, we are pleased to report an exceptional 72% overall increase. Pinterest emerged as a standout performer with an 113% surge, closely followed by Facebook with an impressive 85% rise.
The expansion of our online community was significant, registering a 17% growth across all platforms. Within this context, TikTok garnered a substantial 49% increase in followers, elevating our audience from 12,836 to 19,110
As the social media landscapes evolve, so must our strategy. In 2023, we adapted to these changes by
introducing Threads, a new social media platform, to our list. Simultaneously, YouTube shorts were incorporated into our content plan, strategically supporting initiatives like Louisiana’s Playground Podcast, Envie Eats, Say Yes to the Venue, and others.
Analysis of our top-performing posts unveiled a preference for event round-ups and features. Moreover, the incorporation of sneak peeks and behind-the-scenes features significantly contributed to the expansion of our audience and heightened engagement.
Strategic alliances and collaborations played a pivotal role in our success. Leveraging strong partnerships granted us access to new businesses and features. Social media takeovers featuring local festival queens and event organizers emerged as a valuable strategy, providing unique insights and experiences for our audience.
In 2023, Visit Lake Charles saw a record number of website users and sessions, due to a combination of factors, including a surge in post-pandemic travel, effective marketing campaigns, a strong digital and social media presence, and website enhancements to improve user engagement. Together, these elements have successfully positioned Lake Charles as a desirable destination, attracting an increasing number of visitors seeking both excitement and relaxation.
GOAL: Increase confirmed bookings by 15% for 2023 over 2022.
Result: In 2023, the sales team achieved a commendable growth of 10.79 percent. While falling short of the ambitious 15% target, this increase still represents a significant achievement. Specifically, the growth translated into an impressive gain of over 2,400 rooms in comparison to 2022.
GOAL: Examine and benchmark our booking windows to ensure that at least 35% of business being booked is over one year out so we can effectively manage our long-term strategy while remaining flexible in booking short-term business to fill needs periods.
Result: An analysis revealed that over 90% of bookings are made within a 5-12 month timeframe, aligning with post-COVID industry norms reported by Simpleview’s Year-End 2023 Quarterly Report. To encourage advanced bookings, the Meeting Incentive Program now offers greater incentives for two-year contracts. Additionally, in a joint effort from the sales and marketing team, a refreshed meeting planner guide was produced. Regularly scheduled meetings with hotel partners have also been established to address industry needs and challenges more effectively.
GOAL: Increase VisaVue visitor count by 10% over 2022 by end of 2023.
Result: According to Visa Vue’s annual report, there was a notable increase of 2,873 in cardholder count in 2023, up 31.54% compared to 2022. With the ongoing easing of international travel restrictions, a sustained upward trend in cardholder numbers is anticipated in the coming years.
GOAL: Engage industry partners in first-hand experiences Southwest Louisiana can offer to groups as well as individual domestic and international visitors, allowing them to better showcase our destination.
Result: In 2023, the sales team welcomed several tour operators to Southwest Louisiana, including Newmarket Holidays and Brilliant Edventures. Additionally, a twoand-a-half-day familiarization tour for the association and corporate markets was organized in November, with participation from eight individuals representing organizations across multiple states. The itineraries for these tours have been enriched to incorporate new businesses and opportunities as they emerge. These itineraries are expected to further evolve with the anticipation of new attractions opening in 2024 and 2025.
GOAL: Generate a 30% increase in booked and ordered services for groups across all markets.
Result: The year witnessed a 25% decline in services booked, attributed to two main factors. Initially, staff transitions in the services role during January, a critical period for Gumbeaux Gator bookings for Mardi Gras, and again in September due to an internal promotion, limited the range of services typically offered. Additionally, there was a notable decrease in tour guide bookings for both the Creole Nature Trail and the Historic District, likely due to logistical challenges along the Creole Nature Trail and the fact that many groups are repeat visitors who have previously experienced these tours. Efforts are underway to revitalize the tour offerings, aiming to provide a broader array of experiences for repeat visitors.
GOAL: Maintain our 5 Star customer satisfaction rating across all markets.
Result: In 2023, the sales team successfully maintained their 5-star satisfaction rating, thanks to enhanced processes that ensured a seamless transition from venue and hotel bookings to the arrangement of additional event enhancements. By clearly communicating deadlines from the outset, the team not only upheld the best internal booking practices but also significantly improved the overall client experience.
GOAL: Work with local Recreation and Parks districts to create a comprehensive Recreation Master Plan by Q3 for all of Calcasieu Parish that is inclusive of local use for quality of life as well as sports tourism as an economic driver.
Result: In collaboration with local elected officials and parks and recreation departments, a comprehensive Recreational Needs Assessment was conducted, engaging over 700 participants. Through their responses, alongside targeted site visits and interviews, The Huddle Up Group effectively developed a Sports Tourism Facility Master Plan. This strategic plan is tailored to accommodate the interests of both residents and the sports tourism community, ensuring a broad spectrum of needs are met.
GOAL: Create a Sports Commission within the jurisdiction of Visit Lake Charles by the end of 2023 in an effort to grow our commitment and national reputation as the Youth Sports Capital of Louisiana and evolve that brand to the Amateur Sports Capital of Louisiana.
Result: Research was conducted with other sports commissions across the country, identifying those with a successful track record in implementing a sports commission model. Leveraging our membership with Sports ETA, we sought professional guidance and best practices. Collaboration with an industry-leading firm has resulted in the development of a comprehensive 5-year plan, laying out a roadmap for success that includes targeting specific events/organizations and planning sales missions. Efforts are ongoing to identify and secure new events, demonstrating our capability to host a diverse range of sports activities in the area. The sports commission proposal will be presented to the VLC Board of Directors at the April 2024 board meeting.
GOAL: Increased collaboration with the Marketing team to utilize their skills to best promote upcoming events and opportunities for Southwest Louisiana through video, print and social media.
Result: The Sports Event Coordinator collaborated closely with the marketing team to meet all requirements effectively. Through monthly meetings, the team discussed upcoming events and opportunities, determining how the marketing team could best support these initiatives. Various events were identified for capturing video and photos. Plans are in place to intensify efforts in 2024, focusing on increased interaction and more frequent posts on the Youth Sports Capital Twitter page. The Sports Event Coordinator will spearhead this task in 2024, ensuring more consistent and effective messaging.
GOAL: Installation of a Gateway Sign in Sulphur on Interstate 10 facing eastbound traffic to increase visitation and create a downtown cultural district.
Result: The Gateway Sign project is on its way to receiving final approval in 2024, despite facing temporary delays from LaDOTD. Its installation will soon follow, marking a significant milestone. Meanwhile, the Downtown Cultural District has successfully come to fruition, receiving state approval and engaging the community through several public meetings. Additionally, we have facilitated the establishment of the Sulphur Downtown Business Association. This initiative aims to involve and invest downtown business owners in the Cultural District, fostering growth and collaboration within the downtown area.
GOAL: Spearhead construction of a New Imperial Calcasieu Mardi Gras Museum, providing the cornerstone for all things Mardi Gras in Southwest Louisiana.
Result: Land has been successfully acquired for the new Imperial Calcasieu Mardi Gras Museum, with the architectural design being completed within budget and spatial constraints. Looking ahead to 2024, Visit Lake Charles is finalizing the construction contract for the facility and will work closely with the Mardi Gras Museum Board to collaboratively ensure a vibrant and engaging experience that celebrates the rich tradition of Mardi Gras in our community.
GOAL: Work with the Nellie Lutcher District and Strong Downtowns committees of Just Imagine SWLA to make progress on initiatives.
Result: Visit Lake Charles (VLC) facilitated a gathering of the Nellie Lutcher District and Strong Downtowns committees under the Just Imagine SWLA initiative to deliberate on advancing their projects. While the Live Arts Venue Alliance project is currently paused, progress continues in other areas. Notably, a nomination for the Nellie Lutcher Memorial Park to be included on the Louisiana African American Heritage Trail has been submitted. This significant nomination is set for review in 2024, highlighting VLC’s ongoing efforts to celebrate and preserve the rich cultural heritage of the region.
GOAL: Collaborate with the City of Westlake to move riverfront development forward.
Result: In partnership with the City of Westlake and Horseshoe Casino, VLC is working to enhance community visitation through riverfront development. Discussions with city leadership have highlighted a comprehensive plan in place, with a dedicated group moving the project forward. Additionally, VLC has compiled research on successful waterfront developments in other communities and shared this with city officials to support the initiative.
GOAL: Increase Visit Lake Charles’s visibility within the communities of SWLA and within the tourism industry as a whole.
Result: VLC has dedicated itself to deepening engagement with local boards, committees, and community events, emphasizing teamwork and collaboration within our organization. We have implemented strategies to ensure active participation from our staff, including regular reminders and the maintenance of a comprehensive list to monitor our involvement effectively.
GOAL: Increase interaction with our partners to enhance engagement.
Result: In 2023, unforeseen scheduling challenges restricted the extent of outreach efforts conducted by the Visitor Experience team. Despite this, enhancing partner engagement will continue to be a priority in 2024.
GOAL: Maintain an overall average rating of greater than 4.0 on TripAdvisor and Google.
Result: The Visitor Experience team actively leveraged QR code cards to promote visitor reviews, successfully maintaining an overall social media rating well above the 4.0 target across all VLC platforms.
GOAL: Increase visitors to Creole Nature Trail Adventure Point by 10% in 2023.
Result: Efforts such as distributing targeted mailers to local schools, providing information on seasonal wildlife activities, and social media promotions led to a notable 9.2% rise in visitation to Creole Nature Trail Adventure Point in 2023, closely approaching the set goal of a 10% increase.
Kane Mitchell, Chair West Calcasieu Association of Commerce
Mike Buckley, Vice Chair Southwest Louisiana Lodging Association
Shonda Manuel, Secretary/Treasurer Arts & Humanities of Southwest Louisiana
Kyle Edmiston, CDME, CDTP President/CEO
Shanna Landry, CDME Chief Operating Officer
Anne Taber Klenke, CDME Vice President of Destination Development/Community Engagement
Melissa Trahan
Director of Visitor Experiences
Kristen Shiver Visitor Experience Manager
Sharon Ellender Adventure Guide
Brandi Smith Adventure Guide
Chalma Pittman Adventure Guide
Willie Mount Chamber Southwest
Evelyn White West Calcasieu Community Center Authority
Nicole Moncrief
City of Lake Charles
Eric Avery Southwest Louisiana Restaurant Association
Eric Zartler, CDME, TMP
Sr. Vice President of Sports
Sam Moore
Director of Sports Relations
Aubrey Caldwell Sports Event Coordinator
Taylor Beard Stanley, TMP, CHIA Vice President of Sales
Kaitlyn Gallegos, MBA, TMP
Director of Global Sales
Emily Treme
Director of Association Sales
Morgan Dodd
Meeting Sales Manager
Madison Yates
Destination Services Specialist
Nathaniel Allured
Southwest Louisiana Festivals
Hiren Zaveri
Southwest Louisiana Lodging Association
Richert Self
Calcasieu Parish Police Jury
Jay Kumar City of Sulphur
Timothy Bush, CDME, TMP, CDTP Chief Marketing Officer
Colten Miller, MBA, TMP
Sr. Director of Brand Marketing
Kathryn Shea Duncan, MBA
Sr. Director of Social Media/Communications
Brady Renard
Director of Content/Video Marketing
Candy Rodriguez
Director of Communications
Matt Young
Director of Public Relations
Toni Chapman
Digital Content Manager
Heather Savoie, CDME
Sr. Vice President of Finance
Cindy Johnson
Director of Accounting
