Shreveport-Bossier Convention & Tourist Bureau

May - June 2019 Newsletter

First Shreveport Stuffed SBCTB Hosts Int'l Sales Shreveport-Bossier to Host Inside: Shrimp Festival, May 11 page Training Seminar page 3 Olympic Qualifier page 3 “Be A Fan Of Shreveport-Bossier” Campaign Returns With Dates to Discounts, Special Offers And Experiences, May 1-31 Remember: Be a Fan of Shreveport-Bossier, a month-long promotional campaign P.R.I.D.E. Awards organized by the Shreveport-Bossier 5/9 6 p.m. Convention and Tourist Bureau and Horseshoe Casino and Hotel the Shreveport-Bossier Attractions Association, will return with Hospitality Breakfast exclusive discounts, special events, 6/5 8 a.m. giveaways, and more, May 1-31. Harrah's Louisiana Downs Be a Fan of Shreveport-Bossier was Shreveport-Bossier Convention and Tourist Bureau, Shreveport-Bossier Attractions Hotel and Lodging designed to complement National Association partner to spotlight local attractions during annual promotion. Association Meeting Travel and Tourism Week, May 5-11, one-half-off tickets to the Spirit of the Tours to complement National Travel 5/9 11:30 a.m. by incentivizing locals and visitors Red River Cruise; and more. and Tourism Week. The program is Shreveport Aquarium alike to explore attractions such as Be a Fan of Shreveport-Bossier will designed to create super fans of the 6/13 5:30 p.m. museums, art galleries, farmers’ also include several ticketed tours area and showcase the importance Horseshoe Casino and Hotel markets, parks and concert venues. and events. These include: "Be a Fan of tourism and customer service Complete details of the Be a Fan of Shreveport-Bossier at Kegs and excellence to a thriving Shreveport- For more Hotel and Lodging Association information, contact of Shreveport-Bossier campaign Corks Festival Walking Tour," May 4 Bossier economy. The first tour, Joanna Folse-Alexander at – including exclusive discounts, at East Bank District in Bossier City; which was held on April 29, was [email protected]. special events, and a staycation “All About the Roses,” May 11 at designed for medical students of giveaway – may be found at the Gardens of the American Rose Louisiana State University Health www.BeaFanofSB.com. Sponsors of Center; “The Great Create,” May 18 Shreveport. A second ambassador Get Social … the promotion include KTAL NBC 6 at The Agora Borealis; “The tour highlighting art will be held on with Us! and Paragon Press. Backstage Music Tour,” May 19 at May 14. For more information about Examples of discounts being Shreveport Municipal Auditorium; ambassador tours and to sign up, /LouisianasOtherSide offered by participating attractions and the "Us Up North Culinary visit www.Shreveport-Bossier.org/ @sbctb include: $4 off adult tickets to Experience,” May 25 at Us Up North. Industry-Partners. @seeshreveportbossier Shreveport Aquarium, May 1-15; $6 In addition, the tourist bureau and To learn more about Be A Fan of /ShreveportBossier off admission to Splash Kingdom its partners will host two Be a Fan Shreveport-Bossier, visit Blog: www.20x49.com Waterpark Shreveport; buy-one-get- of Shreveport-Bossier Ambassador www.BeAFanOfSB.com. Events: www.SBFunGuide.com SEE IT. BET IT. TASTE IT. www.Shreveport-Bossier.org www.Shreveport-Bossier.org Your Bureau at Work Brandy Evans, Drake visited attractions including Gators vice president of & Friends Adventure Park, R.W. Norton communications, was Art Gallery, East Bank District and Plaza, 5/2 Jam on the Red Concert Series invited to speak with and more. Jay also arranged a visit for the Shreveport Aquarium local blogger and editors of RVMiles.com, a popular RV travel 5/3 Taco Wars II influencer Jada Durden website and podcast, who visited Sci-Port Louisiana State University Shreveport of Loving This Life Discovery Center and the ASEANA Spring Brandy Evans Jada at the TBEX North Festival, among other attractions, 5/4 Be a Fan of Shreveport-Bossier at Kegs and Corks Festival Walking Tour American Conference in Billings, Mont., March 27-April 2. East Bank District, Bossier City Sept. 11-13. TBEX is the largest conference Aly Velasquez, 5/4 Kegs and Corks Craft Beer and Wine Festival and networking event for travel bloggers, marketing associate, Flying Heart Brewing and Pub online travel journalists, new media Gina dePingre', bureau 5/4 Gusher Days Festival content creators, travel brands and industry service manager, and Earl G. Williamson Park professionals. Candy Welch, visitor Kevin Flowers, services specialist, set 5/4 Shreveport Derby Day R. W. Norton Art Gallery convention sales up a Shreveport-Bossier manager, attended a Aly Velasquez information booth 5/11 Be A Fan of Shreveport-Bossier All About the Roses Tour YMRC Military Reunion at Tickets and Travel American Rose Center Marketplace in Baton Showcase at Barksdale Rouge, March 3-5. Air Force Base on 5/11 Shreveport Stuffed Shrimp Festival Louisiana State Fairgrounds Flowers secured three March 29. The annual Kevin Flowers 5/18 Be A Fan of Shreveport-Bossier requests for proposals event is a resource for Great Create Workshop from planners interested in bringing their base personnel and The Agora Borealis reunions to Shreveport-Bossier. Gina dePingre' their families to learn 5/18-19 Defenders of Liberty Airshow Stacy Brown, about things to do in Barksdale Air Force Base president, attended Shreveport-Bossier.

5/19 Be A Fan of Shreveport-Bossier the Southeast Tourism Erica Telsee, Backstage Music Tour Society board meeting tourism sales manager, Shreveport Municipal Auditorium in Daytona Beach, Fla. on promoted Shreveport- 5/24 Dustin Lynch March 18. Brown also Bossier during the The Riverdome at Horseshoe Casino and Hotel attended the National Louisiana Office of 5/24-26 Mudbug Madness 36 Stacy Brown Scenic Byway board Candy Welch Tourism Canadian sales Festival Plaza retreat in Denver, Colo., mission, April 1-5. The 5/25 Be A Fan of Shreveport-Bossier March 21-23. seven-person group Us Up North Dining Experience David Bradley, vice traveled to Toronto and 300 N. Allen St., Shreveport president of convention Montreal for the sales 5/31 REO Speedwagon and tourism sales, and marketing mission, The Riverdome at Horseshoe Casino and Hotel attended Connect meeting with tour

5/31 The 2019 Fashion Project Diversity in Birmingham, operators and travel Dare Ultra Pool and Day Club at Horseshoe David Bradley Ala., March 18-20. The Erica Telsee agents. Casino and Hotel event focuses on multicultural and LGBTQ The Communications Department 6/15 The Cross Lake Floatilla business in the meetings, sports and and the Shreveport-Bossier Attractions Cross Lake events industry. During the conference, Association (SBAA) hosted a SBAA Seminar 6/15 Sunflower Trail and Festival Bradley met with 27 meeting planners at Shreveport Aquarium on April 2. Hwy. 3049, Gilliam and received three request for proposals. The seminar featured a marketing 6/21 Lady Antebellum Chris Jay, social media plan presentation by Sarah McKinney, The Riverdome at Horseshoe Casino and Hotel and public relations senior account executive at Romph and manager, hosted a one-on- Pou Agency, and a presentation about Submit your events to www.SBFunGuide.com, an one media familiarization content marketing by Danielle Richard, online community events calendar, for future promotions. tour with writer Cynthia owner and graphic designer at Richard Drake, a travel contributor Creative. Information was also presented to the Austin American- about how to participate in Be A Fan of www.SBFunGuide.com Chris Jay Statesman, March 27-29. Shreveport-Bossier 2019. 2 www.Shreveport-Bossier.org May - June 2019

Inaugural Shreveport Stuffed Shrimp Festival To Be Held May 11

The Eddie E. Hughes and . Musical guests Foundation and Budweiser will scheduled to perform include DJ present the Inaugural Shreveport Love, Windstorm, Tipsey, Blaze Stuffed Shrimp Festival at the Band featuring Mark Scroggins, Louisiana State Fairgrounds, 11 Gabriel “Saxman” Johnson, a.m.-11 p.m., Saturday, May 11. WildjBrown, Cheryl Boggs, Big The festival will include live Fella Zil, The LaRoux’s, Muzikology music, cooking demonstrations, the Band, Mademoiselle, Cuzn historical presentations, food Jed and Poppa Locc, Poppa trucks, arts and crafts vendors Hussein, Shreveport Second Line and a kid-friendly play area Brass Band and Bailee Gabriel. In with bounce houses and more. addition to live music, the festival Admission to the festival is free. The free festival will celebrate the unique style of stuffed shrimp created in Shreveport, will include a golf tournament The purpose of establishing as well as the cultural and historical significance of the beloved regional specialty. at 9 a.m., a domino tournament the Shreveport Stuffed Shrimp rich history of stuffed shrimp in Stuffed Shrimp Festival will feature at 12 p.m., and a cornhole Festival is to foster understanding Shreveport, the festival will offer celebrity host Darrin Henson, tournament at 2 p.m. and appreciation of the unique the very best in family fun and an award-winning and For more information on style of stuffed shrimp that entertainment in a casual and choreographer best known for his the Shreveport Stuffed Shrimp were created and popularized in wholesome setting. work with such popular artists as Festival, visit Shreveport. While celebrating the The Inaugural Shreveport , www.stuffedshrimpfestival.com.

Shreveport-Bossier Convention and Shreveport-Bossier To Host The Tourist Bureau Hosts International 2020 Women’s Volleyball Olympic Sales Training Seminar Qualifier, August 2-4 to destinations such as New Orleans, The 2019 FIVB Women's Volleyball Dallas or Nashville. Our destination Intercontinental Olympic Qualification is attractive to them because of Tournament will be held at our music history, Chimp Haven, CenturyLink Center, August 2-4. American Rose Center, Louisiana This tournament will be hosted Tax Free Shopping at the Louisiana by the United States Women’s International visitors frequent Louisiana Boardwalk Outlets, American Rose Center, Boardwalk Outlets and and more.” National Volleyball Team, which Shreveport Municipal Auditorium and more. The seminar was led by Tico will compete against the national The Convention and Tourism Sales Soto, founder of Tourism Tactics women’s volleyball teams of Department for the Shreveport- by Tico, who gave an overview of Argentina, Bulgaria and Kazakhstan Bossier Convention and Tourist international tourism for the state in round-robin play. The winner will Kelly Wells and Karch Kiraly, coach of the U.S. Women’s National Team, speak at the news Bureau hosted an International of Louisiana and facilitated a panel advance to the 2020 Tokyo Olympic conference announcing the tournament at Sales Training Seminar at Shreveport discussion. The panel discussion Games, July 24-August 9, 2020. CenturyLink Center on April 25. Aquarium on March 28. More than included information about how to Several partners worked together for hosting major sporting events,” 20 hoteliers and representatives from work with international clients, online to bring this international competition said Kelly Wells, executive director local attractions attended the event. travel agents, receptive operators and to Shreveport-Bossier including Lt. of the Shreveport-Bossier Sports “The goal of the seminar was bed banks. The panel participants Governor Billy Nungesser with the Commission. “Shreveport-Bossier to educate our partners on how to included Laura Fanguy, contract Louisiana Office of Tourism, Bossier is excited to host the U.S. Women’s capitalize on international visitation manager at Hotelbeds, a receptive City Mayor Lorenz Walker, Shreveport National Volleyball Team, as well as and develop relationships with the tour operator and Mark Rolison, Mayor Adrian Perkins, Shreveport- the teams, friends and families from lucrative international market,” said account manager at Booking.com. Bossier Sports Commission, Caddo Kazakhstan, Bulgaria and Argentina to David Bradley, vice president of To learn more about the economic Parish Commission and Bossier Parish compete for a spot in the 2020 Tokyo convention and tourism sales for the impact of tourism in Shreveport-Bossier, Police Jury. Olympic Games.” tourist bureau. “International visitors visit www.Shreveport-Bossier.org/ “Louisiana is known worldwide for To learn more, visit stop in Shreveport-Bossier as they drive Industry-Partners/Research. its food, music, culture and passion www.shreveportbossiersports.com. 3 Shreveport-Bossier Convention & Tourist Bureau May - June 2019

Newsletter Industry Briefs: Board of Directors:

From April 22 to May 22, Lieutenant starting at $55 one way. In addition, Rob Brown, Sandy Cimino, Tanita Gilbert-Baker, Governor Billy Nungesser will host a Allegiant Air is now offering a third Chairman Bossier Chamber Shreveport-Bossier Shreveport-Bossier Hotel of Commerce* African American series of nine meetings in cities across weekly flight to Orlando Sanford & Lodging Association* Chamber of Commerce* Louisiana to help identify locations for International Airport from Shreveport Joanna Folse-Alexander, the new Louisiana Civil Rights Trail. Regional Airport beginning on May 17 Jason McKinney, Shreveport-Bossier Hotel Shelli Murphy, A meeting will be held in Shreveport, with fares starting at $65 one way. Vice Chairman & Lodging Association* Shreveport-Bossier 3-5 p.m., Tuesday, May 21 at Valencia Ono’s Hawaiian Grill opened in Louisiana Restaurant Attractions Association* Recreation Center. Citizens who would March 2019 at 4015 Fern Avenue in Association* Pam Glorioso, like to help organizers identify and Shreveport. The new local restaurant, Bossier Office of Gary Theus, interpret historic events, physical which was originally a food truck, serves Ashley Davis, Community Services* Shreveport-Bossier Hotel Treasurer & Lodging Association* structures, and locations that helped authentic Hawaiian cuisine, cocktails Bossier City G. Carlton Golden, Jr., shape Civil Rights history in their and more. Mayor's Office* Bossier Parish Beth Smiley, communities are invited to attend the Two indoor axe throwing attractions Police Jury* Shreveport-Bossier meetings. Admission is free. To RSVP, opened in Bossier City in March 2019. Africa Price, Attractions Association* call the Shreveport-Bossier Convention Bayou Axe Throwing Co. is located Secretary Emma Hebert, and Tourist Bureau at 318-222-9391. at 509 Barksdale Boulevard in Bossier Shreveport Shreveport-Bossier Hotel Randy Slagle, Allegiant Air will begin non-stop City’s East Bank District. SBC Axe Mayor’s Office* & Lodging Association* Caddo Parish service to Destin-Fort Walton Beach Throwing, an extension of Escape Rural Mayors* Dick Bremer, Kellie Morris, Airport in Florida from Shreveport Bossier, is located at 2708 Plantation Greater Shreveport Caddo Parish

Regional Airport on May 17 with fares Drive in Bossier City. Chamber of Commerce* Commission* *Appointing Organization

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SHREVEPORT, LA SHREVEPORT,

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Shreveport, LA 71101 LA Shreveport,

St. Spring 629

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Bureau Tourist & Convention

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Shreveport-Bossier