Schedule of Events

2:00 p.m. - 5:45 p.m.

Conference Registration at Hilton Shreveport

Attendees arriving after this time will be able to pick up their credentials and welcome materials from the front desk at Hilton Shreveport.

6:00 p.m.

Meet and Greet at Shreveport Aquarium, presented by Discover Monroe-West Monroe

Tour the Shreveport Aquarium and experience the new venue space overlooking the Red River and see how 13,000 LED lights turn the Bakowski Bridge of Lights on the Texas Street Bridge, originally built during the days of Governor Huey P. Long (1934), into a modern, living work of art. Get a taste of Monroe-West Monroe, Louisiana with a Coke float, and enjoy catering by Shreveport-based chef Jessica Comegys.

8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.

Breakfast and Chapter Meeting at Hilton Shreveport

9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Media Marketplace Presented by the Louisiana Office of Tourism

11:15 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Lunch at Robinson Film Center in Downtown Shreveport & Keynote Speakers

• Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser, Louisiana Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism
• Gregory Kallenberg, Founder & Executive Director, Louisiana Prize Fest
• Wendell Riley, Executive Director, Robinson Film Center

Click for Bios

1:15 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Explore Downtown Shreveport - Bus & Walking Tour

Take a walk through historic Oakland Cemetery and by neighboring Logan Mansion. Peruse C&C Mercantile and Lighting, a local boutique and art incubator that defies definition. See one of the crown jewels of downtown Shreveport: Shreveport Municipal Auditorium. Its 1920s construction is one of the finest examples of Art Deco in Louisiana. Probably one of the biggest claims to fame is how it helped launch Elvis Presley’s career. Get your phone ready to take pictures with Art, the 19-foot Dalmatian who guards the Central Artstation. Explore Artspace and stroll down Texas Street to enjoy a coffee at Rhino Coffee. Experience Southern University Museum of Art Shreveport to see one of the largest collections of African American prehistoric and historic art in the South.

Speakers:

• Wendy Benscoter, Executive Director, Shreveport Common
• Liz Swaine, Executive Director, Downtown Development Authority

Click for Bio

6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

East Bank Experience

Bossier City’s East Bank District is a beautiful example of how an old downtown comes back to life. You’ll start with a taste of Louisiana foods and witness a Crawfish Boil before making your way to other restaurants and local breweries nearby. Ever had a Louisiana-style “sno-ball”? You can. And try your hand at axe-throwing if you dare.

8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.

Breakfast at Hilton Shreveport

9:00 a.m. - 10:15 a.m.

Keynote Session & Media Panel

Moderator: Kim Foster, CEO & Founder, Foster Relations LLC
Click for Bio

Panelists:

• Joe Spector, Publisher & CEO, The Local Palate
• Colleen Kelly, Executive Producer, Travel Writer and Brand Influencer
• Aja Hannah, Freelance Writer
• Maayan Gordon, Content Creator, Maayan Gordon Media

10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Keynote Speaker - Maayan Gordon

Speaker: Maayan Gordon, Content Creator, Maayan Gordon Media
Click for Bio

Use social media to round out your travel writer brand, develop relationships and find stories. Also, how to curate content for the Millennial traveler.

11:30 a.m. - 12:45 p.m.

Lunch and Keynote Speaker - Colleen Kelly

Speaker: Colleen Kelly, Executive Producer, Travel Writer and Brand Influencer
Click for Bio

1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

City Tours (Pick 1)

• Sportsman's Paradise
• Weird and Wonderful

More details available here. Reserve your space during registration.

6:00 p.m.

Dine-Around (Pick 1)

Choose from: Ernest's Orleans (SOLD OUT), Ki' Mexico, Silver Star Smokehouse & Tavern, and Zuzul Coastal Cuisine. Limited availability. 

More details available here. Reserve your space during registration. 

6:00 p.m.

*NEW* Krewe of Gemini Float Loading Party

Open to registrants not attending a dine-around. Get a behind-the-scenes look at the float decorating and loading process at the Krewe of Gemini den. Click here to learn more about the Krewe of Gemini and its den and Mardi Gras Museum.

8:00 a.m. - 8:30 a.m.

Light Breakfast at Hilton Shreveport

9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

City Tours (Pick 1)

• Sportsman's Paradise
• Weird and Wonderful

More details available here. Reserve your space during registration. 

City tour attendees will be transported directly from their chosen tour to the Red River Mardi Gras Bash.

1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Red River Mardi Gras Bash and Krewe of Gemini Parade

Yell “Throw Me Something Mister!” as the Krewe of Gemini Parade rolls by. You’ll be treated to King Cake and other wonderful Louisiana foods in an exclusive tent setting.