FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MEDIA CONTACT
Emma Boone
Public Relations & Digital Content Manager
(318) 588-2248
eboone@visitshreveportbossier.org
May 5, 2026
Excellence in Hospitality Awards 2026 Winners Announced
Shreveport-Bossier, LA – During National Travel & Tourism Week, Visit Shreveport-Bossier honors those in the local hospitality industry that go the extra mile for the visitor experience, and help make Shreveport-Bossier an unforgettable destination. Industry professionals were honored at Sam’s Town Casino & Hotel on Thursday, May 5, 2026.
“Last year, we truly saw the impact of intentional efforts to position Shreveport-Bossier as a premier destination for major events and leisure travel,” says Stacy Brown, President & CEO of Visit Shreveport-Bossier. “We have the dining, shopping, and entertainment of a larger city, while still holding onto the small-town charm that draws people in. From our outstanding front desk, culinary, and hotel professionals to the attractions, venues, and experiences that make this community special, it’s our hospitality workers who create the kind of experience that keeps visitors coming back.”
Tourism plays a major role in supporting the people and businesses that keep Shreveport-Bossier moving. In 2025, the local hospitality industry supported 19,825 jobs and generated $127.7 million in employment earnings, making leisure and hospitality the third-largest employer in our community.
Our hospitality industry is a testament to how tourism is a key economic engine for communities across the world. A healthy tourism economy means more jobs, greater economic impact, and a stronger, more unified community.
This event would not be possible without the support of our incredible sponsors. A special thank you to The Service Companies for serving as the official trophy sponsor of the event, and to Whataburger for helping bring even more fun to the evening with the return of the “Whatatable” competition. Presented by Whataburger, the fan-favorite contest recognized the table with the most creative decorations of the night.
Below are the winners across more than two dozen categories, recognized for their excellent contributions to the hospitality industry:
OUTSTANDING ATTRACTION
R.W. Norton Art Gallery
OUTSTANDING BANQUET PROFESSIONAL
Yugoshunda Lewis, Margaritaville Resort Casino
OUTSTANDING BARTENDER – HOTEL/CASINO
Pamela Harding, Louisiana Downs Casino & Racetrack
OUTSTANDING BARTENDER – RESTAURANT
Sherri Lane, Flying Heart Brewing & Pub
OUTSTANDING CASINO FLOOR PROFESSIONAL
Aretha Walton, Horseshoe Bossier City Casino & Hotel
OUTSTANDING CATERING PROFESSIONAL
Joslin Mar-Dai, Vegans on the Run
OUTSTANDING CULINARY PROFESSIONAL/CHEF - CASINO
Eric Szczepanski, Horseshoe Bossier City Casino & Hotel
OUTSTANDING CULINARY PROFESSIONAL/CHEF – NON-CASINO
Blake Jackson, Heron | Mae & Co
OUTSTANDING EVENT
Christmas in Roseland, American Rose Center
OUTSTANDING EVENT VENUE
Louisiana Downs Casino & Racetrack
OUTSTANDING EXECUTIVE - CASINO
Christie Tristan-Rambi, Bally’s Shreveport Casino & Hotel
OUTSTANDING EXECUTIVE – NON-CASINO
Tommy Scott, Shreveport Mudbugs Hockey Owner
OUTSTANDING FESTIVAL
Prize Fest
OUTSTANDING FOOD SERVER - CASINO
Christopher Sanders, Margaritaville Resort Casino
OUTSTANDING FOOD SERVER – NON-CASINO
Logan Peters, Hilton Shreveport
OUTSTANDING FRONT DESK PROFESSIONAL – NON-CASINO
Kaleigh Smith, Remington Suite Hotel & Spa
OUTSTANDING GUEST SERVICES PROFESSIONAL – CASINO
Sara Dews, Live Casino & Hotel Louisiana
OUTSTANDING GUEST SERVICES PROFESSIONAL – NON-CASINO
Ginger Miller, Brookshire Grocery Arena
OUTSTANDING HOTEL SALES PROFESSIONAL - CASINO
Miranda Small, Sam’s Town Hotel & Casino Shreveport
OUTSTANDING HOTEL SALES PROFESSIONAL – NON-CASINO
Kimberly Anderson, Lotus Hospitality
OUTSTANDING HOUSEKEEPING PROFESSIONAL – CASINO
Robin Zamudio, The Service Companies (Live Casino & Hotel Louisiana)
OUTSTANDING HOUSEKEEPING PROFESSIONAL - NON-CASINO
Robin Zamudio, The Service Companies (Live Casino & Hotel Louisiana)
OUTSTANDING TRANSPORTATION/VALET PROFESSIONAL
Aaron Henry, Parking Management Service
OUTSTANDING VOLUNTEER
Karen Ramos
DEPARTMENT AWARDS
COMMUNICATIONS
- Ambassador of the Year Krystal "Chica" Montez, Townsquare Media
- Partner of the Year Gorilla Design Studio
CONVENTIONS
- Partner of the Year Terry Rynes, Shreveport Convention Center
- Tourism Partner of the Year Sci-Port Discovery Center
- Meeting of the Year Sports South Rendezvous On The Red
SPORTS
- Sponsor of the Year Coca-Cola Bottling Company
- Partner of the Year Oschner LSU Health Shreveport Sports Medicine
DESTINATION DEVELOPMENT
- Partner of the Year KaDavien Baylor
- Block by Block Clean Sweep Initiative City Of Shreveport, City Of Shreveport – Property Standards Division, Shreveport Green
- Rural Enhancement Award Shreveport Regional Arts Council
FILM & ENTERTAINMENT
- Partner of the Year Fairfield Studios
GOLDEN PINEAPPLE AWARD
The Pineapple Awards is presented to individuals and organizations who have spent their careers promoting Shreveport-Bossier to visitors and locals alike.
- Theresa Peters, Director of Sales and Operations, LeBossier Hotel & Event Center
- Dennis Beckman, The Enchanted Garden
TOURISM TRAILBLAZER AWARD
The Trailblazer of the Year Award celebrates pioneers in their field who lead with courage and innovation, setting new standards for excellence.
- John Dudley, Chasing Aces
For more information on Excellence in Hospitality Awards, visit here: https://www.visitshreveportbossier.org/awards/.
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Visit Shreveport-Bossier is the official destination marketing organization for Shreveport-Bossier City, Louisiana. The organization promotes the area as a premier destination for leisure travel, meetings, and events—driving economic growth and supporting local businesses. For more information, visit www.VisitShreveportBossier.org.
