More than 200 travel and tourism professionals from across the Southeast are gathering in Southwest Louisiana starting today as Visit Lake Charles hosts the Southeast Tourism Society’s (STS) annual Connections conference at Golden Nugget Lake Charles. The four-day event, Sept. 8–11, marks the first time the conference has been held in Lake Charles.
“It’s a privilege to host another major conference during what has already been a strong meetings season,” said Kyle Edmiston, president and CEO of Visit Lake Charles. “This conference has a ripple effect as it showcases our community as a premier meetings destination, introduces attendees from across the Southeast to our region, and drives business for our local businesses and hospitality partners.”
STS is a nonprofit organization that represents and champions the travel and tourism industry across the Southeast, with members spanning 13 states and Washington, D.C. STS provides professional development, networking, and advocacy for its members, with Connections being its annual educational conference.
The conference features breakout sessions, peer-to-peer learning, and general sessions that cover topics such as advocacy storytelling, crisis communications, data-driven strategies, and the role of artificial intelligence in the travel and tourism industry. Attendees will also experience STS signature events, including the Shining Example Awards Ceremony, which celebrates destinations and individuals who make a lasting impact on the tourism industry through innovative marketing, effective advocacy, and outstanding festival promotions.
“STS Connections is designed to equip travel and tourism professionals with the latest tools, insights, and connections they can immediately put into action,” said Monica Smith, president and CEO of Southeast Tourism Society. “We’re thrilled to be in Lake Charles for the first time and to experience the destination while exploring timely topics that matter across the Southeast.”
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About Visit Lake Charles
Visit Lake Charles, the official destination marketing organization for Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana, is the only organization in Southwest Louisiana providing advocacy, promotion, and education for the tourism industry. For more information on Visit Lake Charles and things to see and do in Louisiana’s Playground, log on to VisitLakeCharles.org.
