Visit Lake Charles is proud to celebrate five team members honored for their professional achievements and contributions to the travel and tourism industry during the 2026 Southeast Tourism Society (STS) Connections conference in Richmond, Virginia.
Director of Communications Candy Rodriguez and Director of Public Relations Devan Corbello graduated from STS Marketing College on Wednesday, earning their Travel Marketing Professional (TMP) certifications after completing the organization’s three-year continuing education program. Each year, participants spend one week learning from tourism industry experts about current trends, research and strategies for travel and tourism. Their graduation brings the number of current Visit Lake Charles team members who hold the TMP designation to seven.
Rodriguez is one of three graduates selected to present her capstone project at the conference, earning her a scholarship to attend. She will present her project Thursday, Sept. 10.
Sports Events and Marketing Manager Aubrey Caldwell, Director of Association Sales Emily Treme and Digital Content Manager Toni Chapman were each named a 2026 Shooting Star. Presented by STS, the Shooting Stars Awards recognize exceptional professionals whose leadership, dedication and innovation leave a lasting footprint on the tourism industry.
Caldwell leads Visit Lake Charles’ sports events and marketing efforts, supporting event recruitment, execution and promotion while strengthening partnerships with venues, media, hospitality partners and community leaders. She has also played a key role in establishing and growing the Lake Charles Regional Sports Authority.
Chapman leads Visit Lake Charles’ digital content strategy, using data and analytics to guide website content, email marketing and campaigns. Her work includes personalized digital content, refined consumer newsletters, and more than 60 search engine-optimized blog posts.
Treme generated more than 14,000 hotel room nights during her first year with Visit Lake Charles and has helped lead major statewide events hosted in Southwest Louisiana, including the Louisiana Municipal Association Convention and Louisiana Travel Association Summit.
“To have five members of our team recognized at one conference speaks to the talent, leadership and commitment to professional growth throughout Visit Lake Charles,” said Kyle Edmiston, president and CEO of Visit Lake Charles. “Aubrey, Candy, Devan, Emily and Toni each contribute to our organization and destination in different ways, and we are incredibly proud to see their work, leadership and potential recognized by their industry peers.”
The five team members were honored Wednesday during the Marketing College Graduation & Awards Luncheon at STS Connections.
Download the team’s headshots here.
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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 www.visitlakecharles.org.
