News
7th Annual Bus Fam Field Trip to Jefferson Parish Westbank Attractions was a HUGE SUCCESS!
March 25, 2026 |For our 7th annual Bus Fam Field trip, a sold out 56 passenger Hotard Coach began at 8 am at La Madeleine in Elmwood with complimentary coffee and delicious quiche bites (compliments of MSWIT member Edna Fuentes) before heading across the Huey P. Long Bridge. Our special overall host for the day with the JCVB, MSWIT member Charlene Hale, pointed… Read More »
Member Spotlight – Kristyn Williams
March 16, 2026 |Member Spotlight: Kristyn Williams Hotard Coaches - Charter Sales UNO HRT Graduate Student Kristyn has worked in the hospitality industry since she turned 18. She loves every part of the industry and is completing her Master's in Hospitality Management at UNO this December after completing a bachelor’s degree at the same institution in 2018. Kristyn began working… Read More »
Member Spotlight – Meg Ruch
March 16, 2026 |Member Spotlight: Meg Ruch Retired Travel Counselor Meg became a travel agent nearly 50 years ago and worked as a Travel Counselor for various local agencies. Her longest amount of years were with AAA Travel and most recently, Professional Travel Consultants. Meg has been a member of MSWIT since 1979 and proudly holds the record as the longest… Read More »
Member Spotlight – Dr. Yvette Green
March 16, 2026 |Member Spotlight: Dr. Yvette Green Professor Department Chair, School of Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Administration Director, Hospitality Research Center University of New Orleans Dr. Green has been at UNO for 24 years. Before her career in academia, Dr. Green has professional experience in restaurant management, banquets and catering, and resort management. She serves… Read More »
Member Spotlight – Sandra Dartus
March 16, 2026 |Member Spotlight: Sandra Dartus, CFEE Event Consultant – Fostering Community Partnerships Sandra Savoye Dartus has spent her career bringing people together through the power of events, culture, and community. A passionate advocate for New Orleans and the people who shape its spirit, she specializes in creating experiences that celebrate the city while making a meaningful difference. Today, Sandra… Read More »
Member Spotlight – Leslie Brewer
March 16, 2026 |Member Spotlight: Leslie Brewer Sales & Marketing Director Destrehan Plantation + Houmas House Estate & Gardens Leslie Brewer’s hometown just happened to be one of the most well-known international tourist destinations – New Orleans. This is where she began her tourism career, which has continued for more than 34 years. She currently holds the position of Director of Marketing… Read More »
Member Spotlight – Laine Garner
March 16, 2026 |Member Spotlight: Laine Garner Sr. Vice President of Sales, Membership & Education for Louisiana Travel Association Laine has been at LTA for 17 years. Among many of her responsibilities, she represents LTA members at national trade shows in the group market for both domestic and international travel as well as promoting small businesses across the state at shows for… Read More »
Member Spotlight – Denise Thevenot
March 16, 2026 |Member Spotlight: Denise Thevenot Campus Territory Manager, GRUBHUB Past MSWIT President For over 30 years Denise Thevenot's name was synonymous with the very impressive Louisiana Tax Free Shopping program. From 2007 to 2021 as Executive Director, Denise ran the entire program which was an entity under the Louisiana Department of Revenue. This program, which was unique to Louisiana, helped put our… Read More »
Member Spotlight – Carolyn Barrett
March 16, 2026 |Member Spotlight: Carolyn Barrett Executive Director of Visit Kenner + Executive Director of Rivertown Main Street MSWIT Board Member/Secretary Carolyn has built an accomplished career in the hospitality industry, holding leadership roles as Hotel Sales Manager, Director of Sales and Marketing, and Senior Sales Manager for an area CVB. She now serves as Executive Director of Visit Kenner, which she… Read More »
Member Spotlight – Andrea Thornton
March 16, 2026 |Member Spotlight: Andrea Thornton Manager, Lanaux House & Tourism Consultant Andrea Thornton has done what she refers to as “the full Monte”. After many years as Tour and Travel Director at the Hotel Monteleone, she left to open her own Receptive Tour Operation and Travel Agency called Tours by Andrea. Tours by Andrea successfully operated for 10 years,growing from… Read More »