The post MSWIT’s Annual Bus FAM Tour will explore the Westbank of Jeffeson Parish! appeared first on MSWIT: Mid South Women in Tourism.
]]>Our March meeting is our annual all day bus fam tour where we experience things we have never done before in our neighboring back yards! This year MSWIT Member Charlene Hale, Jefferson Parish CVB, along with the help of MSWIT member Brittany Perrin, Airboat Adventures, have an amazing itinerary for all of us to enjoy.
Tuesday, March 24th FAM Tour of Jefferson Parish
- 8:00am-8:20am – Arrive/Park in the Elmwood Shopping Center parking lot right near La Madelaine Elmwood (1200 Clearview Parkway). Before boarding the Hotard Coach, walk into La Madelaine for some complimentary self service coffee set up inside by the front door. (Also a good time to use the restroom). If you choose to purchase any food items or any other beverage, be sure to get it “to go” so you can bring it on the bus.
- Bus will depart promptly at 8:30 am.
- Full detailed itinerary will be announced just as soon as all the attractions are confirmed! We will include a great buffet lunch at The Red Maple Restaurant along with a jam packed agenda. We plan to be back in our cars no later than 4:30 pm.
This is option “A” and is limited to the first 56 people who register! - If you can only join us for an early LUNCH (around 11:15 am – 1036 Lafayette St. in Gretna), ask for Option “B”
Visit Jefferson Parish (the JCVB) has arranged for a 56 passenger Hotard Coach to take us on our roundtrip excursion. So we are limited to the first 56 members to RSVP for the full day of educational fun.
COST: $45/Members (not accepting guests until we know the headcount one week out.)
To RSVP, send an email to bobbimannino@gmail.com
To Pay Online with a credit card, click HERE to fill in the total amount of your payment.
ALSO…we always wear out MSWIT T-Shirts for this event. If you don’t have a shirt, we still have 18 shirts (with our MSWIT logo in white) on hand (3 Medium, 6 Large, 4 XL, 3 XXL, and 2 XXXL) which cost $20 each. If we run out or don’t have your size, you can wear your own Royal Blue top to blend right in! If you want to include the $20 in your registration for a shirt that you know is being reserved for you, shoot Bobbi a message that the extra $20 is for your reserved shirt.
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]]>The post MSWIT February Dinner Meeting Takes Place at 4141 (St. Charles Avenue) appeared first on MSWIT: Mid South Women in Tourism.
]]>Our next Dinner meeting takes place on Tuesday, February 24 at the fabulous venue appropriately named 4141 which is located at 4141 St. Charles Avenue.
Olivia McCoy is the Founder of WeHelp NOLA, a local non-profit that provides accessible, no-cost therapy and mental health services to hospitality workers in the Greater New Orleans area. She has been providing this service since 2020, with more than 7,600 sessions delivered to hospitality workers in need. WeHelp is now seeking to expand awareness and partnerships to make these services more widely available to our hospitality community.
Networking begins at 5:30 pm with a CASH BAR; program starts promptly at 6:00 pm and we plan to be finished no later than 7:45 pm.
DINNER COST: $50/Members or $55 Guests/Potential Members
To RSVP, send an email to bobbimannino@gmail.com and indicate which entree you would like (A) or (B) or (C).
To Pay Online with credit card, click HERE to fill in the total amount of your payment.
Plenty of Free “off street” Parking in rear of building or across the street in the Sacred Heart Academy school yard.
We will be offering a 50/50 raffle so bring cash if you would like to participate!
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]]>The post MSWIT 50th Anniversary GALA – Tuesday, January 27 – Chateau Estates Country Club appeared first on MSWIT: Mid South Women in Tourism.
]]>MSWIT’s 50th Anniversary Gala
Join us in celebrating 50 years of MSWIT!
- Date: January 27, 2026
- Time: 6:00 pm
- Location: Chateau Golf & Country Club, Kenner
- Details: Cash Bar, Dinner and complimentary champagne until 6:30 pm + surprises!
- Attire: Cocktail
- Guests: All current and former MSWIT members + spouses/guests are welcome!
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COST: $50 per person
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To Pay Online with credit card, click HERE to fill in the total amount of your payment.
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To RSVP, send an email to bobbimannino@gmail.com and include the names of all guests
Please feel free to share/forward this invitation to anyone who may be interested.
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]]>The post First RSVP Request for our Christmas Party Luncheon on Dec 9th at the Rooftop on Basin appeared first on MSWIT: Mid South Women in Tourism.
]]>Get your festive holiday attire ready for our annual MSWIT Christmas Party LUNCHEON on Tuesday, December 9th at the Rooftop on Basin (4th floor of the Basin St. Visitors Center/Brakeman Hotel at 501 Basin St.) (parking options below).
This event will sell out so please RSVP early. Reservations are limited to members only until we see if there are guest seats available. A “waiting list” will be created if requested. Guarantee to venue is due on December 1.
Networking + a special Complimentary Holiday Cheer + Cash Bar begin at 11:30 am and our festive lunch and program starts promptly at Noon.
Our MSWIT members Stacey Messina and Maggie Zcheidrich, along with Sales Manager Anna Lantier and the culinary staff at Messina’s Catering & Events, have a very special Christmas buffet planned for all of us to enjoy.
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Holiday Charity Drive
This year, we are excited to announce that we are collecting donations specifically for the Women’s & Children’s Shelter of New Orleans. Many families arrive with very little to nothing, which means there are so many meaningful ways we can support them this holiday season!
Here’s several ways on how YOU can help:
- Bring a new unwrapped toy or stuffed animal for a child.
- Purchase a higher-value item from the Shelter’s Amazon wishlist (for children 12 and under).
- Support older kids (ages 13–18) with items from their wishlist—popular requests include Legos and gift cards for fast-food, pizza, Sephora, and shoe stores.
- Show love to the moms with toiletry gift sets, slippers or slipper socks, robes, simple career jewelry (watches or earrings), or gift cards.
- Adopt a family and provide 3–4 items tailored to their children’s needs and desires (contact Angela Aspiazu for more information).
- Donate wrapping supplies such as paper, bows, tape, gift bags, and tissue paper.
- Get your organization involved! Multiply your donation exponentially simply by telling others.
All items must be dropped off at the December 9 meeting, or you may arrange for pick up until December 11 from your home or organization by contacting Angela Aspiazu at 504-330-6123. Donations will be delivered to the Shelter on Friday, December 12. The moms will then have the chance to “shop” for their children and wrap each gift with love, restoring a sense of dignity, joy, and holiday magic to families who are facing unimaginable challenges.
Kenner Food Bank
Attendees are asked to bring non-perishable food items for the Kenner Food Bank.
MSWIT Board Member, Carolyn Barrett will deliver these items after our event.
COST: $50/Members
To RSVP, send an email to bobbimannino@gmail.com
To Pay Online with credit card, click HERE to fill in the total amount of your payment.
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PARKING Options
Free on site parking for up to the first 30 vehicles, nearby street parking plus a paid public parking lot for $10 all day. Consider carpooling if possible!
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]]>The post MSWIT takes a Thanksgiving Break! appeared first on MSWIT: Mid South Women in Tourism.
]]>However, we have a long list of things to do in November and will have a chance to see other MSWIT members!
Nov 2 – Dress For Success Sparkle & Style Brunch – RSVP
Let the Feast Begin!…Holiday Feast Sampling Event
Saturday, Nov 8 – from 11 am – 3 pm at all La Madelaine locations in our area, Complimentary Food Tastings for all MSWIT members and their guest. Enjoy delicious samples of Feast Favorites and a Chance to win a Heat-at-Home Feast for Four or fabulous tote filled with Market favorites!
Nov 8-9 – Destrehan Plantation 53rd Annual Fall Festival – INFO
Nov 13 – Celebrate Canal Quarterly Meeting 11am-1:30 pm Astor Crown Plaza with Walt Leger as Speaker – RSVP
Nov 16 – Kenner Food Truck Festival – 11am-7pm at Laketown! Free Admission, Over 30 Food Trucks, Live Music, Drinks, Crafts, Vendors – INFO
Nov 28 – Dec 31- Fa la la la FRIGHTS! Holiday Ghost Tour is a hauntingly good time filled with holiday storytelling that’s fun for all ages. Haunted streets, mysterious happenings, and stories that’ll give you goosebumps while you’re still humming Christmas carols. Just 9 spots per tour. TICKETS
Be sure to mark your calendar…
December 9 – MSWIT’s Annual Christmas Party at 11:30 am at the Rooftop on Basin. The RSVP will be sent out very soon!
January 27, 2026 – MSWIT’s 50th Anniversary Gala Dinner at the Chateau Estates Country Club where guests will be welcome to attend!
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]]>The post Calling all msWITCHes to our magical October 28th Dinner Meeting at Destrehan Plantation appeared first on MSWIT: Mid South Women in Tourism.
]]>Get Ready to Cackle, msWITCHes!
Grab your broomstick and join us for our msWITCHes dinner on Tuesday, October 28 at Destrehan Plantation inside the Mule Barn. We encourage everyone to come in your favorite Halloween attire to add to the fun…but be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes as there will be an after dark Destrehan Hauntings Tour that you don’t want to miss!
Our Ghostess with the Mostess hosts, Tracy Smith, Executive Director of Destrehan Plantation and MSWIT member Leslie Brewer, Director of Sales, have a wonderful spooky meal planned for us!
Complimentary Witches Potions and Ghostly Libations!!!
Witches Graveyard Greens
Spooktacular Gourd Cheesecake
Mummy’s Homemade Baked Chicken
Vampire Veggie Pasta Primavera
Broomstick Broccoli
Monster Mashed Potatoes
Devilicious Dinner Rolls
This will be a joint meeting with our sister MSWIT chapter members from MSWIT Capital Region.
The FUN begins at 5:30 pm with the Dinner starting at 6 pm and Destrehan Hauntings Tour at 6:45 pm or 7 pm.
DINNER COST: $45/Members, $50 Guests… which includes complimentary libations!
To RSVP, send an email to bobbimannino@gmail.com
To Pay Online with credit card, click HERE to fill in the total amount of your payment
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]]>The post September MSWIT will offer fun and great networking at Coconut Beach in Kenner! appeared first on MSWIT: Mid South Women in Tourism.
]]>Our MSWIT meeting for Tuesday, September 23 will be under the very cool Pavilion at the Coconut Beach Volleyball Complex on Joe Yenni Blvd. just off of Williams Blvd by the Lake. WE WANT EVERYONE TO COME VERY CASUAL AS THIS WILL BE A FUN NIGHT WITH SOME SURPRISES!
This is also the evening that we will be collecting special items for one of our valued non-profit partners, Dress For Success! See the list below of all the items they desperately need to help women in our community get back into the workforce.
The Culinary Team at Coconut Beach has a wonderful party style dinner planned for us! See menu below…
The FUN begins at 5:30 pm and we have use of the venue until 8:00 pm.
DINNER COST: $45/Members which includes open bar with Wine and Beer (cash bar for cocktails and specialty drinks)
To RSVP, send an email to bobbimannino@gmail.com
To Pay Online with credit card, click HERE to fill in the total amount of your payment.
Dress for Success Donation Wish List:
- Clothing for hospitality workers (black pants & white shirts)
- Work appropriate dresses, tops, and pants
- Work appropriate shoes, Size 9 & 10
- Work appropriate Jewelry
- Unopened/ unused hygiene Items such as Deodorant, Soap, Facial Wipes, Perfume, Sanitary Napkins, Mascara, Eyeliner
- General supplies needed for daily operations such as: Tide Pod Laundry Detergent, Bleach, Cleansing Wipes, Febreze, Disinfectant Spray, Latex Gloves, Dryer Sheets, Swiffer Cleaning Cloths, Paper Towels, Toilet Paper, Plugin Fresher
- Lastly, a gift card is greatly appreciated. It can be to a specific store (Walgreens, Target, Walmart, etc.) or a Visa or Mastercard gift card
- ** DFS asks that you consider other charities when donating clothing over 3 years old, and any jeans, shorts, skirts, evening gowns, and high heels.
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]]>The post August 19th MSWIT Dinner at Tujague’s + Parade of Prizes Fundraiser to Benefit Flood Victims in Texas appeared first on MSWIT: Mid South Women in Tourism.
]]>MSWIT member Shelly Dupuy and the culinary team at Tujague’s have a wonderful dinner planned for us!
Mixed greens, pickled beet medley, pickled radish, herb goat cheese, pickled onions,
Fried Brussel sprouts in sugar cane vinaigrette, orange glazed fingerling potatoes,
As 2025 winds down, the travel landscape continues to evolve—driven by shifting traveler expectations, emerging technologies, and a renewed focus on authentic, experience-driven tourism. In this session, we’ll explore the top travel trends that shaped the industry in 2025, from multigenerational travel and wellness experiences to sustainability and cultural immersion. Looking ahead to 2026, we’ll dive into predictions for what’s next, including the growing impact of AI, international rebound markets, outdoor recreation trends, and how Louisiana can stay competitive in a rapidly changing market. Attendees will leave with actionable insights to strengthen planning, promotion, and product development for the year ahead.
HELP Flood Victims in TEXAS!
5 for $20
10 for $30
20 for $50 (value pack/only $2.50 each)
Networking begins at 5:30 pm with a CASH BAR; program starts promptly at 6:00 pm and we plan to be finished no later than 7:45 pm. Come early if you are bringing items for the Parade of Prizes!!!
DINNER COST: $45/Members ONLY (will open up to guests one week prior if any seats are available.)
To RSVP, send an email to bobbimannino@gmail.com and indicate if you want (A)FISH or (B)CHICKEN for your entree.
To Pay Online with credit card, click HERE to fill in the total amount of your payment. If you want to include pre-purchasing Parade of Prize tickets, just send an email with the breakdown of your payment!
Parking: Using the Premium Parking App – Discount code for this event…TBA asap!
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]]>The post Come enjoy our MSWIT July 22nd Meeting in the earlier/cooler part of the day for a fun BREAKFAST! appeared first on MSWIT: Mid South Women in Tourism.
]]>Our MSWIT meeting for Tuesday, July 22nd will be a special summertime BREAKFAST meeting taking place at the Lakeway Marriott Hotel at Causeway and the Lake Pontchartrain in Metairie. MSWIT Member Lori Foret and Catering Manager Tia Sommerville have a wonderful BREAKFAST buffet planned for us!
The MSWIT Board wanted this month’s speaker to be beneficial to our individual members’ wellbeing.
Laila Morcos Zissis – A Leader in Executive Coaching, Strategic Communication, and Holistic Well-being will speak to us about…
VIP Self-Care for Tourism Leaders: Preventing Burnout and Boosting Productivity: Actionable strategies for high-achieving women to maintain peak performance through targeted wellness, mindful productivity habits, and sustainable self-care routines tailored to the high demands of tourism leadership
Networking begins at 8:00 am; program starts promptly at 8:30 am and we plan to be finished by 10 am.
BREAKFAST COST: $40/Members, $45 guests.
To RSVP, send an email to bobbimannino@gmail.com
To Pay Online with credit card, click HERE to fill in the total amount of your payment.
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]]>The post MSWIT’s June 24th Special Membership Drive Luncheon to take place at The Misi by Messina’s appeared first on MSWIT: Mid South Women in Tourism.
]]>We expect a large attendance for this month’s special “Membership Drive” lunch meeting on Tuesday, June 24 at the beautiful new event venue, The Misi by Messina’s on the 3rd Floor of JAX Brewery.
MSWIT Members Stacey Messina and Maggie Zschiedrich along with Leah Berhanu and the culinary team at Messina’s Catering & Events, will provide a delicious buffet lunch for all of us.
At this meeting we are inviting “Qualified Prospective Members” as our guests for lunch. Contact Bobbi for more details.
Our SPEAKER will be the one and only Mark Romig with New Orleans & Company, whom we all know and love! Bio is too incredibly long to list! Mark is going to address “How to Tap Into the Benefits of the Tourism Industry”.
Networking Begins at 11:15 am with a Cash Bar
Lunch Buffet: Begins at 11:50 am
Presentation: Begins at 12:15 pm or as soon as everyone has their lunch plate and is seated
Luncheon COST: $40/Members
To RSVP, send an email to bobbimannino@gmail.com.
To Pay Online with credit card, click HERE to fill in the total amount of your payment.
PARKING — Premium Parking is adjacent to JAX…more details to follow with a special discount code during this time frame.
We will have our 50/50 Raffle, so if you plan to participate, please bring cash. 3 chances for $5
SAVE THESE DATES
Thursday, July 10 — a very special Summer Social – poolside at the Holiday Inn Downtown Superdome
Tuesday, July 22 — Breakfast Meeting at the Marriott Lakeway in Metairie
Tuesday, August 19 – Dinner Meeting Tujagues Restaurant
Tuesday, September 23 – An Evening Adventure in Lafitte
(Joint meeting with MSWIT Baton Rouge)
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