SHREVEPORT, La. – Visit Shreveport-Bossier proudly announces significant accomplishments within its Conventions and Sales Department, highlighting the dedication and expertise of its team members. David Bradley, Vice President of Business Development, and Jessica Rodgers, Convention Sales Manager, have both received notable recognitions for their contributions to the tourism and meetings industry.
David Bradley has been awarded the prestigious APEX Award for Distinguished Service by Black Meetings & Tourism Magazine. This honor, presented annually at the National Association of Black Hotel Owners, Operators & Developers, acknowledges individuals who have significantly impacted the travel and tourism industry. This is Bradley’s second APEX Award, with his first earned a decade ago.
In addition to the APEX Award, Bradley has achieved the Certified Destination Management Executive (CDME) accreditation, the highest individual educational achievement in the tourism industry. “This certification and award are a true testament to David’s longstanding commitment and leadership within the tourism industry,” said Stacy Brown, president of Visit Shreveport-Bossier. “We could not be prouder to have him on our team.”
Soloman Herbert, owner of Black Meetings & Tourism Magazine, emphasized Bradley’s dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion. “It is our pleasure to recognize David for his fine work and long-standing commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. He has always supported the multicultural market – the African-American segment in particular. For that reason, Black Meetings & Tourism felt the need to honor him with an APEX Award.”
Bradley’s 48-year career in tourism includes key roles in operations, sales, and marketing at major hotels such as Hilton, Sheraton, and Omni. His leadership at Visit Shreveport-Bossier has been pivotal in reaching target markets and generating revenue for the community.
Jessica Rodgers has been elected to the Board of Directors for the Dallas/Ft. Worth chapter of Meeting Professionals International (MPI) as the Director of Membership. Rodgers, who is celebrating her fifth anniversary with Visit Shreveport-Bossier, has over 14 years of experience in recruiting major meetings and conventions. She is a Louisiana Tourism Leadership Academy graduate and holds a Bachelor of Arts in mass communications from LSU Shreveport.
“We are incredibly proud of Jessica’s appointment,” said Brown. “Her exceptional skills have been instrumental in showcasing Shreveport-Bossier as a unique destination for conventions and events.”
Stephanie Evans, CMP, president of the MPI D/FW Chapter, lauded Rodgers’ commitment to the industry. “Jessica’s appointment as Director of Membership for MPI D/FW reflects her dedication to our hospitality community. Since 2019, she has been a committed member, and we are excited to see her take on this new role. Her passion for the industry will greatly impact our organization and members. Congratulations, Jessica!”
These recognitions of Bradley and Rodgers underscore Visit Shreveport-Bossier’s commitment to excellence and leadership in the tourism industry. Their achievements reflect the bureau’s dedication to fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment for all visitors.