There are close to 400 state tourism industry officials in town right now -- finding out first-hand all that Shreveport-Bossier has to offer.  Chris Jay with the Shreveport-Bossier Convention and Visitor's Bureau says they're part of the Louisiana Promotion Industry's Summit Conference.  He says this isn't a HUGE conference, but the long-term impact IS big -- because  these folks will go back to their respective cities and tell all their friends about what they saw and did here.

So far, the group has gotten a taste of local fare at Herbie K's and checked out the "Bodies Revealed" exhibit at Sci-Port, among other things.  And they've been pleasantly surprised. 

Also part of the conference today was Lt. Governor Jay Dardenne, who unveiled some big upcoming events -- like a plan to resurrect the Louisiana Hayride at the Municipal Auditorium, the release date of our bicentennial stamp -- and the fact that a magazine will be celebrating Louisiana's musical history -- and highlighting a lot of acts from Shreveport-Bossier.

More From News Radio 710 KEEL