Visit Shawnee Tourism Luncheon & Awards

Join us at Homefield KC for the 2024 Visit Shawnee Tourism Luncheon on Thursday, May 16^th at 11:30 am. Woody Carter, the Director of Sales and Marketing at Homefield KC will introduce us to all that Homefield KC has to offer. He will also speak about the Economic Impact of Sports Tourism in our region, and demonstrate his skills as a motivational speaker and member of the Harlem Legends Basketball Team.

Shawnee’s partnership with Mr. Carter and Homefield KC has already brought visitors to Shawnee hotels, restaurants, and retail locations. Homefield’s newest location in Kansas City Kansas is already fully booked with tournaments for 2024. Future dates in 2025 and 2026 are filling up quickly. The $60 million youth multisport facility hosted 119 basketball teams during its first public tournament bringing in between 3,000 and 6,000 athletes and fans to our region.

Woody Carter, who is a Shawnee resident was born and raised in Topeka, KS. Woody has made a name for himself in the basketball world! After graduating from Topeka High School, he began his collegiate career at Seward County in Liberal, KS. Graduating from Benedictine College would be the next step on his pathway to the pros. “Mr.” Carter signed with the Harlem Legends, a team of former Harlem Globetrotters and NBA greats. His career has now spanned over 20 years of touring, motivational speaking, training, and entertaining people of all ages.

We will also be presenting the 2024 Kevin Fern Outstanding Service Tourism Award and the 2024 Shawnee Friendly Service Tourism Award.

2024 Kevin Fern Outstanding Service Tourism Award
The Kevin Fern Outstanding Service Tourism Award is nominated and selected by the Visit Shawnee Executive Committee, and it is presented annually for outstanding service to Shawnee Tourism, including the support of community events, excellence in service, welcoming offerings for visitors, and more.

2024 Shawnee Friendly Service Award
The Shawnee Friendly Service Award is presented annually to a hospitality employee who stands out for their exemplary customer service for and embodying the Shawnee service spirit. Managers of local hospitality businesses and organizations nominate their employees for this recognition. The Visit Shawnee and Chamber of Commerce chooses a recipient based on the application criteria.

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