Visit The Woodlands is proud to celebrate the outstanding achievements of its marketing team, whose creativity, innovation, and commitment to excellence have earned recognition through multiple prestigious industry awards.

The MC of the 2026 AMA Crystal Awards poses for a photo with Andrea Day, winner of the Advertising-Photography category. Andrea is wearing an elegant dark green dress. The MC is wearing a forest green suit with silver decals. They're holding a decorative glass globe. Decorative hole-filled pillars lit in blue and purple stand behind them.

Andrea Day accepts AMA Crystal Award for Photography

Brooklyn Newell poses with two of her AMA Crystal Award entries that became finalists. She has dark hair with blonde highlights and is wearing a light pink-and-white floral dress. She's pointing to her poster submissions: "No, This Isn't a Hallmark Movie..." and "New In Town: Paris Baguette."

AMA Crystal Award Finalist Brooklyn Newell with Her Entries

AMA Crystal Awards

At the recent Crystal Awards presented by the Houston Chapter of the American Marketing Association (AMA Houston), Andrea Day received the Crystal Award for Advertising Photography, applauding her exceptional visual storytelling as it showcases The Woodlands as an outstanding destination for visitors and meeting planners. As part of the Waterfront Dining Campaign, Andrea focused on producing a professional image library that captured authentic guest experiences at key restaurants along Lake Woodlands and The Woodlands Waterway. These photos would later be featured across marketing platforms, promoting The Woodlands as an ideal location for business and leisure travel.

In addition, Brooklyn Newell and Rachael Varner were named finalists across several Crystal Award categories, further highlighting the depth of talent within the Visit The Woodlands marketing department.

"These honors reflect the passion, creativity, and professionalism our marketing team brings to their work every day," said Elizabeth Eddins, Executive Director of Visit The Woodlands. "Their efforts elevate The Woodlands' profile as a leading destination while delivering compelling content that resonates with visitors, residents, and stakeholders alike."

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SUBCATEGORY

VTW CAMPAIGN / PROJECT

FINALIST

Interactive, Multimedia & Video Video: Social Media New In Town: Paris Baguette Brooklyn Newell
Interactive, Multimedia & Video Video: Social Media No, It's Not A Hallmark Movie Brooklyn Newell
Digital Marketing Social Media Campaign 12 Days of Christmas Giveaway Campaign Brooklyn Newell
Print Collateral & Digital Marketing Direct Marketing Pathways Magazine (Vol. 4 Issues 1-3) Rachael Varner

 

Viddy Awards

The team's success extended beyond the Crystal Awards, with staff members also earning multiple Viddy Awards. Founded in 1995 as the Videographer Awards, this prestigious event has grown into one of the world's largest competitions honoring excellence in video and digital communications. Over the years, the award has attracted tens of thousands of entries from more than 135 countries.

Administered by the Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals (AMCP), the awards are judged by experienced senior-level professionals known for their accuracy, fairness, and industry expertise. AMCP also supports creators by maintaining affordable entry fees, recognizing pro bono work, and making charitable contributions on behalf of entrants who give back to their communities.

"Tourism is a powerful economic engine for The Woodlands, generating more than $555 million in direct visitor spending and supporting over 4,300 local jobs,” said Nick Wolda, President of Visit The Woodlands. “While people around the world already know The Woodlands as a great place to live, our team works tirelessly to ensure it is also recognized as a premier destination to visit, conduct business, and host meetings and conventions. We are proud of our staff and grateful for the impact they make every day on behalf of our community."

The commendations received through both the Crystal Awards and Viddy Awards underscores Visit The Woodlands' commitment to producing high-quality marketing initiatives that inspire travel, support local businesses, and strengthen The Woodlands' brand on a regional, national, and international scale.

CATEGORY SUBCATEGORY VTW CAMPAIGN / PROJECT PLATINUM
Short Form Web Videos (<3min) Mini-Documentary How It Began: Fielding's Local Andrea Day
Short Form Web Videos (<3min) Informational Know Before You Go: Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion Andrea Day
Social Media Videos Short Form (<1:00) Meet The Visit The Woodlands Board Members: Adam Lamb Brooklyn Newell
CATEGORY SUBCATEGORY VTW CAMPAIGN / PROJECT GOLD
Short Form Web Videos (<3min) Government How It Began: Red, Hot, & Blue Festival Andrea Day
Social Media Videos Social Video Campaign Meet The Visit The Woodlands Board Members Series Brooklyn Newell
Social Media Videos Short Form (<00:30) The Ultimate Race Weekend in The Woodlands: Memorial Hermann IRONMAN Texas Brooklyn Newell
CATEGORY SUBCATEGORY VTW CAMPAIGN / PROJECT HONORABLE MENTIONS
Short Form Web Videos (<3min) Culture / Lifestyle I Love The Woodlands Because... Andrea Day
Short Form Web Videos (<3min) Inspirational The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion Hype Video Andrea Day
Short Form Web Videos (<3min) Event The Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival Promo Video Andrea Day
Non-Broadcast Creativity Color Grading A Quiet Morning in The Woodlands Andrea Day
Social Media Videos Short Form (<00:15) Can't-Miss Shows at The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion Brooklyn Newell
Social Media Videos Instagram Reels Video 5 Hidden Gems in The Woodlands, Texas Brooklyn Newell
Social Media Videos Instagram Use of Influencer A Christmas Getaway in The Woodlands, Texas: Explore_with-westley Brooklyn Newell