This month’s Oklahoma Road Show took me from Oklahoma to Georgia, up to New York, and back again, showing that growth often comes through unexpected detours. I visited Encore Hospitality Carpet’s factory in Calhoun, toured the full manufacturing process, and shared inspiration with industry partners. At Turning Stone Resort Casino, I learned how the Oneida Indian Nation is transforming tribal gaming through long-term vision and cultural preservation. The journey ended at Choctaw Landing in Hochatown, Oklahoma, where carpet and design come together as functional art that tells stories and honors community.

At G2E 2025, Allison Lampo moderates Emerging Influence and New Paths in Tribal Gaming, a panel highlighting Indigenous women who are shaping leadership, advancing cultural representation, and redefining tribal gaming. Panelists include Allison Howison, Little Fawn Boland, Renita DiStefano, and Shauna Williams, who share insights on leadership, cultural preservation, and creating opportunities for the next generation. Discover how these trailblazing women integrate tradition and innovation to transform communities and industries.

Wind Creek Chicago Southland was designed as a destination of contrasts—where dramatic interiors meet layered elegance. Inspired by the historic casinos of Venice, SCB created an atmosphere of theatricality, from quarry-like stone textures at the entry to jewel-toned details above. Encore contributed flooring solutions that carried this vision across every space, blending durability, flow, and sculptural presence. The result is an environment that feels refined, immersive, and unmistakably luxurious.

Every mile of the Oklahoma Road Show has its own rhythm. From quiet highways to lively studio visits, the OKRS playlist captures the energy, focus, and inspiration of being on the road. Curated with tracks that spark creativity, invite reflection, and celebrate Oklahoma’s spirit, this playlist is a companion to the journey and the stories unfolding along the way.

Ahead of OIGA, Encore joined forces with Choctaw Nation Master Artist D.G. Smalling to transform one of his designs into a custom rug. The piece debuted in his studio during the show and quickly drew attention for its scale and cultural resonance. In our conversation, Smalling reflects on what it means to create unapologetically Indigenous work, the power of art in tribal spaces, and the importance of collaboration built on respect and trust.

This fall, I’m hitting the road across Oklahoma with Encore Hospitality Carpet, reconnecting with the designers, hoteliers, and builders who are shaping spaces in my home state. From Tulsa to OKC and beyond, the Road Show is about more than showcasing flooring solutions — it’s about hearing stories, exploring local inspiration, and seeing firsthand how thoughtful design transforms hospitality spaces. Each stop brings new insights, new connections, and a deeper understanding of what makes Oklahoma’s projects unique.

Shared Ground is a hospitality design collection created in collaboration with Rice Fergus Miller and the Chehalis Tribe—an exploration of culturally responsive design that centers storytelling, place, and partnership. Go behind the scenes to see how this meaningful collaboration shaped every design decision, honoring tribal history and community vision.

This reflection on the ilani hotel project highlights how custom carpet design can carry deep cultural meaning. Created in partnership with Crossley Axminster and the Cowlitz Indian Tribe, the design tells a story of salmon, river, and legacy. Years later, returning to ilani affirmed the power of flooring to connect people, preserve heritage, and carry stories forward.

Product Spotlight: AX Express | Quick-Ship Carpet That Carries Meaning

Encore’s Axminster Express brings the design freedom and performance of traditional Axminster carpet to fast-paced hospitality and gaming projects without sacrificing story. With up to 16 custom colors, long pattern repeats, and a durable wool blend, AX Express is ideal for tribal-led spaces where every detail matters. Ready to ship in 2 to 4 weeks with no minimums, it honors both the timeline and the narrative.

A tribute to the Navajo Code Talkers and the enduring legacy of Native service in the U.S. Armed Forces. This Memorial Day reflection invites readers to honor all who served—especially those whose stories have too often gone unheard.

On May 15, I’ll be moderating a panel discussion at the Women in Tribal Gaming Symposium called Building a New Bridge: New Roles for Women in Gaming. This session is especially close to my heart because it’s about more than climbing the ladder. It’s about reshaping the entire framework.