[West Palm Beach, Florida] August 29, 2026 — The Miss America Organization is proud to announce acclaimed producer Wayne Gentry of ShowCase Video Productions as the producer of the upcoming Miss America Competition, taking place September 1–September 6, 2026, in West Palm Beach, Florida. Events will be held in The Palm Beaches—America’s First Resort Destination®—at the Palm Beach County Convention Center and the Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts.
A respected leader in live television and event production, Gentry brings nearly five decades of experience to Miss America. He currently produces broadcasts for ESPN+ and ShowCase Video and serves as producer of the Miss Louisiana, Miss Arkansas, and Miss Texas competitions and statewide telecasts.
Gentry began his pageant career with Miss Louisiana in 1976 as Technical Director before becoming producer of its televised competition when it returned to television in 1999. He also produced the televised Miss Florida and Miss Florida’s Outstanding Teen competitions from 2002–2018, as well as the televised Miss Arkansas competition in 2019.
Beyond pageantry, Gentry has produced and directed acclaimed performances for dance companies and theatrical productions across the country, including Ballet Mississippi, the Louisiana Delta Ballet Company, the Twin City Ballet Company, and numerous special performing arts events. In recognition of his outstanding work in production, stage, and lighting design, he was named the Northeast Louisiana Arts Council’s Artist of the Year in 2011.
A graduate of the University of Louisiana Monroe, Gentry resides in West Monroe, Louisiana, with his wife, Marie.
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About Miss America’s Scholarship Foundation Inc. (MASF):
Miss America is the nation’s leading empowerment and service platform for young women, supporting their personal and professional growth while inspiring them to serve as positive role models in their communities. Since 1921, Miss America has been dedicated to its mission of
“Empowering Women to Lead,” engaging thousands of young women nationwide, ages 14-28, as local and state brand ambassadors committed to community service.
Through the Miss America’s Scholarship Foundation Inc., a 501(c)(3), the program awards the largest amount of scholarships to women in America.