Iain Stirling goes down the Mississippi to find out how to elevate your events in vibrant New Orleans:
Nestled along the banks of the Mississippi River, New Orleans beckons business events and incentive travel with its rich tapestry of culture, history, and hospitality. Renowned for its jazz music, delectable cuisine, and spirited festivals, the city stands as a testament to resilience and celebration. New Orleans is also emerging as a premier destination for business events.
At the heart of New Orleans’ allure is its hospitality. Locals welcome every type of visitor with open arms, be it for business events or leisure.
From the soulful melodies echoing through Bourbon Street to the intimate jazz clubs of Frenchmen Street, the city’s music scene sets the beat for unforgettable experiences, infusing business gatherings with a sense of rhythm and joy.
Hospitality is a major economic driver accounting for nearly 60% of New Orleans’ economy. The tourism industry is the largest employer in the metropolitan area and the second largest industry in the state of Louisiana.
The hospitality and customer service levels are a firm foundation allowing event organisers to create memorable experiences for guests.
Numerous events and festivals are held throughout the year in New Orleans, including Mardi Gras, Jazz Fest, and French Quarter Fest, which attract visitors from around the world.
That heritage has helped honed the city’s skills in event planning, logistics, and crowd management.
Mardi Gras parades with their elaborate floats, costumes, music, and performances captivate audiences and set the city apart as a leader in terms of spectacle and entertainment.
If the event software of the human factor is top grade, then the hardware is also impressive, starting with the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, the sixth largest convention facility in the USA.
With 122,000sqm of exhibition space plus 140 meeting rooms, a 4,000-seat theatre, 2,800sqm ballroom and a 5,600sqm column-free ballroom with 2,300sqm pre-function area, the venue has also achieved its first Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold certification. It is the first convention centre in the world to be awarded initial certification under LEED v4.1 O+M, the latest version of LEED certification, which raises the bar on building standards for energy efficiency, water conservation, indoor air quality and waste reduction.
Luxury accommodation further elevates the city’s appeal for business travellers. The Windsor Court Hotel epitomises elegance and sophistication.
Centrally located just steps from the French Quarter and minutes from the Central Business District, the hotel offers classic European-inspired décor and a variety of meeting spaces. These spaces range from intimate boardrooms for executive meetings to grand ballrooms for conferences and seminars.
The Four Seasons Hotel adds another layer of opulence in the heart of downtown New Orleans on the banks of the Mississippi River. The hotel offers two ballrooms and a two-level rooftop observation deck.
Meanwhile, Vue Orleans provides a modern retreat with 360-degree views of the city skyline. This interactive observatory deck located on the Mississippi River features exhibitions that take visitors through the Big Easy’s long and ever-evolving history.
Immersive experiences beyond the boardroom include attractions like Mardi Gras World, captivating visitors with the magic of Carnival year-round, as well as the National WWII Museum.
Meanwhile, the Higgins Hotel stands as a tribute to the Greatest Generation, providing a unique blend of nostalgia and modern comfort.
Sports enthusiasts can indulge their passions at the iconic Caesars Superdome, home to New Orleans Saints NFL team, and culinary connoisseurs, can savour the flavours of New Orleans at Palace Cafe, where Creole classics meet innovative cuisine.
For a taste of local libations, the Sazerac House offers a journey through the history of New Orleans’ signature cocktails.
Sazerac House also celebrates the history and culture of one of America’s most iconic spirits: whiskey and, as an interactive museum, Sazerac House can host business events via its many event spaces. Attendees have the opportunity to participate in guided tastings, interactive exhibits, and hands-on demonstrations led by expert mixologists and historians.
City Park offers an expansive green space and a sanctuary amidst the bustling rhythms of the city. The park also serves as a dynamic hub for community events and gatherings.
The park’s central location make it a preferred choice for corporate events and team-building activities – from company picnics to outdoor workshops, it provides a serene ambiance to foster creativity and collaboration.
New Orleans & Company is the city’s official destination marketing organisation and can connect planners with a whole host of experiences and services to make their events fly and create a true experience with the fusion of business and pleasure in the heart of the Big Easy.
Walt Leger, CEO of New Orleans & Company says his team’s convention team can send enquiries to its 1,000+ member community and its convention marketing and attendance building service works with planners to make available a suite of complimentary resources designed to build awareness, and attendance for any New Orleans meeting.
New Orleans hosts internationally attended meetings from associations and congresses, with specialties including medical and educational offerings. The greater New Orleans region is home to innovation in advanced manufacturing and energy and chemical production.
The city is also home to numerous centres of excellence in higher education, technology, research and advanced sciences.
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Five top things to do for delegates attending an event in New Orleans
1. Enroll in a cooking class and bring the tastes of New Orleans home with you. The city features so many award-winning restaurants famous chefs and, a vibrant cocktail scene. From fine dining to casual, the city can serve up some of the most delicious food on the planet.
2.Enjoy the abundant green spaces and parks. Tour the sculpture gardens, enjoy a round of golf or tour the New Orleans Museum of Art, the Louisiana Children’s Museum, or the Botanical Gardens, all within City Park.
3. Explore New Orleans. From streetcar rides to world-class museums, the opportunities to explore New Orleans span a myriad of interests, including family friendly attractions. From the award-winning Audubon Nature Institute to riverboat rides, and haunted history tours, delegates can immersive themselves in a unique culture.
4. Attend a festival. New Orleans is home to celebrations that span the entire year.
5. Explore the history. New Orleans is shaped by European and African heritages which are very much alive today. There is a true cultural gumbo of people who have come together for generations.
