Destination report
Big Easy Business
IAIN STIRLING GOES DOWN THE MISSISSIPPI TO FIND OUT HOW TO ELEVATE YOUR EVENTS IN VIBRANT NEW ORLEANS
N estled 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
Left : New Orleans at night
Right : New Orleans heritage
( 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 ,
ISSUE 129 / CONFERENCE & MEETINGS WORLD / 37