New Orleans
How did we make use of the venues
KALINDA JESSETT , SENIOR EVENTS MANAGER FOR CANACCORD GENUITY GROUP , TELLS US WHY SHE CHOSE NEW ORLEANS FOR HER FINANCIAL COMPANY ’ S PRESIDENT ’ S CLUB PROGRAMME IN APRIL 2023
or our five-day programme , we needed a luxury hotel and one of
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F the reasons we chose New Orleans is because the Four Seasons had just opened . Located on Canal Street , its far enough away from the craziness of Bourbon Street , but close enough that you can walk and explore . It is also close to the Warehouse District , which has a ton of new restaurants .
We hosted our welcome reception in the Four Seasons ’ garden followed by dinner at Miss River – the food and service was incredible .
Latrobes is a must , especially for those of us working in the finance sector . The venue was the first State Bank of Louisiana and has some incredible history .
You really must do a second line parade ( people who follow the band to enjoy the music , dance , and engage in community ). Connect with your DMC and do it . We started one of our evenings with a private concert at Preservation Hall . For all the people in my group who ‘ hate jazz ’ I can tell you they love jazz now !
Closing streets in the French Quarter , wearing the Mardi Gras masks and having the jazz band leading us through the city was incredible – the highlight of the trip .
We also did a lunch buy out of the courtyard at Napolen House , an historic restaurant that set up a specialised menu for us .
Another venue that we used , which was a bit of a drive ( although worth it ) was Houmas House . We bought out the front lawn of the house and set up a magnificent harvest table . We had some lawn games and people had the best time . We used this as our day outside the city experience .
Why the destination Of all the components that make New Orleans an incredible destination , the people is first and foremost and there are fewer foods and cuisines in the world better than New Orleans .
New Orleans is unique with a long strong history , with French and Spanish roots . The architecture is stunning and you can feel the pride in the city .
: Kalinda Jessett
Challenges There are challenges with every programme , but the issue is never the challenge that is presented but how it is overcome .
We were the first group that took over the hotel patio , put a buffet outside and changed all the table arrangements , so I understand why that would be challenging for a restaurant ! But our CSM , was incredible and very honest and because of this I was able to be honest with him and we planned the best welcome reception .
Latrobes is incredible but it is an old building , which means it has a tiny kitchen . So when my award speeches lasted 15 minutes instead of 40 ( as was planned ) the kitchen could not turn around the meals any quicker than they had already planned . That said , the food is incredible , and well worth the wait .
Tips for other planners I would not suggest never going in the summer because of the humidity . Anytime after Mardi Gras before mid May , and then mid September to early December … golden !
I would highly recommend a Gospel Choir for entertainment . We had one in Latrobes to open our Gala and it was like nothing else .
I would recommend BBC Destination Management , the DMC we worked with . They want you to leave New Orleans loving it as much as they do . BBC truly became a part of my team and was invested in the success of the programme just as much as me . n
ISSUE 129 / CONFERENCE & MEETINGS WORLD / 37