Mardi Gras is one of many events that will leave a lasting impression on attendees. Photo by Robert Proctor

New Orleans has long been celebrated for its unique blend of culture attractions and memorable events in an atmosphere that leaves long-lasting impressions on visitors and residents alike. And for the corporate event and meeting industry, New Orleans offers an rich array of world-class venue options, exceptional walkability, and a city that truly offers a unique and inspiring environment.

New Orleans has long been celebrated for its unique blend of cultural attractions and memorable events in an atmosphere that leaves long-lasting impressions on visitors and residents alike. For the corporate and incentive event industry, the city known as The Big Easy offers a rich array of world-class venue options, exceptional walkability and a truly unique and inspiring environment.

For years, Madison Kuss, PMED, meeting planner and senior operations manager at nocci event marketing & logistics, has been producing events throughout the New Orleans region — everything from small gatherings to major productions.

“We’ve helped bring events to life all across the city and beyond. And what makes them unique? Honestly, it’s hard to explain,” Kuss says. “Events here just hit differently, because you can’t find the culture, the energy and the hospitality of New Orleans anywhere else.”

From the food and culture to offsite experiences and more, New Orleans has so much to offer attendees and corporate meeting planners alike. Plus, everything is easily accessible on foot, with plenty of attractions for attendees just steps away.

“We’ve planned a variety of offsite experiences for attendees, including swamp boat tours … mask-making at Mardi Gras World, cooking classes at the New Orleans Culinary & Hospitality Institute, walking tours through the French Quarter, second-lines with custom beads and handkerchiefs, private concerts at Preservation Hall and more,” Kuss says.

As the owner of Ryan Abney Event Design, Ryan Abney has had the privilege of planning events across the country, but he says there’s something truly special about hosting one in the Crescent City.

“This city offers a unique blend of culture, hospitality and creativity that can elevate any gathering from routine to remarkable,” Abney says. “New Orleans isn’t just a destination, it’s an experience. It has world-class hotels, cutting-edge convention facilities and a walkable downtown that makes logistics seamless. But more than that, it offers an energy that inspires connection and leaves a lasting impression on attendees. Whether you’re planning an executive retreat, a product launch or a national sales meeting, New Orleans provides a backdrop that’s both professional and unforgettable.”

Corporate event planners will find state-of-the-art venues nestled within charming neighborhoods, where attendees might leave a boardroom and walk right into a brass band marching down the street in front of them.

“The region offers everything from riverfront views to historic mansions to modern industrial spaces, allowing for highly customized event design,” Abney says. “And with a strong local supplier network, it’s easy to incorporate authentic elements into your program — from Creole-inspired catering to local jazz musicians.”

To make the most of what New Orleans has to offer, there are definite “musts” for corporate itineraries. Abney suggests:

• A private dining experience at one of the city’s acclaimed restaurants, many of which offer private rooms and custom menus
• A second-line parade or local music showcase. There is no better team-building moment than dancing through the streets together
• A cultural or philanthropic activity, such as a cooking class or a service project with a local nonprofit
• Building in some free time, as New Orleans is a destination that rewards exploration

“To get the most out of New Orleans, lean into its identity. Infuse local flavor into your agenda, décor and entertainment. Partner with local vendors who know how to navigate the city’s permitting and parade processes,” Abney says. “And most importantly, think about the experience holistically — not just what attendees learn, but how they feel while they’re here. New Orleans has a way of bringing people together and creating memories that last far beyond the closing session.”

More Than a Backdrop, It’s a Business Asset

As a corporate event strategist who has lived, worked and designed immersive events in New Orleans for years, Kelley Troia, founder and chief astonishment officer at Clandestine Events + Experiences, knows the city inside and out — not just the venues, but the cultural rhythm that transforms simple gatherings into unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

“New Orleans isn’t just a great backdrop. It’s a business asset,” Troia says. “Direct flights and a compact, walkable downtown make logistics easy. But it’s the streetcars, bike taxis and iconic architecture that make movement feel like part of the experience.”

From the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center to hidden courtyards in the Marigny, Troia has sourced and activated spaces that range from polished to soulful, and always with purpose.

“We’ve executed everything from high-touch VIP dinners to multiday strategy offsites and team-building excursions in New Orleans. What draws us here is the city’s ability to shapeshift; it delivers both cultural gravitas and full-send energy all in a single, very walkable zip code,” Troia says.

One standout corporate event that Troia’s company orchestrated was a team-building experience for a corporate leadership team at Music Box Village, an interactive sound art installation tucked away in the Bywater. Attendees collaborated to create rhythm and sound across playable architecture, led by local artists.

“It wasn’t just ‘team bonding,’ it was pure creative immersion. That afternoon, New Orleans didn’t just set the stage, it gave the team a new language,” Troia says. “That is what I love about New Orleans. The culture and flavor naturally seep out of every pore.”

Christie Rogers, CMP, senior program manager at Brightspot Incentives & Events, recently completed a boutique incentive trip to New Orleans for 39 attendees. Their home base was the iconic Omni Royal Orleans, which sits right in the heart of the French Quarter.

The trip kicked off with a welcome reception and dinner on Bourbon Street, where the team turned up the volume (literally and figuratively) with a surprise second-line parade to greet the group upon arrival. Complete with company-branded instruments, this was the perfect welcome to New Orleans.

Later in the trip, attendees swapped city lights for bayou sights with a private airboat tour through the Louisiana swamps. Before hopping on board, they were treated to a down-home Cajun meal, bringing the rich taste of the region to life. This combo of culture, cuisine and adrenaline made it a top highlight, especially for visitors craving something unexpected.

“For many attendees, this was a rare travel opportunity, so we leaned into crafting an immersive, once-in-a-lifetime experience,” Rogers says. “From the first welcome drink to the final farewell, we layered in meaningful local touches like regionally inspired gifts, Creole and Cajun culinary experiences and hands-on cultural activities.”

The standout memory for this trip was the private airboat tour through the Louisiana swamps, complete with gator sightings and bayou storytelling that had everyone raving.

“It wasn’t just a trip to New Orleans — it was a journey through it, where every detail was curated to reflect the city’s spirit and soul,” Rogers says.

As she explains, New Orleans radiates culture from every corner, and the biggest draws are definitely its vibrant energy, incredible cuisine and rich cultural texture, which turns even a simple coffee break into a cultural moment.

“It’s also a planner’s dream when it comes to logistics — the French Quarter is super walkable, peppered with unique venues and bursting with personality,” Rogers adds. “If you want an event that doesn’t feel like just another meeting, New Orleans delivers. It’s colorful, creative and guaranteed to leave an impression.”

Rogers’ advice for corporate event planners is to remember that the city has a rhythm all its own, and the more you embrace it, the better your event will be. New Orleans thrives on authenticity, so opt for venues that celebrate its flair and flavor.

“From historic courtyards to jazz clubs and rooftop terraces, New Orleans gives you a blank canvas to create those goosebump-worthy moments,” Rogers says. “Also, build in some free time. Let guests wander, explore and soak it all in on their terms — it’ll only enhance what you’ve planned.”

Lexy Marchbank, founder and lead strategist at event strategy and planning firm FieldSavvy, recently planned a company sales kickoff in New Orleans for approximately 200 attendees. She booked a centrally located Marriott property that could accommodate both the group’s meeting space needs and the attendees themselves, while still giving everyone walking access to the city’s charm.

“While many of our sessions and activities took place onsite, we made it a point to incorporate local culture wherever we could. [That included] a post-dinner reception with live Cajun music from a local performer and NOLA-inspired treats like beignets during our breaks,” Marchbank says. “The event also happened to align with the Super Bowl, so we secured a venue for the team to gather and watch the game together, which ended up being a major highlight.”

According to Marchbank, New Orleans was an easy choice for several reasons. The weather is mild and enjoyable in January — which is when the event was held — and that is a major plus when attendees are coming from different (often colder) parts of the country. It’s also centrally located within the U.S., making travel more convenient, while the city offers a built-in sense of energy and culture that really elevates any corporate event. It doesn’t take much to create a memorable experience in a place like New Orleans, as the setting does much of the heavy lifting.

“From the music and food to the architecture and atmosphere, there’s so much character to work with. Even small touches, like incorporating regional snacks or booking a local musician — this is one of my most memorable moments — can make a big impact,” Marchbank says. “At the same time, be realistic about your group’s needs. While boutique venues are tempting, we found that booking a hotel with full-service capabilities was the right call for our group size and schedule. New Orleans offers a great balance between business functionality and authentic, memorable experiences.”

What’s New in New Orleans

Without a doubt, New Orleans is built to host corporate groups of all sizes, thanks to its strong hospitality industry. From charmingly historic inns that offer a “Big Easy” vibe to state-of-the-art cosmopolitan hotels that can accommodate thousands of attendees, the city has it all.

According to Stephanie Turner, SVP, convention sales and strategies at New Orleans & Company, the town boasts over 26,000 hotel rooms within a 2.5-mile footprint in the heart of downtown. New Orleans is also ranked as the number-three convention destination in the country and one of the top five most walkable U.S. cities.

“This compact setting allows attendees to move easily between meeting venues, hotels, restaurants and cultural attractions so you spend less time getting there and more time being there,” Turner says.

In addition, New Orleans is in the midst of significant growth in hospitality infrastructure with $2 billion invested in projects that are either planned, underway or completed. According to Turner, highlights include:

New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center

The sixth-largest convention center in the U.S., this venue provides the largest contiguous-space exhibit hall in the country, with 1.1 million sf of prime exhibit space on one level, all under one roof. The LEED Gold certified facility is undergoing a $557 million renovation of its interior, exterior, building infrastructure and grand foyer entrances. Ongoing projects include the renovation and modernization of all 140 meeting rooms and public spaces.

Newly Built and Renovated Hotel and Facilities

Caesars Entertainment invested $435 million to rebrand Harrah’s Casino and build a new 340-room hotel tower, which opened last year. This renovation included redesigned interior and exterior spaces and new culinary offerings for event attendees.

In addition, Omni Hotel is planning to build a 1,000-room hotel with 100,000 sf of meeting space across the street from Hall C of the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center and adjacent to the Mississippi River Heritage Park. This venue is expected to open in 2029.

Beyond that, Le Meridien New Orleans recently completed a renovation project, refreshing meeting spaces and adding another meeting room to give groups more flexible options for events. Located in the central business district of New Orleans, Le Meridien now offers more than 16,000 sf of meeting and events space. C&IT