About New Orleans
New Orleans is a bustling city located in the southeastern portion of Louisiana, along the banks of the Mississippi River. It is known for its rich culture and history, which stretches back to its founding by French settlers in 1718. The city was an important port for centuries, as a crucial link between African and European cultures in the colonial period. New Orleans has a humid subtropical climate with hot summers, mild winters, and plenty of yearly rain. While temperatures can reach the high 30s during summer, they rarely exceed 32°C (90°F) as such, it is suitable for comfortable weather year-round.
An interesting and unique fact about New Orleans is its annual annual Mardi Gras celebration in February, which draws millions of tourists. In addition to this spectacular festival, several other annual events are taking place in New Orleans, such as jazz concerts, food festivals, and art shows.
Consequently, New Orleans is an excellent destination for corporate gatherings and team-building exercises due to its remarkable selection of exciting activities. From riverboat rides, plantation visits, and bayou cruises to swamp tours that offer a glimpse into the city's culture and beauty, this enchanting place has it all! With so many different experiences, New Orleans will surely make your group outing or corporate event one they'll never forget.
Corporate Party Options in New Orleans
- Equipment Rentals
When planning a corporate event in New Orleans, there's no need to worry about the equipment needed. Many companies offer rental services; you can rent anything from tents and tables to chairs, inflatable party games, and karaoke machines! Everything required for an unforgettable gathering is at your fingertips — you have to choose which pieces suit your occasion.
- DJs
DJs are essential for any corporate party and provide quality entertainment encouraging guests to dance. Numerous companies in New Orleans offer a range of musical styles, such as hip-hop, jazz, reggae, salsa, and more. DJs can also be hired to MC the event and keep things running smoothly. And if you need additional gear, such as a sound system, or illumination, the DJs can help you with that too.
- Bartenders
Professional bartenders can provide cocktails and other beverages for your guests. With their experience, they can help you create memorable experiences through creative mixology, presentation, and service. And if they need to add some spice to the corporate evening, they can also arrange a liquor tasting or a themed bar.
- Catering Services
Catering is another essential component of any corporate event, and New Orleans has plenty of options. From classic Southern flavors like gumbo and jambalaya to modern dishes like chicken tikka masala or sesame-crusted tuna, there's something for everyone. You can also get creative and find a caterer specializing in unique experiences, such as interactive food stations or tapas bars.
Corporate Party Vendors in New Orleans
- Gracious Bakery + Cafe
Established in 2012, Gracious Bakery + Cafe has gained a devoted following and rapidly expanded over the years — now running three bakeries throughout New Orleans. It's no wonder why this bakery is so renowned; it has even been highlighted in national magazines such as Travel & Leisure, Food & Wine, and Pastry Arts! Gracious Bakery and Café has captivated viewers on television programs like The Food Network’s Chopped: Desserts. Their delicious baked goods can be found in the best restaurants around New Orleans.
- Big Easy Photobooth
Big Easy Photobooth is a rental service for premier photo booths that have been serving the people of New Orleans since 2010. They offer specialized corporate packages for company picnics, fundraisers, and holiday parties. Their reliable services ensure that clients receive top-quality service at their events. In addition to corporate parties, Big Easy Photobooth also provides a fun addition to various occasions, such as birthday celebrations, school dances, and wedding receptions.
- NOLA Event Planners, LLC
NOLA Event Planners, LLC is an event design and production company providing unparalleled services for the past two decades. They specialize in designing events of all sizes while adhering to budgetary restrictions. Their project management and set creation process ensure no detail is overlooked, from master planning to registration forms. They specialize in red carpets and AV services for events and provide excellent transportation options and total meeting management.
Pros and Cons of Corporate Party Venues in New Orleans
When searching for the perfect corporate party venue in New Orleans, you will be pleased to find a range of entertaining activities and plenty of opportunities for mingling. Nevertheless, it is wise to keep some potential drawbacks in mind before committing:
Advantages
- Food & Drinks: With many renowned restaurants and bars to choose from, corporate party planners can rest assured that their guests will have an array of delicious food and drinks to enjoy.
- Culture & Entertainment: Nothing beats the atmosphere of New Orleans when it comes to culture and entertainment. From live music venues to museums, there’s something for everyone in the Big Easy!
- Cost Savings: While hosting a corporate event in New Orleans may be expensive upfront, it’s possible to negotiate with local vendors for discounts or packages that can help reduce overall costs.
- Accessibility: Multiple airports are within driving distance of New Orleans, making it easier for people from out of state to attend the party without worrying about long flights or layovers.
Disadvantages
- Crowded: With its great food, music, and culture, New Orleans is a popular tourist destination, which can lead to overcrowding at certain times of the year.
- Limited Space: Depending on the size of the corporate party (if it is more than 1000 guests), there may be limited space for meeting rooms or conference halls.
- Weather: The weather in New Orleans can pose a challenge for outdoor parties as hurricane season runs from June through November.
Tips on How to Organize Corporate Party Venues in New Orleans
New Orleans is an exciting and vibrant city, perfect for corporate gatherings! To make your event a success, here are some tips to get you started:
- Start planning: Corporate parties require more detailed planning and coordination than other events, so giving yourself ample time before the party to coordinate is essential. Book venues, vendors, catering, entertainment, and transportation services at least six months ahead to ensure you get your first choice.
- Research Venue Options: New Orleans has various unique corporate party venues ranging from traditional ballrooms or conference centers to boats on the river or rooftop bars. When researching potential venues, consider how many people will attend and what amenities (e.g., audiovisual equipment) are included in the rental fee.
- Choose Appropriate Catering: When planning a corporate party in New Orleans, selecting catering options that reflect the city’s flavor and culture is essential. Consider incorporating local specialties such as gumbo, po’boys, muffulettas, and beignets into the menu.
- Invest in Entertainment: Live music is essential to any New Orleans event — consider hiring a jazz band or local artist who can bring some of the city's distinct sounds into your party. You may also want to add an element of surprise by offering street performers like magicians or mimes during cocktail hour!
- Utilize Decorations & Props: Since New Orleans has a rich history and culture, use decorations like Mardi Gras beads, masks, and feathers throughout the venue. You can even rent props like umbrellas or parasols from local prop shops for attendees to enjoy during festivities!
Famous Locations in New Orleans
- The Tree of Life
Tucked away in Audubon Park, New Orleans, lies a timeless treasure — the Tree of Life (popularly known as the Étienne de Boray Oak). This majestic sight is beloved by locals who are aware of its existence. Named after the first mayor of New Orleans and likely existing there before him, the tree was given its more accepted name by the locals. It's estimated to be between 100-500 years old and is covered with knobby branches perfect for climbing. People have even gone so far as to add scrap ropes and handles to help you climb up — making it one of New Orleans' premier tree-climbing spots! Surprisingly, it's also great for giraffe-watching — so don't miss out on this exciting spot while exploring Audubon Park.
- Lakeview
Lakeview is the perfect example of old-world charm. If you're looking for a break from the hustle and bustle of other New Orleans neighborhoods, Lakeview offers a slice of turn-of-the-century architecture that allows visitors to take a step back in time. Despite taking a bad blow from Hurricane Katrina in 2005, it has bounced back and is now home to an array of shops, restaurants, and local grocery stores along Harrison Ave. This quaint neighborhood also offers stunning sunsets along the lakefront, making it an ideal spot to explore if you're looking for a peaceful respite away from downtown.
- Molly Marine Statue
Molly Marine was unveiled in New Orleans on November 10, 1943. The bronze statue of a young woman with binoculars and a clipboard, standing skyward, was the brainchild of Marines recruiter Charles Gresham and artist Enrique Alferez. Molly was sculpted to represent American women joining the military efforts during WWII. Judy Mosgrove, another New Orleans native and former Marine, was the model for this milestone statue — the first of its kind in America! Due to wartime rationing of bronze materials, Alferez crafted Molly out of cement made from granite and marble chips. In 1999, fifty-six years later, MariTime acquired two bronzed replicas taken from an original mold — cast by Alferez all those years ago.
