New Orleans, a vibrant city in Louisiana, is renowned for its eclectic mix of French, African, and American cultures, manifesting in its unique architecture, music, and cuisine. This city, resting along the Mississippi River, is celebrated for its historic center, the French Quarter, with its lively streets, jazz clubs, and the famous Mardi Gras festival. New Orleans' significance extends beyond its cultural festivities; it's also a central hub for business and creativity in the region.
New Orleans is a prime destination for conventions and business gatherings. The city boasts a variety of meeting spaces, from grand ballrooms in the Central Business District to quaint event spaces nestled within the charming French Quarter. These venues cater to a wide range of events, from formal business meetings to creative workshops, offering state-of-the-art facilities and a distinctive ambiance that can only be found in New Orleans.
Once you choose your New Orleans event space, you still have a lot of work to do to set it up for a successful meeting. Why not hire some professionals to help you out? That way you can relax and enjoy the gorgeous weather and sandy beaches before the meeting instead of stressing yourself out over all the details.
Caterer
No matter where your meeting room is, New Orleans has a wide variety of caterers who can help you plan the menu, do the cooking, set up and serve the food, and clean up afterward. Whether you want to try some of the local cuisines like jambalaya, crawfish, and gumbo or would rather have a fancy meal of steaks and lobster, there are plenty of caterers in New Orleans who can accommodate you.
Furniture Rental
If your meeting space does not come with enough seating and other furniture, you will need to find a furniture rental place that can help you out. Most rental places also offer other things you may need like extra lighting, AV equipment, decor, and linens. Think about it, because corporate events can't be imagined without some AV equipment.
Transportation
Hiring a transportation service is about more than just convenience. Having a car service can also make sure all of your guests get there on time. And if there are any adult beverages served, having a designated driver can be a lifesaver. New Orleans has a variety of rideshare and car services, which will meet you from New Orleans International Airport and deliver you to the event space.
Besides the caterers and photographers, you can also hire a professional event planner to take care of your New Orleans meeting room planning. Whether you need someone to help you with a few details or you want someone to take care of it all, New Orleans has what you are looking for.
New Orleans & Company
This company is a destination marketing organization in New Orleans that knows all the ins and outs of the city, so they know what to do. They have worked on major events like the NCAA Final Four, the Super Bowl, and the Essence Music Festival. Whether you need to organize events in conference rooms or some meeting venues in downtown New Orleans, they've got you covered.
NOLA Event Planners
With over two decades of experience, NOLA Event Planners are experienced in just about any kind of event from a small backyard BBQ to a huge gala for 5,000 guests. Let them take care of all the details, from venue to vendors without bothering you. NOLA has worked with Bravo TV's Jared Sampson, New Orleans City Councilwoman Cyndi Nguyen, and Dillard University, to name a few.
Iron Peacock Events
Just meet with Iron Peacock once and they will take care of the rest from the email invites to the email thank you notes. They are experienced in decision-making meetings, quarterly meetings, training events, team building, and just about everything else that has to do with business events. You can trust Iron Peacock to provide strategic event planning that delivers measurable results for your New Orleans meeting.
New Orleans, with its vibrant culture and historic charm, offers a plethora of options for those seeking to host an event. From grand corporate meetings to intimate gatherings, the city's unique event spaces and meeting rooms provide the perfect backdrop. Situated within walking distance of world-famous restaurants and atmospheric cocktail lounges, these venues promise an unforgettable experience. However, selecting New Orleans as your event site comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages that are worth considering.
Unique Event Spaces
New Orleans is renowned for its eclectic array of meeting rooms and event spaces, blending historic elegance with modern amenities, perfect for creating a memorable experience. So, if you are looking for some unique event space, New Orleans is for you.
Proximity to Attractions
Many venues are conveniently located within walking distance of the city’s famous culinary and cultural attractions, offering guests the chance to explore the rich heritage of New Orleans.
World-Famous Cuisine
Hosting an event in New Orleans means access to some of the world’s most renowned restaurants, allowing you to impress your guests with exceptional culinary experiences.
Vibrant Atmosphere
The lively atmosphere of the city, known for its music and festivities, can add an unmatched vibrancy to your event, ensuring a lively and memorable occasion.
Exquisite Cocktail Lounges
The city's cocktail scene offers a plethora of options for post-meeting relaxation or networking, from historic bars to trendy lounges.
Weather Concerns
New Orleans' weather can be unpredictable, with a high likelihood of humidity, rain, and in some seasons, hurricanes, which could impact event planning and attendance.
Cost
The uniqueness and popularity of New Orleans as an event location can drive up costs, particularly for the most sought-after venues and services.
Limited Availability
Popular sites and meeting rooms in high demand may require booking well in advance, limiting options for those planning events on shorter notice.
Parking Limitations
Depending on the venue, parking can be scarce and expensive, which might inconvenience guests and affect overall attendance.
Crowded Venues
Major events like Mardi Gras and other festivals can lead to overcrowded venues and public spaces, making navigation and enjoyment of the city challenging during these times.
New Orleans City Park
With 1,300+ acres, City Park is 50% bigger than New York’s Central Park and has a variety of things to do and see. Some of the main attractions include the botanical garden, Carousel Gardens amusement park, disc golf, Scout Island, and the equestrian farm. Book the peaceful second-floor restaurant that overlooks the park for your New Orleans meeting.
New Orleans Museum of Art
Art lovers and history buffs will enjoy the New Orleans Museum of Art where you can see over 40,000 items spanning over 5,000 years from the Italian Renaissance to the modern era. You can see art by Jackson Pollock, Picasso, Renoir, Monet, Degas, and many more. Don’t miss the Native American Art and items from the pre-Columbian era.
Audubon Zoo
This zoo is home to over 2,000 animals including a rare white alligator with blue eyes. See the Louisiana Swamp Exhibit with native animals like bears, otters, snakes, and raccoons and the Reptile Encounter with the anacondas, pythons, and Gila monsters while you are there.