Bordering New Orleans and part of Lake Pontchartrain’s southern shore is a thriving area in Louisiana known as Jefferson Parish, made up of many charming cities and towns, including Avondale, Gretna, Kenner, Metairie, and Westwego, among others. Named after former President Thomas Jefferson, the parish was established in 1825. Here, meeting planners can expect to find a broad spectrum of venues, exciting opportunities for outdoor adventures, and an enticing culinary scene centered on fresh seafood.
Vibe: “Complementing our meeting venues and overnight accommodations is the culture,” says Terrie Birkel, chief operating officer and vice president of marketing at Visit Jefferson Parish. “Southeast Louisiana is known for its hospitality, and this region is no exception.” Birkel also notes the area is brimming with things to do during downtime. “We work hard and play even harder in Jefferson Parish,” she says.
Transportation: Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport in Kenner boasts a modern, well-connected terminal, hosting 15 airlines and serving 52 nonstop destinations. Jefferson Parish Transit operates an extensive and convenient transportation system throughout the parish, while several charter companies partner with the convention and visitors bureau for shuttle and motorcoach needs.
Hotels: Over 8,000 hotel rooms are ripe for booking in Jefferson Parish. The recently renovated Hilton New Orleans Airport in Kenner is just 12 minutes from the airport with 317 guest rooms and 21,180 square feet of meeting space, and Ramada by Wyndham Metairie New Orleans Airport is another near-airport option and hosts groups up to 150 people. Family-owned Comfort Inn & Suites at Copeland Tower in Metairie offers complimentary parking and 151 guest rooms.
Venues: Two spacious convention centers are available—Pontchartrain Center in Kenner and Alario Center in Westwego, each with over 40,000 square feet of space. NOLA Motorsports Park in Avondale combines exciting go-kart experiences with a 34,000-square-foot trackside meeting venue. In Metairie, the Jefferson Performing Arts Center hosts theater, concerts, private events, and more with a seating capacity of up to 1,041 attendees.
Restaurants: “No one leaves hungry,” says Birkel, citing the Jefferson Parish Louisiana Oyster Trail as a must-do. The trail features restaurants like Boulevard American Bistro and Drago’s Seafood Restaurant in Metairie, and The Red Maple in Gretna, all with catering menus and/or private dining space. Austin’s Seafood & Steakhouse in Metairie serves Creole-Italian creations and contains private dining rooms.
Must-Sees & -Dos: “Our lush green spaces and wetland adventures are just minutes from the energy of the city,” says Birkel. Group airboat or pontoon rides through beautiful area nature preserves are available via locally based companies like Airboat Adventures and Ultimate Swamp Adventures. During downtime, attendees might take a stroll down Metairie Road, a 3-mile historic street in the Old Metairie district lined with upscale boutiques, antique stores, and locally owned dining spots.
