New Orleans, Louisiana, a city loaded with history and buzzing with music, is an easy (by Texas standards) five-hour drive from Houston. Here, planners will find 26,000 hotel rooms within 2 1/2 miles of downtown. Attendees can enjoy the distinct culture and musical traditions of The Big Easy all within walking distance of their hotel.
The New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center boasts 1.1 million square feet of exhibit space, making it the sixth-largest convention center in the country. Nearby, the New Orleans Marriott Warehouse Arts District offers 24,000 square feet of contemporary meeting space and 192 guest rooms. For historic ambience, book a block of rooms at the new Kimpton Hotel Fontenot, where planners will find 12,000 square feet of stylish meeting space, a French brasserie, and the Peacock Room lounge for post-session cocktails. Or, host a smaller meeting for up to 88 attendees at the New Orleans African American Museum, complete with two terraces and a catering kitchen.
Named “Best Food Destination” in the U.S. in the Trip-Advisor 2024 Travelers’ Choice Awards Best of the Best, New Orleans boasts more than 500 restaurants within walking distance of downtown. Serving up food rooted in traditions and cultures from around the world, New Orleans cuisine is a robust reflection of the diverse neighborhoods that populate the city. Of course, no visit is complete without a bowl of gumbo and a basket of hot beignets.
