Are you looking for another reason to join us at our 2019 Annual Conference in New Orleans, Louisiana (NOLA) March 21-24th? On top of over 30 amazing workshops to choose from, networking with our estimated 200 attendees, fun at our New Orleans Style Opening Reception, you will have a chance to explore this exciting city. You will find so much to do in NOLA that you may want to plan an extra day or two. Here are a few of the places we recommend you consider.
Explore the French Market: Similar to some European markets, this historically charming open-air market features shopping, dining, music and local tradition that is uniquely New Orleans. From Café du Monde near Jackson Square to the flea market at the end of Esplanade Avenue, the French Market includes five blocks of local produce, specialty art, handmade crafts, retail shopping and more.
Cruise down the river on a Steamboat: Let this tour take you back to when life was as slow and graceful as the current on the Mississippi. Choose from many cruises, and you’ll experience New Orleans as it can best be seen from the river.
Tour Mardi Gras World: Mardi Gras might be over when we visit the city but you can still get a taste of the experience at the Mardi Gras World. It has the largest float designing and building facility in the world. Here more than 80 percent of the floats that journey down New Orleans’ streets during the Carnival season are designed and built. Don authentic Mardi Gras costumes and tour enormous warehouses filled with floats and stay for a taste of Mardi Gras, king cake.
Take a walk through NOLA”s historic Cemeteries: New Orleans is a city surrounded by water and built below sea level so the graves are all above ground. Ornate and historic, funky and other worldly, New Orleans cemeteries are home to everyone from music hitmakers to voodoo queens.
Get spooked on a Ghost Tour: Explore the haunted side of New Orleans on a ghost tour through the French Quarter and beyond. Browse the list of tour companies to learn about voodoo, haunted mansions, and restless spirits!
Take a Ride on the St Charles Street Trolly: Rumbling down the ”neutral ground” or middle of St. Charles and Carrollton avenues for more than 150 years, the St. Charles Streetcar has become a symbol of the charm and romance of New Orleans. The St. Charles streetcar is the oldest continuously operating streetcar line in the world and runs along a 6-mile crescent from Canal Street (where the INA Hotel is located) and runs down the heart of the garden district. The streetcar passes dozens of antebellum mansions and the breathtaking Audubon Park as well as fine hotels, restaurants and bars.
Taste Test Creole and Cajun Cuisine: New Orleans School of Cooking welcomes you to the Fun, Food & Folklore of the New Orleans. Join this introduction to the wonderful food and rich culture of New Orleans and Louisiana as a whole. Their entertaining cooking classes and Louisiana General Store are located in the heart of the French Quarter. They teach the basics of Louisiana Cooking in a way you’ll never forget with Cajun / Creole experts teaching New Orleans specialties such as Gumbo, Jambalaya and Pralines.
Restaurants: Are you a foodie? Well, you are in luck, NOLA is home to some of the nations top chefs and most sought-after restaurants.
Clubs: Check out some favorite clubs and activities.
Spas: While the INA is in New Orleans, the Jung Hotel Spa may be under construction. However, the concierge has compiled a list of great spas in the area that she recommends.
Don’t miss out on this great opportunity to not only enrich your career or business but visit this historic and fun city. Registration rates go up after January 31, 2019. Register today!