Often, the world of business can be nearly as turbulent as historic weather events, and so New Orleans seems the ideal destination for the “I” in MICE (meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions) to be as present as the rest. The diverse incentive experiences match its variety of business-related venues.

From the largest of convention centers to the most intimate chic spaces that possess a unique NOLA charm, New Orleans provides all one needs for positive reviews back at the office.

The New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center — the largest MICE space in New Orleans — is at work on a $90 million renovation that will augment the lobby, pre-function areas and meeting rooms. Plans also include the addition of a unique, immersive third ballroom with stunning views of the Mississippi River.

Currently, guests can enjoy 1.1 million square feet of contiguous exhibit space for major conferences and trade shows, such as Nostalgia Con (Nov. 21–23); NOLA Christmas Fest (throughout December); and The Harlequins Mardi Gras Ball (Dec. 27), featuring a masquerade, New Orleans cuisine and decadent performances. In addition to its sprawling exhibit space, the facility also includes 140 meeting rooms; a 4,000-seat theater; the 60,300-square-foot, column-free Great Hall ballroom; and the 30,000-square-foot La Nouvelle Orleans ballroom. As per the modern obsession with sustainability, the convention center makes sure it meets and even exceeds all standards including energy efficiency, water conservation, indoor air quality and waste reduction.

Carousel Bar © Hotel Monteleone

For a more iconic and chic venue, Hotel Monteleone, a historic French Quarter hotel, provides a classic New Orleans setting for meetings. Its amenities include a famous revolving carousel bar, a rooftop pool and various meeting spaces equaling 26,000 square feet. Besides its haunted history, Hotel Monteleone attracts business travel crowds because of its stunning presentation of ornate sculptural reliefs; colorful flower boxes; a working grandfather clock (built in 1886 and still chiming on the hour); and the spirits of famed former guests such as Tennessee Williams, William Faulkner and Truman Capote.

In the search for the authentic Southern milieux, its décor, food and haunted and haunting tales from the past make this a rich incentive by proxy. The official hotel of The National WWII Museum, The Higgins Hotel New Orleans, Curio Collection by Hilton, offers first-class accommodations, meeting spaces and dining options providing a sophisticated lodging experience for business groups. The Art Deco-style property pays tribute to a time when all Americans came together to secure victory and help change the world. Meeting spaces and room décor blend the comfort of New Orleans with the drama of the era that was central to the 20th century.

Proof business and art can come together, Degas House offers a unique location for more intimate meetings and events. The walls are painted in colors reminiscent of the great master’s paintings and sculptures and display reproductions of Degas’ work, family portraits, nudes, dancing girls and equestrian scenes. Degas himself lived at the residence 1872– 1873. Open since 1852, the property can host indoor and outdoor events, all true to the Degas artistic period and style.

Cabildo meeting room © Hotel Monteleone

UNIQUE VENUES
New Orleans cuisine offers a vibrant tapestry woven from French, Spanish, African and Caribbean influences, with Cajun and Creole traditions at its heart. Treat colleagues to a true taste of New Orleans at these venues specializing in specific dishes that define the city.

The rich, roux-based stew known as gumbo blends the “holy trinity” of bell pepper, onion, and celery with proteins such as seafood, chicken or sausage. It’s earthy, spicy and deeply comforting. Considered one of the best spots in town for gumbo, The Gumbo Shop, family owned and founded in 1848, has won The Best Gumbo Award since 1999.

A one-pot wonder, jambalaya is akin to Spanish paella and includes simmering rice with tomatoes, spices and meats like andouille sausage and chicken. Creole versions include tomatoes; Cajun ones don’t. Check out the jambalaya at Joey K’s Restaurant & Bar for what some consider the best kick in town.

The po’ boy is a crusty French bread sandwich stuffed with fried shrimp, oysters or roast beef dripping in gravy. Order it “dressed” for lettuce, tomato, pickles and mayo — a street food icon born from a 1929 streetcar strike. Casual but certainly not “po,” try the sandwiches at Johnny’s Po-Boys.

Admittedly, beignets are less-than-healthy delicacies, but who can resist the French-style fried dough squares buried under powdered sugar? Café du Monde made them famous, but they’re everywhere … sweet, airy and best paired with chicory coffee.