Often the world of business can be as dynamic and unpredictable as historic weather events, and New Orleans is an ideal city for the “I” in MICE (meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions) to stand out. The city’s variety of incentive experiences complements its diverse range of business venues.
From expansive convention centers to intimate, stylish spaces with unmistakable NOLA character, New Orleans offers everything meeting planners need to leave attendees impressed and deliver positive feedback back at the office.
The Ernest N. Morial Convention Center — the largest MICE venue in the city — is undergoing a $90 million renovation to enhance its lobby, pre-function areas and meeting rooms. Plans include an innovative, immersive third ballroom with panoramic views of the Mississippi River.
Today, the convention center provides 1.1 million square feet of contiguous exhibit space suited for major conferences and trade shows, with events ranging from Nostalgia Con (Nov. 21–23) to seasonal festivals like NOLA Christmas Fest and The Harlequins Mardi Gras Ball (Dec. 27), which features masquerade elements, New Orleans cuisine, and theatrical performances. In addition to its vast exhibit halls, the facility 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. The center also embraces sustainability, meeting and exceeding standards for energy efficiency, water conservation, indoor air quality, and waste reduction.
Carousel Bar © Hotel Monteleone
For a more iconic and sophisticated setting, Hotel Monteleone in the French Quarter offers a quintessential New Orleans backdrop for meetings. The hotel’s signature revolving carousel bar, rooftop pool, and multiple meeting rooms totaling 26,000 square feet create memorable corporate experiences. With its ornate sculptural reliefs, colorful flower boxes, and a functioning grandfather clock from 1886 that still chimes on the hour, the hotel blends historic charm with contemporary comfort. Its storied past and famous guests—figures such as Tennessee Williams, William Faulkner, and Truman Capote—add character and allure for business travelers seeking a distinct NOLA atmosphere.
For groups seeking a connection to local history and culture, The Higgins Hotel New Orleans, Curio Collection by Hilton, serves as the official hotel of The National WWII Museum. The Art Deco property offers refined accommodations, meeting spaces, and dining options that honor a moment in American history when the nation united to meet global challenges. Meeting rooms and decor at The Higgins fuse New Orleans warmth with the visual drama of that era, creating a polished setting for corporate gatherings and incentive programs.
Blending business and art, Degas House presents a unique venue for smaller meetings and private events. The residence—where Edgar Degas lived in 1872–1873—features interiors painted in tones reminiscent of the artist’s work and displays reproductions of Degas’ paintings and sculptures, family portraits, dancers, and equestrian scenes. Open since 1852, the property hosts indoor and outdoor events that reflect the artist’s period and aesthetic, offering attendees an intimate cultural experience.
Cabildo meeting room © Hotel Monteleone
UNIQUE VENUES
New Orleans cuisine reflects a vibrant blend of French, Spanish, African, and Caribbean influences, with Cajun and Creole traditions at its core. Treat colleagues to an authentic taste of the city at venues that specialize in the classic dishes that define NOLA.
Gumbo, a rich, roux-based stew, combines the “holy trinity” of bell pepper, onion, and celery with proteins such as seafood, chicken, or sausage. Hearty, spicy, and comforting, gumbo is a staple of local dining. For many visitors, family-owned restaurants that have preserved traditional recipes for generations provide the best introduction to the dish.
Jambalaya, a one-pot rice dish similar in spirit to Spanish paella, simmers rice with tomatoes, spices, and meats like andouille sausage and chicken. Creole versions include tomatoes, while Cajun versions do not. The city’s neighborhood spots offer bold, flavorful versions that showcase regional differences and satisfy diverse palates.
The po’ boy—served on crusty French-style bread and filled with fried shrimp, oysters, or roast beef with gravy—is a beloved street-food icon born from 1929 labor history. Order it “dressed” for lettuce, tomato, pickles, and mayo to experience a classic local sandwich.
And no visit to New Orleans is complete without beignets: French-style fried dough squares dusted with powdered sugar. Light and sweet, they pair perfectly with chicory coffee and remain a favorite indulgence for groups and incentive travelers alike.