Much like its annual Mardi Gras parade or Jazz & Heritage Festival, New Orleans is a destination that sings, dances and continuously celebrates its rich history, heritage and cultural contributions. The city’s fun vibe is quite tangible, and visiting groups can count on being entertained after they’ve taken care of business.
“We prefer to market New Orleans as a destination that strikes the perfect balance between business and pleasure,” says Nikki Moon, vice president, convention sales at the New Orleans CVB.
She says there are numerous ways to stamp events and group outings with that special New Orleans flair.
“For example, a planner may choose a networking event offering tastings of gumbo, jambalaya or shrimp Creole with an overall theme of purple, green and gold—the colors of Mardi Gras,” Moon says. “This allows attendees to mingle and conduct business in an atmosphere that is uniquely New Orleans.”
And that’s just getting things started, as the ways in which groups are entertained in the “Crescent City” are seemingly endless. Following are six ideas to kick-start the list of possibilities.
Mardi Gras World
Mardi Gras World, according to its spokeswoman Brooke Pickett, began building floats more than 60 years ago, and now offers the opportunity for groups to participate in the magic.
“This is a team-building activity that is truly unique to New Orleans—building and decorating mini Mardi Gras floats,” she says, explaining that the event can accommodate groups of up to 100 people, and packages can include food, cocktails or even a jazz trio.
Before creating their own floats, Pickett says groups gather inspiration during a rare, behind-the-scenes tour of Mardi Gras World. During the tour they get to see what goes into building the elaborate floats, props and parades each year.
The attraction also facilitates parties for up to 5,000 attendees.
“For parties this size, we can arrange for indoor parades where guests ride on the floats and throw beads to their peers, complete with a marching band and police escort,” Pickett says. PageBreak
National World War II Museum
The National World War II Museum, a must-see attraction in New Orleans, according to James Williams, director of event rental sales, is also a standout gathering spot for memorable group events.
The recently opened US Freedom Pavilion: The Boeing Center features sleek decor including six vintage World War II aircraft hanging overhead.
“Accented with dramatic theatrical lighting, it’s an event planner’s dream to not have to make the extra investment,” Williams says.
Food and beverage is provided by Chef John Besh, whose dishes feature both local favorites and flashbacks from the ’40s with a Louisiana twist, Williams adds.
Plus, in-house entertainment, the Victory Belles, is a charming trio reminiscent of the World War II-era Andrews Sisters.
“They are very interactive with the audience and offer terrific photo opportunities that guests always enjoy,” Williams says. “We also have the Victory Big Band, which can be configured from just one piece all the way up to 25 pieces, including singers—think Glenn Miller and his orchestra if they were still around today.”
Gray Line Cocktail Tour
This tour is a mix of cocktail lore, local history and the story of the characters that made New Orleans cocktails famous.
The cocktail that is included in the price of the tour, according to Adrienne Thomas, spokeswoman for Steamboat Natchez and Gray Line Tours, is the Steamboat Jazz Punch, which is a fruit-based, summer-oriented drink.
Groups will visit locations such as Antoine’s Hermes Bar, one of the oldest restaurants in the city, and Court of Two Sisters, a New Orleans icon.
“Bartenders talk to participants about specific cocktails and they are welcome to purchase samples along the way,” Thomas says. PageBreak
The Little Gem Saloon
The Little Gem Saloon, which originally opened in 1903, once served as a popular watering hole for early jazz legends such as Buddy Bolden, Freddie Keppard and Jelly Roll Morton until closing its doors in 1909.
According to Maria Bazan, co-owner and private events manager of the Little Gem Saloon, the venue represents the first meaningful investment in restoring a long-neglected corridor in what once was the heart of New Orleans traditional jazz music.
“We are a restaurant, bar and live entertainment venue offering two floors with bars and stages on each,” she says, adding that celebrated Chef Robert Bruce has created a menu with traditional Creole dishes.
The private dining room at the Little Gem is called the Ramp Room, which can accommodate up to 250 people standing and up to 125 seated.
“We often host cocktail receptions with passed hors d’oeuvres, buffets and sit-down dinners in this chicly decorated space,” Bazan says. “Being a historic music venue, the Ramp Room is not the same without music on stage. With our in-house music director, we can arrange for any genre of live music for a private event.”
Dat NOLA Race
Dat NOLA Race is an interactive, informative, competitive and ultimately fun way to experience the French Quarter of New Orleans. The race is also a great way for groups to break the ice and team bond, according to Robin Whitfield, adventurepreneur for Dat NOLA Race.
“We especially cater to private groups of 10 to 200-plus,” she says, adding that the course takes between 1.5 and 2.5 hours to conquer, and there is a post-race awards ceremony and party for groups to unwind.
During the race, which will lead attendees all over the city, clues can be found anywhere, including on the street and in bars, markets and stores.
At times particular activities are called for, including taking a streetcar ride, enjoying a local beverage, having a bite to eat, throwing beads or performing in front of an audience. And the whole time, Whitfield says, groups will be learning about the city’s rich heritage and culture.
Kayak-iti-Yat
“Some of the often forgotten treasures of Southern Louisiana are the vast waterways and outdoor fun,” says Sara Howard, co-owner of Kayak-iti-Yat.
Bayou St. John, she says, is a natural bayou right in the heart of the city, bordered by one of the oldest neighborhoods on one bank and City Park on the other.
“We can be surrounded by urban activities and historic 18th century West Indies-style homes while sneaking up on beautiful water birds and soft-shell turtles,” Howard says. “We have the opportunity to see what most tourists miss—the close, neighborhood-centric community locals experience every day. We cannot paddle 20 yards without a wave and a ‘how y’all doin’?!’”
Kayak-iti-Yat will customize tours to fit the group’s interests, from history and culture to science, eco-systems and community development.
Frequent contributor Carolyn Blackburn knows firsthand that it’s impossible not to have a great time in wonderful New Orleans.
