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64 B M & T ••• November/December 2024 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com AREA GUIDES CULTURAL DIVERSITY, SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY AND LOADS OF ENTERTAINMENT ALL UNDER ONE ROOF: WELCOME TO THE PELICAN STATE B Y C L E T U S R A M S E Y From small, charming towns to bustling metro areas, Louisiana cities offer a variety of attractions and experiences groups of all types and sizes can appreciate. Travelers can immerse themselves in the state's rich history and vibrant culture, from the Louisiana Civil Rights Trail and scenic state parks to diverse museums and outdoor adventures. Experience the state's unique music, savor local flavors on the Culinary Trail and explore endless attrac- tions like biking, fishing and local libations. The state of Louisiana offers many ways to explore the region's rich history, in hun- dreds of museums, historic structures, landmarks, artifacts and works of art. The careful preservation and restoration of these sites and artifacts has created many rare opportunities for visitors to experience Louisiana's history and gain insights into the diverse cultures that continue to influ- ence the state today. • • NEW ORLEANS • • No city in North America can compete with New Orleans when it comes to cul- ture, food, historic architecture, joie de vivre and tourism options. The Crescent City has suffered plagues, wars, imperial regime changes and devas- tating floods. Yet, it always wakes up with a smile on its face. This may be because its inhabitants step to an easy beat first laid down three centuries ago. Moving at this relaxed pace, visitors are delighted by the French Creole elegance of the Vieux Carre (French Quarter) or the opulence discov- ered in a streetcar ride through the Garden District and Uptown. New Orleans award-winning event facilities offer flexible choices with varying levels of square footage, services, location and amenities for your off-site event. The New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center is home to America's largest contiguous-space exhibit hall with 1.1 million sq. ft. of prime exhibit space plus 140 meeting rooms, 4,000-seat the- ater, 30,000 sq. ft. ballroom and a 60,300 sq. ft. divisible, column-free ballroom with 25,000 sq. ft. pre-function area. This venue is the sixth largest conven- tion facility in the nation and consistently ranks in the country's top ten of facilities that hold the most conventions and tradeshows annually. The Smoothie King Center has taken its place as the number one entertain- ment and sports venue in the region. Adjacent to the iconic Mercedes-Benz Superdome and within close proximity to downtown, the French Quarter, and thou- sands of first-class hotel rooms, the Smoothie King Center is New Orleans' premier facility for a wide variety of events. The center is equipped with 21,250 square feet of main arena floor space and flexible seating configura- tions for up to 18,000. Anytime of year find live music, amaz- ing Creole and Cajun cuisine, fresh seafood, farmers markets, shopping, nightlife and more. During Mardi Gras season, the city becomes the world's center. Downtown transforms into an adult playground, while parades in resi- dential areas provide children thrilling entertainment. Each spring, the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival moves the focus to the charming Gentilly area and the Fair Grounds Race Course. But no matter the time of year, New Orleans' calendar over- flows in celebration. Whether you're in town visiting the city for one of the incredible multicultural events New Orleans hosts, or you're just on a quick vacation, there are tons of amazing Black-owned businesses to sup- port around the city. Experience New Orleans by shopping, eating, drinking, and staying with these businesses - not only will you support the local economy, but you'll leave the city with unforgettable memories of these unique organizations. NOCO Built to host 2024 • • • STATS • • • HOTEL ROOMS AC Hotel New Orleans French Quarter. 220 Hilton New Orleans Riverside 1,622 Loews New Orleans Hotel 285 EXHIBITION FACILITIES New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center Total Meeting Space 3 million sq. ft. Largest Hall 1.1 million sq. ft. Largest Ballroom 60,300 sq. ft. Meeting Rooms 140 WHO YOU GONNA CALL? New Orleans & Co.– (800) 672-6124 www.neworleans.com L O U I S I A N A photo credit: Vernon Brown