TOURISM MATTERS
CELEBRATING 20 YEARS OF COOLINARY NEW ORLEANS
JULY 2024
Tourism Matters is published by Gambit for New Orleans & Company, the official destination marketing and sales organization for the New Orleans tourism industry. Our vision is to make New Orleans the most remarkable, unique and welcoming city in the world. The mission of New Orleans & Company is to inspire, promote and encourage travel to the city for the economic, social and community benefit of New Orleans and its people.
504-566-5011 | 2020 St. Charles Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70130 www.neworleans.com
Facebook, Twitter and Instagram: @Visit New Orleans | @Neworleansandco
Executive Team
Walter J. Leger III, President and CEO
Alice Glenn, Executive Vice President
Mark Romig, Chief Marketing Officer
Stephanie Turner, SVP, Convention Sales & Strategies
Kim Priez, SVP, Tourism
Kelly Schulz, SVP, Communications and PR
Jeremy Cooker, VP of Marketing
Kevin Ferguson, VP of External Affairs and Membership
Tammie Boteler, VP of Finance
Brian Walker, VP of Information Technology
Laura Russett, Director of Administration
Rachel Avery, CMP, Director, Convention Services and Special Events
Palermo, Tourism Matters
PHOTO
PHOTO
A MESSAGE THE CEO from
Dear Friends of New Orleans & Company,
Welcome to the Summer 2024 issue of Tourism Matters! Summer is traditionally a slower time for our tourism industry, but this year there is more reason for optimism. For example:
New Orleans & Company secured nine major citywide conventions between July and September – compared to one citywide meeting during that same time last year. These attendees have a significant economic impact on our community and utilize many local businesses for catering, shuttles, tradeshow booth design, etc.
We brought the Americas selection of the Bocuse d’Or and Pastry World Cup – known as the Culinary Olympics - to New Orleans from June 11-13. This was the first time ever the event was held in the USA. It was a huge success and organizers are eager to partner with us in the future.
Travel + Leisure Magazine declared New Orleans as one of the top places to visit in August! This article is an example of our work to secure positive press worldwide to entice visitors and change perceptions.
Our partners at Disney opened “Tiana’s Bayou Adventure” at Walt Disney World in Florida on June 28. The ride will take visitors on an adventure set in New Orleans following the events of Disney’s 2009 animated film “The Princess and the Frog.” Disney based Tiana on the late legendary Leah Chase. The attraction will put New Orleans on a global pedestal as millions of people visit the Florida park each year, and inspire them to visit us.
Happy 20th anniversary to our COOLinary New Orleans restaurant promotion offering specially priced pre-fix menus at more than 100 restaurants. It typically runs August 1-31 but this year we are extending it until September 15. See page six for more.
In addition, we are running a new ad campaign in 27 markets featuring local talent and celebrating Museum Month in August. Nola Pickle Fest benefitting the Brees Dream Foundation returns August 7-11. For more events, see page 12.
This summer and beyond, everything we do is designed to inspire, promote and encourage travel to our city for the economic, social and community benefit of New Orleans and its people.
The fall brings even more activity as we inch closer to hosting Super Bowl LIX in 2025 ... the countdown is on!
Sincerely,
Walter J. Leger III President & CEO New Orleans & Company
Member Spotlight GETTING N.O. to
Jambalaya Girl
By Cal Palermo
JAMBALAYA GIRL
NEW ORLEANS FOOD
PRODUCTS was founded in 2010 by Kristen Preau and serves as an official Tourism Partner of the Louisiana Travel Association and a Certified WBE. Their products are made in New Orleans and are packaged for grocery stores, food service, and custom gifts.
What made you start Jambalaya Girl?
My ambition has always been to be an ambassador for New Orleans. “Jambalaya Girl” started as a childhood nickname
— a tribute to the many hours spent cooking jambalaya in my dad’s cast iron pots, even at the first French Quarter Fest. My family generously served hundreds of gallons of jambalaya to support our community. In turn, a local chef offered to make life easier by turning our scratch recipe into the Jambalaya Mix we have today. And it was too good to keep to ourselves!
What was the moment you realized you could scale Jambalaya Girl domestically?
One of the biggest fundraisers I did was a tailgating jambalaya tour
across the country for hurricane relief. No matter what city we cooked in, they all loved our jambalaya and wanted to talk about New Orleans. People crave true Louisiana flavor all over the world, and I knew we could satisfy their cravings with my easy-tocook food products made in NOLA.
What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?
When a customer reach -
es out to us not only to talk about how much they love our recipes but also how much they love New Orleans. To encourage more interactions like this, we started the “Jambalaya Girl Cooking Club.” We now get pictures and messages from customers both locally and internationally, and we send them a personal thank you note with a lagniappe gift.
What is your ultimate goal with the company?
One of the reasons I am delighted to launch our new Custom Gifts for conventions, companies, and groups is that it fulfills our mission to make Jambalaya Girl New Orleans Food Products an ambassador for Louisiana and a leading brand celebrating classic New Orleans home cooking.
You can find Jambalaya Girl products in more than 1,000 grocery stores nationwide and online at www.JambalayaGirl.com.
Employee Spotlight GETTING N.O. to Tara Stackpole
Director of Executive Operations
What is your role at New Orleans & Company?
I joined New Orleans & Company in 2013, then the New Orleans CVB, as the Executive Assistant to President and CEO Stephen Perry. He literally threw me into every meeting and event that he was involved in so that I could be his eyes and ears. He was such a visionary thought leader and I would not be where I am today without his leadership and guidance.
Walt Leger, our President and CEO since Stephen retired in 2022, has really built on Stephen’s foundation and pushed me and our entire team to evolve. In 2023 I was promoted to Director of Executive Operations. Walt challenges us to make every meeting, event, activation, sponsorship bigger and better and have a more meaningful, lasting impact on our community.
How do you approach working with CEOs and Board Members?
Make sure to actively listen and always take notes so you have a full understanding of everyone’s perspectives and overall goals. Especially when there is a heavy agenda, it is important to take notes with action items to keep things moving forward.
Prioritize relationship-building and forge meaningful connections with colleagues, mentors, and industry leaders. Networking can open doors to opportunities and provide valuable support. It also allows you to develop trusting relationships with individuals who you can look to for advice and support as you navigate your career path. Learn from their experiences and insights.
Always be willing to take on challenges. I’ve grown the most when overcoming obstacles and pushing boundaries.
What is the best advice you’ve received?
I can be a perfectionist, so when things go wrong, I take my Dad’s advice, “don’t sweat the small stuff.” He is a man of few words. My mom is the polar opposite. She’s never met a stranger and greets everyone with a smile. Smiling goes a long way personally and professionally because you never know what someone is going through, or who you are going to meet, especially in our industry.
What keeps you here?
I have moved away on several occasions – including for college (Roll Tide!) - and have had the opportunity to live in other states and countries. But something always draws me back to New Orleans. The people, the food, the culture, the nightlife … it is nostalgic and unmatched.
Celebrating 20 years of COOLinary New Orleans
BY RHONDA COOK
New Orleans is where culinary excellence is woven into the fabric of daily life, and there’s one event here that stands out amidst the myriads of festivals and celebrations: COOLinary New Orleans. New Orleans & Company launched the event back in 2004. Now as it marks its 20th anniversary this year, COOLinary has become synonymous with showcasing the diverse and delectable flavors of many of our restaurants during the month of August, drawing locals and visitors alike during the traditionally slower time of the year.
From Creole classics to contemporary twists on Southern staples, participating restaurants offer prix-fixe menus that allow diners to explore a variety of dishes at enticing prices. Prices range as low as $28 or less for two-course lunches and $58 or less for three-course brunches and dinners.
This year, in honor of COOLinary’s 20th anniversary, it will run an additional two weeks spanning from August 1 to September 15. As residents and visitors indulge in the delights offered by COOLinary’s participating restaurants, they also have the opportunity to make a tangible difference in the lives of those in need within their community.
In a gesture of solidarity and community support, New Orleans & Company has partnered with Second Harvest Food Bank, a nonprofit organization dedicated to fighting hunger, to launch a special initiative. In honor of the COOLinary
milestone, locals and visitors are encouraged to donate $5 or more to Second Harvest Food Bank to help feed local families throughout the summer. What makes this initiative even more impactful is that New Orleans & Company will provide matching funds, effectively doubling the impact of each contribution.
BY
JUSTEN WILLIAMS
“Through COOLinary, we not only showcase the incredible culinary offerings of our city but also support our local restaurants during what is usually a slower time for the city,” said Kim Priez, Senior Vice President of Tourism for New Orleans & Company. “But this year’s added collaboration with Second Harvest Food
PHOTO
Bank is an extension of our commitment to our community. By joining forces, we amplify the impact of COOLinary beyond the dinner table, making a difference in the lives of local families in need.”
“We are so thrilled to partner with New Orleans & Company for COOLinary this year. Their matching gift helps us provide six meals for every dollar donated, showcasing our culinary community’s commitment to fighting hunger. We also appreciate their ongoing work to bring conventions whose attendees often volunteer with us, helping us to fight hunger across New Orleans and South Louisiana,” said Natalie Jayroe, President and CEO of Second Harvest Food Bank.
For food enthusiasts, COOLinary represents an opportunity to sample dishes from some of the city’s most renowned chefs, often at prices that make fine dining accessible to all. Whether it’s savoring a bowl of gumbo at a neighborhood bistro or indulging in a gourmet tasting menu at a five-star restaurant, COOLinary showcases the diversity and creativity that define New Orleans’ culinary landscape.
Moreover, COOLinary serves as a platform for local chefs to showcase their talent and creativity on a larger stage. As diners flock to participating restaurants during the six weeks of COOLinary, chefs can experiment with new flavors, ingredients, and techniques, further enriching the culinary scene in New Orleans.
Restaurants that traditionally take part in COOLinary say participating has paid off for them. “We always get reservations that specifically note they are coming for COOLinary, so we know that it is driving people,” said Sherry Constance, Director of Sales for the Court of Two Sisters.
“We had many first-time visitors and expect to have repeat business from them. From our standpoint, COOLinary is a tremendous success,” added Keith Andrews, owner of Apolline Restaurant.
Beyond its culinary offerings, COOLinary also highlights the cultural heritage and history that make New Orleans a truly unique destination. From the influence of French, African, and Spanish cuisines to the traditions of Mardi Gras and jazz music, the city’s rich mixture of cultures is reflected in every dish served during COOLinary.
As COOlinary celebrates its 20th anniversary, it serves as a reminder of the resilience and vitality of New Orleans’ culinary scene. Despite the challenges posed by hurricanes, economic downturns, and a global pandemic, COOlinary remains a beacon of hope and celebration, bringing
together residents and visitors alike to indulge in the flavors that make New Orleans a culinary capital like no other.
In commemorating two decades of culinary excellence, COOlinary not only celebrates the past but also looks towards the future, ensuring that the flavors of New Orleans continue to delight and inspire for generations to come. And with the partnership between New Orleans & Company and Second Harvest Food Bank, COOlinary’s legacy extends beyond the plate, making a meaningful impact on our community.
Book your COOLinary reservations now at www.neworleans.com/coolinary.
PHOTO BY ZACK SMITH
BEYOND BEADS the
Bocuse d’Or and Pastry World Cup Recap
BY CAL PALERMO
New Orleans is a city well known for crowning champions, and we proved that again hosting the Americas Selection of the Bocuse d’Or and Pastry World Cup. New Orleans & Company secured the honor of being the first city in the United States to host the Americas selection of both events.
Both the Bocuse d’Or and Pastry World Cup are two of the most rigorous culinary competitions in the world. These events are the “Olympics” of the culinary world with the competitors dedicating their life to it. As Ian McNulty wrote prior to the competition, the head chef of Team USA, Stefani de Palma, left her position as chef de cuisine at a three Michelin star restaurant to lead this year’s team.
The weeklong event was a celebration of the New Orleans culinary scene and our culture. The economic impact of these two events was immeasurable with events and activations taking place across the city.
Huge thanks to Chef Emeril Lagasse, who served as the event’s Honorary President, and Chefs Alon Shaya, Nina Compton, Susan Spicer, Frank Brigtsen, and EJ
Lagasse for serving as advisory committee members. We are also grateful to Four Seasons New Orleans Executive Pastry Chef Emily Rosenberg and our local Host Committee for securing volunteers and helping us execute details throughout.
On June 11, six countries competed in the Americas selection of the Pastry World Cup with Argentina taking first place. Paraguay, Columbia and Chile also
PHOTO BY BOCUSE TO THE FRENCH STUDIO
PHOTO BY THE FRENCH STUDIO
BOCUSE D’OR TROPHY CEREMONY
TEAM ARGENTINA’S WINNING PASTRY WORLD CUP PLATE
received invites to compete in the finals during Sirha Lyon.
On June 12 and 13, nine teams were tasked with creating dishes with traditional Louisiana products, including whole shrimp, oysters, and lump crab meat on the same plate at the Americas selection of Bocuse d’Or. Team USA took home first place for the third consecutive time. Canada, Mexico, Chile and Colombia will also join the 10 European countries who already qualified to compete at the Grand Final on January 26-27, 2025.
New Orleans is uniquely Built to Host these events and crown champions of all kinds. It’s what we do.
PHOTO BY BOCUSE TO THE FRENCH STUDIO
TEAM USA’S WINNING BOCUSE D’OR PLATE
BOCUSE D’OR AMERICAS SELECTION TEAM PARTICIPANTS
MEMBER NEWS
Good Times Attractions Pass
BY TRISTAN BAGALA
Our city’s attractions are vital participants in our hospitality economy and ecosystem. They offer New Orleans’s guests the ability to experience our culture and history, while telling the stories that make our destination the most unique in America. Supporting them is why New Orleans & Company created the Good Times Pass, a multi-experience ticket platform that aims to keep more revenue within the local economy while offering tourists a seamless and cost-effective way to experience the best attractions the city has to offer.
The Good Times Pass is fundamentally different from anything currently on the market, designed to counter the profit-driven models of other major city passes. Unlike those which often see a significant portion of the revenue leaving the local ecosystem, the Good Times Pass is set to retain over 90% of the dollars within New Orleans. This ensures that the economic benefits of tourism directly support the local businesses and communities that make New Orleans unique.
The pass will offer exceptional value for both visitors and the
participating attractions. For the low price of $125, visitors can access four attractions over $20 and two under $20 over ten days. Visitors will have a choice of dozens of experiences for their six choices, allowing them to curate a trip that is especially suited to their interests.
The Good Times Pass will only be available through NewOrleans. com, the participating attractions themselves, and other hospitality businesses throughout the city.
By limiting who can become an affiliate and seller of the Pass, we hope to ensure that the revenue generated from the Good Times Pass goes directly to the organizations and people directly creating the experiences and value for our visitors.
A standout feature of the pass is its ability to attract deal-oriented customers without the need for visible discounts. This approach allows attractions to maintain their pricing integrity while
appealing to budget-conscious visitors. Moreover, data suggests that visitors who purchase these types of passes tend to spend more time at the attractions they visit and longer at the destination, further boosting the local economy.
A comprehensive marketing effort is designed to maximize visibility and attract a diverse array of visitors to the city. The non-profit model ensures that a substantial pool is reinvested into marketing
and shared among attractions, creating a virtuous cycle of growth and reinvestment.
The Good Times Pass is not just a ticket to attractions; it’s a ticket to sustaining and enriching the local culture and economy. By prioritizing local revenue retention and providing a compelling value proposition for both tourists and attractions, the Good Times Pass sets a new standard for tourism initiatives.
It’s a visionary step towards ensuring that the vibrancy and charm of New Orleans continue to flourish for generations to come. As New Orleans embarks on this exciting journey, the Good Times Pass stands as a testament to the city’s innovative spirit and commitment to its community.
The Good Times Pass will launch on neworleans.com in mid-August.
BY
PHOTO
LARRY
EVERAGE
Tales of the Cocktail
JULY 21-26
The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans talesofthecocktail.org/events/ tales-of-the-cocktail-new-orleans
AUGUST
COOLinary
AUGUST 1-SEPTEMBER 15
Various New Orleans Restaurants www.neworleans.com/coolinary
Satchmo Summer Fest
AUGUST 3-4
New Orleans Jazz Museum @ Old U.S. Mint satchmosummerfest.org
Leisure Events Calendar
Fidelity Bank
White Linen Night
AUGUST 3
300-600 Julia St
www.neworleans.com/event/ fidelity-bank-white-linen-night
Dirty Linen Night
AUGUST 10
200-1000 Royal Street dirtylinen.org
Red Dress Run
AUGUST 10
French Quarter www.neworleanshash.com /reddressrun
Southern Decadence
AUGUST 30-SEPTEMBER 2
French Quarter www.southerndecadence.net
Tipitina’s Free Fridays
EVERY FRIDAY THROUGH AUGUST 30
Tipitina’s tipitinas.com/freefridays/
The NOLA Pickle Fest
AUGUST 7-11
New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center www.nolapicklefest.com
SEPTEMBER
New Orleans
Tattoo Arts Festival
SEPTEMBER 6-8
New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center
villainarts.com/tattoo-conventions-villain-arts/new-orleans-tattoo-arts-convention
Saints Home Opener
SEPTEMBER 8
Caesar’s Superdome www.neworleanssaints.com/schedul
NOLA
x NOLA
SEPTEMBER 26-OCTOBER 6
Various New Orleans Music Venues www.neworleans.com/nolaxnola
NOLA Coffee Festival
SEPTEMBER 27-28
New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center nolacoffeefestival.com
OCTOBER
New Orleans Music Month
OCTOBER 1-31
Various New Orleans Music Venues www.neworleans.com/musicmonth
Art for Art’s Sake
OCTOBER 5
Garden District/Uptown magazinestreet.com/event/art-for-art-sake
Gentilly Fest
OCTOBER 11-13
Pontchartrain Park www.gentillyfestival.com
Crescent City Blues and BBQ Fest
OCTOBER 11-13
Lafayette Square Park www.j azzandheritage.org/events/ crescent-city-blues-bbq-festival
Oktoberfest
OCT. 11-12, OCT. 18-19, OCT. 25-26 1700 Moss Street oktoberfestnola.com
Black Restaurant Week
OCTOBER 18-27
Various New Orleans Restaurants blackrestaurantweeks.com/brw-campaigns/united-states/louisiana/new-orleans/page/3/
35th New Orleans Film Festival
OCTOBER 24-27
Venues across New Orleans www.neworleansfilmsociety.org/festival/ Krewe of Boo!
OCTOBER 19
French Quarter www.kreweofboo.com
9th Annual Treme Fall Fest
OCTOBER 25-26
St. Augustine Catholic Church https://www.tremefest.org
The Eras Tour
OCTOBER 25-27
Caesars Superdome www.neworleans.com/blog/post/taylorswift-inspired-guide-to-new-orleans/
National Fried Chicken Fest
OCTOBER 5-6
New Orleans Lakeshore Drive @ Franklin Avenue friedchickenfestival.com
Conventions Calendar COMPANY’S COMING
July
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)
2024 ELCA Youth Gathering
JULY 16-20
New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, Caesar’s Superdome
Every three years, thousands of high school youth and their adult leaders from across the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America gather for a week of faith formation. www.elca.church/gathering
The Moose
2024 International Moose Convention
JULY 24-28
New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center
The Moose is a fraternal and service organization founded in 1888 with nearly 650,000 people in roughly 1,600 Lodges in 49 states, four Canadian provinces, and Great Britain. www.mooseintl.org/new-orleans-convention
August
Louisiana Restaurant Association (LRA) LRA Showcase 2024
AUGUST 1-4
New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center
Hundreds of leading industry professionals, suppliers, and distributors will continue education courses and connect with the brightest minds in the restaurant industry. www.lra.org/showcase1.html
Fraternal Order of Eagles
2024 International Convention
AUGUST 3-8
New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center
The Fraternal Order of Eagles’ members will gather to engage in organizational governance, attend educational workshops, and participate in social events, all aimed at promoting fellowship and advancing the FOE’s mission of “People Helping People.”
www.foe.com/News/Convention
Association of Diabetes Care & Education Specialists (ADCES) ADCES24
AUGUST 9-12
Hilton New Orleans Riverside
Over four days, 3,000+ attendees will focus on the latest advancements in diabetes care, education, and technology. www.adcesmeeting.org/agenda
Bronner Brothers International Rhythms of Beauty
AUGUST 17-19
New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center
Bronner Bros is the unrivaled leader in the industry and the most extraordinary beauty show on earth. Featuring stunning live demonstrations, competitions, and awe-inspiring performances.
www.bronnerbros.com
Ancient Egyptian Arabic Order
Nobles/Mystic Shrine (A.E.A.O.N.M.S.)
131st Imperial Council Session
AUGUST 17-21
New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center
A.E.A.O.N.M.S. embraces all the basic basic concepts of the Ma-
sonic Order but is more colorful, with a broader spectrum of visibility by how it dispenses charity in the community and the care for its own.
aeaonms.org/imperial-session/
The American Legion
105th National Convention
AUGUST 23-29
New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center
Members of The American Legion, Sons of The American Legion, American Legion Auxiliary, and their guests are all invited to The American Legion’s 105th National Convention to help strengthen and support the world’s largest veteran’s association. www.legion.org/convention/about
September
Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE)
Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition (ATCE) 2024
SEPTEMBER 23-25
New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center
The 100th-anniversary celebration of the ATCE marks a century of innovation, collaboration, and progress in the oil and gas industry. Since its inception in 1924, ATCE has served as the ultimate gathering for professionals and experts in the upstream oil and gas sector. www.atce.org/about-atce
October
Water Environment Federation
WEFTEC 2024 97th Annual Technical Exhibition & Conference
OCTOBER 5-9
New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center
With over 800 exhibitors on site, WEFTEC showcases the latest in-
novations, technologies, and solutions in water quality management to the over 21,000 water professionals. www.weftec.org
American Dental Association (ADA) ADA SmileCon® 2024
OCTOBER 17-19
New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center
SmileCon® is the ADA’s reimagined annual meeting, offering continuing education, networking opportunities, hundreds of exhibitors, social events, and fun. www.ada.org/education/smilecon
National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) 2024 NFDA International Convention & Expo
OCTOBER 20-23
New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center
The NFDA is the world’s leading, largest and most trusted association to support funeral professionals. This event provides members with critical information, innovative tools, resources and the professional community they need to serve families, run sustainable businesses and become pillars in their communities. nfdaconvention.org
American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) 2024 ANCC National Magnet Conference and Pathway to Excellence Conference
OCTOBER 30-NOVEMBER 1
New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center
The ANCC National Magnet Conference® and ANCC Pathway to Excellence Conference® offers dynamic and inspiring keynote speakers and a variety of educational sessions on a range of timely topics, such as health equity, use of artificial intelligence, and health care staffing, where nurses can receive practical guidance and resources. www.nursingworld.org/ancc
our
MUSIC to EARS
What people are saying about New Orleans
“We loved working with the New Orleans & Company team, who have been very precious to us. When we organize events, it’s like a family getting together.”
- FLORENT SUPLISSON, DIRECTOR, BOCUSE D’OR