TABLE CONTENTS of
Walter J. Leger III
Member Profile: Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana
Employee In Memoriam: Monique Witherspoon
Changing the Narrative
New Orleans’ Community Bands Together after Bourbon Street Attack
Building a More Accessible New Orleans: Initiatives for a More Inclusive Visitor Experience
HOW TO
Reach Us
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
Walter J. Leger III, President and CEO
Alice Glenn, Executive Vice President
Mark Romig, Senior Advisor
Stephanie Turner, SVP, Convention Sales & Strategies
Kim Priez, SVP, Tourism
Kelly Schulz, SVP, Communications and PR
Jeremy Cooker, SVP of Marketing
Kevin Ferguson, VP of External Affairs
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
A MESSAGE CEO from the
Dear Friends of New Orleans & Company,
Welcome to the March 2025 issue of Tourism Matters, showcasing some of the sustainable and innovative work New Orleans & Company and other entities are doing to change the narrative about our city. See page 6.
This year started with a horrific terrorist attack and we continue to mourn the victims and send condolences to their loved ones. We are profoundly grateful to the first responders, law enforcement and especially the New Orleans Police Department officers who bravely ran into danger, ended the attack and saved countless lives. This city shines brightly and is a unique light in the minds and imaginations of people around the world. That light will not be dimmed by a single act of evil. See page 8.
After a historic snowstorm, we shined as host of our 11th Super Bowl, a truly remarkable milestone. Federal, state, regional and local law enforcement agencies united to successfully protect and serve. Thanks to the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation for leading the Host Committee’s efforts to do just that – HOST, because that is what we do.
Mardi Gras 2025 was another huge success that put us on the global stage. But we are not stopping now. Spring festival season is here, and convention, meeting and leisure groups are arriving daily. New Orleans & Company never stops its work to inspire, promote and encourage travel to our city for the economic, social and community benefit of New Orleans and its people.
We continue to show why we are uniquely Built to Host world-class events such sports championships, festivals, conventions and meetings due to our world-class venues, hospitality, walkability and the way our community embraces visitors.
For example, we recently secured New Orleans as host city of the 2026 Americas Selection of the prestigious culinary competition Bocuse d’ Or and Pastry World Cup, following the overwhelming success the world-renowned chefs had here in 2024. Our partners at WWE announced that WrestleMania will return to New Orleans in April 2026 for the third time.
From Bocuse d’ Or to the Riverfront Redevelopment project, there is no shortage of work underway to show how New Orleans is shaping itself as a city where business and innovation can thrive in 2025 and beyond.
Sincerely,
Walter J. Leger III President & CEO
New Orleans & Company
Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana GETTING N.O. to
THE COALITION TO RESTORE COASTAL
LOUISIANA (CRCL) is a statewide nonprofit whose mission is to unite people in action to achieve a thriving and sustainable Louisiana coast for all. CRCL represents a unique mix of businesses, local governments, industries, scientific communities, national and local conservation groups, hunters, anglers, volunteers and a broad spectrum of concerned residents who share a common vision and commitment to the sustainability of coastal Louisiana.
How important are sustainability efforts for the region right now and in 20 years?
They are extremely important. Our state has had about 2,000 square miles of coastal wetlands vanish, turned into open water, in less than a century. Entire communities have had to relocate, and there will be more in
Member Spotlight
the future. That’s obviously an existential threat to those communities, but also to people who live in places like New Orleans, Baton Rouge and elsewhere. Don’t like the way your insurance premiums are skyrocketing? Love Louisiana seafood? Work for or own any business that operates in south Louisiana? Then you should be a vocal advocate for preserving our coast. If you love Louisiana, you should be doing all you can to preserve it.
This is important today, and it will be important in 20 years. The sea level is still rising, and subsidence is still occurring. Hurricanes are becoming stronger and more frequent. Our fisheries are struggling. We’ll need to be working to save our coast for many generations to come.
Explain some of the work being done with New Orleans
Restaurants.
We collect oyster shells from about 40 restaurants in New Orleans and Baton Rouge, taking what used to be sent to the landfill and instead returning it to the water to create oyster reefs that provide habitat for new oysters and that slow the rate of erosion. Our program also promotes the participating restaurants, and we support
efforts by groups like Chefs Brigade that work to connect Louisiana cuisine to our coast.
How does the organization look to expand those efforts?
We want to add value to the program for restaurants, promoting their participation and helping them become more effective advocates for restoration. We also continue to support a tax credit for restaurants that recycle their shells.
GETTING N.O. to In Memoriam: Monique Desireé McGowan Witherspoon
December 5, 1989 – November 11, 2024
CONVENTION SERVICES COORDINATOR
Monique embodied the spirit of New Orleans. She cherished every part of her city—Mardi Gras, Saints games, festivals, Réveillon Dinners, brass bands, second lines, and Super Sunday. She didn’t just love these traditions—she lived them, sharing her passion with everyone she met. Being part of the New Orleans & Company team was one of her greatest joys, as it allowed her to promote the culture and events that made her hometown so special.
Her faith was her foundation. A devoted member of Greater New Home Missionary Baptist Church, Monique’s belief in God guided her through the challenges of her illness. She faced even the hardest moments with grace and an unwavering smile, knowing her path was divinely led.
Music was in Monique’s soul. A talented clarinetist, she performed in symphonic ensembles and march-
ing bands, traveling the country for concerts, battles of the bands, and theatrical performances. It was on the practice fields of South Carolina State University’s Marching 101 that she met her greatest love—her husband, Robert. After dating for ten years, they married in 2018 on the Mississippi River levee, a place they returned to on New Year’s Eve to watch fireworks.
Monique joined the sales team in October 2021, but true to her nature, she moved to convention services in July of 2023. She was called to serve, and she did so with kindness, strength, humor, and determination. She brought joy and light everywhere she went, making a lasting impact on her team and everyone she encountered.
Monique passed away from cancer last year at only 34 years of age.
Monique often said it was her honor to work at New Orleans & Company. But truly, the honor was ours.
Changing the Narrative
BY CAL PALERMO
The Super Bowl wasn’t just a football game in New Orleans, it was a meeting place for hundreds of thousands of industry titans and businesspeople attending hundreds of events throughout the week. How do we as a city capitalize on the momentum?
New Orleans UNESCO Creative Cities Network City of Music Application
New Orleans & Company, in partnership with city officials, submitted an application to join the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) as a ‘Creative City’ of Music. New Orleans was one of two cities in the United States approved to submit the application.
In 2004, UNESCO created the UCCN to empower cities to innovate and prosper through the arts covering eight creative fields including design, film, music, crafts and folk art, literature, media arts, gastronomy and architecture. Today, the UCCN spans more than 100 countries and has 350 member cities, including nine cities in the United States.
“This UNESCO designation would fortify New Orleans’ seat at the global table, to open doors and shine a light on the rich cultural landscape that makes our city a hallowed destination for music lovers from across the world,” said Walt Leger III, President & CEO of New Orleans & Company. “In New Orleans, music doesn’t just tell our story — it is our story.”
In preparation for NASA’s first crewed mission back to the Moon in over 50 years, employees at the Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans prepare to the Moon rocket for its journey to Kennedy Space Center where it will be integrated with other key components for a scheduled launch in April 2026.
For over 60 Years, the Road to Space Has Gone through the Crescent City
A fun fact I like to tell people from outside of the city is that New Orleans is the home to America’s rocket factory - the NASA Michoud Assembly Facility (MAF). Their reaction is priceless, but we cannot understate the importance of the MAF to the Greater New Orleans Area, as NASA has roughly 3,000 employees that work at the facility with approx. 1,800 dedicated to the space program.
The Michoud facility started in 1943 when Andrew Higgins was contacted to build cargo planes during World War II and during the Korean War to build Sherman and Patton tank engines. Since 1961, MAF has built space flight hardware for all NASA human flight missions to include 13 stages for Apollo, 136 external tanks for space shuttle and the Artemis core stage and Orion spacecraft that launched on November 16, 2022.
Today, their team is continuing the legacy with core stages III – V in various stages of manufacturing, production of the Orion V spacecraft and the Exploration Upper Stage for future Space Launch System configurations.
For decades, the facility and its workers have always been ready to answer the nation’s call. Their work being on the cutting edge of innovation is a great selling point to businesses looking to expand operations into the Gulf South and Louisiana.
New Orleans is Rolling on the River with the River District
In 2024, the River District, with partner Boh Bros., kicked off the $30+ million in-
frastructure work on the long-fallow land alongside the Morial Convention Center, including the installation of utility lines to bring power, water and fiber to the area. In late 2024, the team installed one of the largest modular systems in Louisiana for stormwater runoff, providing vital flood, erosion and environmental protection for the new neighborhood.
In February, Cypress Equities, Lauricella Land Company, and Broadmoor LLC, started construction on Shell’s Gulf of Mexico future headquarters at 1600 Convention Center Blvd., New Orleans’ first Class A office building since 1989.
In 2025, the River District team looks to progress Phase 1 infrastructure work including the completion of the new Shell
building and beginning construction of 220 mixed-income apartments. Since 2022, the River District has invested over $3 million with small, emerging, and disadvantaged businesses, reaffirming its SEB/DBE commitment.
New Orleans & Company continues to develop relationships with domestic and international groups, associations and name brands to attract businesses, meetings and events to the city. From the UNESCO City of Music application to the Riverfront Redevelopment project to the NASA Michoud Assembling Facility, there is no shortage of work ongoing to show how New Orleans is shaping itself as a city where big business can thrive in 2025 and beyond.
Shell Plaza Rendering
BEYOND BEADS the New Orleans’ Community Bands Together after Bourbon Street Attack
BY RHONDA COOK
In the early hours of January 1, New Orleans was shaken by a devastating terror attack on Bourbon Street, resulting in the tragic loss of 14 lives and injuring of 57 others. New Orleans has always been a city of resilience, culture, and community. The recent attack tested our strength, but it has also reminded us of the deep bonds that hold us together.
The New Orleans community demonstrated remarkable unity in the days following the attack as various organizations swiftly mobilized to support the victims and their families, establishing funds and initiatives to provide financial assistance and emotional support for them.
The United Way of Southeast Louisiana launched the “United for New Orleans Relief Fund” to offer direct support to those affected. Donations to this fund were allocated to cover medical expenses, funeral costs, trauma counseling, and other essential needs. As of February 17th, more than $802,000 has been raised with more than $629,000 being distributed to 680 households. “This attack shook our city, leaving families grieving, survivors struggling, and hospitality
workers facing financial hardship. We knew we had to act quickly to provide immediate relief while planning for long-term recovery. Our role is to bring people together, leverage resources, and ensure that no one affected by this tragedy must navigate it alone,” said Michael Williamson, President & CEO of the United Way of Southeast Louisiana.
Similarly, the Greater New Orleans Foundation, in collaboration with the City of New Orleans, established the “New Year’s Day Tragedy Fund.” This fund also aimed to provide financial assistance to the victims and their families, during this challenging time, and to date more than $2.9 million dollars has been raised. GNOF partnered with the Mass Violence Survivors Fund, a nonprofit dedicated to distributing contributions following mass casualty crimes. To date, the GNOF’s
fund has received over 2,500 donations from individuals, major leadership gifts from organizations like the New Orleans Saints, the NFL, Ochsner Health, the Allstate Sugar Bowl, Raising Canes, New Orleans & Company and from dozens of local small businesses.“Without this
broad community support, the fund could not have been such a success,“ said Andy Kopplin, President and CEO of the Greater New Orleans Foundation.
The local restaurant community also stepped up and gave the community a way to support French Quarter restaurants impacted by the attack. The Louisiana Restaurant Association (LRA) launched “Fleur du Coeur: A Culinary Tribute”. This initiative, held from January 13-19, united numerous French Quarter restaurants. Participating establishments featured special dishes or drinks, with proceeds totaling $100,000 from those menu items, donated to the Greater New Orleans Foundation’s New Year’s Day Tragedy Fund.
The outpouring of support extended beyond financial contributions. Immediately following the attack, New Orleans & Company worked diligently to address safety concerns from both customers and visitors, while also providing important updates to our membership and unified messaging for our hospitality community. That messaging not only shared information about how to help the victims but also encouraged those with scheduled trips to the city to still come and not let fear win.
Our website and social channels also became avenues to remember the lives lost, while also thanking the members of the New Orleans Police Department, and all the regional, state and federal law enforcement officials for their brave response and service.
On the eve of Super Bowl LIX, held in New Orleans just weeks after the attack,
a heartfelt tribute was organized to honor the victims and first responders. Lady Gaga delivered an emotional performance on Bourbon Street, singing “Hold My Hand” in memory of those lost. Former NFL stars Michael Strahan and Tom Brady joined local leaders in this poignant ceremony, highlighting the resilience and unity of the New Orleans community.
The collective response to the Bourbon Street attack exemplified the strength and solidarity of New Orleans. This is not
just about recovery; it’s about showing the world that New Orleans will not be broken. We will mourn, we will remember, but above all, we will stand together. This city has always been built on love, music, and community, and that spirit will never be taken from us.
PHOTO \ COURTESY OF LARRY EVERAGE
MEMBERSHIP NEWS
Building a More Accessible New Orleans: Initiatives for a More Inclusive Visitor Experience
At New Orleans & Company, our mission has always been to make our city the most welcoming destination in the world. A key part of that commitment is ensuring that every resident and visitor, regardless of ability, can navigate and enjoy our historic streets, hotels, restaurants, and attractions with ease. Our External Affairs and Membership team has been hard at work on multiple initiatives that enhance accessibility throughout the French Quarter and beyond. These projects include a French Quarter Accessibility Survey, updating our web content, a partnership with the U.S. Access Board, and our collaboration with Wheel the World—represent tangible steps toward a more inclusive and accessible New Orleans.
FRENCH
QUARTER ACCESSIBILITY SURVEY: MAPPING A PATH FORWARD
The French Quarter is the heart of New Orleans, but its centuries-old infrastructure presents challenges for accessibility. Recognizing the need for better pedestrian experiences, our team at New Orleans & Company, in collaboration with the City of New Orleans Department of Public Works, undertook a massive effort to document the condition of every
sidewalk in the Quarter. Walking over 100 miles, our staff meticulously recorded obstructions, uneven surfaces, and areas in need of repair.
This survey is not just about data collection—it’s about action. City officials are working with us to turn insights into improvements, and we plan to make this data available to our member businesses to better monitor problem areas around their locations. By identifying and prioritizing areas of concern, we aim to create a smoother, safer, and more accessible French Quarter for residents and visitors alike.
U.S. ACCESS BOARD MEETING AND WEBINAR: NATIONAL LEADERS, LOCAL IMPACT
The momentum of our accessibility work will continue this summer when New Orleans hosts the annual meeting of the U.S. Access Board in July. This federal agency is responsible for developing and maintaining accessibility standards for public spaces, and their presence in our city provides a unique opportunity to advance our initiatives. New Orleans & Company has been proactive in ensuring that this meeting has a lasting impact on
PHOTO
COURTESY OF JUSTEN WILLIAMS
our city’s accessibility. As part of their visit, we brought the Access Board along on one of our French Quarter Accessibility Survey walks to provide firsthand insight into the challenges and opportunities for improvement.
Additionally, we co-hosted a webinar with the U.S. Access Board to help our businesses adopt best practices for accessibility. This session provided practical guidance on creating more inclusive spaces, from ensuring clear right-of-way access to making hotel, restaurant, and attractions more user-friendly for guests with mobility issues. When the Access Board is in New Orleans in July, we plan to co-host more programming open to the local community. We encourage all our members and business partners to participate in this important discussion and be a part of the movement toward a more accessible New Orleans.
PARTNERING WITH WHEEL THE WORLD: EXPANDING ACCESSIBLE LODGING OPTIONS
In another step toward making our city more accessible, New Orleans & Company has partnered with Wheel the World, a leading platform that connects travelers with disabilities to accessible accommodations, restaurants and attractions. This collaboration is helping to catalogue dozens of our member hotels, restaurants, and attractions by providing detailed accessibility information to travelers before they even arrive in New Orleans. From roll-in showers and step-free entrances to visual and auditory accessibility features, this initiative ensures that visitors with
disabilities can make informed decisions about where to stay, eat and visit. By bringing Wheel the World into our network, we are making it easier for travelers to enjoy all that the city offers while suiting their individual needs, reinforcing New Orleans as a city that welcomes all.
A MORE INCLUSIVE FUTURE FOR NEW ORLEANS TOURISM
Accessibility is not just a requirement—it’s a fundamental part of what makes a city truly welcoming. Through the French Quarter
Accessibility Survey, our collaboration with the U.S. Access Board, and our partnership with Wheel the World, New Orleans & Company is working to ensure that all residents and visitors, regardless of mobility or ability, can experience the magic of our city with confidence and ease.
We invite our members and partners to engage with these initiatives, participate in our upcoming events, and explore ways to make their businesses more inclusive. Together, we can set a new standard for accessibility in tourism.
PHOTO COURTESY OF JUSTEN WILLIAMS
BE A TOURIST
MARCH
Mardi Gras Indians Super Sunday (Uptown) MARCH 16
Wednesday at the Square Concert Series
MARCH 19 - MAY 7 (EVERY WEDNESDAY)
Lafayette Square www.ylcwats.com
New Orleans Entrepreneur Week
MARCH 24-29
Various New Orleans Locations www.noew.org
Tennessee Williams & New Orleans Literary Festival
MARCH 26-30
Hotel Monteleone and Various French Quarter Locations tennesseewilliams.net
NOLA Food Fight
MARCH 27
The Carousel at Lafreniere Park foodfightnola.com
New Orleans Book Festival
MARCH 27-29
Tulane University bookfest.tulane.edu
21st Annual Saints and Sinners
LGBTQ+ Literary Festival
MARCH 28-30
Hotel Monteleone and Various French Quarter Locations www.sasfest.org
Leisure Events Calendar
French Quarter Fest
APRIL 10-13
French Quarter www.frenchquarterfest.org
Congo Square
Rhythm Festival
MARCH 29-30
Congo Square
www.jazzandheritage.org/events/2025 -congo-square-rhythms-festival
Freret Street Festival
MARCH 29
Freret Street freretstreetfestival.org
Brews, Boils & Bubbles
MARCH 29
Lakefront brewsboilsbubbles.com
APRIL
Hogs for the Cause
APRIL 4-5
UNO Lakefront www.hogsfest.org
Overlook Film Festival
APRIL 3-6
Canal Place www.overlookfilmfest.com
Crescent City Classic
APRIL 19
Ends in City Park ccc10k.com
Zurich Classic of New Orleans
APRIL 21-27
TPC Louisiana, Avondale, Louisiana zurichgolfclassic.com
Zoo-to-Do for Kids
APRIL 25
Audubon Zoo www.neworleans.com/event/ zoo-to-do-for-kids
NOLA Crawfish Festival
APRIL 28-30
The Broadside nolacrawfishfest.com
Daze Between New Orleans
APRIL 29-30
Mahalia Jackson Theater dazebetweennola.com
24th Gay Easter Parade
APRIL 20
French Quarter www.gayeasterparade.com
40th Annual French Quarter
Easter Parade
APRIL 20
French Quarter www.frenchquartereasterparade.com
MAY
47th Annual Hancock
Whitney Zoo-To-Do
MAY 2
Audubon Zoo audubonnatureinstitute.org/zoo-to-do
Bayou Boogaloo
MAY 16-18
Bayou St. John thebayouboogaloo.com
New Orleans Greek Fest
MAY 24 -26
Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral www.gfno.com
New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival
APRIL 24-27, MAY 1-4
Fair Grounds Race Course and Slots www.nojazzfest.com
LGBTLOL Queer Comedy Festival
MAY 29 – JUNE 2
Various New Orleans Locations www.lgbtlol.com
JUNE
New Orleans
Wine & Food Experience
JUNE 11-15
City Wide www.nowfe.com
New Orleans Pridefest
JUNE 14
The Phoenix Bar www.nolapridefest.com
New Orleans
Juneteenth Festival
JUNE 19
Congo Square www.nolajuneteenthfestival.org
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Conventions Calendar COMPANY’S COMING
MARCH
American Academy of Audiology (AAA)
AAA 2025 + HearTECH Expo
MARCH 26-29
New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center
AAA 2025+HearTECH Expo offers top-notch education igniting your passion for your profession, exciting and fun networking opportunities where you’ll meet new people, hands-on activities, and much more. www.audiology.org/aaa-annual-conference
Hearth Patio & Barbecue Association (HPBA)
HPBA Expo 2025
MARCH 26-29
New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center
As the industry’s premier event, this is where good living does good business for retailers, buyers, manufacturers, and suppliers. It’s action-packed with the latest innovative products, peer-to-peer problem-solving, and free education sessions hosted by industry leaders and luminaries.
hpbexpo.com
APRIL
American College of Physicians (ACP)
ACP Internal Medicine Meeting
APRIL 3-5
New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center
The annual marquee educational event for internal medicine physicians and subspecialists around the globe. annualmeeting.acponline.org
International Premium Cigar & Pipe Retailers Association, Inc. (dba Premium Cigar Association) (PCA)
PCA 2025
APRIL 11-14
New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center
BY
The annual PCA Show welcomes thousands attendees from over 25 countries and 250+ manufacturers of premium cigars, pipes, and accessories for an unmatched buying/selling event. pcashow.org
Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA)
AAHOACON25
APRIL 15-17
New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center
The AAHOA Convention & Trade Show is hospitality’s leading event and brings together the who’s who of the industry for networking, learning, and connecting on the largest trade show floor in hospitality. AAHOA is the largest hotel owner’s association in the world, with nearly 20,000 members in the United States. aahoacon.com
MAY
American Society of Gene & Cell Therapy (ASGCT) ASGCT 28TH Annual Meeting
MAY 13-17
New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center
The American Society of Gene and Cell Therapy’s (ASGCT) Annual Meeting is the premier event for gene and cell therapy professionals and the best place to learn from the latest scientific research, stay current on new technologies, and make career-advancing connections with peers.. annualmeeting.asgct.org
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JUSTEN WILLIAMS
American Association of Critical Care Nurses (ACCN) ACCN’s National Teaching Institute & Critical Care Exposition
MAY 18-22
New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center
AACN’s NTI continues to offer the education, rejuvenation and inspiration you need — your way. The NTI experience includes more than 200 sessions and 37.75 CE contact hours on-site covering the clinical and professional development topics most important to your practice. www.aacn.org/conferences-and-events/nti
Society of Defense Financial Management (SDFM) Professional Development Institute
MAY 28-30
New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center
PDI is SDFM’s premier training event, uniting Defense financial managers from both the public and private sectors to enhance their skills, share best practices, and address the complex challenges of today’s fiscal environment. PDI offers attendees over 125 educational sessions to select from, a wide range of networking opportunities, and an exhibit hall featuring over 75 exhibitors. sdfm.org/professional-development/professional-development-institute
JUNE
International Dairy Deli Bakery Association (IDDBA)
IDDBA 2025
JUNE 1-3
New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center
The IDDBA show is the premier industry-only show for the dairy, deli, bakery, and food service industries. Spend three days growing your business by meeting decision makers from around the globe face-to-face and building relationships.
www.iddba.org/iddba-show/about/ iddba-2025
Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE) Teacher Leader Summit
JUNE 10-12
New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center
Teacher Leader Summit is Louisiana’s premier professional learning event with thousands of Louisiana educators participating. Designed for educators serving students from birth to grade 12, Teacher Leader Summit offers sessions for classroom teachers, school and system leaders, district administrators, counselors, early childhood professionals, and more.
doe.louisiana.gov/educators/professional-development/teacher-leader-summit
The Pokémon Company International (TPCi) 2025 Pokémon Championship Series
JUNE 12-15
New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center
The 2025 Pokémon Championship Series is returning to New Orleans for the second consecutive year. The North American rounds of Pokémon’s 2024 International Championship series drew approximately 10,000 participants to New Orleans for three days of high-stakes interactive competition and fandom with 2025’s series promising the same number of visitors delighting Pokémon enthusiasts from across the world.
www.pokemon.com/us/play-pokemon/pokemon-events/championship -series/2025/international-championships
PHOTO BY JUSTEN WILLIAMS
MUSIC EARS our to
Leaving New Orleans after an unforgettable Super Bowl, it’s easy to see why so many in the NFL want this city to host more of them. Incredible food, amazing hospitality, excellent drinks, a first-class experience. Even the airport was more than ready. Kudos to all involved.
IAN RAPOPORT (@RAPSHEET ON X), NATIONAL INSIDER FOR NFL NETWORK & NFL.COM, ON FEBRUARY 10, 2025