About New Orleans
New Orleans is a vibrant city located in southeastern Louisiana, founded in 1718. Throughout its history, New Orleans has been shaped by a blend of diverse cultures, including French, Spanish, African, and Creole. The city is known for its lively music scene, delicious cuisine, and unique architecture, all of which are a testament to its rich cultural heritage.
New Orleans is a city full of diverse neighborhoods that each offer a unique and distinct experience. The French Quarter is arguably the most famous, with its iconic architecture, lively bars, and historic landmarks like Jackson Square. The Garden District is another gem, known for its stunning mansions, oak-lined streets, and proximity to Magazine Street – a bustling commercial area with a plethora of shops and restaurants. The Bywater and Marigny are two neighborhoods known for their creative energy and artsy vibes, with quirky shops, galleries, and street art around every corner. And let’s not forget about the up-and-coming neighborhoods like Mid-City and Freret, which offer a glimpse into the future of this dynamic city. Whether you’re looking to sample the city’s famous eateries or experience our award-winning jazz, New Orleans offers a one-of-a-kind experience that is hard to find anywhere else.
Join us for Young, Smart & Local 2023 to learn what it means to love New Orleans!
Travel & Accommodations
Hotels
Hotel Kimpton Fontenot
501 Tchoupitoulas St.
New Orleans, LA 70130
Rate: $199/night
Reserve a room here!
Distance from venue: 4-minute drive / 10-minute walk
Contact:
Website | 504-571-1818
Virgin Hotel New Orleans


550 Baronne St.
New Orleans, LA 70113
Rate: $199/night
Reserve a room here!
Distance from venue: 4-minute drive / 11-minute walk
Contact:
Website | 504-603-8000
Hyatt Place New Orleans Convention Center
881 Convention Center Blvd.
New Orleans, LA 70130
Rate: $179/night
Reserve a room here!
Distance from venue: 3-minute drive / 8-minute walk
Contact:
Website | 504-524-1881
Le Méridien New Orleans
333 Poydras St,
New Orleans, LA 70130
Rate: $189/night
Reserve a room here!
Distance from venue: 4-minute drive / 11-minute walk
Contact:
Website | 504-525-9444
The Higgins Hotel New Orleans
1000 Magazine St,
New Orleans, LA 70130
Rate: $249/night
Reserve a room here!
Distance from venue: 1-minute drive / 3-minute walk
Contact:
Website | 504-525-9444
Travel
Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport

1 Terminal Dr.
Kenner, LA 70062
Airport Code: MSY
Venues & Parking
Welcome Reception Venue
Hotel Peter & Paul
2317 Burgundy St, New Orleans, LA 70117
Parking
Doerr Furniture Parking Lot
914 Elysian Fields Ave, New Orleans, LA 70116
Guests may park for free in this lot. There will be security on site.

Conference Venue
Contemporary Arts Center
900 Camp St, New Orleans, LA 70130
Parking
Day-rate parking is available at nearby Premium Parking lots. Metered street parking is also available.
Guests will be required to pay for their own parking.

Contemporary Arts Center

Local Restaurants
New Orleans is one of the top food cities in the world. There are countless delicious restaurants to choose from! To help make your search a little easier, we’ve listed some of our favorites below.
Please note: these are popular, beloved restaurants! You may need to call ahead to reserve a table.
Barracuda
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Menu
Bayona
- Cuisine: Global
- Menu
Cafe Degas
- Cuisine: French
- Menu
Clancy’s
- Cuisine: Creole
- Menu
Cochon
- Cuisine: Cajun
- Menu
Commander’s Palace
- Cuisine: Creole
- Menu
- Dress code: Business attire. Jackets are preferred for gentlemen. Collared shirts and closed toe shoes are required for gentlemen. No shorts, flip-flops, t-shirts, sweatshirts, or sweatpants are allowed. Jeans are discouraged, and ripped jeans are not allowed.
Compere Lapin
- Cuisine: Caribbean & European
- Menu
Coquette
- Cuisine: New American
- Menu
Dahla
- Cuisine: Thai
- Menu
Domenica
- Cuisine: Italian
- Menu
Dooky Chase Restaurant
- Cuisine: Creole
- Menu
GW Fins
- Cuisine: Seafood
- Menu
Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ
- Cuisine: Japanese
- Menu
Herbsaint
- Cuisine: French & American
- Menu
Hungry Eyes
- Cuisine: Global “Luxury Drinking Food”
- Menu
Irene’s
- Cuisine: French & Italian
- Menu
La Petite Grocery
- Cuisine: Creole & Cajun
- Menu
Lufu
- Cuisine: Indian
- Menu
LUVI
- Cuisine: Chinese & Japanese
- Menu
Meril
- Cuisine: New American
- Menu
Miss Shirley’s
- Cuisine: Chinese
- Menu
Mister Mao
- Cuisine: Global
- Menu
Osteria Lupo
- Cuisine: Italian
- Menu
Paladar 511
- Cuisine: Italian
- Menu
Palm & Pine
- Cuisine: Mexican & Caribbean
- Menu
Pêche
- Cuisine: Creole & Southern
- Menu
Pigeon and Whale
- Cuisine: Seafood
- Menu
Pomelo
- Cuisine: Thai
- Menu
Queen Trini Lisa
- Cuisine: Trinbagonian Island Soul Food
- Menu
Ralph’s on the Park
- Cuisine: Global Creole
- Menu
Saffron
- Cuisine: Indian
- Menu
Shaya
- Cuisine: Israeli
- Menu
Superior Seafood
- Cuisine: Creole
- Menu
The Chloe
- Cuisine: Creole
- Menu
The High Hat Cafe
- Cuisine: Southern
- Menu
Tito’s Ceviche & Pico
- Cuisine: Peruvian
- Menu
Toups’ Meatery
- Cuisine: Cajun
- Menu