Travel & Accommodations

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

Website

Amtrak – Union Passenger Terminal

1001 Loyola Ave
New Orleans, LA 70113

Website

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

Cafe Degas

Clancy’s

Cochon

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

Domenica

  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Menu

Dooky Chase Restaurant

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

 

LUVI

  • Cuisine:   Chinese & Japanese
  • Menu

Meril

  • Cuisine: New American
  • Menu

Miss Shirley’s

  • Cuisine: Chinese
  • Menu

Mister Mao

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

Queen Trini Lisa

  • Cuisine: Trinbagonian Island Soul Food
  • Menu

Ralph’s on the Park

  • Cuisine: Global Creole
  • Menu

Saffron

Shaya

  • Cuisine: Israeli
  • Menu

Superior Seafood

The Chloe

The High Hat Cafe

  • Cuisine: Southern
  • Menu

Tito’s Ceviche & Pico

  • Cuisine:  Peruvian
  • Menu

Toups’ Meatery