TOURS & SPECIAL EVENTS

Tours

To register for a tour, add to your registration online here.

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Bus Tour: Niagara Bottling Facility
Sunday, October 25 | 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM

Price: $85

Join us for a guided tour of one of the most advanced beverage production facilities in the country with a guided tour of the Niagara Bottling Facility located in Tangipahoa Parish, LA. Get a close look at how Niagara’s high-quality bottled water is produced, from sourcing and purification to packaging and distribution. Learn about Niagara’s commitment to sustainability, innovative manufacturing and more.

Important: Photography and videography are not allowed.

Prohibited attire: Open-toed shoes, shorts or skirts. Guests wearing open-toed shoes, shorts or skirts will not be permitted to attend the tour.

AC26 AgriAquaculture

The AgriAquaculture Center of Excellence Tour (SOLD OUT)

Monday, October 26 | 1:30 – 3:00 PM

Price: $85

Established in 2024 with the support of Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr., who represents Louisiana’s 2nd Congressional District, the AgriAquaculture Center of Excellence (AACE) is the largest closed-loop hydroponic aquaculture center in Louisiana. Located in Harvey, the AACE encompasses over 10,000 square feet of operating and greenhouse space dedicated to cultivating fresh, locally sourced vegetation and advancing the AgriAquaculture industry in the region. This state-of-the-art facility functions as both a business incubator and a workforce training center, aiming to empower small businesses in AgriAquaculture—particularly those owned by residents in rural communities, Jefferson Parish, and the greater New Orleans metropolitan area. Attendees will have the opportunity to tour the Business Innovation Center, Classroom and AquaFarm, while receiving a brief presentation on Aquafarming and engaging in a Q&A with the Aquafarm staff.

 

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Tour of NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility
Tuesday, October 27 | 9:00 – 11:30 AM

Price: $85

Have an inside look at one of the nation’s premier advanced manufacturing and aerospace facilities during a tour of NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility. This is a unique opportunity to explore how large-scale federal investment, advanced manufacturing, engineering, and a highly skilled workforce come together to support some of the most ambitious projects in the nation’s space program. Known as America’s Rocket Factory, NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility is one of the world’s largest manufacturing facilities, with 43 acres under one roof. Its manufacturing legacy extends well beyond the space program: the facility built cargo planes in support of World War II and Sherman and Patton tank engines during the Korean War. The facility’s history, from wartime manufacturing to the Space Shuttle era and today’s Artemis program, illustrates the evolution of an industrial asset and its role in driving innovation and economic opportunity. The tour will highlight how a large-scale industrial facility can anchor regional capabilities, attract specialized talent and businesses, strengthen supply chains, and connect local economic development priorities to national strategic investments.
 
**Important: Only U.S. citizens are allowed to attend. Every participant MUST have a REAL ID present. No exceptions.

Lafitte

Strongward & Lafitte Greenway Tour
Tuesday, October 27 | 2:30 – 4:30 PM

Price: $85

Join us for a tour connecting two of New Orleans's most inspiring community-building stories: Strongward (formerly SBP), a national nonprofit helping communities recover from disaster and rebuild stronger, and the Lafitte Greenway, a 2.6-mile linear park transforming green infrastructure into community connection. See how rebuilding — homes and public space alike — strengthens the fabric of New Orleans.

Port NOLA

Behind the Scenes Port of New Orleans Tour (SOLD OUT)

Monday, October 26 | 2:00 – 3:30 PM

Price: $85

Guests can expect an inside look at one of the nation’s most important working ports and its role in moving cargo, supporting jobs, and connecting the Mississippi River region to global markets. The tour, consisting of a brief classroom presentation and exploration by bus, will highlight the Port’s marine terminals, cargo operations, rail connections through the New Orleans Public Belt, industrial real estate, and the infrastructure that supports international trade.

Participants will gain a better understanding of how ships, barges, trucks, rail, warehouses, and terminal operators work together to move goods efficiently through the region into the heartland of America. The tour also offers insight into the Port’s economic impact, ongoing development efforts, and its importance to the global economy and supply chain.

Important: All participants will be required to sign a waiver.

Warehouse District NOLA

New Orleans Architecture Tour: Warehouse District (SOLD OUT)

Tuesday, October 27 | 2:30 – 4:30 PM 

Price: $85

Come discover the beauty and history of New Orleans’ Warehouse District Architecture and its vicinity on this exclusive expert guided walking tour curated by the Preservation Resource Center!

Tour-goers will also explore neighboring areas including Lafayette Square, which is the city’s second oldest public park, and the American Sector, a residential area that developed after the Louisiana Purchase in 1803 and features one of the state’s most impressive collections of 19th century townhouses.

The 2-hour tour will start and end at the Preservation Resource Center of New Orleans, housed in an 1852 former iron foundry, just steps away from the Convention Center, Central Business District, and the Arts and Museum District.

Special Events

To register for a special event, add to your registration online here.

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First Time & Solo Attendee Orientation

Sunday, October 25
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Price: Free

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The Mission-Critical Trends Every Economic Developer Must Master
With Mark C. Perna

Sunday, October 25
1:00 – 4:00 PM

Price: Free

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International Dinner
Sponsored by Kansas Department of Commerce

Sunday, October 25
7:00 – 9:00 PM

Price: $125

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LGBTQIA+ & Friends Reception

Sunday, October 26
7:00 – 9:00 PM

Price: $50

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Open Rewards, Inc. Sponsored Lunch and Learn

Monday, October 26
12:15 – 1:15 PM

Price: Free

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Camoin Sponsored Lunch and Learn (SOLD OUT)

Monday, October 26
12:15 – 1:15 PM

Price: Free

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Defining Issues Lunch

Monday, October 26
12:15 – 1:15 PM

Price: $90

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Emerging Leaders Lunch and Learn (SOLD OUT)

Monday, October 26
12:15 – 1:15 PM

Price: Free

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LocalIntel Sponsored Lunch and Learn

Monday, October 26
12:15 – 1:15 PM

Price: Free

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If Investors Can't Find You, They Can't Choose You
ROI Research Sponsored Lunch and Learn

Monday, October 26
12:15 – 1:15 PM

Price: Free

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IEDC Women in Economic Development (WED) Affinity Group Luncheon

Monday, October 26
12:15 – 1:15 PM

Price: $90

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Women’s Leadership Happy Hour
Sponsored by Fourth Economy

Monday, October 26
6:00 – 8:00 PM

Price: $50

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Black Excellence Happy Hour
Sponsored by Prosper Portland

Monday, October 26
7:00 – 9:00 PM

Price:
$50

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Ethics Workshop
(SOLD OUT)

Tuesday, October 27
Part 1: 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Part 2: 2:15 – 3:15 PM

Member Price: Free
Non-Member Price:
$99