TOURS & SPECIAL EVENTS
Tours
To register for a tour, add to your registration online here.

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.

The AgriAquaculture Center of Excellence Tour
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.

Behind the Scenes Port of New Orleans Tour
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.

New Orleans Architecture Tour: Warehouse District
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.

First Time & Solo Attendee Orientation
Sunday, October 25
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Price: Free

The Mission-Critical Trends Every Economic Developer Must Master
With Mark C. Perna
Sunday, October 25
1:00 – 4:00 PM
Price: Free

International Dinner
Sunday, October 25
7:00 – 9:00 PM
Price: $125

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
Monday, October 26
12:15 – 1:15 PM
Price: Free

Defining Issues Lunch
Monday, October 26
12:15 – 1:15 PM
Price: $90

Emerging Leaders Lunch and Learn
Monday, October 26
12:15 – 1:15 PM
Price: Free

LocalIntel Sponsored Lunch and Learn
Monday, October 26
12:15 – 1:15 PM
Price: Free
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ROI Research Sponsored Lunch and Learn
Monday, October 26
12:15 – 1:15 PM
Price: Free

Women in Economic Development Lunch
Monday, October 26
12:15 – 1:15 PM
Price: $90
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Women’s Leadership Happy Hour
Monday, October 26
6:00 – 8:00 PM
Price: $50

Black Excellence Happy Hour
Monday, October 26
7:00 – 9:00 PM
Price: $50

Ethics Workshop
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

LGBTQIA+ & Friends Reception
Monday, October 26
7:00 – 9:00 PM
Price: $50
