General Information
Safety Tips
DO:
- Travel with only the credit and ID cards you will use.
- Check that the lock works and that the door closes securely in your hotel room. Put the chain or deadbolt on the door after entering room.
- Walk with another person. Single targets are the most likely victims of crime.
DON'T:
- Wear your badges or carry conference bags outside
- Walk in dark, isolated areas, such as closed plazas
ADA Needs
ADA accommodations are available at most hotels. Please specify what your needs are when making your reservations so that the hotel can insure your comfort.
Attire
Professional attire is appropriate at the meeting and to visit the exhibit area. Some restaurants require coats and ties for gentleman, but most welcome casual attire. Check each restaurant’s policy when making reservations.
Banks
Exchanging foreign currency or cashing traveler’s checks (foreign or domestic) can be done at several locations throughout the city. Please check with your hotel concierge for the location nearest you.
New Orleans Visitor's Information
For more information on New Orleans, visit the New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau online at www.neworleanscvb.com.
Emeril Lagasse, Paul Prudhomme, Susan Spicer, Donald Link and 2006 James Beard winner John Besh have all returned to their kitchens. More restaurants are open in New Orleans than ever before. This includes most of the city's culinary treasures, including such renowned restaurants as Galatoire's, Emeril's, Arnaud's, Commander's Palace, Emeril's Delmonico, Bayona, Herbsaint, Restaurant August, G.W. Fin's, Bacco, Peristyle, Palace Cafe, Lilette, Brigsten's, K-Paul's, Cuvee, NOLA, Bourbon House, Broussard's, Mr. B's Bistro and Antoine's.
In addition, many of the city's favorite neighborhood hotspots such as Mother's, Casamento's, Ralph's on the Park, Clancy's, Jacques-Imo's, Upperline, Acme Oyster House, Gumbo Shop, Cafe du Monde, Muriel's, Tujague's, Tommy's and Pascal's Manale are also welcoming diners.
Shopping
Shopping in New Orleans is a wholly different experience. Though the surrounding areas boast malls to rival any in America, New Orleans still believes in the old-world marketplace tradition. Downtown, offers America’s oldest operating public market. Royal Street is famous for its elegant antique furniture, décor and jewelry, while the Warehouse/Arts District has been called the “SoHo of the South” for its hip lofts and upscale contemporary art galleries. Designer divas and families will enjoy the Riverwalk Marketplace’s casual fun, giant food court, and up-close river views. While, The Shops at Canal Place, located adjacent to the French Quarter, is home to exclusive designer boutiques and exclusive shops. And then there is Magazine Street: six miles of eclectic shops, hip boutiques, art studios, galleries, spas, restaurants and cafés that run the gamut from upscale to offbeat, and sophisticated to shabby chic.
The City
The New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau maintains a list of contact who provide services specifically for people with disabilities at 1.800.672.6124.
Weather
New Orleans has a subtropical climate with pleasant year-round tempatures. March temperatures range from the low 50's to the low 70's. Rainfall is common in New Orleans, with a monthly average of about five inches.
Tipping
Tipping is voluntary; gratuities are not automatically added to the bill. Taxi drivers are usually tipped 15% of the fare, waiters 15- 20%, and doormen, skycaps and porters $1 per bag.