Employee Spotlight: Tristan Bagala, Sr. Manager of Business Development and Special Projects
COVER STORY
Rockin’1000 Makes US Debut in New Orleans
BEYOND THE BEADS
Why New Orleans is a Top Travel Destination in 2026
MEMBERSHIP NEWS
2025 MEMBER ANNIVERSARIES
BE A TOURIST
Leisure Events
COMPANY’S COMING
Convention Calendar
MUSIC TO OUR EARS
What Others are Saying about New Orleans
HOW TO » Reach Us
Tourism Matters is published by Gambit for New Orleans & Company, the official destination marketing and sales organization for the New Orleans tourism industry. Our vision is to make New Orleans the most remarkable, unique and welcoming city in the world. The mission of New Orleans & Company is to inspire, promote and encourage travel to the city for the economic, social and community benefit of New Orleans and its people.
504-566-5011 | 2020 St. Charles Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70130
www.neworleans.com
Facebook, Twitter and Instagram: @Visit New Orleans | @Neworleansandco
Kevin Ferguson, VP of External Affairs & Membership
Sam Joffray, Event Development and Production Executive
Tammie Boteler, VP of Finance
Brian Walker, VP of Information Technology
Laura Russett, Director of Administration
Rachel Avery, CMP, Director, Convention Services and Special Events
Tara Stackpole, Director of Executive Operations
PHOTO BY
KATIE
LAROCCA
PHOTO
A MESSAGE CEO from the
Dear Friends of New Orleans & Company,
Ihope you are having a happy and safe holiday season.
As our community approaches the one-year anniversary of the horrific January 1st terrorist attack, we continue to mourn the 14 victims, honor their families, and remember all those whose lives were forever changed that day. We also remain profoundly grateful to the first responders and law enforcement officers whose bravery saved countless lives.
I hope that you will take time to visit a beautiful new light installation in the 100-300 blocks of Bourbon Street called Second Line in the Sky. The effort has been led by Katy Casbarian to honor the lives lost on January 1. Nearly 1,000 hand-crafted flags and second-line inspired elements form a glowing canopy overhead to hold space for reflection, healing, and remembrance. New Orleans & Company is a proud sponsor of this project, which defines the spirit of our city.
Looking ahead to 2026, this issue of Tourism Matters explores the many reasons why New Orleans is a top destination for 2026, including hosting the US debut of the Rockin’1000 on January 31. See page 6 – you do NOT want to miss this event – get your tickets now.)
There are so many reasons to be optimistic. In 2025, New Orleans recently welcomed Michelin honors into our already legendary culinary scene and became a UNESCO Creative City of Music. Our Vision 2035 plan, crafted with economic development, philanthropic, civic and community partners, is a roadmap for making the region a great place to live, learn, work and visit.
Hotels, the Louisiana Stadium and Exposition District, the Louis Armstrong International Airport and the New Orle -
ans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center are upgrading and preparing for the future. Cruise lines are expanding. The Audubon Nature Institute is leading a transformative riverfront development. Global events such as LIV Golf, Bocuse d’Or and Pastry World Cup are coming to our great city and elevating our global brand and enhancing the already world class offerings.
We’ll celebrate America 250 and Sail 250 in a way only New Orleans can, kicking off Sail 250 for the whole nation in New Orleans in May and demonstrating why New Orleans and Louisiana are indispensable to our nation.
Happy holidays and thanks for your partnership.
Sincerely,
Walter J. Leger III President & CEO New
Orleans & Company
GETTING N.O. to Hard Rock Cafe
THE HARD ROCK CAFE FIRST OPENED ITS DOORS IN NEW ORLEANS IN 1987 and later relocated to the heart of Bourbon Street in 2013. Today, the restaurant and music venue continues to celebrate the live music culture in the city.
With Rockin’1000 coming to the United States and New Orleans for the first time in its history, the Hard Rock Cafe has played a pivotal role by hosting several Rockin’1000 Jam Sessions every third Thursday of every month leading up to the main Rockin’1000 event at the Caesars Superdome on Saturday, January 31.
What makes the Hard Rock Cafe a great venue for live music?
Home to the legendary Louis Armstrong and the world-famous Mardi Gras celebration, New Orleans is well known for both its musical and cultural diversity. What better way to showcase the city’s eclectic nature than at Hard Rock Cafe? Hard
Rock Cafe New Orleans is located right on famous Bourbon Street in the historic
Member Spotlight
French Quarter, where it’s Fat Tuesday every day of the week. We have a full-service restaurant and bar and plenty of space for special events and live performances.
The Hard Rock Cafe has hosted two Rockin’1000 Jam Sessions in the past couple of months, are there plans for more? If so, how can people sign up?
Rockin’1000 Jam Sessions are held on the third Thursday of every month. Sign up here: auth.rockin1000.com/en/
What were the jam sessions like? What was the energy like?
Music is at the core of everything we do. Our goal is to create an inclusive and welcoming environment where music fans of all backgrounds can come together to celebrate the power of music. Rockin’1000 Jam Sessions have embodied our mottos and keep crowds and musicians coming back each month.
How is the Hard Rock Cafe preparing for the Rockin’1000 concert at the Caesars Superdome?
We are still planning, check out our events calendar online for the most upto-date information: cafe.hardrock.com/ new-orleans/event-calendar.aspx.
A Rockin’1000 Jam Session hosted at the Hard Rock Cafe this fall.
GETTING N.O. to Tristan Bagala
SENIOR MANAGER OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT & SPECIAL PROJECTS
When and why did you join New Orleans & Company?
I started at New Orleans & Company in 2021 as an intern while I was completing my MBA at Harvard Business School. Growing up in Louisiana, I always knew I wanted to end up back at home. I was happy to get the opportunity to come back quicker than I expected at New Orleans & Company.
I work directly with our members on major projects that directly affect our industry, from pursuing a UNESCO Creative Cities designation, to building out the Good Times Pass, and developing new New Orleans & Company programs while improving existing ones.
What is your proudest accomplishment so far in this role?
Helping secure the UNESCO Creative City designation. I took a day of meetings at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris on all aspects of our city’s potential relation -
ships with UNESCO, from Creative Cities to UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Some of my most formative memories involved open questions about the value of New Orleans and whether our city would rebuild at all. I spoke to people who work with the highest levels of cultural protection on Earth, all of whom valued what takes place every day in New Orleans.
What excites you about Rockin’1000 coming to New Orleans?
I have worked on every aspect of event production, which has been exciting because it represents New Orleans & Company filling a needed gap in the current market. This event will give 1,000 musicians the opportunity to live out their dream playing in front of their friends, family and music fans in one of the most iconic venues in the world.
When competing on a global scale for events and tourism dollars, it is impossible to wait for events to come to you. Destinations must take ownership in writing
their own story. So much of New Orleans’ story is offering unique experiences rooted in culture only found in New Orleans.
Giving amateur musicians the opportunity to play in one of the world’s most iconic venues blocks away from where entire genres of music were created is one of those experiences.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve
received?
My late father taught me the value of one’s life is not in accomplishments for oneself, but in the impact a person has for the betterment of others and the community.
Rockin’1000 Makes US Debut in New Orleans
BY WILLIAM CHANEY
Have you imagined what 1,000 musicians playing in perfect harmony might sound like? In true New Orleans fashion, that dream is about to become reality. On January 31, 2026, the Caesars Superdome will fill with the thunder of drums, the wail of guitars, and the power of 1,000 voices uniting for one unforgettable night as Rockin’ 1000, “The Biggest Rock Band on Earth,” makes its long-awaited United States debut right here in New Orleans.
For a city built on rhythm and soul, there could be no better stage. From jazz and funk to brass and bounce, New Orleans has always been a place where music belongs to everyone.
Now, with Rockin’ 1000’s North American debut, that connection is going global, bringing together musicians and fans from around the world to celebrate the universal language that defines this city.
Created in 2015 by Fabio Zafagnini after a viral performance of 1,000 musicians playing a Foo Fighters tribute in Cesena, Italy, Rockin’ 1000 has grown into a worldwide movement. Over the past decade, the event has filled stadiums in more than 20 countries, drawing musicians of all skill levels and millions of fans in celebration of rock and roll’s raw power and intensity.
Now, for the first time ever, Rockin’ 1000 is coming to the United States,
1,000 Musicians from around the world will travel to New Orleans to live out their dreams performing in front of a live audience in the iconic Caesars Superdome
and New Orleans has been chosen as its debut destination.
The concert will take place at the Caesars Superdome and feature 1,000 musicians selected through an open audition process, each performing a curated setlist of timeless rock anthems and fan favorites.
“This landmark event not only underscores New Orleans’ status as a worldclass music and cultural capital, but
reflects our ongoing efforts to position our city at the center of global tourism, creativity, and community, while showcasing that New Orleans is truly Built to Host,” said Walt Leger, President and CEO of New Orleans & Company.
Leger credits Event Development Executive Sam Joffray for identifying and negotiating the partnership with the Italy-based Rockin’1000 team. The collaboration embodies New Orleans & Company’s strategic approach to
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“performance-based tourism,” where travelers seek meaningful connections through culture and shared creativity.
“If you’re going to bring 1,000 musicians together anywhere in America, there’s no better city than New Orleans,” said Joffray. “They’re all about celebrating music, and I don’t think anybody in the world does it better than we do.”
Unlike most large-scale concerts, these performers aren’t professionals. Rockin’1000’s musicians are everyday people — teachers, students, doctors, and neighbors — traveling from around the world to New Orleans purely out of love for music and the joy of playing together. It’s a reminder that music here isn’t just for entertainment - it’s a shared experience that connects people across every background.
“If someone would have told me ten years ago that Rockin’ 1000 would be a global movement expanding into
the United States, I would not have believed it,” said Fabio Zafagnini, the founder and creative visionary behind Rockin’ 1000. “To bring Rockin’ 1000 to a city that breathes music and an iconic venue such as the Caesars Superdome, is a dream.”
With New Orleans recently named a UNESCO Creative City of Music, the world has once again recognized what locals have always known: music isn’t just part of life here, it is life. Hosting Rockin’1000 extends that story onto a global stage, transforming New Orleans’ creative energy into a once-in-alifetime performance.
The Caesars Superdome’s global spotlight, combined with the soul of Rockin’1000, underscores how New Orleans continues to lead in large-scale event hosting, from world championships and international summits to celebrations that could only happen here. Thousands of visitors are expected to attend, boosting tourism spending and reinforcing what locals already know: when it comes to live music, there’s nowhere like New Orleans.
“We are honored to host Rockin’ 1000 in the United States for the first time,” noted Leger. “What better place than New Orleans to unite people from every country and background, for one epic night of music and community?
Years from now, attendees will proudly look back and say, ‘I was there.’”
Tickets are now available at neworleans.com/rockin1000.
1,000 Musicians from around the world will travel to New Orleans to live out their dreams performing in front of a live audience in the iconic Caesars Superdome.
New Orleans & Company President & CEO Walt Leger and Rockin’1000 Founder & Creative Visionary Fabio Zafagnini on set at Fox 8 promoting the Rockin’1000 concert in January 2026.
PHOTO PROVIDED BY ROCKIN’1000
BEYOND BEADS the Why New Orleans is a Top Travel Destination in 2026
BY RHONDA COOK
New Orleans & Company is working hard to promote New Orleans to travelers worldwide and show them the many reasons why they should come to New Orleans in 2026. But we need your help—locals are our best ambassadors. Invite friends and family to visit in 2026, share our events on social media, and tell everyone why New Orleans is unforgettable. Every visitor you inspire supports local jobs, strengthens our economy, and secures our city’s future.
2026 kicks off with something unprecedented: Rockin’ 1000 is making its North American debut in New Orleans on January 31st at the Caesars Superdome. This globally celebrated music phenomenon brings together 1,000 musicians of varying skill levels—selected through an open audition process—to perform a curated setlist of rock anthems and fan favorites. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience for participants and audiences alike, and the fact that New Orleans was chosen as the first U.S. city to host this event speaks volumes about the city’s reputation as a world-class music destination and underscores our ongoing efforts at New Orleans & Company to position the city at the center of global tourism, creativity, and community engagement.
Up next, Mardi Gras, and 2026 offers visitors an especially convenient opportunity to experience the celebration. The second weekend of festivities falls over Valentine’s and Presidents’ Day weekend, creating an extended holiday period perfect for out-of-town visitors. The first major parade weekend runs from February 6-8, followed by seven consecutive days of parades
beginning February 11 and culminating with Fat Tuesday on February 17.
It’s going to be a jammed packed Spring! The Savannah Bananas are coming to New Orleans on March 15-16, 2026, bringing their unique style of baseball that’s captured massive attention nationwide. Having New Orleans on their schedule
BY
PHOTO
KATIE LAROCCA
has already generated huge demand for tickets for their two day stop in the city.
For the first time, The Hondo Rodeo Festival is coming to New Orleans April 10-12 at the Caesars Superdome, bringing authentic Western rodeo action featuring bull riding, barrel racing, and roping competitions alongside live country music and family-friendly entertainment.
New Orleans will welcome tall ships from around the world for Sail 250, running from May 28th through June 1st. As the first port of call in America’s nationwide celebration of the country’s 250th anniversary, the city will host a welcome parade, downtown fireworks, family activities, and opportunities to tour these magnificent vessels at the Port of New Orleans.
Also this spring, golf enthusiasts have double the reason to visit in 2026. The Zurich Classic returns to TPC Louisiana from April 20th to 26th, continuing a professional golf tradition in New Orleans that dates back to 1938. This unique PGA Tour event benefits the Fore!Kids Foundation, which has raised over $54 million to date, providing healthcare, education, and hope for more than 200,000 children annually. Later in the summer, LIV Golf makes its Louisiana debut at City Park’s Bayou Oaks Golf Course from June 26th to 28th, featuring 13 teams and 54 golfers competing with no cut line.
The Americas Selection of Bocuse d’Or and Pasty World Cup will be held in July 2026 at the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. The best chefs and pastry artists from across North and South America will be in New Orleans competing for a coveted place in the Grand Finale in Lyon, France in 2027
July brings culinary competition to the highest level when the Americas Selection of Bocuse d’Or and Pastry World Cup returns to the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. The finest chefs and pastry artists from throughout North and South America will compete for coveted spots in the 2027 Grand Finale in Lyon, France. This prestigious event will be held alongside the Louisiana Restaurant Association Showcase, the largest restaurant and hospitality industry tradeshow in the U.S. Gulf Region. New Orleans last hosted these events in 2024 and remains the only American city to have done so.
Another major sporting event heads to New Orleans in the fall. WWE’s Money in the Bank, one of the premier live WWE
events, takes place September 6 in the Smoothie King Center.
Beyond these marquee events, getting to New Orleans in 2026 couldn’t be easier— especially for international visitors coming for the FIFA World Cup. With matches happening across North America all summer, New Orleans makes the perfect base or stopover. We’re an easy drive and quick direct flight to host cities like Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, and Miami. Come for a match, stay for the music and food, or make us your home base between games.
Even if you’ve lived here forever, our website, neworleans.com, will change how you plan your weekends. Explore it yourself, then spread the word to visitors planning their trip to New Orleans.
PHOTO BY THE FRENCH STUDIO
LOGO COURTESY OF NEW ORLEANS & COMPANY
MEMBERSHIP NEWS
Member Anniversaries
60 YEARS
» Court of Two Sisters Restaurant
55 YEARS
» Dauphine Orleans Hotel
» Historic New Orleans Collection
» Keil’s Antiques Inc.
» Moss Antiques
50 YEARS
» Destrehan Plantation
45 YEARS
» Hosts New Orleans, a Hosts Global member
» Magazine Street Merchants Association
» Pat O’Brien’s Bar, Inc.
» Sheraton New Orleans Hotel
40 YEARS
» Global Experience Specialists (GES)
» Mardi Gras World, LLC
» New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center
» The Outlet Collection at Riverwalk
35 YEARS
» Audubon Aquarium
» Bayona
» Cafe Beignet
» Contemporary Arts Center
» Crescent City Brewhouse
» DocuMart
» Emeril’s New Orleans
» Express Publishing Co. Inc.
» Louisiana Seafood Exchange, Inc.
» Louisiana State Museum
» Louisiana Tour Company, LLC
» New Orleans Magazine
» The Pelican Club
30 YEARS
» Airboat Tours By Arthur Matherne
» Carey New Orleans
» Corporate Lighting & Audio
» Courtyard by MarriotDowntown Near the French Quarter
» Haunted History Tours, Inc.
» Joel Catering & Special Events
» Magnolia Enterprises, Inc.
» Q&C Hotel
» Rick’s Cabaret International
» Video Ventures
25 YEARS
» Courtyard New Orleans French Quarter/Iberville
» Event Specialists of New Orleans, L.L.C.
» Hilton Garden Inn New Orleans Convention Center
» Historic BK House & Gardens
» New Orleans Music Events
» Preservation Hall
20 YEARS
» A she Cultural Arts Center
» Chateau Golf & Country Club
» Fair Grounds Race Course and Slots, A Churchill Downs Co.
» Greater New Orleans Hotel & Lodging Association - HSMA
» Jefferson Chamber of Commerce
» Plush Appeal/ The Mardi Gras Spot
» Port of New Orleans
» St. Joseph & Felicity Plantation
» Your Golf Event
BE A TOURIST
DECEMBER
» Celebration in the Oaks
NOW – JANUARY 1, 2026
City Park celebrationintheoaks.com/
» Réveillon Dinners
NOW – DECEMBER 31
Various New Orleans Restaurants holiday.neworleans.com/food-and-drink
» Holiday Home Tours
NOW -DECEMBER 28
Various New Orleans Homes holiday.neworleans.com/tradition/ holiday-home-tours/
» NOLA ChristmasFest
DECEMBER 20-30
New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center nolachristmasfest.com
» Caroling in Jackson Square
DECEMBER 21
Jackson Square patioplanters.net/events/ caroling-in-jackson-square
Uptown/Central Business District www.phunnyphortyphellows.com
» Tennessee Williams New Orleans Literary Festival
MARCH 25–29, 2026
French Quarter / Various Venues tennesseewilliams.net/
» Saints + Sinners Literary Festival
MARCH 27–29, 2026
Hotel Monteleone / French Quarter www.sasfest.org/
• Congo Square Rhythms Festival
MARCH 29-30
Louis Armstrong Park www.jazzandheritage.org/events/ 2025-congo-square-rhythms-festival/
BY
PHOTO
CHERYL GERBER
Conventions Calendar COMPANY’S COMING
DECEMBER
American Geophysical Union (AGU) AGU25
DECEMBER 15–19
New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center
The AGU Fall Meeting gathers thousands of Earth and space scientists to exchange groundbreaking research and ideas. This global conference explores discoveries shaping our understanding of the planet and beyond. www.agu.org/annual-meeting
JANUARY
Pro Convention
22nd Annual MC Professional Convention
JANUARY 8–11
Sheraton New Orleans Hotel
Pro Convention connects professionals from diverse industries for workshops, panels, and networking events focused on leadership and innovation. The program fosters collaboration and inspires forward-thinking business strategies. www.proconvention.com
Association of American Law Schools (AALS)
2026 AALS Annual Meeting
JANUARY 6-9
Hilton New Orleans Riverside
AALS welcomes legal educators and scholars nationwide to explore advancements in legal education, policy, and scholarship through dynamic sessions and networking opportunities. www.am.aals.org
Informa Pop Culture Events Inc
FAN EXPO New Orleans
JANUARY 9–11
New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center
FAN EXPO New Orleans celebrates all things pop culture with celebrity guests, creators, and interactive fan experiences. The convention unites communities around comics, gaming, sci-fi, and more.
fanexpohq.com/fanexponeworleans
Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Atlanta
Hellenic Dance Festival 2026
JANUARY 15–19
New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center
The Clergy Laity Assembly gathers Orthodox leaders and parish representatives for worship, fellowship, and dialogue focused on faith, service, and strengthening community life. hellenicdancefestival.org/hdf-2026/
Neill Corporation
Serious Business 2026
JANUARY 17–19
New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center
Serious Business inspires beauty and wellness professionals through education, innovation, and empowerment. The conference blends artistry and entrepreneurship to help attendees elevate their careers and businesses. www.seriousbusiness.net
Folk Alliance International (FAI)
38th Annual FAI Conference
JANUARY 21–25
New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center
The FAI Conference brings together artists and industry leaders for showcases, panels, and performances celebrating folk, roots, and global music traditions. www.folk.org/conference/
Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) 62nd STS Annual Meeting
JANUARY 29–FEBRUARY 1
New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center
The STS Annual Meeting features the latest research and surgical innovations in cardiothoracic medicine. Surgeons and healthcare professionals gather for education, collaboration, and skill-building. www.sts.org/calendar-of-events/ 62nd-sts-annual-meeting
FEBRUARY
American Heart Association (AHA) International Stroke Conference 2026
FEBRUARY 4–6
New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center
The AHA’s International Stroke Conference brings together researchers and clinicians to share new science and strategies for stroke prevention and recovery. professional.heart.org/en/meetings/international-stroke-conference
The Cheer Expo
The Cheer Expo’s National Championships
FEBRUARY 7–8
New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center
Top youth and collegiate teams showcase their talent and spirit in a high-energy weekend celebrating teamwork and performance. www.thecxbrands.com/new-orleans
American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS)
The AAFS 78th Annual Scientific Meeting
FEBRUARY 9–14
New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center
The AAFS Scientific Meeting unites forensic experts, scientists, and educators to explore emerging techniques and technologies advancing justice and investigation. www.aafs.org
Iron
Markets
PAVE/X Pavement Experience
FEBRUARY 10–12
New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center
The agenda covers fun and engaging networking opportunities, ample time on the show floor to view new products and equipment and over 60+ hours of educational offerings to learn from industry experts. www.pavexshow.com/
American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (AACTE)
AACTE 2026 Annual Meeting
FEBRUARY 20-22
New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center
AACTE’s Annual Meeting convenes educators and policy leaders to strengthen teacher preparation and promote innovation and equity in education. aacte.org/events/annual-meeting/
Tampa Volleyball Events LLC
The Nike Music City Volleyball Championship (MCVC) Jazz Edition
FEBRUARY 20–22
New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center
MCVC Jazz Edition welcomes teams ages 13-18s to participate! It is a qualifier for all 18s divisions, as well as a qualifier for Liberty division in the 17s-13s age groups. www.musiccityvb.com/
BY JUSTEN
PHOTO
WILLIAMS
MUSIC EARS our to
“New Orleans, Louisiana is home to some of the world’s most unique cultural heritage elements that have created the alchemy and foundation for musical genres such as, Jazz, Rhythm and Blues, Rock and Roll, Bounce and beyond. As a life long educator, band leader of Sunpie and the Louisiana Sunspots, Big Chief of the Northside Skull and Bone Gang, and member of the Black Men of Labor Social Aid and Pleasure Club, I’m excited and proud that our city is joining the ranks of UNESCO Creative Cities. Through stewardship, we can perpetuate and preserve our culture heritage for future generations.”
NEW ORLEANS MUSICIAN AND NEW ORLEANS UNESCO CREATIVE CITIES OF MUSIC ADVISORY BOARD MEMBER BRUCE “SUNPIE” BARNES’ REACTION TO NEW ORLEANS BEING NAMED A UNESCO CITY OF MUSIC BY THE UNESCO CREATIVE CITIES NETWORK ON OCTOBER 31, 2025.
