Special Conference Events

Tuesday, June 13

Laura Plantation Tour (SOLD OUT)
8:00am-1:00pm, meet in Higgins Hotel Lobby

Explore the compelling history of The Duparc Sugar Plantation, an hour west of New Orleans on the banks of the Mississippi River. Your fully-guided experience includes:

  • Transportation to and from the plantation
  • A tour based on Laura Locoul Gore’s “Memories of the Old Plantation Home” and archival documents from the United States and France
  • A visit inside the Big House, its raised basement and galleries, men’s and women’s parlors, service rooms and common rooms
  • A walk through the 200-year-old sugar plantation homestead, including 3 gardens: Jardin Français, the kitchen potager, and BananaLand grove. On the grounds are 12 buildings on the National Register, including animal barns, overseers’ cottages, and the 1829 Maison de Reprise.
  • A visit inside one of the authentic 1840s slave cabins, where the ancient west-African tales of Compair Lapin, better known in English as “Br’er Rabbit,” were recorded

Mardi Gras World – $24
2:00pm-4:00pm, meet in Higgins Hotel Lobby

Take a short (less than 1 mile) walk from the Higgins to see where Mardi Gras floats are born! Since 1947, artists and craftsmen have designed and built the oldest and biggest parade floats and attractions for each Mardi Gras season, with over 500 floats built and decorated each year. You’ll get an overview of the history of Mardi Gras in New Orleans before continuing through the float den, where artists work year-round to build spectacular floats and props. Get closer to the floats than you can in the actual parades and maybe experience a sweet treat as well!


Wednesday, June 14

IALLT Board and Council Meeting
8:30am-12:00pm, Higgins Hotel, 2nd floor

All Board and Council members are encouraged to attend the annual planning meeting. This event is open to all conference attendees and IALLT members.

IALLT Workshops $30 or $50 each
9:00am-11:00am; 12:15pm-2:15pm, Higgins Hotel, 2nd floor

Visit the Workshop page for full descriptions.

Mardi Gras World – $24
1380 Port of New Orleans Place

Visit at your convenience with tours starting on the hour and half-hour.

French Language French Quarter Walking Tour – $30
3:15pm-5:15pm, Tour departs from Henriette Delille Square, Corner of Royal Street and Orleans Street

Join Lawson Ota, French instructor and Louisiana native, for a French language walking tour of New Orleans’ most historic neighborhood. See the “Vieux Carré” through the eyes of the Louisiana Creoles who originally called it home. Over the centuries, many people from different parts of the world have come to call Louisiana home. The interactions between West Africans, Native Americans, and Europeans gave birth to the culture celebrated today: creole culture. Creole refers to colonial Louisianians and their descendants. This tour focuses on how Louisiana Creoles lived en ville (in New Orleans). Learn the history of the most emblematic neighborhood of one of the United States’ most iconic cities.

Spanish Language French Quarter Walking Tour – $30
3:15pm-5:15pm, Tour departs from Jackson Square in the French Quarter

Join Martha Martinez, native New Orleanian and certified tour guide, for a Spanish language history walking tour of the then and now New Orleans, the mighty Mississippi River, and the French Quarter. Take a walk back in time when we were French, Spanish, and American. It’s all about the food, music and the people.

IALLT Welcome Reception included with conference registration
8:00pm-10:00pm, Rosie’s on the Roof, Higgins Hotel

After you enjoy dinner on your own, join your IALLT colleagues at Rosie’s for a nightcap and spectacular views of New Orleans by night.


Thursday, June 15

IALLT Pub Crawl
6:00pm-10:00pm, meet near registration table on 2nd floor, Higgins Hotel

Join fellow conference attendees for this popular IALLT tradition. Explore the French Quarter, Arts & Warehouse District, or Frenchmen Street with maps showing local favorites and recommendations.


Friday, June 16

IALLT Banquet and Business Meeting included with conference registration
Cocktail Hour: 6:30pm-7:00pm
Banquet: 7:00pm-9:00pm, Arcadia Ballroom, Higgins Hotel

Dine with colleagues as IALLT President Angelika Kraemer reports on the state of the organization and recognizes individuals for their distinguished service.


Saturday, June 17

IALLT Workshops $30 each
1:00pm-3:00pm, Higgins Hotel, 2nd floor

Visit the Workshop page for full descriptions.

The Sazerac House Complimentary Tour (Reservations Required)
1:30pm or 3:30pm, meet in Higgins Hotel Lobby

The Sazerac cocktail gained fame in New Orleans in the 1850s and is served all around the world. Enjoy a self-guided tour and learn how the Sazerac is part of the customs, traditions, and culture of New Orleans. The exhibits are open to visitors of all ages and guests over 21 may enjoy Sazerac product samples during the visit. Approximately 90 mins. Meet in the Higgins Lobby at 1:30pm/3:30pm, or meet the group at the Sazerac House at 1:50pm/3:50pm.

IALLT Closing Dinner at Mother’s Next Door – $65
6:00pm-9:00pm, 409 Tchoupitoulas Street

Be sure to stay in town Saturday night for the ultimate taste of New Orleans! Come hungry, ’cause we’ve got a full selection of local “home cookin'” flavors as served in the legendary and local favorite Mother’s Restaurant (established 1938)! We’ll have our own private room and steam table, so we won’t be waiting in the long line with other patrons. Sample a little or lot — no one goes home hungry. All you care to eat of the following:

  • Crawfish Etouffée
  • Seafood Gumbo
  • Mae’s Filé Gumbo
  • Jerry’s Jambalaya
  • Shrimp Creole
  • Fried Chicken
  • Red Beans and Rice
  • Potato Salad
  • Turnip Greens
  • Jake’s Green Beans
  • Roast Beef Debris in au jus with Cheese Grits
  • Made To Order Po-boys or plates of your choice: World’s Best Baked Ham, House Roasted Roast Beef & Turkey
  • Mother’s Classic Bread Pudding, Brandy Sauce
  • Soft drinks, iced tea, juice, and Mother’s special roasted coffee
  • Additional vegetarian options available – please contact conference@iallt.org for details

Alcoholic beverages will be available from the cash bar.


Sunday, June 18

Jazz Brunch Cruise on the Paddlewheeler Creole Queen – $65
10:00am-1:00pm, meet in Higgins Hotel lobby

Join your IALLT colleagues for one final, fantastic New Orleans experience before heading home. Stroll from the Higgins down to the waterfront to board the Paddlewheeler Creole Queen for a 90 minute brunch cruise! Experience the lively sounds of a traditional New Orleans Jazz band while cruising down the Mighty Mississippi River. Indulge in these delicious brunch delicacies in the elegantly appointed dining room:

  • Seasonal Fresh Fruit
  • Homemade Biscuits – Jellies & butter
  • Chicken & Andouille Gumbo – Long grain Louisiana rice
  • Scrambled Eggs
  • French Toast & Powdered Sugar
  • New Orleans Barbecued Shrimp & Creamy Grits
  • Home-Style Potatoes – Creole seasoned baby new potatoes with grilled peppers and onions
  • Spinach Madeline – Fresh spinach folded with sauteed onions, milk, cream cheese, spices; topped with pepper jack cheese and baked
  • Breakfast Sausage
  • Crispy Bacon
  • Paddlewheeler Bread Pudding with Whiskey Sauce
  • Coffee & Iced Tea

Bottomless Mimosas or Cajun Bloody Marys may be added on-site for an additional $20 per person.