FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
UNIVERSITY OF NEW ORLEANS HRT, NOCHI, AND NEW ORLEANS & COMPANY UNITE TO DRIVE HOSPITALITY INNOVATION AT NEW ORLEANS ENTREPRENEUR WEEK
Cross-Sector Leaders Convene to Strengthen the City’s Visitor Economy
March 07, 2026, NEW ORLEANS, LA – New Orleans, LA — Three of New Orleans’ leading hospitality institutions, the University of New Orleans Lester E. Kabacoff School of Hotel, Restaurant & Tourism Administration (HRT), the New Orleans Culinary & Hospitality Institute (NOCHI), and New Orleans & Company, are joining forces to anchor Hospitality & Tourism Solutions at New Orleans Entrepreneur Week (NOEW).
Hosted at NOCHI as a featured industry convening to kick off NOEW, the event will bring together hospitality operators, educators, workforce leaders, entrepreneurs, and civic partners to collaborate on strengthening the systems that power New Orleans’ $10+ billion visitor economy.
Leaders across hotels, restaurants, attractions, event production, and tourism services will join discussion panels focused on identifying the industry’s most pressing challenges and aligning around actionable solutions.
“This partnership brings together two of New Orleans’ greatest strengths: our world-class hospitality and our ability to host influential and impactful meetings where leaders gather to shape industries, accelerate commerce, and chart the future of innovation.” said Walt Leger III, President and CEO of New Orleans & Company, the official destination marketing and sales organization for the New Orleans tourism industry. “While our city already has a hard-earned, well-known global brand, we continue to build momentum every day—innovating, inspiring the next generation, overcoming challenges, and strengthening our competitiveness as a destination. New Orleans Entrepreneur Week provides the perfect backdrop for these important conversations.”
A Solutions-Driven Industry Convening
This collaborative working session is designed to address the most pressing needs of New Orleans’ visitor economy. The conversation will center on high-impact priorities, including:
- Workforce readiness and talent stability
- Event-driven performance and seasonal workforce participation
- Cross-sector coordination across public and private partners
- Visitor mobility and experience systems
- Innovation opportunities that enhance competitiveness
The event will also feature keynote remarks from Kevin Ferguson, Deputy Mayor and Chief of Staff for the City of New Orleans, who will speak to the importance of coordinated leadership and long-term strategy in strengthening the city’s hospitality and tourism ecosystem.
Anchoring this industry within NOEW, the city’s premier entrepreneurship gathering, underscores hospitality’s role not only as a cornerstone of the local economy but also as a platform for forward-thinking innovation.
Education, Workforce, and Industry in Alignment
The convening reflects intentional alignment between higher education, workforce development, and destination strategy.
As a leader in culinary and hospitality workforce training, NOCHI plays a key role in connecting employer demand with practical, job-ready talent pipelines. “Hospitality is one of the most powerful economic drivers in our city, but it only thrives when education and industry move in step,” said Gerald Duhon, Executive Director of NOCHI. “Investing in hospitality education ensures that our workforce is prepared not just for today’s demands, but for the future of this industry. When we strengthen training, we strengthen the entire New Orleans economy.”
The University of New Orleans, the city’s only public research university, contributes applied research, student talent, and strong industry partnerships through the Lester E. Kabacoff School of Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Administration (HRT).
“Our responsibility is to ensure that education and research stay closely connected to where the industry is headed,” said Dr. Bridget Bordelon, HRT Professor. “Hospitality and tourism are constantly evolving, and higher education must evolve with them. By working directly with industry partners through events like NOEW, we can make sure our students are learning what truly reflects the realities of the field and the future it’s shaping.”
Supporting Long-Term Destination Strategy
This collaboration also advances the implementation of New Orleans & Company’s 2035 Vision Plan, which is designed to make New Orleans a better place to live, learn, work and visit.
By assembling these partners at the outset of New Orleans Entrepreneur Week, the participating organizations are demonstrating a unified commitment to strengthening the infrastructure that supports hospitality performance, economic resilience, and long-term competitiveness.
This event is free and open to the public. To reserve your seat and join the conversation shaping the future of New Orleans’ hospitality and tourism industry, visit the event page.
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About the Lester E. Kabacoff School of Hotel, Restaurant & Tourism Administration
The Lester E. Kabacoff School of Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Administration (HRT) at the University of New Orleans provides premier hospitality education in the heart of one of the world’s most dynamic tourism destinations. The school offers a Bachelor of Science in Hotel, Restaurant, and Tourism Administration, a Master of Science in Hospitality and Tourism Management that is the only program of its kind in Louisiana, and an industry-leading Executive Master of Science in Hospitality and Tourism Management available online for working professionals.
Located in the “living laboratory” of New Orleans’ hospitality and tourism industry, students gain both classroom knowledge and hands-on experience across sectors including hotels, restaurants, events, tourism services, and destination management. Undergraduate students complete a 600-hour work experience requirement, ensuring meaningful real-world industry exposure before graduation.
About NOCHI
Since 2019, the New Orleans Culinary & Hospitality Institute (NOCHI) has been at the forefront of culinary and hospitality learning. Our signature six-month certificate programs in Culinary Arts and Baking & Pastry Arts put aspiring and continuing professionals on the fast track to long-term success.
NOCHI equips individuals with the skills, confidence, and entrepreneurial mindset needed to excel in culinary & hospitality careers and passions. Through accessible, high-quality education and programs, NOCHI inspires and supports learners at all levels.
To learn more about the New Orleans Culinary & Hospitality Institute, visit www.nochi.org.
About New Orleans & Company
New Orleans & Company is the official destination sales and marketing organization for New Orleans’ tourism industry. Founded in 1960, our mission is to inspire, promote and encourage travel to our city for the economic, social and community benefit of New Orleans and its people. Our vision is to ensure New Orleans remains the most remarkable, unique, and welcoming city in the world. For more information, visit us at www.NewOrleans.com or on social media @VisitNewOrleans or @NewOrleansAndCo.