Dear Friends of New Orleans & Company,
As you know, we work every day to build and maintain a world-class brand for New Orleans, partly by generating as much positive news about our city as we can. Our city is an incredible place to live, work, visit and invest. It is also a destination that is Built to Host leisure travelers, culture enthusiasts, meetings, conventions and special events. This has become more vital in 2025 as we have faced unprecedented events, including the tragic New Year’s Day terrorist attack and a record-breaking snowfall. With that in mind, I am happy to share good news.
For the fourth year in a row, New Orleans & Company is partnering with NBC to host the TODAY Show, this year welcoming the “Third Hour” with co-hosts Al Roker, Craig Melvin and Dylan Dryer. The show will broadcast live February 28, 2025 at 8:00 am CST (9:00 am EST). Happening on the Friday of the Mardi Gras weekend, the show’s setting will be Mardi Gras World and will celebrate our incredible Carnival culture and traditions!
I’d like to acknowledge Mark Romig and Mary Beth Romig of New Orleans & Company for cultivating such a strong partnership with the TODAY team over the past several years and assisting with complex production logistics. Special thanks also to Barry Kern’s team at Mardi Gras World and the Port of New Orleans personnel.
Once again, together with New Orleans & Company, NBC will spotlight the culture, cuisine and innovation of the Crescent City as well as special streaming content, robust social media coverage and live events. A unique culinary event will follow the show’s airing. Our partnership will be promoted across TODAY platforms with a comprehensive marketing strategy, will garner local and national press coverage, and will draw loyal fans to experience the very best of TODAY.
Please note that while the New Orleans & Company team is working closely with TODAY, we do not have editorial control. TODAY will make the final decision on which stories, guests and places they will feature on the show. As their own promotion states, “Everybody Needs Today,” and we heartily agree.
Thanks for helping us spread the good news about TODAY and for all that you do for our community.
Sincerely,
Walter J. Leger III
President & CEO
New Orleans & Company