If you’re planning a youth trip, why not host the event in the most interesting city in America: New Orleans! DMCs such as Accent DMC can help you arrange your youth trip and plan for exciting activities, guest speakers and teambuilding efforts. If you do decide to work with Accent DMC, you’ll be partnering with a New Orleans-based company that knows all the ins of the city.

Although youth trips are common amongst churches and organizations, it can be difficult to brainstorm fun, unique ideas that everyone will love. Since your group will be coming together, don’t skip out on the opportunity of a lifetime. Here are some of the fun ideas that can accompany your youth trip to New Orleans:

• Learn about animals at the Audubon Zoo and see rare species such as Bengal tigers and a Komodo dragon.
• Take a swamp tour that will put the group up close and personal with the alligators, while being one with the environment.
• Art lovers will enjoy the Ogden Museum of Southern Art that is jam packed with paintings, photography, ceramics and sculptures by Southern artists.
• Kids that love thrilling adventures will enjoy a haunted tour, viewing the “cities of the dead” and visiting New Orleans voodoo shops.
• You can’t come to New Orleans without visiting Mardi Gras World; a unique attraction that shows how Mardi Gras is made up each year, as well as Mardi Gras floats and sculptures.
• Take a two hour boat ride on the Steamboat Natchez Mississippi Tour and enjoy a Creole lunch.
• Enjoy a relaxing tour of the Garden District where youth can see historic homes and test out their own photography skills.
• Kids love dancing, so let your youth group discover the roots of jazz, bluegrass and zedeco styles of music at a live music festival.
• `Roll up your sleeves and get cooking with a cooking class at the New Orleans School of Cooking. Gumbo, Creole and other Cajun dishes are highlights here.
• Visit the African American Museum and learn about the culture and heritage through masks, musical instruments and other valuable artifacts.
• History buffs will love learning about WWII at the National WWII Museum that showcases portraits of the men and women who served in the war.

Before choosing one or more activities that your youth group will enjoy, remember to consider the ages of the group, their interests, your timeline and budget. With the scenic history that New Orleans offers, it’s easy to spend a weekend in this grand city without spending much. Working with a DMC will help you get the best rates and access to the most interesting tours that will bring everyone together.

Image: Jjarivera

If you’re planning on hosting a corporate event in New Orleans, you’ve chosen a dynamic location that has the perfect balance of entertainment and cultural history. New Orleans is a popular choice to host corporate events, as the warm climate makes travel easy, and the tourist-friendly community caters to visitors. Not to mention, it’s easy to host your event any time of the day, while allowing corporate employees to catch some fun of their own later on. Most companies welcome the opportunity to learn about the culture of New Orleans, as well by paying a visit to such historic landmarks as the French Quarter.

To make your corporate event all the more interesting, you’ll need to have some creative ideas set aside for the special date. Since New Orleans is one of the most unique cities in America, there’s almost always something going on. To align your corporate event with what’s going on in the city, it’s best to work with a DMC like Accent DMC. This team of DMCs knows what events are going on and which ones can elaborate on your event. Knowing all the details of the city, you can pick the best time to host a corporate event.

Here are a few examples of corporate event ideas for your New Orleans event:

Pitching horseshoes for some competitive fun

Listening to live music at a music festival that features a collection of jazz, reggae and blues

Taking a tour of the city or places within the city such as the Garden District, French Quarter or cemeteries

For a spooky good time, taking part in a haunted history tour that travels to haunted places and cemeteries

Riverboat rides and classy dinners off the Mississippi River

A cooking class at the New Orleans School of Cooking

Finding your spiritual side by visiting a tarot card reader or fortune teller

Visiting the Audubon Zoo and Aquarium

Taking a swamp tour and seeing alligators up close

Exploring your creative side with a New Orleans School of Glass Blowing class

DMCs like Accent DMC can also arrange for guest speakers to speak at your corporate event to make the day more interesting. Depending on the needs of your business and what goals you hope to accomplish, DMCs will be best able to align the vision of your company with the interests of your employees. Teambuilding activities can be hosted around the meetings, providing ample opportunities for your team to come together in a fun, relaxing environment that fosters creativity and passion.

Start planning your New Orleans corporate event today!

Image: accent-dmc.com

There are very few destinations that can combine Old World elegance with down, home Southern hospitality. New Orleans is one such place, so why not give your group the royal treatment?

Imagine this:

You greet your guests with champagne as they walk through the first floor of a historic New Orleans antique gallery. Along the way, a jazz trio plays while guests admire aisle after aisle of glass cases stocked with some of the world’s finest jewelry, china and diminutive antique items.

The evening gets even more appetizing as hand passed hors d’ oeuvres and “Royal-tinis” (a specialty cocktail created exclusively for the event) flow freely and abundantly. The gallery staff then gathers the group and talks briefly about the gallery’s history and some of its most famous pieces including silver crafted by Paul Revere, a pink diamond ring valued at over $1 million and numerous original paintings by some of the most famous artists that ever lived.

Guests are mingling among the rarities as they sample local fare when the doors open to a band that then leads the group through the Impressionist Gallery to the Toulouse Gallery where a bar and fresh seafood display in a pirogue (a Cajun canoe) offers an exquisite presentation. Guests ogle the stunning art on the walls including an original by Monet.

The final transition, again led by the band, takes guests upstairs to the French and English Galleries where they are greeted by another bar, heavy food stations, and artfully displayed desserts.

Creating memorable New Orleans events

This is no dream, it’s New Orleans. And this one-of-a-kind “insider” experience can only take place here! And it’s the kind of experience we specialize in creating for our clients as part of our event management services .

If you would like to enjoy an event like this one during your next conference or meeting in New Orleans, contact our staff today and we’ll help turn your ideas into a reality!

For decades, the Mercedes-Benz brand has been synonymous with luxury. And after six years and $336 million in renovations and upgrades, so is the Louisiana Superdome which was recently renamed The Mercedes-Benz Superdome. This is the first naming rights deal in the U.S. for the luxury auto maker and also for the legendary New Orleans sports and exhibition stadium.

Photo from NOLA.com

The transformation, which began after Hurricane Katrina, is turning the iconic building into one of the most modern stadiums in the country. Among the notable improvements are:

• Significant enhancements were made to the plaza concourse and ADA seating was added plus new concession locations, restrooms, and VIP club lounges were added as were 16 luxury box suites.
• The Superdome’s new permanent LED lighting system is yet another attraction that is increasing downtown New Orleans’ visibility as a vibrant sports and entertainment district. It certainly illuminates the New Orleans skyline!
• Champions Square, a 120,000 plus square foot outdoor festival venue adjacent to the Superdome has instantly become one of the city’s most popular entertainment destinations for corporate events, festivals, and concerts. The Square has also become “the” place for thousands of Saints fans who gather there prior to each home game.

In next few years, the Superdome will play host to several first-class events including the 2012 Men’s Final Four and BCS Championship Game and the 2013 Super Bowl.

If you are considering hosting a conference, meeting or event in New Orleans in conjunction with an upcoming sporting event, we invite you to give us a call today to find out how a local New Orleans based destination management company  can help you create a unique and memorable event.

Corporate voluntourism is volunteer travel by companies to help a charitable cause. This idea is relatively new in the corporate world and takes on the form of small, mini travels where participants contribute such assistance as cleanup efforts and medical aid. Any company can take part in corporate voluntourism, as the common goal is to do something good for someone else, while having the opportunity to vacation.

Corporate voluntourism may also focus on sustainability, targeting areas to promote a sustainable lifestyle, eco-friendly choices and responsible actions that are most beneficial to the world we share. Although corporate voluntourism has a short history and has only been around since the 1990s, it’s an idea that many companies are starting to consider in order to boost their image and create a stronger presence in the market.

So why should your company care about corporate voluntourism?

For starters, it’s important to look at the world that we live in; one that is becoming more socially responsible and aware of the difficulties that people face on a global level. Thanks to modern-day technology, the internet makes it possible to connect with causes all over the world. If there is a natural disaster in another country for example, the footage and international travel makes it feel as if it happened next door. With a large-scale approach toward volunteering, more people are looking for meaningful ways to help others and find a purpose in life.

By offering corporate voluntourism opportunities, corporate employees are able to align their personal and business goals. When appealing to the right market, companies don’t mind fronting the cost of the ‘vacation’, as the money goes to a charitable cause, while participants are able to have some fun in the process.

Furthermore, corporate voluntourism is a booming industry, especially as companies are looking to integrate their business activities with a social cause. In some cases, the end result is a partnership with a non-profit organization that enhances the do-good image of the company and enables them to continuously take part in efforts around the world. Companies also don’t mind the added brand-building and media attention that can come out of the process.

If your company is interested in corporate voluntourism but isn’t sure where to start, consider working with a DMC network such as Accent DMC. Operating out of New Orleans, Accent DMC provides arrangements to companies who want to give back to the community. With a focus on New Orleans’ local nonprofits, Accent DMC can arrange for your company to engage in team-building activities, bond with colleagues and give back to the community.

Image: expatdailynews.com

Professional event planners know how to put on great parties, concerts, and conferences for their clients. While these specialists are highly trained professionals, there are basic secrets of event planning that anyone can use to promote an upcoming event, wedding, or party. Most of these tips require advance preparation on the part of the event planner, but using these suggestions can make the event go smoothly without the stress of a last-minute rush.

• Serve convenience foods at the event. Since parties, conferences, and receptions generally run long, it’s a good idea to serve foods that can be served at room temperature. This will help you to avoid reheating overcooked dishes throughout the evening. Finger foods are great to serve at large gatherings, since they’re small, relatively mess-free, and easy to carry.
• Think about the accessibility needs of your guests. If the facility has more than one story, there should be an elevator for disabled or elderly individuals. Are the emergency exits clearly marked? Is there more than one direct exit from the meeting room?
• Prepare for a larger guest list than the one you originally received. While it may be good manners to RSVP beforehand, most people do not and they may arrive at the workshop or the conference with their attendance fee in hand, ready to enter. Technically, companies have the right to refuse entry to people who don’t reserve their seats, but few do, so you may want to add extra seating for last-minute attendees. This is especially true at social functions such as banquets, awards ceremonies, and most of all, weddings.
• Plan for necessary functions. Bathrooms and working sinks are so vital to everyday life, it’s easy to forget them when planning a large event. But if the meeting place doesn’t have sufficient restroom facilities and running water, you’ll be sure to hear about it from your catering staff and your guests. Tour the venue beforehand and establish your seating arrangement so that guests can easily access the bathrooms.
• Don’t forget the weather forecast! This suggestion affects outdoor events in particular such as wedding receptions or company picnics, but It’s a factor in every large gathering. Be prepared for inclement weather by setting up a coat and umbrella space near the entrance and providing disposable rain ponchos for guests as necessary.

Image c/o: Northeast Indiana

Planning a trip to New Orleans this fall? The city is holding several events that you might enjoy visiting in the next few months. There’s something for everyone, including musical performances, live shows, festivals, and great food.

• FestiGals Women’s Weekend Getaway – A festival created for women by women, FestiGals is a women’s weekend retreat in the bustling and historic French Quarter. FestiGals was created to help women celebrate womanhood, fashion, food, friendship and each other. It’s a unique combination of conference and vacation getaway. Thursday, October 6th through Sunday, October 9th, 2011.
• “Thursdays at Twilight” – Every Thursday through October 13, 2011, the city holds an evening of live jazz music in the New Orleans Botanical Garden. Guests can enjoy light refreshments while strolling through the garden and listening to live performances of Latin American, jazz, and classical music.
• Crescent City Blues & BBQ Festival – From October 14 to 16, 2011, the Crescent City Blues & BBQ Festival will be held. Featuring performances from live blues musicians, the festival will include food and crafts vendors, CDs, t-shirts, and an Oral History Stage where performers will tell visitors about their lives and experiences in the music industry.
• 22nd Annual New Orleans Film Festival – Each year, the New Orleans Film Society holds an annual film festival. In 2011, the festival will be held from October 14 through 20 and will feature entries from new and undiscovered directors, producers, and screenwriters. The Film Society will award honors to standout films during the festival.
• New Orleans Fashion Week – Fashion Week in New Orleans features designs from clothing designers, runway shows, educational workshops, and fashion luncheons. This annual event will be held during the third week of October.
• The New Orleans Fringe Festival - A five day festival, the Fringe Festival showcases live theater performances of all genres, including acrobatic performing groups, spoken word artists, performance artists, and a parade. The 2011 Fringe Festival will be held from November 16 through November 20.
• The Oak Street Po-Boy Festival – Food lovers unite! New Orleans’ signature sandwich, the Po’ Boy, is the star of this one-day festival. Food street vendors will be offered several different varieties of the classic sandwich, along with live music, hand crafts, and vintage books. The Po’Boy Festival will be held on November 20, 2011, in the Carrollton section of New Orleans.
• The Bayou Classic – Football fanatics converge on NOLA during the last weekend of November for The Bayou Classic, a rivalry matchup between the Southern University Jaguars and the Grambling University Tigers. This annual meeting between two of the country’s oldest historically Black colleges features a “Battle of the Bands” competition.

Image c/o: bdearth

It’s been seven years since Hurricane Katrina ravaged the city of New Orleans and the surrounding area. It took a few years for the city to rebuild, but since then, New Orleans has rebounded nicely, re-establishing itself as a major tourism destination for visitors and conventions. The Big Easy has plenty of sights, resources, and events to keep convention goers comfortable and entertained during their stay.

• Convention resources – The New Orleans Convention and Visitor’s Bureau offers meeting professionals plenty of services to make their event go smoothly. The bureau has a “Team New Orleans” with experienced staffers who specialize in meeting planning and public relations. The city has outstanding meeting facilities, including the New Orleans Morial Convention Center, which features over a million square feet of exhibit space.
• Dining – Guests at conventions need to eat well to be attentive at their events. New Orleans offers some of the best cuisine in the United States, featuring traditional Cajun dishes and Southern cooking. Restaurants are available for every budget, from the low-priced delis to the high-end culinary establishments.
• Lodging – The city of New Orleans has more than 20,000 different hotel rooms, so there are plenty of accommodations for travelers attending local events. Several hotels are located in or near the Central Business District, which houses several of the city’s meeting facilities.
• Nightlife and shopping – New Orleans is renowned for its entertainment district. The French Quarter hosts a carnival atmosphere almost every night, but especially on weekends. Many of the city’s restaurants and bars downtown feature regular specials on drinks during Happy Hour and into the evening. Shoppers also enjoy a trip to NOLA because of the city’s unique niche stores. Vintage clothing and books are on sale in the eclectic Magazine Street shopping district and high-end boutique browsers can also find their fill of luxury goods throughout the city.
• Transportation – Visitors can take public transportation to many of the hotspots in New Orleans. The city offers tram and bus fare for a reasonable rate and guests can book rental cars and taxicabs as needed. Adventurous sightseers might enjoy a ride on one of the city’s classic riverboats.

Image c/o: Reading Tom

If you have a business meeting scheduled, but find yourself in a pinch, don’t stress! A DMC is the person to call who will help get your business plans back on track!

What Can I Expect from a DMC?

DMCs are Destination Management Companies that are experts in destination knowledge. When you arrange a business trip, a DMC can handle the airport meet-and-greet, transportation, tours, team-building activities and more. DMCs can also recommend lodging and entertainment; basically everything you need to know to get through a successful business endeavor.

How Do I Choose a DMC?

The most important aspect is that you choose a DMC that has local knowledge and experience in the area. Many DMCs will advertise in their local area, so you may have to choose a DMC that is within these premises. However, some larger companies have a national or international client list. In this case, you can choose one DMC for all your business traveling needs.

You’ll also want to consider the range of services they offer, as well as their cost. DMCs are known for being creative, and with this insightful approach, they should be able to plan a day’s events for you to enjoy.

How Do I Work With a DMC?

Keep in mind that you and a DMC are partners. Information sharing is critical, so be sure to share up as much info as possible in terms of what you expect, your budget, etc. Your DMC will have great contacts, which means you’ll be able to get the best deals on things, as well as tickets to events and recommendations for guest speakers and restaurants.

Most importantly, know that DMCs have formed successful relationships with their contacts, so you can expect to get the very best service from them.

Can a DMC Help in a Time Crunch?

Yes. Actually, this is what DMCs do best. While it’s always ideal to have a few days of notice, DMCs have the necessary resources to get your business trip off without a hitch, even at the last minute. And this is where the relationships that the DMCs have formed with their contacts come in handy. Local businesses are able to work up quick deals and get you the services you need to have a successful business trip. If you continue to go through the same DMC, they will learn your unique set of needs when your team comes into town, which will help in times of short notice.

It’s time to program that cell phone with a DMC you can call any time of day!

Image: travelpod.com

There are a few days throughout your life that you want to be perfect, and your wedding is one of them. From selecting the reception hall to choosing the best colors for your special day, the possibilities you have are endless. The same goes for wedding transportation; no longer do you have to settle for a standard, white limo. There are many options to fit the modern-day bride and groom.

Wedding transportation is necessary on your special day, as not only will it transport you and your mate, but also your wedding party. Let’s take a look at practical wedding transportation tips that will ensure your day will go on without a hitch!

Tip #1: Evaluate all the options.

While a limousine is still the most popular option, there are many other forms of transportation. Consider large stretch SUVs or a colorful party bus for the casual affair. A horse and carriage is especially romantic, while an antique car will suit a formal event. Trolleys are full of character and can fit your wedding party, while a tractor will accommodate the country-themed wedding.

Tip #2: Consider the space.

Depending on the size of the wedding party and the location of the ceremony to the reception, you may want to provide transportation for just you and your partner or the entire wedding party. Factor in how many cars you’ll need, and don’t forget to add extra space for wedding gowns and your veil.

Tip #3: Arrange your package.

As you’ve probably seen already, planning for a wedding is costly. You can expect the same with your transportation service, so instead of trying to cut corners, make sure you get the most for your money. Wedding packages are often best, as they generally include a stocked car, simple decorations and perhaps a carpet rolled out in your honor.

Tip #4: Have a signed contract or written agreement.

Once you’ve chosen a package the suits you, make sure you and the driver are on the same page. Agree on a time, location, etc. Get all of these details in writing. Also be sure to give your driver copies of the directions. Having this information in a separate manilla folder will keep it organized for the big day. Be sure to read through the contract, including the fine details, and find out about any penalties for canceling.

Tip #5: Stock the car.

Find out what the company will be providing for you, and we don’t just mean the bottles of champagne. It’s important to have a few essentials on hand such as bottles of water and snacks with protein. Also stock the car with a few things to come in handy, including comfy flip-flop sandals, lip balm and disposable cameras.

Image: classatransportation.com