Discovering New Orleans

SUI 2019 will take place in historic Downtown New Orleans at the newly renovated Hilton St. Charles with exciting events and memorable attractions nearby. The conference venue is conveniently located on the St. Charles streetcar line and just blocks away from the French Quarter. After conference hours, experience a culture like no other in nearby historic neighborhoods, taste authentic creole and cajun cuisines, or visit a variety of local festivals. Additional information can be found at New Orleans & Company.

• Krewe of Boo (October 19) Experience a taste of the spooky side of Mardi Gras. This parade features full floats, marching bands, and costumes, and takes place only a few blocks from the Hilton St. Charles. Saturday Oct 19 begins at 6:30 PM
• Crescent City Blues and BBQ Fest (October 18-20) Just a 2-3 minute walk from the conference, renowned blues artists perform while the best BBQ vendors in the region serve up their best meats. Friday Oct 18 from 5 PM to 8:30 PM; Saturday & Sunday Oct 19 & 20 from 11 AM to 8:30 PM
• New Orleans Reggae Fest (October 19) International reggae artists gather on 2 stages in Louis Armstrong Park only a mile away from the hotel. Saturday Oct 19 from 11 AM to 8 PM
• Oktoberfest (October 18-19) The local German population puts on a traditional German celebration with authentic foods and beers. Friday Oct 18 from 4 PM to 11 PM, Saturday Oct 19 from 1 PM to 11 PM

• Audubon Aquarium - Less than a 15 minute walk from the hotel, the Aquarium of the Americas showcases aquatic life from the Great Maya Reef, the Gulf of Mexico, and many others.
• Riverwalk Outlet Collection - Located along the bank of the Mississippi River, the Riverwalk features high-end outlet shopping, local restaurants, and a scenic view along the river only 5 blocks from the Hilton St. Charles.
• New Orleans Restaurants - New Orleans is known for a unique style of food; from beignets to poboys to gumbo see what the French Quarter has to offer, all within walking distance of the hotel.
• National WWII Museum - Designated by Congress as America’s official WWII museum, it tells the story of the American experience in the war, with a special focus on D-Day.

• Harrah's Casino - The biggest casino downtown, featuring every type of game you can imagine.
• Frenchmen Street - One of the most popular local hangout streets, with free live music at almost every bar every night of the week.
• Bourbon Street - The other most popular local street; raucous, rowdy, and the embodiment of New Orleans’ reputation as a party town.

• Ghost Tours - Learn about the haunted history of a town with a past steeped in voodoo, vampires, and ghosts.
• Jackson Square - Historic site containing the Andrew Jackson statue and St. Louis Cathedral. Artists and street vendors frequently gather around the square to display their wares.
• Hop On, Hop Off Buses - A guided tour at your own pace, a single ticket gets you access to the whole network of tour buses that you can hop on and off at your leisure, with a stop only a block away from the hotel. Come a day early and tour the whole city.
• French Market - An open-air market that’s part flea market, part farmer’s market, part crafts bazaar, and part food vendor, with roots dating back to 1791.