Social Programs & Tours
TAKE SOME TIME TO EXPERIENCE NEW ORLEANS
Welcome Reception
After Thursday’s closing lecture, all 12th World Congress delegates are invited to attend the Welcome Reception to experience a taste—literally and figuratively—of the fascinating culture and delicious cuisine of the Big Easy, as well as enjoy some lively Cajun fiddle music!
Admission is included with your World Congress registration. The Welcome Reception will take place in the Armstrong Ballroom on the 8th floor of the Sheraton New Orleans Hotel.
Unmasking Brain Injury Reception
Immediately upon the conclusion of the last session on Friday, join us for a glass of wine and hors d’oeuvres in the Napoleon Exhibit Hall on the 3rd Floor of the Sheraton Hotel to view handmade masks from the Unmasking Brain Injury Project. This is a unique opportunity made available to our attendees by the project creators, Martin Foil and Alison Spasoff, who will be on hand to answer questions and share how you can bring this project to your community.
For further information please visit, www.unmaskingbraininjury.org.
Hurricane Send-Off
After the final Saturday afternoon plenary session, please join us for a Hurricane Happy Hour in the Foyer of the Ballroom on the 5th Floor of the Sheraton New Orleans Hotel. Say farewell to your colleagues in true New Orleans style!
Tours
The Congress will offer a variety of optional tours and offsite activities so delegates can experience the rich cultural history of New Orleans. These tours will be full of fun & tasty activities! You will be able to register for the tours until March 20.
When you click on the button to sign up for tours, you’ll be required to register with your name and e-mail address.
Book a tour
Haunted History Tour
DURATION: Approximately 2 hours
INCLUSIONS:
- Professional Hosts New Orleans licensed tour escorts (one for each 15-20 participants)
- Guided walking tour through portions of the French Quarter
- All current taxes and gratuities
- Based upon a minimum of (40) participants
- Available tour times - 6:00pm - 8:00pm and 8:00pm - 10:00pm.
- Group to meet in hotel lobby 30 minutes prior to tour start.
New Orleans has an inordinately colorful history – ghosts, voodoo priestesses, and haunted mansions notwithstanding. Underneath the quaint streets and tidy shuttered cottages of the French Quarter lie secret and sinister legends of strange phenomena and paranatural residents who have dwelled in this 18th century historic neighborhood for hundreds of years.
Whether you are lured by tales of hauntings, or intrigued with the historic nature of New Orleans legends, you are sure to enjoy this stroll within New Orleans’ mysterious landmarks.
You will first enjoy a brief introduction to the history of the French Quarter. Then, amidst the narrow streets of the Quarter, you will visit the many “ghost ridden” locations where unusual tales will unfold. You will see the home of famous Voodoo Queen Marie Laveau on Royal Street, the notorious Madame LaLaurie House where unthinkable atrocities were committed against slaves, the graceful Beauregard-Keys House where fighting sounds are still said to be heard, and, of course, Pirate’s Alley, where it is reputed that the ghost of Pirate Jean Lafitte resides.
The uneasy dead on the deserted cobblestone streets of the old Vieux Carré are sure to give you chills and thrills on this unique tour!
COST: $49.50 per person
NOTE: Comfortable walking shoes and attire are suggested
Forever New Orleans
DURATION: Approximately 3 hours
INCLUSIONS:
- Professional Hosts New Orleans licensed tour escort
- Deluxe transportation for your exclusive use
- City tour encompassing the French Quarter, Lakeview, and Uptown neighborhoods
- A stop or pause at an above-ground cemetery
- Voucher for coffee and beignets at Morning Call in City Park
- All current taxes and gratuities
- Based upon a minimum of (40) participants
Our story begins in the area where the French founded New Orleans almost 300 years ago: the historic and charming French Quarter. Originally an Indian trading post located on the banks of the Mississippi, the French sought to establish a port on high grounds near this trading post. Thus was the foundation of this quaint and lovely European city.
At Jackson Square in the heart of French Quarter, site of St. Louis Cathedral, you will see famous landmarks and learn the fascinating history behind our unique city. Next the tour will proceed to City Park and Bayou St. John; you will visit historic St. Louis No. 3 Cemetery, where your escort will explain our unique above-ground burial system.
As the tour continues through City Park toward Lake Pontchartrain, the guide will discuss remnants of damage caused by Hurricane Katrina in 2005. This powerful storm breached the protective levee system in New Orleans that caused much of the city to flood.
Heading Uptown, you will travel along picturesque St. Charles Avenue, lined with rows of magnificent mansions and historical oak trees. You will see lavish Garden District homes built by wealthy Americans following the Louisiana Purchase. You will also pass our old Warehouse District, a revitalized area that is home to our Convention Center.
As our story ends, you will realize that this incredible city is one of spirit, hope, and rebirth!
COST: $55.50 per person
NOTE: Comfortable walking shoes and sunglasses are highly recommended
