2026 marks the third visit to The Big Easy for the Healthcare Design Conference + Expo. But New Orleans hasn’t stood still since the conference last met here in 2023. New restaurants, refreshed public spaces, and expanded cultural spots have reshaped the blocks near the convention center.
Here’s a guide to what’s changed and what to check out while you’re in town this October.
Food + drink in New Orleans
New Orleans dining continues to grow, with a few fresh offerings that stand out.
- Le Moyne: A short walk from the convention center, this French bistro leans into classics like onion soup, steak frites, and duck confit.
- Emeril’s Kitchen at Caesars: Also a short walk away is Emeril Lagasse’s chic brasserie, serving up po’boys and other NOLA staples.
- Good Catch: Thai cooking meets Gulf flavor in the heart of the central business district.
Sights + sounds in New Orleans
What was once a warehouse at the Governor Nicholls Street Wharf is now green space along the Mississippi River.
- Goldring Woldenberg Riverfront Park: Take a quick ride to the newly redesigned park, which introduced shaded seating, a marsh-themed playground, and an open-air venue called the NOLA Front Porch.
Art + culture in New Orleans
The city’s cultural side has expanded too, with a mix of new openings and reimagined favorites.
- JAMNOLA: This immersive art-and-culture experience’s larger venue makes room for more exhibits and a broader look at the city’s creative scene.
- Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden: The New Orleans Museum of Art’s garden features new installations, including Thomas J. Price’s 9-foot “Time Unfolding.”
- Storyville Museum: The French Quarter’s new adults-oriented attraction explores New Orleans’ historic red-light district and its ties to early jazz.
For more on the 2026 HCD Conference + Expo and to register, go here.
