Overview

2024 NADO Annual Training Conference

October 21-24, 2024
(Monday-Thursday)

New Orleans Marriott
555 Canal Street
New Orleans, LA 70130

Thank you to our 2024 ATC Sponsors and Exhibitors!

When to Arrive

NADO Executive Committee should plan to arrive on Sunday, October 20 in time for a 5:00 p.m. private Executive Committee Dinner. 

NADO Board of Directors should plan to arrive in time for the 1:00 p.m. Board of Directors Meeting on Monday, October 21.

Those registered for Mobile Workshops on Monday, October 21 should plan to arrive in time to meet in the lobby by 12:30 p.m. As a reminder, the buses will leave promptly on time for each workshop.

All other attendees should arrive by Monday, October 21 in time for the Opening Plenary at 4:00 p.m. followed by the conference kick-off reception.  As a reminder, the Board of Directors meeting is open to all NADO members—if you are in New Orleans on Monday and want to learn more about your organization’s governance structure and process, please stop by.

Please note that registration will open at 9:00 a.m. on Monday morning and we suggest you stop by to check in and pick up your badge prior to events.

Registration

Registration is now open for the 2024 NADO Annual Training Conference. Early bird registration rates are available until Friday, October 4.

See registration rates below. Email Karron Grant, [email protected], for assistance registering your group, to register NADO member complimentary spouse/guest registrations (to see if your membership level has complimentary ATC guest registrations click here), and with registration questions. 

 Early BirdLate Bird
Associate & General
$725
$755
Partner & Sustaining
$700
$725
Platinum & Platinum Plus
$675
$705
Diamond
$655
$675
Spouse
$325
$350
Student
$175
$175
Non-member
$875
$900
Early bird deadline: Friday, October 4, 2024

Cancellation Policy

Registrants who cancel their registrations by September 30th, 2024, will receive a refund minus a $150 administrative fee.

Accommodations

About the Hotel

New Orleans Marriott on Canal St. is nestled between the French Quarter and the Warehouse District. It is a short walk from Jackson Square, the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas and Harrah’s Casino. The hotel is also near the cruise port, the Convention Center and Caesars Superdome. 

Hotel room rate: $259 + tax

The cut-off date to make your hotel reservations at the New Orleans Marriott has passed (09/19/24).
 
To join the waitlist, or if you have questions about your conference housing accommodations, email Brittany Salazar at [email protected]. In your email, please include the guest’s full name, email address, and check in and out dates. If there is an existing reservation associated with the request, also provide the hotel confirmation number.
 
Rooms will begin to free up as cancellations come in over the next few weeks. We will work down the waitlist and will modify/add reservations as rooms become available. Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee a reservation for everyone on the list, but are hopeful we will be able to accommodate most. 
 
There is no official conference overflow hotel. If you find a low room rate at a nearby hotel, we recommend booking it. Hotel nightly rates in New Orleans over our conference dates are high. Keep in mind if a room at the conference hotel frees up, you can easily cancel the back-up reservation before the 48–72-hour cancellation deadline at no penalty.
 
Need to cancel your Marriott reservation?
To cancel your reservation at the New Orleans Marriott, please do not cancel directly with the hotel. Instead, let us know first so that we can give your room to a person on our waitlist. 
 
Similarly, if you have multiple reservations on hold in your name, kindly take a moment to make sure those rooms are needed. If they aren’t, please release them so others on the waitlist may use them.
 
Simply email [email protected] with your request to cancel along with your reservation confirmation number. Before the reservation is transferred to someone else, your original profile and billing information will be deleted; and a cancellation confirmation email will be sent.
 
Questions? Email [email protected].

Airport & Transportation

Agenda

NADO Executive Committee should plan to arrive on Sunday, October 20 in time for a 5:00 p.m. private Executive Committee Dinner. 

NADO Board of Directors should plan to arrive in time for the 1:00 p.m. Board of Directors Meeting on Monday, October 21.

Those registered for Mobile Workshops on Monday, October 21 should plan to arrive in time to meet in the lobby by 12:30 p.m. As a reminder, the buses will leave promptly on time for each workshop.

All other attendees should arrive by Monday, October 21 in time for the Opening Plenary at 4:00 p.m. followed by the conference kick-off reception.  As a reminder, the Board of Directors meeting is open to all NADO members—if you are in New Orleans on Monday and want to learn more about your organization’s governance structure and process, please stop by.

Please note that registration will open at 9:00 a.m. on Monday morning and we suggest you stop by to check in and pick up your badge prior to events.

Mobile Workshops

Monday, October 21

12:30 – 3:30 p.m.                   Mobile Workshop: University of New Orleans Green Energy Lab

See how the University of New Orleans (UNO) is working with regional stakeholders through the H2theFuture Build Back Better Regional Challenge Coalition to develop a testbed and development center for hydrogen-fueled ships at their new EDA-supported Green Energy Lab. The UNO Green Energy Lab will further research into ‘green hydrogen’ as a fuel source for the shipping and maritime industries, reducing logistics costs and the carbon footprint of the global shipping industry. The workshop will include guided tours at the UNO Engineering facility and discussions with UNO research staff leading the project on what these technology advancements will mean for the local, regional, and national economies. This workshop is limited to 19 participants. Plan to meet in the lobby at 12:30 p.m. for a bus departure at 12:45 p.m. The group will return to the hotel by 3:30 p.m. This is a bus/walking tour, so plan to wear comfortable shoes. Pre-registration is required and there is an additional fee of $50.

12:45 – 3:45 p.m.                   Mobile Workshop: Brownfields Redevelopment Tour

Join the National Technical Assistance to Brownfields (TAB) team and other subject matter experts for an excursion to successful redevelopment projects in New Orleans. Participants in this Brownfields Bus Tour will visit former blighted sites being transformed into productive properties for the community. Invited speakers for the tour include the property developer and officials from the Brownfield Programs of both the Regional Planning Commission and the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality. These local experts will describe the use of brownfields resources as a component of the property revitalization. Note: The bus tour will include some walking at project sites. This workshop is limited to 40 participants. Meet in the lobby at 12:45 p.m. for bus departure at 1:00 p.m. The group will return to the hotel by 3:45 p.m. Pre-registration is required and there is an additional fee of $50.

Tuesday, October 22

10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.         Mobile Workshop: Café Reconcile

Take advantage of this opportunity to enjoy a delicious lunch at Café Reconcile while learning about the organization’s incredible workforce development training for young adults interested in seeking careers in the hospitality field. Founded in 1996, the program has three priorities: support young adults in the development of their self-confidence, help them attain financial stability, and earn education or employment opportunities suited to their skills sets. Café Reconcile’s workforce program has seen over 2,000 young adults (between the ages of 16 and 24) graduate. This workshop is limited to 15 participants. Meet in the lobby at 10:30 a.m. for bus departure at 10:45 a.m.  The group will return to the hotel by 12:30 p.m. Lunch will be provided (shortly before the workshop, NADO will reach out to attendees with menu options).  Pre-registration is required and there is an additional fee of $60 which covers lunch and transportation.

10:15 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.         Mobile Workshop: Lafitte Greenway

Explore the Lafitte Greenway, a 2.6-mile-long linear park and multi-use trail in the heart of New Orleans, that features public art, recreational facilities, fitness and cultural programming, open green space, and innovative stormwater management features. The Greenway is New Orleans’ premier example of post-Katrina sustainable stormwater management known as “Green Infrastructure,” with features such as bioswales, permeable pavement, and bio-retention cells. The Greenway opened in 2015 after years of democratic, volunteer -led, community driven support to turn a formerly abandoned railroad corridor into a public green space that connects an array of diverse New Orleans neighborhoods. This workshop is limited to 20 participants. This is a bus/walking tour; wear comfortable shoes.  Meet in the lobby at 10:15 a.m. for bus departure at 10:30 a.m. The group will return to the hotel by 12:30 p.m. Pre-registration is required and there is an additional fee of $50.

1:30 – 4:00 p.m.                     Mobile Workshop: Claibourne Corridor Cultural Innovation District

Claiborne Avenue, the main street in Tremé, one of the oldest African-American neighborhoods in the United States, was irrevocably changed in 1969 when the elevated Interstate-10 was constructed above the Avenue. The Claiborne Corridor Cultural Innovation District (CID) is a 19-Block transformation of Claiborne Avenue that supports local entrepreneurs and works to achieve equitable and sustainable community development goals. It is a resident-driven effort focused on providing direct pathways to business ownership, workforce development, and community capacity building. Join this tour to learn about the youth programming, health, environmental, and social services, community projects, workshops, and special events the District provides for neighborhood residents. This workshop is limited to 25 people. Meet in the lobby at 1:30 p.m. for a bus departure of 1:45 p.m.; the bus will return to the hotel at 4:00 p.m. This is a bus/walking tour, so plan to wear comfortable shoes. Pre-registration is required and there is an additional fee of $50. 

1:30 – 4:00 p.m.                     Mobile Workshop: “America’s Rocket Factory”: NASA Michoud Assembly Plant

The countdown to liftoff begins in New Orleans. NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility is one of the largest manufacturing facilities in the world and has been the nation’s premiere site for manufacturing and assembly of large-scale space structures and systems for more than 60 years. Join this tour to visit “America’s Rocket Factory” and learn about the critical impact this facility has on the regional economy and the national space program. Attendees will also learn about innovative workforce training partnerships at nearby Nunez Community College–home of Louisiana’s only Aerospace Manufacturing Technology program. Meet in the lobby at 1:30 p.m. for a bus departure of 1:45 p.m.; the bus will return to the hotel at 4:00 p.m. This is a bus/walking tour, so plan to wear comfortable shoes. Pre-registration is required and there is an additional fee of $50. This workshop is limited to 20 attendees.

Wednesday, October 23

8:30 – 11:45 a.m.                    Mobile Workshop:  Old Algiers Downtown

Want to explore a charming neighborhood of New Orleans off the beaten tourist track? Join us for a trip on the ferry across the river to Old Algiers! We’ll be accompanied by Algiers Economic Development Foundation staff who will take us on a walking tour of the downtown to learn about its revitalization, including changing demographics, supporting local small businesses, the ‘food policy landscape’, a high school student workforce program, and more. This workshop is limited to 19 people. This is a walking tour and will include a ferry across the Mississippi River to and from Old Algiers; participants should plan to wear comfortable shoes and clothes. Meet in the hotel lobby at 8:30 a.m. for an 8:45 a.m. departure. Pre-registration is required and there is an additional fee of $25 to participate.

8:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.           Mobile Workshop: Tour of New Orleans’ Cooperative Businesses and History

What comes to mind when you think about New Orleans history and culture? You may not know that much of what people appreciate about New Orleans was either created, or heavily influenced, by their many mutual aid societies, which were often the source of cooperative business development. During this tour, you’ll learn about the communities, businesses, people and struggles behind the city’s food, festivities, and freedom. From the philanthropic work of a devout nun, to the economic resurgence of a community devastated by the 1963 construction of a federal highway, to the ever-growing cultural and economic development on a street named for a civil rights pioneer, you’ll hear accounts of innovation in philanthropy, education, mutual aid, entrepreneurship, and more. Join us for this session in National Cooperative Month! This workshop is limited to 28 attendees. Meet in the hotel lobby at 8:45 a.m. for a 9:00 a.m. departure. Pre-registration is required and there is an additional fee of $50 to participate.

ATC Second Line Parade & House of Blues Opening Reception

NADO ATC Second Line Parade to the House of Blues Opening Reception

Monday, October 21, 2024
6:00-8:30 PM

We’re kicking off our conference festivities with a time-honored New Orleans tradition you will not want to miss! Following the afternoon opening plenary, we’ll march in style with a Second Line Parade, leading us from the Marriott to the iconic House of Blues for a lively evening of music, food, and fun.

Embrace the energy of the Crescent City as we make our way through the streets, accompanied by the sounds of a spirited brass band. Lace up those comfortable dancing shoes and get ready to move to the beat in true New Orleans fashion.

🎭 Photo Opportunity & Famous Hurricane Cocktails:
Meet in the hotel lobby starting at 6:00 PM to snap photos and grab a complimentary Hurricane cocktail-to-go—a sip of the city’s spirit in your hand.

🎺 Second Line Parade:
Our parade will step off promptly at 6:30 PM, so be ready to let the rhythm guide you as we make this a celebration to remember.

📍 Starting Location: New Orleans Marriott Hotel Lobby (555 Canal St)
✨ Destination: House of Blues (225 Decatur St)

🎉 Opening Reception at the House of Blues:
Once we arrive at the House of Blues, the party continues as you’ll be able to reconnect with friends, meet new colleagues, and savor local cuisine and drinks while live music fills the air.

🎷 What is a Second Line?
A Second Line Parade is a joyful NOLA tradition where everyone joins the procession, dancing and celebrating in a lively tribute to community, music, and life itself.

This evening promises to be a memorable start to our conference—full of fun, food, and connection. We can’t wait to celebrate with you! Laissez les bon temps rouler! (Let the good times roll!) 

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact [email protected].

**All attendees must have an official conference badge for entry to the House of Blues opening reception.**

Opening Reception Only – Guest Ticket:

The cost of the ticket is $50 and includes a to-go hurricane cocktail for the second line parade, plus 2 drink tickets and heavy hors d’oeuvres at the House of Blues from 6:00-8:30. To purchase a guest ticket(s) for the opening reception (those not registered as a full conference attendee) contact NADO Operations Specialist Karron Grant at [email protected]

What to Know Before You Go - ATC 2024

New Orleans Marriott is a 4-star New Orleans hotel on Canal Street nestled in the French Quarter and near the Warehouse Arts District. It’s a short walk from Jackson Square, the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas, and Harrah’s Casino. The hotel is also near the cruise port, the Convention Center, and Caesars Superdome. Many of the rooms and suites offer views of the Mississippi River and downtown New Orleans. They all feature spacious work areas, 55-inch flat-screen TVs, and premium bathroom amenities. 

555 Canal Street
New Orleans, LA, 70130
504-581-1000

Check-in: 4:00 PM
Check-out: 11:00 AM

Hotel reservation questions? Email NADO’s Senior Meetings and Membership Manager, Brittany Salazar at [email protected].

Parking
Valet only: $49 Regular sized and $55 Oversized; 1 vehicle per room, Height limit 5’9″

Wireless Internet
Complimentary WiFi will be available in your guest room as well as in the meeting rooms. Upon check-in, you will receive a password to log into the network.

Hotel Dining

  • Canal Street Burger Bar
    Relax with delicious American fare at Canal Street Burger Bar, serving premium burgers in the heart of New Orleans.
    Open daily from 11:00 AM-12:00 AM.
  • 55 Fahrenheit
    Finish your day in a New Orleans restaurant with a handcrafted cocktail at 55 Fahrenheit, the perfect place to meet up with friends or colleagues. Pair your drink with a light bite or shared plates as you relax at this restaurant on Canal Street.
    Hours: Mon-Thu, Sun:11:00 AM-12:00 AM and Fri-Sat: 11:00 AM-1:00 AM
  • Canal Street Pantry
    Energize your New Orleans exploration with the pastries, sandwiches, salads and homemade pizza at Canal Street Pantry. Pair your favorites with a selection from their varied beer, wine and spirit list.
    Open daily from 6:30 AM-12:00 AM
  • 5Fifty5 Restaurant
    Experience authentic New Orleans restaurant cuisine at 5Fifty5 Restaurant, featuring an award-winning gumbo. This restaurant is open for breakfast and lunch daily from 6:30 AM-2:00 PM.
    Enjoy Breakfast Buffet on Saturdays and Sundays from 6:00 AM-12:00 PM.
  • Canal Street Pantry Café
    Coffee House proudly serving Starbucks coffee.
    Open daily from 6:30 AM-8:00 PM

 

About New Orleans, LA

Time Zone
New Orleans, LA is in the Central Daylight Time Zone (GMT-5).

Weather

Getting There

  • Airport
    Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport
    Distance From Marriott Conference Hotel: 15.3 Miles
    Phone Number: 504-303-7500
    The Marriott does not provide complimentary airport shuttle service.
  • Car Rentals
    Nine rental car companies operate at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport –
    Rental Car Center Location: 600 Rental Boulevard, Kenner, LA 70062
  • Taxis
    Taxis pick up passengers in a dedicated taxi loading zone on the Arrivals Curb outside of Level 1 Baggage Claim Door 7. Taxi rides cost $36.00 from the airport to the Central Business District (CBD) or French Quarter (west of Elysian Fields) for up to two (2) passengers. For three (3) or more passengers, the fare will be $15.00 per passenger. Taxis are required to accept credit card payments.
  • Ride Share
    Ride app services pick up passengers outside of Level 1 Baggage Claim on the middle curb.
  • Nearby Public Transportation
    Bus Station: Greyhound New Orleans Station 
    Subway Station: Union Passenger Terminal 
    Train Station: New Orleans Union Terminal 

 

During the Meeting

  • Conference Mobile App – WHOVA
    Whova is the official ATC mobile app. From your mobile device, you can easily search the conference program, create your own customized schedule, engage with other attendees, send messages to conference organizers, post photos, access important conference materials and handouts, and much more.
    There will be no formal printed programs available onsite for attendees. If you would like a hard copy of the program, we encourage you to print the agenda from the ATC webpage. We recommend using Whova to view the digital conference program for the latest updates.
    Questions? Contact NADO’s Senior Communications Manager Katie Allison.

    Already have the Whova app on your mobile device?
    If you signed up for Whova using the same email address you used to register for the conference, the 2024 ATC will automatically appear under the ‘My Events’ tab in the app. If you used a different email address to sign up for Whova, you will need to enter this invitation code to join the event: NADOATC2024

    New to Whova?
    Download the Whova app onto your mobile device via the App Store or Google Play store. Sign up using the same email address you used to register for the conference. Once you have signed up for the app, you should be taken directly to the event. If you aren’t directly added to the event, you will need to enter this invitation code to join: NADOATC2024
    Please do not share the invitation code with people who are not registered for the event.

 

 

 

 

 

  • ATC Exhibitors
    Be sure to visit the Studios Foyer (2nd floor) to engage with our esteemed exhibitors, who will be showcasing innovative projects, cutting-edge products, and valuable services. This is an excellent opportunity to discover solutions that can drive success for you and your organization.

    Designated Exhibitor Networking Breaks:

    • Beignets & Brew with Exhibitors (Tuesday, October 22, 2024, 10:15-10:30 AM)
    • Refresh & Connect with Exhibitors (Tuesday, October 22, 2024, 2:45-3:00 PM)
    • Morning Networking Break (Wednesday, October 23, 2024,10:30-10:45 AM)
    • NADO Impact Awards Reception (Wednesday, October 23, 2024, 4:30-5:30 PM)
      Exhibitor List:
      • American Gas Association
      • Center for Environmental Excellence – AASHTO
      • Catalyst Group
      • Compassion It (Tuesday only)
      • Enlightened Solutions
      • Fluxx
      • G&H International Services
      • Grow America
      • International Sustainable Resilience Center, Inc.
      • Joe W. Barker Consulting
      • Lead for America
      • Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality
      • Ohio University’s Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Service
      • SaveYour.Town
      • Technical Assistance to Brownfields (TAB) – Kansas State University
      • Three Rivers Panning and Development District

 

NADO ATC Second Line Parade to the House of Blues Opening Reception
Monday, October 21, 2024
6:00-8:30 PM

Following the afternoon opening plenary on Monday, we will walk with a Second Line Parade, leading us from the Marriott to the iconic House of Blues for a lively evening of music, food, and fun.

🎭 Meet in the hotel lobby starting at 6:00 PM to snap photos and grab a complimentary Hurricane cocktail-to-go.

🎺 Our parade will step off promptly at 6:30 PM. If you miss the parade, please feel free to meet us at the House of Blues (225 Decatur Street). The reception ends at 8:30 PM and is only a short walk from the Marriott.

🎟️ Drink Tickets: You will have (1) drink ticket valid for an alcoholic beverage at the House of Blues. After your drink ticket is used, a cash bar will be available. Water stations, complimentary soft drinks, and food will be provided.

**All attendees and guests must be registered and have an official conference badge for entry to the House of Blues opening reception.**

Opening Reception Only – Guest Ticket:
If you are bringing a guest and would like to purchase a ticket for them to attend the opening reception, the cost per ticket is $50 and includes a to-go hurricane cocktail for the second line parade, plus 2 drink tickets and heavy hors d’oeuvres at the House of Blues from 6:00-8:30 PM. To purchase a guest ticket for the opening reception (those not registered as a full conference attendee), please do so in advance by contacting NADO Operations Specialist Karron Grant at [email protected] or visit him onsite at the conference registration desk in the Preservation Hall Foyer.

  • Registration Hours
    Upon arrival, please check-in at the registration desk located in the Preservation Hall Foyer on the 2nd floor of the hotel to pick up your name badge and conference materials.
    • Monday, October 21 | 8:30 AM-5:00 PM
    • Tuesday, October 22 | 8:00 AM-5:00 PM
    • Wednesday, October 23 | 7:30 AM-5:00 PM
    • Thursday, October 24 | 8:00 AM-11:30 AM

      Daily morning coffee and hot tea will be available in the registration area for attendees during the conference.

  • Attire
    The conference is meant to be a comfortable learning experience for attendees and business casual dress is encouraged. The meeting room temperatures are not completely within our control, and we suggest you plan accordingly and bring layers just in case the room is too cold. If you are attending a mobile workshop, we suggest that you dress for warmer weather and wear comfortable shoes. 
  • Social Media
    Follow us on LinkedIn, and Facebook – please tag NADO and/or use the hashtag #NADOATC24 in your social media posts so we can share and repost.

 

Getting Around New Orleans
To give you more freedom to roam, we recommend downloading the New Orleans RTA’s Le Pass mobile app (available both in the Google Play and Apple app stores), which lets you access maps with real-time tracking, buy tickets, or use the Jazzy Pass – a single-day option that allows you to use RTA resources without having to remember exact change.

  • Streetcar
    New Orleans’s streetcar lines have been a staple of public transportation in the city for centuries – more specifically, the St. Charles Avenue streetcar line began toting passengers in 1835, making it the world’s oldest continually operating streetcar line. Nowadays, the iconic brown and green or red and yellow carts follow tracks across the city. Plan more of your streetcar-based exploration using our streetcar itinerary, which breaks everything down by route. 
  • Buses & Ferry
    The city bus system is a classic, reliable transportation option, and if you plan on traveling across the Mississippi River, you can always catch a ride on the Algiers Ferry.
  • Bikes
    There are plenty of bike rental options throughout New Orleans. One of the most universal are the Blue Bikes, a bike share system with stations throughout the city. Use the Lafitte Greenway to bike easily and safely from Mid-City to the Mississippi River.
  • If you’re traveling within DowntownWarehouse District, and French Quarter areas and the walk is a bit too far between locations, these neighborhoods are full of pedicabs to carry you through the streets with ease. 

Closest Pharmacy: CVS Pharmacy, 800 Canal St, New Orleans, LA 70112 (0.2 miles from hotel)

Click here to explore the city’s official tourism site. 

See you soon in New Orleans!

Presentations

Monday, October 21, 2024

Tuesday, October 22, 2024

Wednesday, October 23, 2024

Thursday, October 24, 2024

Questions about the hotel or sponsorships? Contact Brittany Salazar.
Questions about conference registration? Contact Karron Grant.
Questions about the conference content? Contact Laurie Thompson.

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