The APEC 2027 Spouse And Guest Co-Chairs are excited for APEC to return to New Orleans! The week will start off with a Monday morning welcome breakfast and meet and greet. Reconnect with old friends or make new ones as you make your plans for the week.
New Orleans is an historic and beautiful city with much to offer visitors. From the historic French Quarter, to the Garden District, to the riverfront visitors will not be lacking in things to keep them busy. Be sure to visit Jackson Square, with the iconic St. Louis cathedral, and wander over to the world famous Cafe du Monde for a coffee and beignet. Don’t miss catching a set of classic New Orleans jazz at the historic Preservation Hall in the French Quarter. New Orleans offers amazing world class cuisine based on both the Creole style based in high French cuisine and Cajun cooking, based on hearty, working class food of the Louisiana bayous like gumbo and jambalaya.
Spouse And Guest Hospitality Room
Location: Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, Riverview Terrace
The spouses and guests of registered APEC attendees are invited to the APEC Spouse and Guest Hospitality room to meet up with old and new friends, make plans, catch up with each other, or just hang out and relax.
It is planned that a light breakfast with coffee and tea will be served each day when the room opens.
Please note that admission to the Spouse And Guest Hospitality Room is limited to those registered in the Spouse And Guest Category. Regular conference attendees do not have access to this room.
Open Times (Subject To Change)
- Monday, March 8: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
- Tuesday, March 9: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
- Wednesday, March 10: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
- Thursday, March 11, 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Breakfast (Subject To Change)
- Monday, March 8: 8:00 AM – 9:30 AM
- Tuesday, March 9: 8:00 AM – 9:30 AM
- Wednesday, March 10: 8:00 AM – 9:30 AM
- Thursday, March 11: 8:00 AM – 9:30 AM
Monday Meet and Greet
Date: Monday, March 8, 2027
Time: 8:00 AM – 9:30 AM
Location: Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, Riverview Terrace
All registered spouses and guests of APEC attendees are invited to the traditional Monday morning “Meet And Greet.” Catch up with old friends and meet new friends over breakfast.
To help you plan your week, representatives from the New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau will give an introduction to New Orleans and points of interest. They will answer all your questions about sights to see and things to do while in New Orleans.
Regular conference attendees are not invited to and do not have access to this event.
Additional Tours And Activities
Mardi Gras World tour
Date: Monday, March 8, 2027
Time: 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Tour Duration: 1 hour
Ticket Price: $30.80
The Mardi Gras World tour is a one-hour guided walk through Kern Studios’ working float den, where the floats for the city’s biggest Mardi Gras parades are built. The tour includes a 15-minute film on Mardi Gras history, a guided walk through parade floats and props with artists working on site, and a slice of authentic king cake.
The group will depart together for the tour starting at 11:00 AM.
Steamboat NATCHEZ Jazz Lunch Boat Ride
Date: Tuesday, March 9, 2027
Time: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Boat Ride Duration: 2.5 hour
Ticket Prices:
Persons between ages of 2-5 years: $15.50
Persons between ages of 6-12 years old: $29.75
Persons over the age of 13 years: $58.50
Owned by The New Orleans Steamboat Company, the Steamboat NATCHEZ is the last authentic steamboat cruising the mighty Mississippi River. Savor the flavor of Creole cuisine during lunch while enjoying live jazz by local musicians. Explore the authentic steam engine room, listen to the iconic calliope, and experience engaging narration by the Captain.
The group will depart together for the tour starting at 10:00 AM. A shuttle will be provided to the Steamboat from the Convention Center, as well as back to the Convention Center at the conclusion of the tour. All Guests attending this tour must arrive at the Steamboat check-in together and must board together.
What’s included on the Steamboat
- Live calliope concert prior to boarding
- Plated Creole Lunch, meals prepared fresh onboard
- Cocktail, beer, and wine options are available for purchase onboard
- Detailed narration of the rich history of New Orleans
- Captivating views of the city and the Mighty Mississippi River
- Indoor and outdoor seating
- Featuring live New Orleans jazz by the Steamboat Stompers
Plated Creole Lunch Sampler Menu
- Gulf Coast Catfish – Zesty cornmeal-crusted with Cajun spices and fried to a golden perfection
- Red Beans and Rice – New Orleans classic red beans atop a bed of rice with andouille sausage (*Vegetarian Red Beans available upon request)
- Jambalaya – Traditional Louisiana dish with chicken, sausage, rice and Creole Seasoning
- Tossed Salad Du Jour – A tossed green leaf salad prepared daily with fresh ingredients and served family style
- New Orleans Bread Pudding – Souffle of local Leidenheimer French bread in a rich custard with Chef’s choice of decadent sauce
- Community Coffee and Iced Tea Included
- Menu items are subject to change by season and availability. Steamboat NATCHEZ serves primarily Louisiana and domestic seafood but may, at times, use imported crawfish and fish.