2026 Schedule

The most memorable New Orleans experiences do more than serve great food. They tell a story, engage the senses, and make people feel as though they have been welcomed into the heart of the city. Amy will share the stories behind New Orleans hospitality: why food is at the center of every celebration and every difficult moment; how the city's history, cultures, and foodways shaped one another; and what hospitality professionals can learn from a community that has always found its way back to the table. Her presentation will showcase the ways that food, community, and kindness help people begin again, and underscore how the best hospitality experiences make people feel something – not simply consume something. Amy has a few surprises planned for the LCA audience, too!