Known as New Orleans' first suburb, Metairie is located on the southern shore of Lake Pontchartrain and is one anchor for the longest bridge in the world, the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway. One of the largest unincorporated communities in the U.S. with 141,508 residents, Metairie is home to the highest-grossing mall in the metro area, Lakeside Shopping Center. Meeting venues in Metairie offer value, history and easy access to the lively nightclubs of the Big Easy.
JeT (Jefferson Transit) offers mass transit options within the urbanized areas of Jefferson Parish, including service from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport to NOLA's French Quarter. Those arriving via one of the 11 major airlines can opt for a $24 taxi to the hotels with meeting venues in Metairie or arrange for a limo, rental car or shuttle service.
The Louisiana Superdome is the largest convention venue close to Metairie. Located just 3.9 miles away, the Superdome offers 166,464 square feet of column-free space and seating for 70,000. Four Club Lounges can handle receptions for 800.
Hotel venues in Metairie include the 220-room New Orleans Marriott Metairie at Lakeway, which offers 6,500 square feet in seven rooms. Small groups appreciate the 204-room Holiday Inn Metairie New Orleans Airport's 2,042-square-foot Magnolia Ballroom, which can seat 500 theater-style. At 8,832 square feet, the Mardi Gras Ballroom at the Best Western Landmark Metairie (156 rooms) can seat 1,000 for a keynote speech.
Magnolia Plantation, a banquet and wedding hall, is a romantic facility with 15,000 square feet for up to 1,000 guests. When considering reception space for groups of 125-800, planners can choose from Jefferson Orleans North or Jefferson Orleans South, two Metairie event venues managed by the same company. For active team-building excursions, Adventure Quest Laser Tag offers a 6,000-square-foot, multi-level arena with a Mayan theme.
Meetings space for 400 guests and great food are a winning combination in the five private dining rooms at Andrea's Restaurant. The Acme Oyster House offers Metairie meeting planners a 2,130-square-foot restaurant and 1,041-square-foot, glass-enclosed atrium for great seafood and a reception for 300. Eighty guests can celebrate with a Chinese feast at Jung's Golden Dragon.
For a casual, low-key gathering before or after a conference, head to Lafreniere Park, a 155-acre park in the center of Metairie featuring picturesque lagoons, a carousel, lush landscaping and a natural wood pavilion that overlooks the lake.
Photo by Wikimedia Commons user : PhotogMetairie
