EMS World Expo 2023: Welcome to New Orleans

It’s time to “let the good times roll” as they say in New Orleans, the host city of this year’s EMS World Expo from Sept. 18-22 at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center.

Ahead of this year’s conference, check out which EMS1 columnists will be attending and presenting at the show, and discover top attractions and amenities to explore while you’re in town – everything from history to entertainment to dining.

There’s something for everyone in The Big Easy!

LOOKING AHEAD TO EMS WORLD EXPO

This year, several EMS1 columnists and contributors are speaking at the conference. Check out their work for related educational information and follow our coverage of the show here:

• Andrea S. Abbas, MS, NRP, IC, CP-C
• Tony Bixby
• Chris Cebollero
• Remle P. Crowe, PhD, NREMT
• Rommie L. Duckworth, BS, LP
• Linda Dykes
• Michael S. Gerber, MPH, NRP
• Arthur Hsieh, MA, NRP
• Rhonda Kelly
• Jamie Kennel
• Rob Lawrence
• Anna Ryan
• John Sammons
• Macara Trusty, MS, LP, SHRM-SCP
• Steve Wirth & Doug Wolfberg
• Matthew S. Zavadsky, MS-HSA, NREMT

WHY NEW ORLEANS?

Known for its nightlife with live-music venues and an unmatched food scene, New Orleans is considered one of the most unique cities in the country due to a blending of French, African and American cultures.

History & culture

There is history around every corner in New Orleans. Check out some of these iconic sites if you have a moment in between educational sessions.

• The French Quarter: You can’t visit New Orleans without visiting the famous French Quarter, home to Bourbon Street. Often called the Crown Jewel of NOLA, the historic area is awash in Spanish and French heritage, as seen in the architecture, much of it unchanged since its construction. The French Quarter also encompasses St. Louis Cathedral, the oldest active Roman Catholic Cathedral in the U.S., built in 1727, in the district’s Jackson Square.
• New Orleans Pharmacy Museum: Step back in time and visit one of the oldest pharmacies in the country, still set up just like when it opened in the early 1800s. It’s said that one of the former owners still haunts the pharmacy; visitors have witnessed books falling off shelves and have said they felt a presence push past them when they’ve been alone on the stairs to the pharmacy’s second level. Visit if you dare!

Entertainment

Looking for something to do after a long day of networking at EMS World Expo? We’ve got you covered.

• Streetcar Cocktail Crawl: At just $3 for an all-day pass (really!), you can ride the St. Charles Avenue streetcar line as part of its New Orleans Streetcar Cocktail Crawl. As the oldest continuously operating street railway system in the world, you’ll find a wide selection of restaurants, bars, pubs and taverns on the route to stop and have a drink or a meal at with your conference pals.
• French Quarter Ghosts & Legends Tour: New Orleans’ unique history and connection to voodoo makes it a prime ghost-spotting location. For $30, you can take a two-hour tour showcasing the city’s most haunted sites.

Dining

New Orleans is flush with amazing eateries; check out our list for some all-day recommendations.

• For breakfast, try Buttermilk Drop Bakery: If you’re in the mood for donuts, the Buttermilk Drop Bakery is a must-try. Known for their buttermilk drop – their twist on a donut hole – they also offer a range of Southern classic breakfast and lunch options.
  Location: 1781 N Dorgenois St.
  Cost: $
• For lunch, try Domilise’s Po-Boy & Bar: Opened in 1918, Domilise’s is known as the place to get a po’ boy – a sandwich made on traditional New Orleans French bread, known for its crispy crust and fluffy center.
  Location: 5240 Annunciation St., NOLA
  Cost: $
• For dinner, try Heard Dat Kitchen: For authentic New Orleans cuisine, Heard Dat Kitchen is a great option. While there are several classically NOLA options, the clear customer favorites are their signature dishes: Bourbon Street Love and Signature Extravaganza. Check them out!
  Location: 2520 Felicity St., NOLA
  Cost: $$
• For a New Orleans staple, try Café Du Monde: It’s true – you’re not allowed to leave the city without trying a beignet from the place to get a beignet. Café Du Monde is famous for the delicious pastry, and it’s a bargain, at three beignets for under $3.
  Location: 800 Decatur Street, NOLA
  Cost: $

See you at EMS World Expo!