New Orleans is one of the most sought-after cities in the country for conferences, trade shows, and large-scale gatherings—and for good reason. Between its world-class venues, electric culture, and food scene that rivals anywhere on the planet, the city has a way of turning even the most standard work trip into something genuinely memorable. If you are planning a private event around a convention or conference, the right convention catering partner can make all the difference.
At Elysian Events Catering, we specialize in bringing fresh, elevated New Orleans cuisine to events of all sizes. Whether you are hosting a small VIP dinner for out-of-town clients or a larger reception for convention attendees, we are here to help you create an experience your guests will be talking about long after they head home.
Why Convention Catering for Private Events in New Orleans is Worth Getting Right
Conventions bring people together from across the country and around the world. Many of your guests will be visiting New Orleans for the first time, and the food you serve is a chance to give them an authentic taste of the city’s culture. That is where thoughtful convention catering goes beyond just feeding people—it becomes part of the event itself.
We have had the pleasure of catering private events tied to major gatherings across New Orleans, including our work at Tales of the Cocktail every year, where we’ve partnered with organizations like Redemption Rye and Hendrick’s Gin alongside countless others. Events that operate alongside our favorite conventions remind us why getting the details right matters so much when the stakes are high and the guest list is so discerning.
Private Events During Conventions: What to Consider
Private events that run alongside conventions come in all shapes and sizes. You might be planning an intimate client dinner, a cocktail hour for key partners, a team celebration, or a full seated reception. Each of these calls for a different approach to the menu, service style, and overall experience.
A few things worth thinking through as you plan:
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Venue Flexibility
As an off-premise caterer, we can work at nearly any venue in the city that allows outside catering. From rooftop spaces in the French Quarter to private dining rooms in the Garden District, we bring the kitchen to you.
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Service Style
Convention catering for private groups often calls for a mix of formats. We offer buffet, cocktail, plated, family-style, and stations—so whether you want a casual reception feel or a formal sit-down dinner, we can make it work for your needs.
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Bar Catering
Unlike most caterers in the New Orleans area, we hold a liquor license, which means we can handle both food and bar catering under one roof. For a corporate reception or private party tied to a convention, this simplifies coordination considerably.
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Dietary Needs
Groups attending conventions often include guests with varied dietary restrictions. We can accommodate vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and other requests so everyone at your event feels taken care of.
Our Approach to Corporate and Private Convention Catering
Good contemporary convention catering starts with food that reflects where you are. Our menus draw from the deep well of Cajun and Creole tradition—think Louisiana crabmeat ravigote, shrimp and grits with charred tomato cream, smoked duck with cherry-pecan compote, and our ever-popular crawfish pies. We take iconic New Orleans flavors and present them with care, so the food feels both familiar to locals and exciting to guests experiencing it for the first time.
One of our particular specialties is our oyster bar catering. Oysters are a cornerstone of New Orleans cuisine, and adding a raw or chargrilled oyster bar to your private event is a reliable way to get people talking. We are one of the few caterers in the city who can offer this service, and our team knows how to run it smoothly for groups large and small.
For bar catering at your convention event, we offer Basic, Standard, and Premium packages that include domestic and local craft beer, wine, cocktails, and mocktails. We also offer supplemental packages featuring classic cocktails, NOLA signatures like the Sazerac and Vieux Carré, and our Bubbles Bar for something a little more celebratory.
Making Convention Catering Easy for Event Planners
We know that convention catering is often one piece of a much larger logistical puzzle. You are coordinating with venues, AV teams, hotels, and a dozen other vendors—the last thing you need is your caterer adding to the chaos. Our team at Elysian Events is known for being easy to work with. We communicate clearly, respond quickly, and handle the details so you don’t have to.
We can build a fully custom menu around your convention event’s theme, your guests’ preferences, or a specific vision you have in mind. If you already know exactly what you want, great—we can execute it. If you’re not sure where to start, we are happy to walk you through the options and help you put together something that fits your group and your budget.
Ready to Plan Your Private Convention Event?
If you have a private event coming up in New Orleans—whether it’s tied to a major convention or simply a gathering of colleagues and clients—we would love to help you make it a success. Our team handles everything from menu planning and tastings to staffing and bar service, so you can focus on your guests and their experience.
Reach out today to start a conversation about your event. Fill out our contact form online or give us a call at (504) 541-0091. We can’t wait to get started.
