Mardi Gras Conference 2008

Baton Rouge is the capital of Louisiana, with a metropolitan area population of more than 700,000. It is the home of Louisiana State University (LSU) and located on the Mississippi River, about a one-hour drive northwest of New Orleans. The region is famous for its blues and jazz music scenes, its culinary delights, nightlife and Southern and Cajun heritage.

The 15th Mardi Gras Conference will be held at the Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol Center, which blends both history and elegance. The historic Heidelberg and Capitol House Hotel have been fully restored to their former state of grandeur with over $70 million in renovations. The hotel is adjacent to the Shaw Center and the River Center Convention Center, it is less than five minutes from the Louisiana State Capitol and it is only three miles from Louisiana State University. Special conference rates are currently available only by calling Mary Jo Ostrowe (225) 3-HILTON.

Maps of Baton Rouge are available.

A list of local restaurants is available.

A Mardi Gras History is available.

Information about the Endymion parade is available.

A map of the Hilton meeting rooms is available.

Local transportation

If flying into Baton Rouge

The Hilton provides complimentary airport shuttle by calling 225-344-5866 or (225) 3-HILTON. Other options include taxi and rental car. A cab ride costs about $20 to the Hilton.

If flying into New Orleans

Reliant Transportation Group (reservations must be made ahead of time). Rate is $90 one way. The website URL is: http://www.relianttransportation.com/ The reservation number is +1 (225) 336-4814 x 224.

Other options include taxi and rental car. Without traffic, it is a little more than a one-hour drive from the New Orleans Airport to downtown Baton Rouge. A cab ride should cost on the order of $120. Please confirm with the driver before the trip.

Parking at the hotel

Valet parking is available at the hotel for $15 overnight and $8.00 event parking.

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