Heading to New Orleans? Book your room by October 14.
Stay at the Hilton New Orleans Riverside with your fellow LCA members.
The 16th Annual Leading Caterers of America Executive Summit is Heading to New Orleans!
For LCA Members, by LCA Members
LCAES 2026 is your opportunity to reconnect with fellow members, trade real-world insight and bring home fresh perspective to strengthen your business.
Your peers. Your community. Your Summit.
NEW! LCA Online Member Store
Shop exclusive, custom LCA apparel and merchandise—created especially for our members.

The LCA Community Is Coming Together in New Orleans
November 8–10, 2026 | Hilton New Orleans Riverside
Three days of peer-to-peer exchange, fresh ideas, meaningful connections and unforgettable hospitality with the Leading Caterers of America.
Your New Orleans Experience at a Glance
Sunday, November 8 — Arrive, Explore & Reconnect
Settle into New Orleans, reconnect with industry peers, and kick off your experience with curated local tours.
Monday, November 9 — Learn, Exchange & Celebrate at Il Mercato
Start with an inspiring keynote, dive into actionable education and peer-to-peer exchange, then gather for an unforgettable evening at Il Mercato.
Tuesday, November 10 — Build Connections & Experience the Board of Trade
Continue the conversation through impactful education and meaningful connections—then join fellow attendees for an iconic New Orleans evening at the New Orleans Board of Trade.

See How One of Your Own Does New Orleans
Our 2026 host, Joel Catering & Special Events, is opening the doors to two unforgettable evenings at Il Mercato and the New Orleans Board of Trade. An exclusive opportunity to experience how a leading caterer designs, produces, and delivers standout events for their peers. From the flow of the guest experience to the food, service, setting, and finishing details, see firsthand what it takes to create memorable hospitality at scale.
Bring Someone Who’s Ready to Grow
Bring a leader or rising star who can learn from peers, build relationships, and bring new ideas back to your business.
Already registered?
Start exploring the program and book your hotel room to make the most of your experience.
A tailored program created exclusively for LCA members, designed around their priorities, challenges, and needs.
Secure your stay for the event and take advantage of the reserved room block. Please book by October 14 to ensure availability and access to the event rate.
Connect with fellow LCA members beyond the meeting room at unforgettable New Orleans evening experiences, hosted by Joel Catering & Special Events.
Choose between The Sazerac House or Mardi Gras World for a behind-the-scenes taste of New Orleans culture. Spaces are limited.
Bring One Question to LCAES
What’s the one business challenge you’d value a fellow LCA member’s perspective on?
Come to the Summit with a question—whether it’s about growth, staffing, profitability, sales or leadership. You’ll be surrounded by experienced peers who understand the realities of running a catering business and may have the insight that helps move your next decision forward.
Extend Your New Orleans Experience
Extend your stay and join us for A Taste of Cater+Event, November 11, at Fulton Alley—an evening of great food, drinks and connections with fellow industry professionals.
Marketplace Sponsor
2026 Gold Sponsors
Interested in Partnering With Us?
Contact the sales team to discuss 2026 partnership opportunities.
