Join us for the 45th Annual Mississippi Valley Trade & Transport Conference from February 2-4, 2027, in New Orleans, USA, focusing on trade and transportation.
Dates
2–4 Feb 2027
City / country
New Orleans, USA
Venue
The Westin New Orleans
Are you the organiser of this event?
Event overview
The Mississippi Valley Trade & Transport Conference is an essential gathering for professionals involved in the production, handling, and distribution of commodities along the Mississippi River.
Scheduled for February 2-4, 2027, at The Westin New Orleans, this conference features panels, keynote speakers, and numerous networking opportunities, including a Welcome Reception and a Mardi Gras Fete.
TL;DR
Attendees will benefit from networking opportunities with industry leaders and experts, gain insights into the latest trends in transportation and trade, and participate in engaging discussions and panels. The conference also offers a chance to connect with peers and explore new business opportunities.
Exhibitors will have the opportunity to showcase their products and services to a targeted audience of industry professionals, gain visibility in the trade and transport sectors, and network with potential clients and partners. The exhibit space is strategically located to maximize exposure during key conference events.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Location & Facilities
100 Iberville Street, New Orleans, LA 70130
The Westin New Orleans in New Orleans typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Food options
On-site catering
On-site diningParking: The Westin New Orleans in New Orleans typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Gate: Follow organiser signage to the main visitor entrance at The Westin New Orleans for badge collection; allow extra time for security screening during peak morning arrival.
Attend
Who runs the show
Mississippi Valley Trade & Transport Council
How the last edition performed
Last edition
2026
Next edition
Not announced yet
Edition recap
Impact
The 44th Annual Mississippi Valley Trade & Transport Conference was held February 10–12, 2026, at The Westin New Orleans. The conference program centered on waterway commerce, trade, and transport topics. Post-event coverage was published by The Waterways Journal in March 2026.
Intelligence
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Why it matters
Attending Mississippi Valley Trade & Transport Conference on 2027-02-02 to 2027-02-04 in New Orleans lets buyers and specifiers benchmark suppliers, see live demonstrations, and compress months of vendor meetings into one focused trade visit — worthwhile when your category roadmap aligns with the official exhibitor profile.
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Electrification and hybrid propulsion
What electrification and hybrid propulsion means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Connected helm and telematics
What connected helm and telematics means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Sustainable materials and refit
What sustainable materials and refit means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Experience-led watersports demand
What experience-led watersports demand means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Supply-chain regionalisation
What supply-chain regionalisation means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Latest updates from across the market.
Maritime Transportation News | Seatrade Maritime News
ReadAJOT | Transportation News, Logistics, Ports & Trade
ReadTransportation News, Logistics, Ports and Trade | AJOT
ReadUnited States Maritime Shipping Services and Solutions
ReadMaritime - Transportation Today
ReadData and Reports | MARAD - Transportation
ReadPlan your trip
Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.
Louis Armstrong New Orleans International
Primary commercial gateway for New Orleans. Taxi flat rate to the CBD is approx. USD 36 for 1-2 passengers; rideshare commonly approx. USD 35-55. Confirm live traffic and fares before departure
about 14 mi / 23 km
to venue
20-30 min
by car
Baton Rouge Metropolitan
Secondary airport west of New Orleans. Limited public transport to New Orleans; use only if fare savings cover a private transfer or rideshare. Confirm live quotes
about 80 mi / 130 km
to venue
75-90 min
by car
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
streetcar / bus
NORTA streetcar and bus network connects Canal Street, the French Quarter and downtown hotels. Streetcars are useful for short hops but slower during peak tourist periods.
taxi
New Orleans airport taxi service lists a flat rate for 1-2 passengers to the CBD; confirm queue location and current rate at the airport taxi stand.
rideshare
Use the designated rideshare pickup at MSY and check the app fare before booking; surge pricing can apply during Carnival season and convention peaks.
airport shuttle
Shared shuttle service serves downtown and CBD hotels; confirm current schedule, luggage policy and drop-off nearest Canal Place before booking.
taxi
75-90 min; Secondary airport west of New Orleans. Limited public transport to New Orleans; use only if fare savings cover a private transfer or rideshare. Confirm live quotes.
Weather
New Orleans in early February: average highs near 18 C (64 F), lows near 9 C (48 F), and roughly 9 rain days for the month. Expect humid Gulf air, occasional cool fronts and brief showers; snow is rare. Carnival season can bring extra crowds downtown.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
U.S. mobile networks use 4G/5G; eSIM plans are widely available for international visitors. The Westin New Orleans listing includes free Wi-Fi. Power is 120 V, 60 Hz with Type A/B plugs, so bring an adapter for non-U.S. devices. New Orleans is on Central Time (UTC-6 in February).
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Business dress
Business casual is the norm for MVTTC sessions and receptions; a jacket is useful for evening events and port-customer meetings.
Tipping
Restaurant tipping is typically 18-20%; plan USD 2-5 per bag for hotel staff and a customary tip for taxi or rideshare.
Canal Place and French Quarter
The Westin sits at Canal Place, an easy walk to the French Quarter; keep valuables secure in crowded tourist areas, especially during Carnival season.
Central Time
New Orleans runs on Central Time (UTC-6 in February); confirm meeting windows with port and terminal contacts across U.S. time zones.
Local pace
Meetings often start on time but allow buffer for streetcar waits, French Quarter foot traffic and weather delays.
Practical guides
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Destination: MSY
Book into MSY (Louis Armstrong New Orleans International) for the shortest transfer to Canal Place. BTR (Baton Rouge Metropolitan) is about 80 mi / 130 km away and usually only worth comparing if the fare saving covers a 75-90 min car transfer. February is Carnival season in New Orleans, so fares and hotel rates can rise; book early and confirm baggage and change policies.
Most international attendees travelling to a US conference require either a B-1 temporary business visitor visa or an ESTA authorisation under the Visa Waiver Program; check the US Department of State business visa pages for your nationality
Processing: Varies by nationality; apply several weeks before travel.
The B-1 category covers attending conferences, meetings and business consultations; carry an invitation or registration confirmation from MVTTC for the port of entry
OfficialGet to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Primary gateways: Louis Armstrong New Orleans International (MSY): 20-30 min; Baton Rouge Metropolitan (BTR): 75-90 min. Allow road or rail time to The Westin New Orleans; on-site parking is usually available at major exhibition venues.
Hotel → venue: The Westin New Orleans is the host venue at 100 Iberville Street. Wyndham New Orleans - French Quarter is about 440 m / 5-8 min walk. Wyndham Garden New Orleans Downtown and Blake Hotel are in downtown, roughly 10-20 min walk or a short rideshare; confirm exact routes and access at check-in.
Ride-hail: Uber and Lyft operate in New Orleans. Approx. MSY to Canal Place rideshare USD 35-55 depending on demand; use the designated rideshare pickup at MSY and confirm the fare in the app before booking.
Public transit: NORTA streetcars and buses serve Canal Street, the French Quarter and the CBD. Approx. USD 1.25 per single ride; Jazzy Passes are available. From MSY, NORTA bus service is cheaper than taxi but slower; confirm current routes and fares at norta.com.
Parking: The Westin New Orleans lists parking at extra cost; expect valet or self-park in the approx. USD 40-55 per night range in the CBD/Canal Place area. Confirm current rates and height restrictions with the hotel before arrival.
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: February
Temperature: Daytime highs around 18 C (64 F); overnight lows near 9 C (48 F). Cool, damp evenings are common and snow is rare.
Seasonality: February is one of the drier months in New Orleans, with roughly 9 rain days across the month; brief showers and humid Gulf air are still possible. Carnival season can lift hotel demand, so book early.
Packing: Pack layers for cool mornings and mild afternoons, a light rain jacket or umbrella, and comfortable walking shoes for the French Quarter and Canal Place areas near the venue.
Plan your trip
Best day to visit: Day 2 (mid-show)
Mid-show days at Mississippi Valley Trade & Transport Conference usually combine full exhibitor attendance with scheduled B2B meetings, before early pack-down on the final day.
Confirm your MVTTC 2027 registration, delegate badge and any ticketed receptions at mvttc.com.
Book The Westin New Orleans or a nearby Canal Place/French Quarter hotel early for 2-4 February 2027; Carnival season can lift citywide hotel demand.
Check ESTA or B-1 visa status and carry registration confirmation, hotel booking and return ticket for U.S. entry.
Book flights into MSY where possible; allow 20-30 min to Canal Place and compare BTR only if the total saving covers a 75-90 min car transfer.
Download the draft agenda and mark river trade, barge, terminal, port and cargo sessions you need to attend.
Request meetings with port authorities, terminal operators, barge lines, shippers and carriers before the conference week fills.
Confirm airport transfer: taxi flat rate approx. USD 36 to CBD, rideshare approx. USD 35-55, or airport shuttle approx. USD 24 one way.
Pack business casual layers, a light rain jacket and comfortable shoes for walks between Canal Place and the French Quarter.
Set up mobile roaming or an eSIM and check 120 V Type A/B plug adapters for U.S. outlets.
Reconfirm hotel cancellation terms and event registration closer to travel; February weather and Carnival crowds can shift plans.
Registration and hall orientation at The Westin New Orleans
Supplier meetings and product demos
Final negotiations and follow-up
Mississippi Valley Trade & Transport Conference registration concourse
The Westin New Orleans
Central meeting point before and between hall appointments during show days.
Organiser B2B lounge (if offered)
The Westin New Orleans
Hosted matchmaking and buyer programmes when published by the organiser.
Budget
Adjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Decision
Use this quick check to decide whether Mississippi Valley Trade & Transport Conference fits your visit, exhibit or skip plan.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
What is your primary role?
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
Your category focus aligns with the official product themes.
Best for
Buyers, researchers, and delegates evaluating the programme and networking value.
Min. budget
$400.00
Timeline
4-8 weeks before opening day for registration and travel.
Risks
Limited session times published - confirm agenda before booking.
exhibit
You have a clear lead-generation or launch goal for this market.
Best for
Suppliers and brands seeking qualified meetings with the event audience.
Min. budget
$2,500.00
Timeline
3-6 months for stand booking, freight, and marketing prep.
Risks
Booth pricing not published in captured sources - confirm with organiser.
skip
Programme, audience, or commercial goals do not match your plan.
Best for
Teams whose category or region fit is weak this edition.
Timeline
N/A
Risks
No major risks listed.
FAQs & glossary
Frequently asked
Glossary
Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
5 more alternate names hidden
Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.
