VFW Auxiliary 2017 National Convention
July 22-26 • New Orleans, Louisiana
Helpful Convention Tips
Welcome to New Orleans, host city of the 104th VFW Auxiliary
National Convention! The Crescent City is a melting pot of culture,
food and music, and one of America’s most historically-rich
destinations. Come on down and Laissez Les Bon Temps Rouler!
Let the Good Times Roll!
TM
Getting to New Orleans
PLANE/AIRPORT: Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) offers 138 daily departures to 44
cities on 12 airlines. Just 15 miles from the Central Business District and French Quarter, it is a quick ride away – whether
you go by shuttle, taxi or bus.
AIRPORT TRANSPORTATION:
Airport Shuttles
• Super Shuttle: https://reservations.supershuttle.com. Please use discount code: VFWUS
• Airport Shuttle New Orleans: Shuttle service is available from the airport to hotels and various other
locations in the New Orleans for $24.00 (per person, one-way) or $44.00 (per person, round-trip). These fares
include three (3) bags per person. Additional baggage may be subject to additional fees. Passengers can
purchase tickets at the Airport at Airport Shuttle ticket booths located on the first level throughout the
Baggage Claim area.
Taxi Service
It is always recommended that you confirm costs with your driver prior to your trip to avoid any confusion when you
arrive at your destination. Taxicab booths are located on the first level of the Terminal outside of Baggage Claim Belts
1 and 14. Passengers must wait in line at one of these booths for taxi service. Taxi rides cost $36.00 from the airport to
the Central Business District (CBD) or French Quarter (west of Elysian Fields) for up to two (2) passengers. For three (3)
or more passengers, the fare will be $15.00 per passenger. Taxis are required to accept credit card payments.
Mass Transit
The Jefferson Transit Authority (JET) and the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) provide nine (9) daily departures
to downtown New Orleans. Both utilize the bus stop located on the outer lanes of the second floor, outside the
Concourse C Lobby Information Booth.
The Airport-Downtown Express (E2) Bus operated by the JET is $2.00. The fare boxes will accept $1, $5, $10, $20 dollar
bills and all U.S. coins. The Airport-Downtown Express (E2) provides service from the Louis Armstrong New Orleans
International Airport in Kenner, down Airline Drive into New Orleans, which takes approximately fifty (50) minutes.
For more information on public transit in the area, visit http://www.jeffersontransit.org.
The Regional Transit Authority (RTA) now provides the Airport Express (202) Bus with service to and from the Airport
into New Orleans. Pick up locations for the Airport Express (202) Bus in New Orleans can be found at Elk Place at
Cleveland and the Union Passenger Terminal Bus Bay 2 with transport to the Departures Level at the Airport Terminal
and select trips to the North Terminal Construction site. The fare for this route is $1.50. For bus schedule information,
pick up locations, and route information, visit http://www.norta.com/Getting-Around/Getting-to-the-Airport.
CAR RENTAL COMPANIES (located at the airport): Louis Armstrong New Orleans International
Airport has a Consolidated Rental Car Facility (CONRAC). To get there, walk to the West Terminal Baggage Claim (Claims
12-14) and proceed outside the building. To your right is a covered walkway leading to the customer service building.
Passengers with special needs should contact MVI Field Services at 615.318.3108.
• Alamo: 1.800.462.5266
• Avis: 1.800.331.1212
• Budget: 1.800.527.0700
• Dollar: 1.800.800.4000
• Enterprise: 1.800.264.3650 • Hertz: 1.800.654.3131
• National: 1.877.227.7368
• Payless: 1.800.729.5377
• Thrifty: 1.800.847.4389
CAR: You can drive to New Orleans via I-10, I-55, U.S. 90, U.S. 61, or across the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway on
La. 25. If possible, drive in during daylight and allow time to enjoy the distinctive, swampy scenery. U.S. 61 or La. 25
offer the best views, but the larger roads are considerably faster. To determine driving distance between your city and
New Orleans, go to http://www.travelmath.com/driving-time.
Housing and Convention Information
HOTEL INFORMATION: Housing opens February 21, 2017. You may access VFW and Auxiliary housing
information/assignments and the reservation form beginning February 21 by going to http://www.vfw.org and
selecting the convention icon. Make sure to list your Department on the housing reservation form.
HOTEL PARKING: Check with your assigned hotel for parking costs and details.
CONVENTION LOCATION: Convention activities will take place at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center
which is located at 900 Convention Center Blvd., New Orleans, Louisiana, 70130.
CONVENTION PARKING: Parking information, costs, etc., for the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center will
be available at a later date.
CONVENTION SHUTTLES: A shuttle schedule to/from the convention center and designated hotels will
be provided closer to the July convention dates. If you require special transportation (handicap/scooter/wheelchair),
contact the shuttle provider at the number on your event schedule (obtained on-site). A final shuttle schedule will be
included in the on-site event guide, 2017 Convention Mobile App and will be updated on the VFW convention web page.
REGISTRATION AND PACKET PICK-UP: Auxiliary on-site registration and packet pick-up will be
located in Exhibit Hall B of the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center at the following times:
Saturday, July 22:
Sunday, July 23:
Monday, July 24:
Tuesday, July 25:
8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
8:00 a.m. - Noon
Auxiliary early packet pickup (for pre-registered attendees) will be at Marriott French Quarter and Sheraton hotels at the
following time:
Friday, July 21:
10 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
*Please Note: NO PACKETS WILL BE MAILED. DO NOT REGISTER IF YOU ARE NOT ATTENDING NATIONAL CONVENTION.
TENTATIVE AGENDA: All events will take place at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center unless
otherwise noted. See the tentative agenda at http://www.vfwauxiliary.org. A final agenda will be included in the
2017 National Convention Guide and the 2017 VFW Auxiliary National Convention Mobile App.
MOBILE CONVENTION APP: The NEW 2017 VFW Auxiliary National Convention Mobile App will be
available for free from the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store in early July. The new app will allow attendees
to receive important notifications and reminders during National Convention, have instant access to the daily agenda,
add new activities to their personal schedule, connect with other attendees and more!
FIRST AID ROOM LOCATION: Ernest N. Morial Convention Center; open during convention hours,
Saturday, July 22 - Wednesday, July 26, 2017.
WHAT TO WEAR: A general guideline for attire for the convention meetings, seminars and business sessions
is business casual. Please be aware you may be on stage to receive an award and photographs will be taken. You may
wish to bring a jacket or sweater as the locations of meetings and seminars may be cool. You are encouraged to wear
patriotic themed apparel for the VFW’s Patriotic Celebration on Tuesday evening.
DEPARTMENT/STATE SIGNS: Department/State signs MAY NOT be decorated. Any decorations put
up will be removed. If your Department/State sign is damaged, your Department will be responsible for the cost of
repairing and/or replacing the sign.
FOOD/DRINK: Attendees are welcome to bring food/snacks and/or drinks into convention meetings, seminars
and business sessions. You are encouraged to bring your own water or other drinks as limited water will be available
in the Auxiliary hall due to expense. Please make sure that any trash from food/snacks and/or drinks brought into the
Auxiliary hall is properly disposed of; do not leave any trash on the floor or in the aisles.
SCOOTER RENTALS: We encourage individuals requiring scooters to make those arrangements prior to
arriving on-site in New Orleans. Scooter rentals are based on availability and are first-come, first-served. Please contact
the rental companies below to confirm pricing and availability. Be advised scooters are not designed for streets or
sidewalks and may be a safety hazard.
Total Access Mobility
Advanced reservations are strongly encouraged.
Website: http://www.totalaccessmobility.com
Phone: 504.231.4879 (Ask for Daniel*)
Wheelchair rental: $90 per week
Scooter rental: $235 per week, up to 350 lbs.
All scooters have a basket, swivel seat and charger.
*Mention VFW Auxiliary National Convention to have
delivery and pickup fees waived.
Mr. Wheelchair
Advanced reservations are required.
Website: http://mrwheelchair.com
Phone: 800.548.9672 or 504.834.2810
Wheelchair rental: $85 per week
Scooter rental: $260 per week, up to 250 lbs.
$280 per week, over 250 lbs.
Prices listed include delivery and pickup fees.
All scooters have a basket, swivel seat and charger.
Scootaround Personal Transportation Solutions
Website: https://locations.scootaround.com/VFW
Phone: 888-441-7575
Wheelchair rental: $195 per week
Scooter rental: $295 per week, up to 300 lbs.
$345 per week, over 300 lbs
Delivery to hotel: $25
About New Orleans
WEATHER: Visitors can expect humid subtropical weather with highs in the 90s and lows in the 70s. Rainfall is
common in New Orleans. Anticipate the weather to be hot and humid. For up-to-date weather information, please
visit the National Weather Service website at http://www.weather.gov.
THINGS TO DO IN NEW ORLEANS: Where do you go when it is time to get away? What if you knew
of a place where the scenery isn’t all that changes? A place where centuries old architectureis the backdrop for a
culture so invigorating, it’ll rouse your spirit. Visit the most fun and authentic city in America: New Orleans.
• Visit the National World War II Museum and be inspired at this world-renowned history museum by the
lessons of World War II, stories of herosim, tradey and liberation.
• Immerse yourself in Crescent City culture in the French Quarter. Gaze with wonder at stunning architecture,
beautiful fountains and historic landmarks; enjoy a variety of shopping, dining and entertainment options.
• Take in the tradition, opulence and beauty of the city’s historic Garden District. Home to antebellum
mansions, pristine gardens and southern charm, the Garden District certainly stands out as one of the
country’s most lovely neighborhoods.
• Many consider the Tremé to be the cultural heart of New Orleans, and the neighborhood’s contributions to
the American arts can be witnessed in disciplines from dance to music to architectural design. The Tremé
celebrates its rich history and heritage with museums, tours and landmarks dedicated to preserving one of
the United States’ oldest African-American and free people of color neighborhoods.
For more information on attrations, arts and culture and dining and nightlife directories, visit the New Orleans
Convention & Visitors Bureau at http://www.neworleanscvb.com.