FAQ's

 

 

Traveling in the United States
 

Entering the United States

Two documents are needed to enter the United States:

  • A valid passport
  • If your country is not part of the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), you will need to obtain a visitor visa from the U.S. Department of State. The VWP allows citizens of over 30 participating countries to travel to the United States without a visa for stays of 90 days or less. Find out if you qualify.

VWP travelers must obtain an approved Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) prior to travel. The ESTA application is quick and available online at https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/, but we recommend applying early to allow time for processing.

If your country is not part of the VWP, there are three visitor visa categories you may apply for:

  • B-1: For those entering the U.S. temporarily for business
  • B-2: For those visiting for pleasure
  • B-1/B-2: For a combination of both

Note: Citizens of Canada and Bermuda visiting the United States for temporary travel generally do not require a nonimmigrant visa.

Check the latest requirements here.

 

Currency

The currency in New Orleans is USD (United States Dollar).

 

Time zones

New Orleans is on Central Standard Time (CST). That’s 6 hours behind Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), 1 hour behind New York City (EST), 1 hour ahead of Mountain Time (MST), and 2 hours ahead of Los Angeles (PST).

 

Climate

In May, New is transitioning into summer with warm and humid weather.

Temperatures highs are in the mid-80s to low 90s Fahrenheit (around 24-34 degrees Celsius) and nighttime lows are in the 60s to low 70s Fahrenheit (around 16-23 Celsius).  May is one of the most humid months, and the likelihood of rain and thunderstorms increases. 

 

Dress Code

The dress code is business casual to business formal.

 

Electricity/Voltage

The U.S. uses 120 volt, 60 hertz.

Tip: buy a Type-B adapter plug NEMA 5-15 to ensure your electrical items work while you’re visiting.

 

Smoking

Smoking as well as “vaping” or the use of e-cigarettes, vape pens, and e-hookahs is prohibited in enclosed public places, and within 15 feet of the entrance of these establishments.

 

Age regulations

  • Legal car rental age: 21, with surcharges for those under 25

  • Legal driving age: 16
  • Legal drinking and gambling age: 21
  • Legal age to purchase cigarettes and tobacco: 21
  • A valid photo ID is required.
     

Alcohol

  • The legal drinking age is 21.

  • A valid photo ID is required.
  • Open containers cannot be taken outside drinking-establishment premises.
  • It is customary to tip bartenders; generally, $1 per drink ordered.
  • Consuming alcohol while traveling in a vehicle is illegal for both drivers and passengers. It is also illegal to transport alcohol with a broken seal.
     

Emergency services

  • Police/Fire Emergency – 911

  • Police/Fire/City Services Non-Emergency – 311
     

Tipping

  • Taxi drivers, bartenders, and waiters generally receive a 20% gratuity on the pre-tax amount of your bill for standard service, though it is appropriate to leave a 25%-plus gratuity for exceptional service.

  • Hotel doormen and valet parking attendants are tipped approximately $2.
  • Bellhops are tipped $2 per bag.
  • Hotel maids are usually tipped $2 per day.
     

Your Contacts

 

Conference Contacts

General: Jennifer.rothschild@conferencedirect.com

Sponsorship & Exhibition: Lauren.allen@conferencedirect.com

Abstracts: Michelle.mears@conferencedirect.com

Registration: MOF2026@conferencedirect.com

 

Getting to the hotel & conference

The conference will take place at Sheraton New Orleans Hotel and it is located at 500 Canal Street, across from the French Quarter, 15 miles from Louis Armstrong International Airport, 8 miles from the NOLA Lakefront Airport and 1 mile from the NOLA Union Terminal train station. Taxi and ride share services are available at the airport

Airport: Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, 12.0 Miles

Train: Amtrak Train Station

Metro/Subway: New Orleans Union Terminal