There's plenty to see and do in the Crescent City, and the New Orleans Marriott, site of OR Excellence 2014, is in the heart of it all. After the days' sessions, unwind with some fine dining or by sampling traditional Cajun and Creole favorites such as jambalaya, shrimp etouffee, fried oyster po'boys and muffuletta. Top off the meal with fresh, hot beignets buried in powdered sugar and a café au lait spiced with chicory.

Then laissez les bons temps rouler ("Let the good times roll" in Cajun French) in the festive French Quarter — world-famous Bourbon Street is steps from the ORX headquarters hotel at 555 Canal Street. Entertainment certainly won't be hard to find in the birthplace of jazz and the hurricane cocktail.

Or take it easy and admire the details as you wander among the city's centuries-old townhouses with ornate iron balconies; the manicured gardens of antebellum plantations; St. Louis Cathedral and the French Market; or the historic above-ground cemeteries.

Even getting around town is an eye-opening experience. New Orleans boasts the world's oldest operating streetcar system — the St. Charles Avenue Line has been named a National Historic Landmark — and the steamboat Natchez tours the Mississippi River through the city twice a day.

That's just a taste of the rich history and culture that makes N'Awlins "the most unique city in America."

Visit orexcellence.com to find out how you can join us there next October 14 to 17. Interested in presenting? E-mail your idea to [email protected].