NEW ORLEANS – Morrow Hospitality, a rapidly growing hospitality company, is expanding its local presence with the launch of Southern Hospitality Weekend, a multi-day hospitality conference scheduled for Jan. 16–18, 2026, at the Contemporary Arts Center, 900 Camp St.
Produced by Morrow Hospitality, Southern Hospitality Weekend is intended to provide education and networking opportunities for hospitality professionals while highlighting New Orleans’ role in culture-driven business, innovation, and ownership.
“New Orleans gave me everything, so giving back has always been the mission,” said Morrow Hospitality CEO Larry Morrow. “Southern Hospitality Weekend was created to help address gaps in our industry by providing resources, access, and community for hospitality professionals and those seeking to enter the field.” Morrow said the company has leveraged its network of industry contacts to bring speakers and participants to New Orleans for the event.
Morrow Hospitality has grown into one of the region’s fast-rising hospitality groups in under five years, employing more than 300 people and operating multiple nightlife and dining venues. With Southern Hospitality Weekend, the company is extending its focus beyond traditional venues to include education, entrepreneurship, workforce development, and longer-term industry engagement.
Scheduled speakers and guests include Grammy-nominated artist and restaurateur Rick Ross; culinary content creator Keith Lee; Pinky Cole Hayes, founder and CEO of Slutty Vegan; Earn Your Leisure co-founders Troy Millings and Rashad Bilal; Nina Compton, chef and owner of Compère Lapin; Danny Cruz, owner and CEO of Tacos Del Cartel; and Cleveland Spears III, CEO of Spears Group and executive producer of the National Fried Chicken Festival.
Organizers expect the inaugural conference to attract more than 2,000 attendees from across the hospitality sector, including restaurateurs, chefs, mixologists, hotel developers, nightlife operators, creatives, and entrepreneurs. Programming is expected to include keynote discussions, workshops, fireside chats, culinary and mixology demonstrations, and networking events.
By hosting the conference in New Orleans, Morrow Hospitality aims to emphasize the city’s role as both a cultural center and a place where hospitality businesses are launched and expanded.
Additional information is available at sohoweekend.com.
