The American Diabetes Association^® (ADA) invites attendees of the 2026 Scientific Sessions to embrace the motto of this year’s host city and “Laissez les bon temps rouler”—let the good times roll—while exploring the city during downtime outside of the educational program.

“New Orleans offers a vibrant and engaging experience for a meeting attendee, particularly in the area surrounding the convention center,” said Scientific Sessions Meeting Planning Committee Chair Mark A. Atkinson, PhD. “The city is distinguished by its exceptional culinary landscape. Beyond its cuisine, New Orleans is defined by its rich cultural character, where jazz shapes the city’s identity and nightlife. From classic beignets, a personal favorite of mine, to chicory coffee and its lively evening offerings, New Orleans presents an experience that will be memorable to all.”

New Orleans & Company offers recommendations to “Discover Your New Orleans,” including featured itineraries, neighborhood guides, and a full menu of things to do and places to eat and drink in the flavors of the city. Whet your appetite for The Big Easy with this sampling from the tourism bureau.

• French Quarter—The area’s unique shopping, cuisine, architecture, and rich history contribute to the status of the “View Carré” as the city’s most famous neighborhood. This historic district, with French, Spanish, Caribbean, Creole, and other influences, includes a plethora of attractions and activities, from St. Louis Cathedral in Jackson Square to the revelry of Bourbon Street.
• The Cabildo—Located in a Spanish colonial building on Jackson Square, The Cabildo is one of several state-run museums in the city and features three floors of exhibits on the history of Louisiana.
• The Presbytère—Another state-run museum in the French Quarter, The Presbytère offers permanent exhibits on two events that have had a significant impact on New Orleans: Mardi Gras and Hurricane Katrina.
• Frenchmen Street—The sounds of live jazz, reggae, and blues welcome visitors to clubs along this musical corridor between Esplanade Avenue and Royal Street.
• Magazine Street—Running parallel to the Mississippi River and spanning six miles from the Central Business District, through the Garden District, and into Uptown New Orleans, Magazine Street is a shopper’s and diner’s delight with outdoor bars, coffee shops, boutiques, art galleries, and more.
• Streetcars—Move among the city’s top destinations on one of four lines—Saint Charles, Canal Street, Riverfront, and Loyola/UPT—all of which originate downtown. Details on routes and purchasing streetcar passes are available via Le Pass, the official app of the New Orleans RTA.
• Riverboat Tours—Multiple companies offer narrated paddleboat tours along the Mississippi River, some with live music and dinner options.
• Cemeteries—Because the city was built below sea level, ornate above-ground graves became commonplace in New Orleans, and many cemeteries offer guided tours.
• Canal Street—A popular parade route, Canal Street also attracts shoppers and theater-goers year-round.
• National World War II Museum—With seven buildings to explore, the museum explains why “the war that changed the world” was fought, how it ended, and the lasting impact the conflict has had.
• Audubon Aquarium& Audubon Insectarium—Featuring more than 250 species, the aquarium highlights the underwater worlds of the Caribbean, the Amazon Rainforest, and the Mississippi River. At the insectarium, walk among hundreds of free-flying butterflies in the garden and tour 50 live arthropod exhibits.
• Mardi Gras Museum of Costumes & Culture—Featuring the private collection of Carl Mack, aka The Xylophone Man, this is a celebration of the colorful traditions of Mardi Gras.
• New Orleans Jazz Museum—Housed in the historic Old U.S. Mint, the museum hosts hundreds of concerts each year and boasts the largest and most comprehensive collection of jazz artifacts in the world.

Register Today for the 2026 Scientific Sessions

Register to join us in New Orleans June 5–8 to learn about the latest advances in diabetes research, prevention, and care. After the meeting, registered participants will have on-demand access to recorded presentations.