Fermi LAT Collaboration Meeting (March 2-6, 2026) - New Orleans, LA

Meeting Venue

The Fermi LAT Collaboration Meeting will take place at the Conference Centre on 11 (11th floor, Pan-American Life Center) - 601 Poydras Street, New Orleans, LA, USA. The center has multiple boardrooms, classrooms, and a main lecture hall/auditorium and offers in-house catering and on-site parking. The Pan-American Life Center has a multi-level parking structure and the Conference Centre on 11 is located on the 11th floor (accessible by elevator).

Registration

Registration is open until Tuesday, February 17, 2026. Please note that registration for the social dinner is now closed, as capacity has been reached. Registration (normal fee: $240, reduced fee: $180) covers the location rental, administrative costs, name-tags, and morning and afternoon refreshments, NO lunches. The social dinner is on Tuesday March 3rd at 6:30 pm at Galliano (200 Julia Street, New Orleans, LA 70130) - Please bring cash for beverages (credit cards not accepted).

Agenda

The agenda is posted on Confluence.

Travel

New Orleans, Louisiana, is one of America’s most unique, culturally rich, and resilient destinations. Whether it’s your first visit or you live there, there is always something new and fun to experience in the “Big Easy”. 

[Learn more about New Orleans]

Airport

Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY), located approximately 15 miles from downtown New Orleans and the Pan-American Life Center, is the city's primary airport. With over 13 airlines operating out of MSY, there are plenty of options for flying into New Orleans. 

The airport has a designated ride-share pickup on the Arrivals (ground) level (middle curb). We recommend using Uber or Lyft — expect a 20–30 minute ride to downtown/Poydras, with typical fares of $35–$60 one way. Choose UberXL or LyftXL if you have extra luggage or are traveling in a small group. If you require a wheelchair-accessible vehicle, please book an accessible shuttle in advance (handicap-accessible shuttles require prior reservation).

Train

Amtrak offers an energy-efficient travel option to New Orleans. Trains connect the city with numerous destinations across the U.S., with frequent daily departures from major cities throughout the Northeast, Southeast, and Chicago.

[Learn more about New Orleans train service].

Bus

Traveling by bus to and from New Orleans is easy with options including Greyhound and Wynne Transportation.

International Travel

Traveling Abroad

When traveling internationally, please stay informed about what to expect when crossing the border, going through customs, and interacting with federal officials at airports or land borders. Below is some general information and guidance on steps you may want to take:

• Know what to expect beforehand by reviewing the travel laws both in the United States and in the country you are traveling from and/or returning to.
• Carry the physical versions of all required travel documents, as well as multiple printed copies.
• Have documentation of your affiliation and role at the Fermi LAT Collaboration Meeting.

Depending on your citizenship status, you may be required to provide your phone or other electronic devices when crossing the border. Travelers are advised to keep originals as well as sufficient physical copies of all documents related to travel (e.g. passport, green card, visa, invitation letter from the Fermi LAT Collaboration Meeting organizers and/or your institution, hotel confirmation, meeting registration confirmation and receipt, etc.). These documents should be easily accessible while traveling.

The Organizing Committee does not provide legal advice. The information above is only general guidance to help you prepare for travel. Please review the official government websites and consult with an attorney if you have concerns about international travel. You should also consult with your college or university, as they may have specific guidance regarding travel abroad and crossing borders.

Additional Resources

• American Civil Liberties Union: Electronic Device Privacy Rights
• American Civil Liberties Union: Encounters with Border Patrol within the U.S.
• American Civil Liberties Union: Enforcement at the Airport
• American Civil Liberties Union: Referral Contact Information
• American Civil Liberties Union: Rights as an Immigrant
• U.S. Customs and Border Protection: Search of Electronic Devices at Ports of Entry
• U.S. Customs and Border Protection: U.S. Travelers’ Top Ten Travel Tips

Letter of Invitation

The organizers of the Fermi LAT Collaboration Meeting can provide an invitation letter to assist with securing a travel visa for the meeting. This letter can be submitted with your visa application to verify your name, dates, location, and purpose of the meeting.

Invitation letters can only be provided to registered participants who plan to present or attend the meeting. Letters cannot be issued for accompanying persons (e.g., family members). Individuals requiring a letter of invitation to obtain travel visas can complete the online request form (TBD will this be offered?).

The invitation letter is not a commitment by the organizers to provide financial support, but it may serve as proof of travel purpose for the visa application.

Visa Waiver Program

The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) allows most citizens or nationals of participating countries to travel to the United States for tourism or business for stays of 90 days or less without obtaining a visa.

Effective 20 January, 2011, citizens of the VWP countries cannot enter the United States without authorization from the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). VWP travelers who have not obtained ESTA approval (see U.S. Customs and Border Protection ESTA page) will be denied boarding on any carrier destined for the United States.

[Learn more about the Visa Waiver Program] 

Obtaining a U.S. Visa

Waiting times for visas can be lengthy. We recommend that international participants apply as early as possible. Some consulates may also experience delays in scheduling interviews. Contact the consulate first to determine interview wait times. 

If you require a letter of invitation please complete the invitation letter request form (see above).

Steps to Obtaining a U.S. Visa

1. Complete the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application (Form DS-160).
2. Schedule an Interview. Appointments can be made at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your country of residence.
3. Prepare for Your Interview. Pay the non-refundable visa application fee and any applicable issuance fees.
4. Gather Required Documentation (e.g., passport, visa application confirmation page, application fee receipt, photo, etc.).
5. Attend Your Visa Interview. A consular officer will determine if you are qualified to receive a visa. If approved, they will confirm the visa category appropriate to your travel purpose.

[Learn more about obtaining a U.S. visa]

Business Visa Center

The U.S. Department of State (Travel.gov) offers resources to assist foreign nationals traveling to the U.S. for temporary business. Unless qualifying for entry under the Visa Waiver Program, attendees are encouraged to apply for a category B-1 visa (business), a  B-2 visa (tourism), or a B-1/B-2 visa (combination).

[Visit the Business Visa Center]

Things to consider

• There is no guarantee you will be issued a visa. Do not make final travel plans or purchase airfare until you have completed your interview and obtained a visa.

• When booking airfare after obtaining your visa, ensure that your visa is suitable for any layovers in other countries.

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Accommodation options

Residence Inn

Suite-style rooms and within easy walking distance of the Conference Centre on 11 (ideal for longer stays or attendees who want a little extra space). 

📍 360 Saint Charles Ave., New Orleans, LA, 70130 - 3 min walk

Blake Hotel New Orleans, BW Signature Collection

Directly across the street from the venue; convenient for quick access between sessions.

📍 500 Saint Charles Ave., New Orleans, LA, 70130 - 2 min walk

Q&C Hotel and Bar New Orleans

Located across the street from the Conference Centre on 11; a compact, centrally located option with an on-site bar.

📍 344 Camp St., New Orleans, LA, 70130 - 2 min walk

Drury Plaza Hotel New Orleans

A short walk to the Conference Centre on 11; reliable business-class hotel with on-site amenities.

📍 820 Poydras St., New Orleans, LA 70112 - 4 min walk

Lunch options

Lunch will not be provided, but there are several nearby casual and reliable lunch and dinner options:

Luke

Classic New Orleans brasserie, located directly across the street from the venue.

📍 333 Saint Charles Ave., New Orleans, LA 70130 – 3 min walk

Cochon Butcher 

Popular sandwich and small-plate spot.

📍 930 Tchoupitoulas St., New Orleans, LA 70130 – 3 min walk

Drago’s (Hilton)

Seafood with famous chargrilled oysters (good for groups).

📍 2 Poydras St., New Orleans, LA 70112 – 10 min walk

Willa Jean

(Open only for lunch) Café-style sandwiches and salads.

📍611 O'Keefe Ave., New Orleans, LA 70113 – 9 min walk

Café Amelie

(Open Thursday to Sunday) Charming French Quarter café with sandwiches and salads.

📍900 Royal St., New Orleans, LA 70116 – 20 min walk

Explore the City: Local Tips & Recommendations

A map of places, experiences and safety tips created by locals (special thanks to LSU, LSU grad student Aaron Trigg and his wife, Jene O'keefe Trigg for their help in creating this map.)

Questions? We’re happy to help — email the organizers.