United States Eventing Association

Discover the Darkness of New Orleans During the 2018 USEA Annual Meeting and Convention

Ranked as one of the ‘most haunted’ cities in America, New Orleans will attract thousands of three-day eventers on December 6-9 for the 2018 USEA Annual Meeting & Convention at the Sheraton New Orleans Hotel. A weekend packed with eventing highlights, Convention will feature keynote speaker US Equestrian Eventing High Performance Director Erik Duvander and the USEA will induct six new members to the prestigiousUSEA's Eventing Hall of Fame: Karen O’Connor, Nina and Tim Gardner, Captain Mark Phillips, Marty Simensen, Howard Simpson, and Kerry Millikin’s Out and About. Registration is now fully open and with Convention just two months away, now is the time to start planning the trip to New Orleans!

New Orleans, also known as NOLA, the city of Jazz, the Big Easy, or the most haunted city in America, is a city eventing enthusiasts can explore while they are in town for the USEA Annual Meeting & Convention -- from swamps to the Superdome.

The spookiest city in America is a preferred destination for paranormal fanatics, vampires, voodoo, and is the backdrop for several occult-themed television shows including FX’s American Horror Story: Coven, where one can visit the house itself in the French Quarter, and HBO’s True Blood.

A city where the dead refuse to rest, they can be found above the ground in stone crypts and mausoleums. Due to the city being built on a swamp, burials above ground are the norm for New Orleans. Cemeteries in New Orleans are called “Cities of the Dead” as they oddly resemble small villages. The oldest and most famous “City of the Dead” is St. Louis #1 as it holds the burial site for the legendary ‘Voodoo Queen,’ Marie Laveau. Other spooky attractions include Charity Hospital, New Orleans Pharmacy Museum, Lalaurie Mansion, the abandoned Six Flags, and The Mortuary.

For non-paranormal enthusiasts, the vibrant nightlife can attract any out-of-towner. The city allows for the consumption of alcohol in public areas such as Bourbon Street, Royal Street, and Frenchmen Street. The French Quarter, notorious for Bourbon Street, is a unique area for architecture, dining, and entertainment. The 300-year-old buildings show French influences with red-tiled roofs, picturesque courtyards, and wrought iron balconies.

Breaking ground in 1971, the New Orleans Mercedes-Benz Superdome is supersized as it’s the largest enclosed arena in the world with the capacity to fit over 74,295 people. The Superdome is home to the New Orleans Saints and seven Super Bowls. From sports to shelter, the walls within the Superdome have seen everything. In 1979, Muhammad Ali defeated Leon Spinks in “September to Remember”; in 1981, Rolling Stones played to 87,500 fans, ranking it as one of the world’s largest indoor concert; in 1987, Pope John Paul II addressed 80,000 in the Superdome; in 2005, the Superdome served as a “refuge of last resort’ for 30,000 evacuees; and in 2006, the Superdome reopens post Hurricane Katrina.

The most historic city, with 20 historic districts and its diverse culture with French, Spanish, Irish, Italian, German, and Vietnamese influences, will be a city to remember for the 2018 USEA Annual Meeting & Convention on December 6-9 at the Sheraton New Orleans Hotel.

Looking for information about the schedule or speakers? Download the official USEA Annual Meeting & Convention app!

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About the USEA Annual Meeting & Convention

The USEA Annual Meeting & Convention takes place each December and brings together a large group of dedicated USEA members and supporters to discuss, learn, and enjoy being surrounded by eventing enthusiasts. The 2018 Annual Meeting & Convention will take place at the Sheraton New Orleans Hotel in New Orleans, La. on December 6-9, 2018. Rooms are filling fast, so make sure to book today! Click here for booking or use the reservation line (888) 627-7033.

Click here to learn more about the dates and location and visit the 2018 USEA Annual Meeting and Convention page to stay up to date on news, announcements, and details.