Apr 11: 2026 Seafood Gala
Apr 11: 2026 Seafood Gala
Saturday, April 11, 2026 (5:00 PM - 10:00 PM) (CDT)
Description
LMTA is excited to host the 2026 Seafood Gala in the Float Den at Mardi Gras World, marking our return to New Orleans for the first time in six years and the first time hosting the Gala in this one-of-a-kind venue.
The Float Den is an expansive 80,000-square-foot space filled with towering Mardi Gras floats, bold colors, and larger-than-life props that immediately set the tone for a truly unique Louisiana celebration. By day, this warehouse is where many of the iconic floats seen in New Orleans parades are built.
For one evening, LMTA members will be surrounded by authentic floats and scenery, offering a behind-the-scenes glimpse into one of Louisiana’s most recognizable traditions.
Schedule
New Friday Night Hospitality Suite
PRESENTED BY: Women In Motion - LA
To kick off the weekend, LMTA will host a Friday Night Hospitality Suite at the Royal Sonesta in the heart of the French Quarter, presented by Women In Motion - LA. This casual gathering gives members the chance to arrive in New Orleans early, reconnect with industry friends, and start the weekend before the main Gala event on Saturday evening.
FRIDAY, APRIL 10:
- Hospitality Suite: 8:00pm - 11:00pm - Presented by Women In Motion - LA (New!)
- Royal Sonesta - 300 Bourbon Street | New Orleans, LA
SATURDAY, APRIL 11:
- Seafood Gala: 5:00pm - 9:00pm
- Mardi Gras World - Float Den | New Orleans, LA
- Hospitality Suite: 9:00pm - 12:00am
- Royal Sonesta - 300 Bourbon Street | New Orleans, LA
Bar Information
A cash bar will be available during the event. Beer and wine will be provided, and mixed drinks will be available for purchase. Please note that mixed drinks are credit/debit card only.
What to Wear
Dress is casual, and we encourage guests to wear comfortable, lightweight clothing suitable for a relaxed, hands-on event. While the event is indoors, it will take place in a warehouse setting, so it may be warm - please dress cool and comfortably in breathable fabrics.
We’ll also have a live band, so come ready to dance and enjoy the evening.
Keep in mind this is a crawfish boil, so things can get a little messy. Wear something you don’t mind getting a bit dirty.
Shuttle Bus Information
Bus transportation will be available at no additional cost for Seafood Gala attendees.
Attendees do not need to be guests at these hotels to utilize the charter.
The bus will pick-up on a continuous loop:
- For guests at the Marriott (Canal Street) - First pickup estimated at 4:30 pm
- For guests at the *Royal Sonesta (Royal and Canal - Please note that this is not the front of the Sonesta, but a short walk from the hotel. Buses are unable to enter the French Quarter.)
- For guests at the Sheraton (Canal Street)
This order is designed to help with traffic flow. Please note that arrival times may vary slightly depending on loading at each location. The bus will load available guests at each stop before proceeding to the next.
Pick-up will start at the Marriott on Canal, at 4:30 pm. Current estimates show approximately 20–30 minutes to complete the full loop.
Buses will drop guests off directly at the front door of Mardi Gras World, making this a great option for those who may have difficulty with extended walking.
Return service will also be provided following the event, starting at 8:00 pm.
LIVE TRACKING:
A live tracking link will be available here, on the event webpage, the day of the event so guests can monitor bus locations in real time.
We encourage guests to take advantage of this transportation option for a smooth and accessible experience.
Mardi Gras World Parking:
Parking is available at Lot G – Convention Center for $23 per vehicle. This lot is approximately a 5 - 10 minute walk to the entrance of Mardi Gras World.
For added convenience, we strongly encourage attendees to take advantage of our free shuttle service, which provides easy and direct transportation to and from the venue.
Raffle Tickets
Raffle tickets are available for purchase at $50 each. This will be a half-and-half raffle, giving one lucky winner the chance to take home half of the total pot.
Tickets can be purchased in advance or at the event. All proceeds will benefit LMTA.
Tables & Tickets
Back by popular demand, tables are now available for the 2026 Seafood Gala.
Hosting a table is a great way to bring together clients, coworkers, or industry partners for an evening of Louisiana seafood, networking, and celebration.
Individual tickets are also available for those who wish to attend without purchasing a full table. Last minute tickets will be available at the door of the venue as well.
Please follow this LMTA Store Link to purchase tables and tickets.
If you have any issues purchasing tickets, please call our office at (225) 928-5682 or email burton@lmta.la.
Seating Note:
The Float Den will feature a mix of reserved tables and open, rotating seating. Reserved tables are available only for groups that purchase a table in advance. Guests who purchase individual tickets will enjoy open, rotating seating throughout the venue. The space will include ample seating, high-top tables, and a dance area designed to encourage networking and mingling throughout the evening.
Sponsorships
Sponsoring the Seafood Gala places your company in front of top carrier executives, allied partners, and industry decision-makers. Sponsorship provides a meaningful opportunity to promote your business, increase brand visibility, and show your support for Louisiana’s trucking industry, while also including your event tickets as part of the sponsorship package.
Rather than purchasing tickets separately, sponsorship allows you to combine event access and company exposure into one investment, making it one of the most effective ways to participate in LMTA’s signature event.
- Crawfish Sponsor: $7,500 - 10 Complimentary Tickets AND Sign at Event
- Oyster Sponsor: $5,000 - 6 Complimentary Tickets AND Sign at Event
- Dessert Sponsor: $2,500 - 3 Complimentary Tickets AND Sign at Event
- Music Sponsor: $1,500 - Sign at Event
- Drink Sponsor: $750 - Sign at Event
Sponsors
Seafood Gala Oyster Sponsor
Seafood Gala Dessert Sponsor
Seafood Gala Music Sponsor
Seafood Gala Drink Sponsor
Seafood Gala Hospitality Suite Sponsor
Images
1380 Port of New Orleans Place
New Orleans, LA 70130 United States
Shuttle Bus Information
Bus transportation will be available at no additional cost for Seafood Gala attendees.
Attendees do not need to be guests at these hotels to utilize the charter.
The bus will pick-up on a continuous loop:
- For guests at the Marriott (Canal Street) - First pickup estimated at 4:30 pm
- For guests at the *Royal Sonesta (Royal and Canal - Please note that this is not the front of the Sonesta, but a short walk from the hotel. Buses are unable to enter the French Quarter.)
- For guests at the Sheraton (Canal Street)
This order is designed to help with traffic flow. Please note that arrival times may vary slightly depending on loading at each location. The bus will load available guests at each stop before proceeding to the next.
Pick-up will start at the Marriott on Canal, at 4:30 pm. Current estimates show approximately 20–30 minutes to complete the full loop.
Buses will drop guests off directly at the front door of Mardi Gras World, making this a great option for those who may have difficulty with extended walking.
Return service will also be provided following the event, starting at 8:00 pm.
LIVE TRACKING:
A live tracking link will be available here, on the event webpage, the day of the event so guests can monitor bus locations in real time.
We encourage guests to take advantage of this transportation option for a smooth and accessible experience.