Future of Mardi Gras Forum
The UC’s Future of Mardi Gras Forum was an opportunity for “parade goers and parade throwers” to come together to brainstorm about everything from waste reduction along parade routes to locally made throws, and leave inspired to start new Mardi Gras traditions that will make their Carnival experience even better. While the spirit of carnival season is all about letting the good times roll, we continue to look to each other for inspired ways we can do just that without trashing the city we live in and love.
This community conversation acknowledges that Mardi Gras is one of the key economic drivers of the city, and one that also has an enormous environmental impact.
Date & Location
Where: Carver Theater, 2101 Orleans Ave.
When: Thursday, October 18, 2018
Schedule of Events
5:30 – 6:00 PM Doors open; Networking
6:00 – 7:15 PM Panel discussion moderated by Errol Laborde
7:15 – 9:00 PM Interactive roundtables; Mardi Gras services/products expo
More Details
Moderated Panel
A discussion on tradition and innovation in Mardi Gras; What is your ideal Mardi Gras? Hosted by Errol Laborde with District B Councilmember Jay H. Banks (and past Zulu King); Judy Boudreaux (Threaux, Inc.); Antoinette de Alteriis (Costume Director of the Krewe de Jeanne d’Arc and the President of the Gulf Coast International Costumers Guild); and John Magill (noted author and Mardi Gras historian).
Round Tables
Tables hosted by topic area experts to share ideas and take action. Table topics and lead facilitators are:
Crafting in Community (Antoinette de Alteriis): Krewes as maker spaces- How do groups create sustainable, repurposed, upcycled, and unique items that express their identity and message with minimal packaging? How has this changed the face of Mardi Gras? How does this translate to a year-round fostering of community and creativity? Can this be scaled up to encompass the larger Mardi Gras experience?
Expo
Learn about the latest in Mardi Gras-related goods and services, including “Mardi Gras throws worth catching.”
Sponsors
LCI Workers Comp, WWNO, Grounds Krewe, Krewe Delusion, The Okra Inn
Collaborators and Expo Vendors
Life City, No Waste NOLA, Atlas Handmade Beads, Sierra Club, Arc GNO, Republic Services, 3D Beads, Throw Me Something Green, NOLA Craft Culture, Bayou Throws, No Straws NOLA, The New Orleans Costume Center, Elektra Cosmetics, Gilda’s SHUZ Suite