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World Economic Forum comes to New Orleans on Oct. 30-31

New Orleans CityBusiness, Oct 13, 2008

Lt. Gov. Mitch Landrieu and the Louisiana Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism today announced the launch of the World Cultural Economic Forum in Louisiana this October.

The forum was created to build cultural economic development opportunities by bringing together cultural ambassadors and leaders from around the world.

"Leaders from more than 50 countries are coming to Louisiana to take part in the WCEF," Landrieu said. "Some of the world's brightest minds will be in New Orleans, discussing the best practices for growing cultural industries as a part of our global economy. Together, we will build economic opportunities by supporting creative and cultural industries such as food, film, music and art."

The event includes three key components:

- A forum at the New Orleans Morial Convention Center Oct. 30-31 for world cultural economy leaders to discuss best practices for growing cultural industries;

- A World Bazaar and Marketplace Oct. 30-Nov. 1 featuring artisans and vendors from around the world and across Louisiana; and

- More than 100 cultural events held throughout Louisiana in October to showcase the state's unique culture and heritage.

"We are delighted to sponsor the World Cultural Economic Forum in New Orleans this year," said Stephen Moret, secretary of Louisiana Economic Development. "The World Cultural Economic Forum provides Louisiana an opportunity to showcase its many assets to cultural economy leaders from around the world. The relationships we build with these leaders can yield investments in our economy for years to come."

World leaders from Australia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Canada, Denmark, Greece, France, Iraq, Italy, Mexico, Morocco, the Netherlands, Pakistan, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom are among those represented at the forum.

George Pataki, former Governor of New York, and Renaud Donnedieu de Vabres, culture ambassador for the European Union, are among those leading breakout sessions.