New Orleans is an international convention hub with plenty of well-attended tech-specific offerings for the innovators who want to keep up with cutting-edge advancements and hang with people of their ilk.
But don’t count out the rest of Louisiana beyond the state’s biggest city. Places like Baton Rouge, Shreveport and Lafayette are all putting on such tech convention offerings, too.
Here’s a list of events where large swaths of the tech world will gather across Louisiana for the rest of 2026.
IEEE Shreveport Section
When: April 14, 2026
Where: Shreveport
Cost: Free
The Shreveport section of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers is holding an artificial intelligence forum from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Louisiana State University in Shreveport. Keynote addresses and panels include topics like building trustworthy AI systems and AI innovations in workforce development. Plus, there’s time set aside for lunch and networking.
Tulane Conference on Evidence-Based Entrepreneurial Interventions
When: April 17-18, 2026
Where: New Orleans
Cost: Contact Erin Murphy, program coordinator for the Freeman School of Business, for details
Tulane University hosts this forum on the task of translating theoretical entrepreneurship research into practical innovations.
Innovate South
When: Apr. 22-24, 2026
Where: Lafayette
Cost: $30 to $70
Organized by economic development org Opportunity Machine, Innovate South is a three-day gathering for founders, technology professionals and innovators to collaborate and connect. The program includes keynote speakers, panel discussions and intentional networking time.
POWERUp 2026: New Orleans
When: April 27-30, 2026
Where: New Orleans
Cost: $200 to $2,795
This IBM i community event is slated for the end of April at the New Orleans Marriott. Attendees will hear about the latest IBM innovations, take part in hands-on training and attend sessions with experts. Over the course of four days, there will also be keynote speakers and plenty of opportunities to network.
Startup Prize: Health 2026
When: June 5-7, 2026
Where: Shreveport
Cost: Free
Founders of health-related startups are invited to register and compete in Startup Prize: Health 2026. There is a track for startups that require US Food and Drug Administration approval, and another track for startups that do not. Registration ends May 15.
Startup Prize: Energy 2026
When: June 26-28, 2026
Where: Shreveport
Cost: Free
There’s also an energy-related Startup Prize. Founders can submit for competition in the electricity track for products and proposals that relate to the electricity supply chain and the hydrocarbons/fuels track for fuel supply chain innovations. Registration ends June 5.
Louisiana Association of Computer Using Educators: Tech Leader Summit 2026
When: June 15-17, 2026
Where: Lafayette
Cost: $175
The purpose of this conference, held at the DoubleTree, is to harness the power and potential of technology to achieve certain goals in education. Organizers are accepting submissions for session topics until April 16, and registration is capped at the first 350 attendees, or closes on June 1, whichever comes first.
Day of Data Baton Rouge 2026
When: July 18, 2026
Where: Baton Rouge
Cost: Free
Hosted by Baton Rouge User Groups at the Louisiana State University Business Education Complex, this all-day event offers students and tech pros a free opportunity to learn skills from experts in using Azure SQL, SQL Server, and business intelligence and analytics. The attendance capacity is 500.
International Conference on Green Energy and Technology
When: July 18-19, 2026
Where: New Orleans
Cost: $200-$450
Members of academia and industry professionals alike will converge to share breakthroughs and research on green energy and technology. Hosted by Research Fora at the JW Marriott New Orleans, another goal of the forum is to promote the exchange of information and expertise between researchers, engineers, scientists, academicians, developers, students and practitioners. The conference welcomes paper submissions until June 21.
International Conference on Software Engineering and Information Technology
When: Sept. 4-5, 2026
Where: New Orleans
Cost: $180-$350
Engineers, scientists, researchers and scholars are invited to gather for ICSEIT 2026 at the Four Points by Sheraton French Quarter to dish new ideas, experiences, research — really all things mechanical and industrial engineering. Organizers call for submissions of papers on the matter. The deadline is August 8.
BioChallenge 2026
When: Oct. 29, 2026
Where: New Orleans
Cost: Free
New Orleans BioInnovation Center hosts this global pitch competition featuring life sciences startups. This year’s theme: neuroscience. Winners receive funding for growth and scalability.
Association of Technology, Management and Applied Engineering Annual Conference 2026
When: Nov. 18-20, 2026
Where: New Orleans
Cost: $200-$995
The Royal Sonesta is the hotel that will house the 2026 annual ATME conference, where groundbreaking ideas in the fields of applied engineering, technology and management will be discussed. Those in the industry — as well as college professors, administrators and students ◊ will meet to share innovations and network on Bourbon Street.
Association for Career and Technical Education: CareerTech VISION 2026
When: Dec. 2-5, 2026
Where: New Orleans
Cost: $370-$880
ACTE celebrates 100 years at this year’s CareerTech VISION 2026 at the Morial Convention Center. Career and technical education professionals in attendance are greeted with four days of expos and sessions led by experts, as well as moments for centennial-themed celebrations and networking opportunities.
Nexus Technology Cup
When: Dec. 14-16, 2026
Where: Baton Rouge
Cost: Sliding scale membership pricing
This is a statewide competition held at Nexus Louisiana headquarters in Baton Rouge. High schoolers, college students and founders submit their creations of software, hardware and technology-enabled solutions in a competition where winners take home cash prizes.
2026 Silicon Bayou Gala
When: TBA
Where: TBA
Cost: TBA
There are no details at the moment. What’s known is that Louisiana State University is holding a gala for its Louisiana Technology Awards. Companies driving innovation will be honored. Stay tuned.
