NOLA Water Summit
About this Event
NOLA Water Summit 2026: Keep Ya Head Up
As New Orleans marks 21 years since Hurricane Katrina and approaches the 100th anniversary of the Great Mississippi Flood of 1927, the NOLA Water Summit 2026 invites our community to imagine a thriving future together.
Keep Ya Head Up brings together residents, artists, community leaders, entrepreneurs, researchers, policymakers, and advocates to explore how we can address flooding, climate change, mental health, affordability, and environmental justice while celebrating the culture that makes New Orleans unlike anywhere else.
Through interactive workshops, inspiring speakers, community conversations, immersive art experiences, and cultural celebrations, the Summit centers the voices of those most impacted by today's challenges. Designed in partnership with the Brackish Artists Collective, this year's programming blends creativity with action, proving that hope, joy, and community are essential tools for shaping our future.
Join us for a one-of-a-kind experience featuring the Water Gala, Dance & Dissent, and opportunities to connect, learn, and help build a healthier, more equitable Gulf Coast.
Water Gala and Awards Ceremony
Andreas Hoffmann - Founder of Greenlight New Orleans
David Waggonner - founding principal of Waggonner & Ball
Keree Blanks: former TWC Team Member and award dedication.
The Nola Water Summit is co-planned with the Brackish Advisory Committee. Advisory members include:
Evan McNulty
Alexius Christoffersen
Trécha Jheneall
Jarrell Hamilton
Nate Cameron
LaVonna Varnardo
Felling Maynard
Come celebrate our culture. Reimagine our future. Keep Ya Head Up.
September 17
🕑: 09:30 AM
Michelle Miller: Opening Keynote Address and Water Legacy Award
Host: Michelle Miller
Info: Join us as we celebrate the amazing Michelle Miller. As our keynote, Michelle will being her expertise, and lessons to the forefront, as the environmental justice spaces grapple with a changing political and social ecosystem. How does one know hope to communicate hope and unity in a world that encourages division. We will also celebrate Michelle's work by giving her a Water legacy award for her coverage of New Orleans over the decades.
🕑: 10:45 AM - 11:00 AM
Break
🕑: 11:00 AM - 12:15 PM
Media Roundtable: Moving from Media Sensationalism to Policy Change
Host: Aubrey Avocado
Info: The media roundtable will focus on several topics, including Water data access, consumer advocacy and transparency, and media sensationalism vs. What's real. This event is open to everyone, and focused on media partners, influencers, and other communications p professionals.
🕑: 12:30 PM - 01:30 PM
Lunch Provided
🕑: 01:30 PM - 04:00 PM
The Waves that Weave Us Together: Water and Art Sensory Experience
Info: Designed by our Brackish Artist Advisory Committee, this experience will take participants on a Water journey, touching on each of your senses. Activities will both educational and immersive. This is event is open to all ages.
🕑: 04:15 PM - 04:30 PM
Event Closing Ceremony
September 18
🕑: 09:30 AM - 10:30 AM
Waterside Chat with Senator Royce Duplessis
Host: State Senator Royce Duplessis
Info: Join us as we start our day with senator Royce Duplessis. During this waterside chat we'll discuss the realities of being a public servant on today's world and learn how we can best show up to defend democracy while protecting our very fragile ecosystems.
🕑: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
The Truth Hurts: Breaking Down Why Louisiana is 50th in the Nation
Host: Anissa Hyde
Info: During this session, we'll set the stage for the realities Louisiana and New Orleans are facing in this historic and challenging moment. This panel will focus on the facts from two reports, the Pathways to Prosperity Report by the New Orleans Data Center, and The Water Collaborative's 2026 Legislative Report. You'll want to be here for this as we dive deep into issues.
🕑: 12:15 PM
Break
🕑: 12:30 PM - 02:00 PM
Let's Keep it a Real, Lunch & Learn. Discussion with Local Policy Leaders
Host: Nicole Barnes, Jericho Road Episcopal Housing Initiative
Info: For this event, we'll break down what we learned while breaking bread. Each panelists will answer audience questions and help to uncover the truth about advocacy at the state and federal levels.
🕑: 02:00 PM - 02:30 PM
Closing Remarks
🕑: 07:00 PM - 09:00 PM
Water Gala and Awards Ceremony
Info: Join us as we celebrate the legacies of three amazing individuals that have helped shape the water sectors. Awards will be given Andreas Hoffmann, founder of Greenlight New Orleans. David Waggonner, founder of Waggonner and Ball and lead on the Urban Water Plan. And celebration and award dedication to Keree Blanks, former team member and community liaison. Food and beverages included, as well as two cocktails.
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
USD 0.00 to USD 55.20
