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LAFAYETTE INTERNATIONAL
CENTER CALENDAR |
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revised 09-16-2019 |
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september 2019 |
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Fêtes de Wallonie
Sept. 8-23 | Namur, Belgium
Since 1923, these festivals have celebrated patriotism and pride in the French-speaking Walloon region of Belgium. While these celebrations take place in many areas in this southern region of the country, they are particularly successful in Lafayette’s sister city of Namur, where more than 250,000 people gravitate during the weekend. Several days of street performances, a battle of the famous “Echasseurs” stilt-walkers, performances of folklore singers and dancers, and programming aimed at visitors of all ages, with all of downtown Namur turned into a pedestrian fair.
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Acadiana Cup Golf Exchange 2019 The 21st annual tournament.
Sept. 9-13 | Namur, Belgium
The Acadiana Cup golf tournament was created in 1998, in Lafayette, Louisiana, in a spirit of friendly competition between Lafayette and her sister city of Poitiers, France. In the five years that followed, players were added from Namur (Belgium), Moncton (New Brunswick, Canada), Nîmes (France) and Prince Edward Island (Canada). Hosting the tournament rotates among the member cities, with the location alternating between North America and Europe.
The Namur team will be hosting the 2019 tournament, which will take place in Estoril, Portugal, on the western coast on what is called the Portuguese Riviera.
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october 2019 |
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UL Lafayette: Study Abroad Program | TBA
The Study Abroad Program allows a degree-seeking student to combine intellectual pursuits with a sense of adventure—creating a deeper learning experience that widens cultural views and prepares a person for the global marketplace beyond graduation.
Programs for 2019 were Costa Rica (10 days, 3 credit hours), England (3 weeks, 6 credit hours), France (6 weeks, 9 credit hours), and Italy (6 weeks, 9 credit hours).
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Tour du Teche
October 4-6 | St. Martinville, La.
The 4th Annual Tour du Teche is a multi-leveled canoe/kayak/pirogue race down the Bayou Teche. Participants choose between several races of different lengths from Oct 4-6, 2019. The Tour du Teche in its entirety covers 135 miles.
The 1st stage of the Tour, along with the Acadian leg (49 miles), ends in St. Martinville on Friday, Oct. 4 at the floating dock between Old Market St. and the Evangeline Oak. The tour will coincide with the Okra Cook-Off on Sunday, Oct. 6, at the African American Museum on South New Market Street.
The Tour du Teche covers St. Landry, St. Martin, Iberia and St. Mary Parishes. For more information on the Tour, visit their web site at https://tourduteche.com. |
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Latin Music Festival 2019 —17th Festival
Saturday, Oct. 6 | 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM | Parc International, downtown Lafayette
This Festival is organized and presented by the Asociación Cultural Latino-Acadiana (ACLA), a volunteer organization at the service of the Acadiana community in general and its Latin American members in particular. ACLA offers the free, family-friendly Latin Music Festival and other programs to promote multiculturalism and preserve Latin heritage. Their objective is to promote among its members and their families the fundamental values of our community: GOD, COUNTRY, FAMILY and FRIENDS, while preserving our heritage.
They work to assist all immigrants of Latin descent residing in Acadiana, regardless of place of origin and religion, to orient and make them aware of existing resources; facilitate learning the language, their obligations and rights; facilitate educational, employment and business opportunities, as well as the procurement of services; so as to developing responsible and productive community members.
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Festivals Acadiens et Créoles
Oct. 10-13 | Girard Park, Lafayette, Louisiana
The first Tribute to Cajun Music in 1974 took Cajun and Creole music out of the dancehalls and onto a concert stage at Blackham Coliseum. Forty-three years later, the tribute has grown into a three-day celebration of music, food, art, crafts, museum exhibits, symposiums, film screenings and more. The celebration is a giant among Lafayette’s festivals, attracting people of all ages, of many different nationalities from all over the world. Admission is free.
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LAGCOE 2019 (Louisiana Gulf Coast Oil Exposition) International Trade Center
Oct. 9-11 | Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, New Orleans, Louisiana
LAGCOE is a nonprofit energy industry organization focused on educational programs and a technical exposition & conference. LAGCOE’s mission is to cultivate economic growth of the energy industry by facilitating domestic & global business development and fostering the energy workforce pipeline. LAGCOE’s vision is to be a robust, sustainable community of energy companies and volunteers that promotes energy education and awareness; connects businesses with opportunities; and showcases the Gulf Coast’s technical innovations to the world.
Every two years, LAGCOE hosts an exposition featuring the latest in equipment and technology, welcoming to Lafayette thousands from the oil and gas industry, from dozens of countries.
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november 2019 |
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Franco-Fête 2019 Fundraising luncheon for scholarship program of CODOFIL
Sunday, Nov.3 | 11:30 AM | City Club at River Ranch
Each year, Franco-Fête raises funds to support French education in Louisiana, especially through La Fondation Louisiane’s “Escadrille Louisiane” scholarship program which allows dozens of Louisiana students to study in France (Brittany, Martinique, and Guadeloupe), before pursuing their careers as teachers in immersion schools across the State.
The program this year will also feature the presentation of the “Marquis de La Fayette 2019” award. Also in attendance will be Vincent Sciama, Consul General of France in New Orleans, together with numerous CODOFIL partners, Louisiana senators and representatives, local elected officials, entrepreneurs, university professors and other Louisiana officials.
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december 2019 |
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39th General Assembly of the International Association of Francophone Mayors (AIMF)
Dec. 3-5 | Phnom Penh, Cambodia
The AIMF (International Association of French-speaking Mayors) is an operating agency for urban development comprised of 48 countries or governments. The goal is to establish close cooperation in all areas of municipal activities. Its missions are to strengthen local democracy, building municipal capacities, and to support the populations. The Association pursues its actions in the domains of health, culture, youth and education, urban development, training, and municipal infrastructures.
This network of elected officials meets to discuss topics of interest related to economic and cultural development. The theme of the General Assembly has yet to be announced.
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General Assembly of the Association of Francophone Prefects and State-level Representatives (APREF)
Dec. 12 | Paris, France
APREF is an association within the IOF. Its mission is to provide a forum for Prefects and other State-level Representatives to benefit from sharing concerns and administrative practices. The theme of the General Assembly is related to emergency management, disaster prevention and impact minimization as well as post-disaster recovery and resilience.
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march 2020 |
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South-by-Southwest (SXSW) Conference and Festivals
Mar. 13-22 | Austin, Texas
The SXSW Festivals offer a unique opportunity to explore the worlds of the Interactive, Film, Music, and Comedy industries, with parties, awards, screenings, and showcases. The SXSW Conference provides an opportunity for global professionals at every level to participate, learn, and network. In addition to providing a platform for the most groundbreaking and diverse panels, sessions, and festivals, SXSW hosts many different world-class exhibitions.
SXSW goes even further with the SXSW Trade Show, Spotlights, and Gaming Expo. Exhibitions such as Job Market, Flatstock, SXSW Marketplace, SXSW Wellness Expo, and SouthBites are free and open to the public with a SXSW Guest Pass.
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International Francophone Day
Mar. 20 | Vermilionville, Lafayette, Louisiana
In honor of the first International Day of La Francophonie with Louisiana as an observer member of the International Organization of La Francophonie, Vermilionville is proud to present an exceptional celebration.
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Shallow and Deepwater Expo—trade show to Mexico
Mar. 24-26 | Ciudad del Carmen, Campeche, Mexico.
Shallow & Deepwater Mexico will address exploratory perspectives, operations and services in the Gulf of Mexico. Industry professionals will meet with the Louisiana delegation and share their knowledge, experience, and ideas to improve the profitability of shallow and deepwater projects in the Gulf of Mexico. www.shallowanddeepwaterexpo.com
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Lafayette Holi Festival
Saturday, Mar. 28 | 11:00 AM Girard Park, Lafayette, Louisiana
In India, the Holi Festival is the festival of colors. For decades the members of the Acadiana Indian Association celebrated the festival in their backyards, but since 2011, they have brought it to the community. Hosted each year by the Association, the festival is held each year on the last Saturday in March. The celebration is held to signify the victory of good over evil and the arrival of spring.
The festival is free to attend and open to all ages, with bags of colors available for purchase. It features the iconic throw of color powders, live music, dance performances, water balloons, food, drinks, and more.
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La Boule Cadienne de Lafayette 12th Annual Pétanque tournament
TBA | Girard Park, Lafayette
Pétanque is a French game with roots in ancient history. Similar to horseshoes and bocce ball, the game requires precision, finesse and a great deal of concentration that may not be apparent to the casual spectator. This popular lawn game is played throughout the world, both for fun and as serious competition.
The local pétanque club is a group of people who share a love of the outdoors, good conversation, and a healthy appetite for fun. They play on a regular monthly schedule, but also whenever the weather is nice and the mood strikes. They are affiliated with Alliance Française de Lafayette, whose mission it is to promote the French language, so they frequently do their socializing in French. They play as a club every fourth Sunday of the month from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM, meeting at the public pétanque courts in Girard Park. The courts are located in the northeast corner of the park, across from the rear of the UL Alumni Center. Parking is conveniently located along the one-way street behind the center. Beginners are most welcome.
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april 2020 |
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Festival International de Louisiane
Apr. 22-26 | Downtown Lafayette, Louisiana
Festival International de Louisiane is the largest International music and arts festival in the United States with a special emphasis on the connection between Acadiana and the Francophone world, having an estimated economic impact of $49m annually. With over 300,000 festival-goers every year, this annual festival features musical artists from over 20 countries along with workshops, exhibits, visual art, theater and other forms of performance arts. The 5-day festival is held in April transforming downtown Lafayette, Louisiana into an entertainment mecca.
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Welcome reception of a French delegation from Loudun, France
April 24, 3:30-5:00pm | Lafayette, LA
The Thibodaux-Loudun Twinning Association will host a delegation of around 40 people from their sister city of Loudun, France, for 10 days, and will tour them across Louisiana with a visit to Lafayette in the afternoon of Friday, April 24, 2020. We will welcome them at Le Centre from 3:30-5:00 pm, before they visit Festival International de Louisiane later in the evening.
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may 2020 |
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OTC (Offshore Technology Conference)
May 4-7 | NRG Park, Houston, Texas
Taking place annually since 1969, the Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) draws together energy professionals to exchange ideas and opinions to advance scientific and technical knowledge for offshore resources and environmental matters. OTC’s flagship conference is held annually at NRG Park (formerly Reliant Park) in Houston.
OTC has expanded technically and globally with the Arctic Technology Conference, OTC Brazil and OTC Asia. The conference features international pavilions, outdoor exhibits, technical presentations, topical breakfast and luncheons, and panel sessions. OTC is sponsored by 13 industry organizations and societies, who work cooperatively to develop the technical program.
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Farewell Reception for UL International Students
TBA | UL Alumni Center
Annual farewell given to graduating international students of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, co-hosted by UL Lafayette President Dr. Joseph Savoie and City-Parish Mayor-President Joel Robideaux. Graduating students are invested as Goodwill Ambassadors representing Lafayette, and an Outstanding International Alumnus is recognized, followed by a reception. A joint project of the UL Office of International Affairs, the UL Alumni Association, the LCG Mayor-President’s Office, the Lafayette International Center, and the UL Lafayette President’s Office.Center, and the UL Lafayette President’s Office. |
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june 2020 |
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Global Petroleum Show (GPS)
TBA | Calgary, Alberta, Canada
This three-day Canadian event is one of the largest oil and gas events in North America. Alberta is Canada’s largest oil and natural gas producer and is home to vast oil sands deposits. Calgary is the epicenter of the energy industry in Canada with head offices of every major company in the upstream, midstream and downstream sectors located in the city. During these three days, over 100 experts will speak at various conference sessions during the week and more than 1000 companies are participating in the exhibition.
The U.S. Department of Commerce pavilion includes about two dozen booths, highlighted by booths from the states of West Virginia and Louisiana. The Lafayette International Center, will be leading the Louisiana delegation, along with Louisiana Economic Development (LED), and will also be prospecting for trade leads and promoting LAGCOE.
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North American Mayors Summit
TBA | Austin, Texas
This Summit aims to find solutions, best practices and regional cooperation schemes in the areas of: border cooperation, mobility, tourism, urban sustainability, digital government, citizen security and trade. It will be hosted by the Mayor of Austin, Mr. Steve Adler, and will be attended by mayors and other dignitaries from the municipal and national level from Canada, Mexico and the United States. This event is by invitation only.
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august 2020 |
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Reseau des Villes Francophones & Francophiles d’Amérique (RVFFA)
TBA | Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
The Network of Francophone and Francophile Cities in America co-sponsored by founding member cities of Lafayette, Moncton and Québec gathers to discuss the development of tourist trails in North America and other issues.
The Network is generating excitement across the continent. It has more than 140 member cities, with this number growing, and brings together on a single platform the tourist, geographical and historical attractions of major cities in French-speaking North America. Eventually, the alliance of these cities will create tours for travelers from around the world.
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september 2020 |
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Reseau des Villes Francophones & Francophiles d’Amérique (RVFFA)
Sep. 17-19 | Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
The Network of Francophone and Francophile Cities in America co-sponsored by founding member cities of Lafayette, Moncton and Québec gathers to discuss the development of tourist trails in North America and other issues.
The Network is generating excitement across the continent. It has more than 140 member cities, with this number growing, and brings together on a single platform the tourist, geographical and historical attractions of major cities in French-speaking North America. Eventually, the alliance of these cities will create tours for travelers from around the world.
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october 2020 |
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Acadiana Cup Golf Exchange 2020 The 22nd annual tournament.
Oct. 4-9 | Lafayette, Louisiana
The Acadiana Cup golf tournament was created in 1998, in Lafayette, Louisiana, in a spirit of friendly competition between Lafayette and her sister city of Poitiers, France. In the five years that followed, players were added from Namur (Belgium), Moncton (New Brunswick, Canada), Nîmes (France) and Prince Edward Island (Canada). Hosting the tournament rotates among the member cities, with the location alternating between North America and Europe.
The Lafayette team will host the 2020 tournament, which will be held in Lafayette for the first time in ten years.
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