Calendar

 

 

 

 

LAFAYETTE  INTERNATIONAL
CENTER  CALENDAR

 

 

 

 revised 1-17-24

 

 

 

january

 

 

Cinema on the Bayou

Jan 24-31 | Lafayette and Opelousas, various venues 

     On January 24, 2024, the 19th Cinema on the Bayou Film Festival will kick off eight days of films, showcase over 150 films, and feature hundreds of filmmakers and other film industry professionals from across the United States and around the world.

     For details, visit  CinemaontheBayou.com

  

 

 

 

february

 

 

LAGCOE Roux Fest Gumbo Cookoff

Feb 8 | Blackham Coliseum, Lafayette, Louisiana 

      LAGCOE is returning to its[CLP1]  roots! Get ready for a flavorful celebration of Louisiana's rich culinary heritage at the Roux Fest Gumbo Cookoff powered by LAGCOE, where the best gumbo recipes come to life! Join us for an afternoon filled with mouthwatering dishes, friendly competition, and the unique culture that makes Louisiana so special. Start your Mardi Gras celebration with us.

      More info at https://lagcoe.com/gumbo-cookoff/gumbo-cookoff-2023  

 

 

 

 

MARCH

 

 

La Boule Cadienne de Lafayette International Acadiana Pétanque Festival

Mar 1-2 | in Lafayette, LA 

      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 International Pétanque Tournament will take place March March 2, in Girard Park, in Lafayette. Both before and after the tournament, Festival organizers and participants will take part in a number of educational and social events in and around Lafayette to promote the sport.

      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.

      For details and a full schedule of this year’s events, contact Mike LeBlanc at 337-654-9467 or leblanc.mike@me.com , or visit http://www.usapetanque.org/la-boule-cadienne-de-lafayette.html

  

 

Louisiana District Export Council quarterly meeting

Thursday, March 14 |  10:30 AM to noon at Baton Rouge Port

 

 

Celtic Bayou Festival

Mar 15-16 | The Hideaway on Lee | 407 Lee Avenue, downtown Lafayette

      This year at the festival, the Breton region of France and its Celtic heritage will be highlighted with music, food, culture and drink from the region. There will be talks on language and history and its connections to Acadiana and Celtic culture.

      For details, visit http://www.celticbayoufestival.com

  

 

International Francophone Day of French Language and Culture

Mar 20 |  in and around Lafayette

International Francophonie Month celebrating French Language and Culture

      March is Le Mois de la Francophonie, a global celebration of the diversity of those who speak French. There are over 369 million French speakers on the planet. In 1970, the OIF (International Organization of French language and culture) established March 20 as International Francophonie Day (French: Journée internationale de la Francophonie), to celebrate the French language and Francophone culture. This was expanded in 1995 by the French Ministry of Culture and Communication to span a week or more, and now the celebration extends to the entire month of March.

      A variety of events will take place in and around Lafayette, including the raising of the OIF flag at Lafayette City-Parish Hall, and other events sponsored by Vermilionville, CODOFIL, and others.

      Contact Dave Domingue for details.  (337) 291-5474;  dadomingue@LafayetteLA.gov

  

 

Lafayette Holi Festival  

Mar 30 | 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.

  

 

 

 

APRIL

 

 

Cycle Zydeco

Apr 3-7 |

      Cycle Zydeco is a four-day casual touring ride in South Louisiana. The ride takes place every year during the week after Easter.  The festivities include great food, live music, and the finest flat roads Louisiana has to offer.

      More info at www.cyclezydeco.org

 

 

Festival International de Louisiane

Apr 24-28 | 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.

      For details, visit https://festivalinternational.org/information/

  

 

National Small Business Week

Apr 28 – May 4 | National Small Business Week

      Virtual Conference, hosted by the U.S. Small Business Administration

      For information, visit https://www.sba.gov/national-small-business-week

 

 

 

 

 

 

MAY

 

 

Offshore Technology Conference (OTC)

May 6-9 | Houston, TX

      Largest petroleum show in the US. Christophe represents the International Center, and prospects for trade leads, working with LEDA, USCS, OneAcadiana, LAGCOE, and Louisiana Economic Development. 

 

 

Nuits Cajun 2024

May 25-26 | Buxy, Burgundy, France

      A 3-afternoon, 2-night concerts/bals of Cajun and Zydeco music, dance and instrumental courses, Louisiana cinema, local food dishes… all of these elements are brought together to give visitors a taste of the most Francophone and Francophile state in the U.S.! The objective: to promote, preserve and raise awareness of the French heritage and culture of Louisiana. This festival was previously located in Saulieu and in Saint-Sernin-du-Bois.

      See www.bayouprod.com

 

 

Louisiana International Trade Conference

TBD | In conjunction with International Trade Month, the World Trade Center New Orleans will host the inaugural Louisiana International Trade (LIT) Conference. The LIT Conference will serve as Louisiana’s premier conference on trade and logistics, bringing together a robust compilation of panel discussions, marketing and networking opportunities, keynotes and appearances by high-ranking State and Federal officials, an exhibit hall and more.

      Contact Harrison Crabtree for more information at hcrabtree@gnoinc.org

 

 

Farewell Reception for UL International Students

TBD | TBD | UL Alumni Center | Lafayette, LA 

      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 Josh Guillory. Graduating students are invested as Goodwill Ambassadors representing Lafayette, followed by a reception. A joint project of the UL Division of Global Engagement, the UL Alumni Association, the LCG Mayor-President’s Office, the Lafayette International Center, and the UL Lafayette President’s Office.

  

 

 

 

 

 

JUNE

 

 

Global Energy Show

June 11-13 | Calgary, Alberta, Canada

      Keeping pace with energy industry’s transition from a focus on fossil fuels to a diversified energy mix, the Global Petroleum Show changed its name to the Global Energy Show.  The Global Energy Show builds upon significant technological and sustainable achievements driven by oil and gas and moves to encompass alternative sources.  The Show is a platform where North American stakeholders, policy makers, key players and industry professionals convene under one roof.

  

 

Louisiana District Export Council quarterly meeting

Thursday, June 20 |  10:30 AM | virtual meeting

 

 

 

 

 

 

JULY

 

45th Anniversary celebration of Lafayette-Namur twinning

TBD | Namur, Belgium

      A delegation of Lafayette representatives will attend the celebration of the 45th anniversary of the twinning between sister-cities of Lafayette, LA, and Namur, Belgium.

  

 

 

 

 

 

AUGUST

 

 

Welcome Reception for UL International Students

TBD

      Annual welcome and orientation to Lafayette for arriving international students of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, co-hosted by City-Parish Mayor-President Josh Guillory and UL Lafayette President Dr. Joseph Savoie. Reception following. A joint project of the LCG Mayor-President’s Office, the Lafayette International Center, the UL Lafayette President’s Office; and the UL Division of Global Engagement.

      Contact Christophe Pilut for details, 337-291-5474;  clpilut@LafayetteLA.gov

  

 

La Semaine Acadienne XVIII in Normandy, France

Aug 7-15 TBC | Normandy, France

     This festival takes place every year in several towns on the Côte de Nacre, near the D-Day landing sites in Normandy. It was created to pay homage to the Acadian soldiers who landed June 6, 1944, on the Normandy beaches. The festival culminates on August 15, the national holiday of the Acadians, joining like celebrations on this side of the Atlantic.

      Visit www.semaineacadienne.net 

 

 

Congrès Mondial Acadien (CMA) 2024 in Canada

Aug 10-18 | The CMA is a festival of Acadian and Cajun culture, held every five years since 1994. Its aim is to bring together the Acadian diaspora from the four corners of the world for a reunion, with a series of family gatherings, conferences and shows lasting ten days. In 2024, it will be held in Southwestern Nova Scotia, Canada.

     More info at https://cma2024.ca/en/cma-2024

 

 

 

 

 

 

SEPTEMBER

 

 

Fêtes de Wallonie

Sep 8-18 | 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.

      More info at https://www.fetesdewallonie.be/

  

 

Acadiana Cup Golf Exchange 2024    The 23rd annual tournament.

Sep 8-14 | Italy

      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.

  

 

Louisiana District Export Council quarterly meeting

TBD |  TBD

 

 

 

 

 

 

october

 

 

Franco-Fête 2024 Fundraising luncheon for scholarship program of CODOFIL

TBD

      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 careers as teachers in immersion schools across the State.

      The program will also feature the presentation of the “Marquis de La Fayette” award, and the “Fondation Louisiane Hall of Fame” inductee. In attendance will be numerous CODOFIL partners, Louisiana senators and representatives, local elected officials, entrepreneurs, university professors and other Louisiana officials.

  

 

O.I.F. SUMMIT   [international organization of francophonie]

Oct 3-5 | Paris, France

      The Francophonie summit will open on 4 October 2024 at the Cité internationale de la langue française, in Villers-Cotterêts, France, a place entirely dedicated to the French language and French-speaking cultures, inaugurated on 30 October 2023 by M. Emmanuel Macron, President of the Republic of France. The summit will continue in Paris, France, on 5 October 2024.

      More info at https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/en/french-foreign-policy/francophony-and-the-french-language/news/article/francophonie-19th-francophonie-summit-in-france-focusing-on-creativity

  

 

WEFTEC 2024    The 97th annual technical exhibition & conference

Oct 5-9 | Morial Convention Center, New Orleans, Louisiana

      WEFTEC, the Water Environment Federation's Technical Exhibition and Conference, is the world's most comprehensive gathering of water quality professionals and thought leaders, featuring the sector's leading conference program and a variety of valuable networking opportunities.

      For more info, visit www.WEFTEC.org.

  

 

Festivals Acadiens et Créoles

Oct 11-13 | 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. The theme of this year’s festival: A tribute to the role of women in Cajun and Creole music. Admission is free.

      For details, visit https://www.festivalsacadiens.com/

 

 

Latin Music Festival

TBD | TBD | 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. 

      For details, visit https://www.aclalaf.org/latin-festival. 

  

 

Tour du Teche 135

October 4-6 | Port Barre to Berwick, La.

      Tour du Teche is an annual three-day race down the entire course of Bayou Teche in South Louisiana. The race offers options for the adventurous paddler through a pro-race with cash prizes, and a recreational option, the Voyageur Race. Ports of call include Port Barre (start), Leonville, Breaux Bridge, Parks, St. Martinville (1st-day finish), Loreauville, New Iberia, Jeanerette, Charenton, Baldwin, Franklin (2nd-day finish), Centerville, Patterson, Bayou Vista, and Berwick (3rd-day finish). Canoes, kayaks, and pirogues (the traditional Cajun canoe) are welcome to enter. The opening ceremony starts Thursday and the race begins Friday at the Port Barre boat launch.

      This event is coordinated by Tour du Teche, Inc., a non-profit organization that was organized to promote outdoor recreation along the Bayou Teche Corridor through St. Landry, St. Martin, Iberia, and St. Mary parishes.  

      For more information on the Tour, visit their web site at https://tourduteche.com.

  

 

UL Lafayette: Study Abroad Program

     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.

      Recent programs included Costa Rica (10 days, 3 credit hours), England (3 weeks, 6 credit hours), France (6 weeks, 9 credit hours), Italy (6 weeks, 9 credit hours), Ireland (3 weeks, 6 credits), Morocco (4 weeks, 6 credits), Romania (2 weeks, 3 credits) and South Korea (3 weeks, 6 credits).

      The initial application deadline will be in mid-December with a final deadline of January 25.  Pre-departure orientations typically begin in March.

      For details, visit https://studyabroad.louisiana.edu/programs and https://studyabroad.louisiana.edu.

  

 

LAGCOE

      LAGCOE has launched a rebranding that will mark a new era for the organization, as Louisiana and the US are relying less on oil and gas and more on renewable energy sources and the industry's footprint in the Lafayette area continues to shrink. 

      The agency indicated its future will not include the exposition and conference format of the past. Instead, it will introduce a range of new events designed to better align with the evolving needs of the energy industry. They will continue to foster networking opportunities, facilitate knowledge exchange and contribute to the economic growth of the region and industry. They remain committed to a dynamic approach to education, innovation and community engagement.

      For details, visit https://lagcoe.com/.

  

 

 

 

 

 

NOVEMber

 

 

ADIPEC (Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition & Conference)   

Nov 11-14 | Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

      The Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference (ADIPEC) is one of the world’s most influential events for the oil and gas industry. As a premium exhibition platform ADIPEC enables professionals from around the world to do business and grow.

      Each year, ADIPEC provides one of the most important channels to do business and exchange information, attracting Energy Ministers, global CEO’s and leading decision makers across the 4 days of business discussions and knowledge exchange.

      ADIPEC covers a cross section of the industry and is committed to help the growing international energy community bridge gaps by bringing oil and gas professionals face to face. From C-level, senior decision makers, government leaders, engineers and procurement experts with sole or joint purchasing authority, the whole supply chain meet to showcase and discuss new technologies and business opportunities.

      For more details and to register visit: www.adipec.com

  

 

 

 

 

 

DECember

 

 

General Assembly of the Association of Francophone Prefects and State-level Representatives (APREF)

TBD | TBD

     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. 

  

 

International Workboat Show

TBD | Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, New Orleans, LA

   The International WorkBoat Show is a trade-only conference and expo for commercial vessel owners, operators and builders as well as the vendors and suppliers that serve them.

  

 

Louisiana District Export Council quarterly meeting

TBD |  TBD

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

International Achievement Award

The International Achievement Award was created in 1998, and is presented by the Lafayette International Center and its advisory board, the Lafayette International Center Foundation. It is designed to honor an individual, organization or company that has significantly enhanced Acadiana’s international reputation. Each nominee must be a United States citizen or a permanent resident of the United States, with preference given to residents of Acadiana or residents of Louisiana. As the Lafayette  International Center is a trade development organization, primary consideration is accorded to individuals whose activities have helped draw economic benefits to the Lafayette area.
 
Seminar Series
 
The Lafayette International Center conducts an on-going series of seminars throughout the year, geared to the needs of internationally active companies and entrepreneurs. Past seminars have included: “International Sales and Distribution Agreements" with Mr. Patrick Fazzone, "The Laws of International Trade" with Mr. Alan Beard, "How to do Business with PEMEX", "The Secrets of Successful Trade Financing” and the "Import/Export Seminar."
 
International Trade Club Series
 
The International Trade Club has no membership fees or dues, is open to anyone interested in topics related to the global marketplace, and meets at different times and locations for a breakfast, lunch or late afternoon presentation. Recent presentations have included: "Business Opportunities: Macaé & Campos Basin" and "Brazil & Opportunities for the Oil & Gas Industry in UAE, Azerbaijan & Venezuela."
 
Trade Missions
 
The Lafayette International Center sponsors trade missions in conjunction with international trade and economic development agencies from throughout Louisiana. Recent trade missions included the XV Latin American Petroleum Show in Maracaibo, Venezuela and Port of Spain, Trinidad, the Rio Oil and Gas Expo & Conference, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and the Acadiana Cup golf exchange held in Lafayette and various cities of Belgium, Canada, France and Spain.

 

​ 



The Lafayette International Center
735 Jefferson Street
Lafayette, LA 70501
Tel: 1-337-291-5474
Fax: 1-337-291-5480

e-mail: info@leCentre.org