By Jocelyn Bogen
March 28, 2011

The U.S. Conference of Mayors will be sponsoring a special Tourism, Arts, Parks, Entertainment, and Sports (TAPES) Standing Committee meeting May 5-6 in New Orleans. Under the leadership of TAPES Committee Chair New Orleans Mayor Mitchell Landrieu, this meeting will allow mayors to come together and exchange information about the cultural economy of America, and learn how one of the world’s most prominent jazz and heritage festivals operates and contributes to the wealth of the region. Meeting attendees should bring information about a local festival to discuss with festival experts to learn how to improve local festivals.

Committee members will also be planning for the International Cultural Economies and Initiatives Conference to be held this Fall. At this meeting, mayors will learn about international and national events that attract the industries serving arts and culture, and how cities can implement initiatives to support local creative, cultural and eco-cultural industries.

Registration deadline is Friday, April 1. For more information, contact Tom McClimon by e-mail: mcclimon@usmayors.org or by phone (202-861-6729), or Jocelyn Bogen at: jbogen@usmayors.org or by phone (202-861-6727).