Northshore’s Premier Destination for Events, Conferences, and Celebrations

54,000

Total Square Feet

2,500

Max Capacity

18,000

Column-Free Exhibit Space

1,400+

Nearby Hotel Rooms

200+

Annual Events Hosted

Empty spacious indoor hall with polished concrete floor, beige walls with red and blue stripe accents, and a black ceiling with recessed lighting.

Our Vision: Built for the Future

Originally opened in 2005, The Harbor Center was designed to be a "facility for the future." We’ve spent nearly two decades evolving to meet the needs of a changing world. From our EPA Energy Star certification—making us one of only 16 convention centers nationwide committed to this level of sustainability—to our 2024 expansion, our vision is to remain the most modern, versatile, and eco-friendly destination in the region.

We don't just provide a hall; we provide a state-of-the-art canvas where your vision can come to life, backed by 3-phase power, high-speed internet, and a team that treats your goals as our own.

Six women dressed in colorful, whimsical attire standing outside in front of a modern glass building, with some wearing costumes and accessories like a witch hat, a fan, and butterfly wings, smiling at the camera.

Our Mission: Driven by Purpose

At The Harbor Center, we believe a great venue does more than just host events—it builds a community. Our mission is two-fold: to serve as a powerful economic development engine for St. Tammany Parish and to provide a quality-of-life enhancement for every resident who walks through our doors.

Whether it’s a high-impact trade show generating $5M+ in local economic output or a family gathered for a special party, we are here to provide the space where the Northshore connects, celebrates, and grows.

A band performing live on stage with a red curtain backdrop, featuring six musicians playing various instruments including guitars, drums, and a violin.

More Than a Venue: A Community Hub

You aren't simply renting a room; you are joining a Northshore tradition.

  • The Grand Hall: 18,000 square feet of column-free possibility for our largest conventions and celebrations.

  • New in 2024: 9,000 square feet of brand-new, flexible meeting space that can be converted into 4 separate spaces. We can host intimate weddings, baby showers, birthday parties and more. Perfect for groups from 20 to 200.

A vendor table displaying colorful handmade jewelry and crafts at an indoor market or event, with a person browsing the items.

“We have been customers of The Harbor Center for over 8 years.  We are continually impressed with the venue including its immaculate appearance and amazing staff. 

The Staff is incredibly responsive and friendly and literally take care of everything.  They even have an Event Coordinator available all weekend (which is rare for us to have).   

We put on over 30 events a year and our Slidell show is top among them.  We will definitely continue to have events at The Harbor Center for many years to come. ”

— Lori Gibson – HERPS Exotic Pets and Reptile Shows

    • Total Square Footage: 18,000 sq. ft. of column-free exhibit space.

    • Ceiling Height: 30-foot soaring ceilings, perfect for large-scale rigging and tall exhibits.

    • Capacity: Accommodates up to 2,000 guests theater-style or 1,000 for a banquet.

    • New Expansion (2024): An additional 9,000 sq. ft. of carpeted, flexible event space with its own dedicated foyer/lobby.

    • Modular Walls: "Shift-shape" wall systems that allow the Grand Hall to be divided into 1/3 or 2/3 configurations. It can also be converted in up to 5 breakout rooms.

    • The 30-Foot Grid: Floor boxes are located every 30 feet throughout the Grand Hall, providing instant access to electricity, water, and data ports.

    • Power Supply: Robust electrical infrastructure including 200-amp and 400-amp 3-phase "Road Show" power for major productions.

    • Internet: High-speed internet with secure, enterprise-grade Wi-Fi available throughout the entire facility.

    • Plumbing: Water and drainage access points integrated into the floor grid.

    • In-House Equipment: High-definition projectors, 8'x8' screens, and professional-grade sound systems.

    • Microphones: Full suite of wired and wireless microphone options.

    • Lighting: Adaptable house lighting and professional stage lighting setups managed by our on-site Operations Department.

    • A/V Policy: We offer competitive on-site rentals, but we also welcome outside A/V providers (subject to facility review).

    • Loading Docks: Expansive rear loading docks with a full access ramp.

    • Entry Doors: Oversized 18’ x 18’ drive-in entry doors, allowing for easy vehicle access directly onto the exhibit floor.

    • Catering: A multi-purpose industrial kitchen available for use by our list of approved, high-quality catering partners.

    • Parking: Ample, free, and convenient on-site parking for all attendees and vendors.

The Harbor Center Slidell Louisiana stands as the Northshore's most versatile and large capacity event venue near New Orleans, offering a sophisticated 54,000-square-foot facility designed for impact. As a premier multi-day conference venue Gulf Coast organizers trust, we provide a seamless experience with column-free space and state-of-the-art tech. Whether you are seeking a professional weekday corporate event venue Louisiana professionals prefer or a massive trade show and expo venue Northshore LA attendees can access easily via I-10, I-12 or I-59 our facility adapts to your vision. From serving as a high-energy indoor concert venue Slidell residents love to a top-tier business event venue Louisiana companies rely on, our turnkey services handle every detail.

For those planning a milestone celebration, we are a leading Indian wedding venue Louisiana couples adore, specializing as a South Asian wedding venue near New Orleans that understands the cultural importance of tradition and scale. Our Grand Hall serves as an exquisite 300–500 guest wedding venue Louisiana families can customize, or a luxury ballroom wedding venue Gulf Coast guests will remember for years. From a vibrant multicultural wedding venue Louisiana to a sophisticated black tie gala venue Slidell organizations use for their biggest fundraisers, The Harbor Center is where the community gathers to celebrate in style.

You are not alone when you bring your event to our Center!

Path to a Successful Event

Booking → Planning → Execution

A woman with curly brown hair, glasses, and a navy blue blouse is sitting at a desk, pointing at a blueprint or document. There is a person with red hair sitting across from her. In the background, there is a monitor displaying the logo of The Harbor Center.
Four people stand and talk in the middle of a large, empty indoor event space with a polished concrete floor, beige walls decorated with red, white, and blue stripes, stacks of chairs against the walls, and a large metal door at the back.
Empty banquet hall with round tables covered in white tablecloths, red and black chairs, and a stage with two large screens displaying a logo and text. The screens read 'Day of Purpose,' with colorful stage lighting.

Meet Our Staff At The Harbor Center

  • A woman with shoulder-length brown hair smiling, wearing a floral blouse, standing indoors with large windows and a blurred green plant in the background.

    Victoria Paz

    General Manager

  • A smiling woman with curly brown hair and glasses, wearing a navy blue top, standing in front of a modern glass building.

    Jessica Hester

    Sales and MarketingManager

  • A woman with shoulder-length gray hair smiling stands in front of a large window in an indoor setting.

    Judi Chase

    Secretary

  • icon on a person saying photo coming soon

    Gwendolyn Clement

    Event Manager

  • A smiling elderly woman with gray hair and glasses, wearing a black blazer and white turtleneck, standing in front of a large window with a grid pattern.

    Mary Landreneau

    Event Manager

  • Man with glasses and a beard, wearing a light-colored short-sleeve button-up shirt and a straw fedora, smiling in front of a large window with a modern building visible outside.

    Michael Corely

    Director of Operations

  • Smiling man in navy polo shirt with 'Harbor Center' logo, standing in front of large window with grid framing in an modern indoor setting.

    Matt Rowe

    Operations Manager

  • Chris Hartley

    Building Services Operator

  • Justin Mitchell Headshot

    Justin Mitchell

    Building Services Operator

Learn More About Our Team

  • victoria@harborcenter.org

    Victoria joined the team as General Manager in January 2025, bringing extensive experience in sales and marketing to her leadership role. Victoria’s professional background in sales and marketing provides her with the strategic insight needed to effectively promote the center’s diverse capabilities and services.

    Prior to her current position, Victoria was deeply involved in the local community through her volunteer work with multiple non-profit organizations, which naturally connected her with the Harbor Center team as they collaborated on various fundraising events. Her community leadership experience includes serving on the boards of the Chambers of Commerce, the East St. Tammany Business Alliance, and Bring It Home Northshore. Victoria is also a graduate of Leadership Northshore, further demonstrating her commitment to community development and engagement.

    Her vision for the Harbor Center focuses on educating the St. Tammany Parish community about the facility’s comprehensive capabilities and in-house services. She is passionate about helping residents and businesses keep their community, business, and personal events local rather than seeking venues outside the area. Victoria’s unique combination of marketing and event planning expertise, and deep local connections positions her perfectly to expand the Harbor Center’s reach and impact in the greater Slidell area.

  • jessica@harborcenter.org

    Jessica joined the team as Sales & Marketing Manager in March 2025 bringing with her, over 20 years of experience in nonprofit management and event planning and a wealth of expertise in community engagement and organizational leadership. Throughout her career, she has worked with prominent organizations including Northshore Home Builders and the St. Tammany Chamber of Commerce, where she has developed a reputation for creating impactful programs and memorable events.

    A graduate of the University of New Orleans and Leadership St. Tammany, Jessica is deeply committed to strengthening her community. She has served on the Board of Trustees for Leadership St. Tammany and currently sits on the Board of Directors for Olde Towne Slidell Main Street and The Northshore Lodging Association. She is also an active member of the East Habitat for Humanity Rosie Program, dedicating her time to building stronger neighborhoods.

    As the first person you’ll work with when booking your event at The Harbor Center, Jessica is happy to answer your questions and show you all that the venue has to offer to make your event truly special. Jessica resides in Slidell with her family, where she continues to champion initiatives that make a meaningful difference in the lives of those around her.

  • judi@harborcenter.org

    Judi joined the team as Secretary in April 2025, bringing over two decades of robust experience in high-level administrative support, financial administration, and office management.

    Judi’s professional background is defined by meticulous organization and comprehensive financial oversight. Prior to her current role, she served as an Office Manager for various organizations across Kentucky from 2005 to 2024. These roles required her to perform essential bookkeeping duties, manage payroll and benefits, run finance reports, and file monthly sales tax, showcasing proficiency with platforms including QuickBooks, Excel, Paychex, and Payroll Solutions.

    In her current capacity, Judi is the organizational cornerstone of the office. She is responsible for key financial operations, including entering invoices into QuickBooks and reconciling bank statements, while also compiling the weekly financial report for the General Manager. A dedicated team resource, she assists all clients and team members, manages incoming calls, and greets clients.

    Judi is a Slidell native who returned home after living in Kentucky for twenty years. Her academic background, which includes a degree in Graphic Arts and training in Drafting from Louisiana Technical College, underscores her ability to maintain a high standard of visual and technical precision—skills she applies daily to her administrative work. She enjoys spending time with her family and pursuing her hobbies of painting and sewing, demonstrating her commitment to detailed, thoughtful execution both in and out of the office.

  • gwendolyn@harborcenter.org

    Joining the team in May 2026, Gwendolyn Clement brings experience in community outreach, marketing, and event planning while building meaningful connections between organizations and the communities they serve.  In her current role as Event Manager, Gwendolyn serves as the primary point of contact for clients, guiding them from initial vision through flawless execution across our 54,000-square-foot facility. She oversees end-to-end event coordination for a diverse portfolio of corporate, social, and large-scale events through managing vendor relationships, staffing logistics, and attention to details. Her ability to stay organized under pressure, adapt quickly, and keep clients and operations teams aligned makes her a trusted leader.

    Throughout her career, Gwendolyn has held roles spanning healthcare, nonprofit, government, and private sectors, earning a reputation for building strategic partnerships, and representing organizations with professionalism and purpose.

    Gwendolyn holds a Bachelor of Arts in Marketing and Public Relations from Loyola University New Orleans and brings additional expertise in emergency management and workplace safety. She is deeply rooted in her community, serving as an appointed Commissioner of the Slidell Housing Authority and volunteering with organizations including Habitat for Humanity, Keep Slidell Beautiful, and Community Christian Concern.

  • mary@harborcenter.org

    Mary joined the team in March 2025 bringing with her an expansive career history that perfectly aligns with the center’s mission to host exceptional events.

    Mary’s professional journey in the convention and hospitality industry began in 1976 with Greyhound Exposition Services, where she managed exhibit convention services at major venues including local hotels, the Superdome, and the Rivergate. She then transitioned to the hotel side of the business, starting with Marriott New Orleans, followed by a transfer to Houston Marriott, and subsequent roles in Florida. Over the years, she honed her expertise in the Catering and Convention Services departments of various high-end brand hotels. Mary’s diverse experience also includes managing two veterinary hospitals and receiving her realtor license while based in Chicago. After 14 years of retirement, Mary decided to re-enter the workforce, drawn back to the fast-paced, customer-focused industry she loves.

    A true local, Mary was born in Chalmette, LA, and has lived in Old Metairie and Kenner before settling in Slidell. This deep-rooted familiarity with the Northshore and Greater New Orleans area provides her with valuable insight into serving the local community.

    Beyond her professional life, Mary is committed to animal welfare and has dedicated her time to animal disaster rescue efforts following numerous hurricanes, tornadoes, and floods. In her personal time, she enjoys camping and, especially, cruising. Mary’s extensive history in managing large-scale events and her passion for community service make her a vital addition to The Harbor Center team.

  • michael@harborcenter.org

    Michael joined the team as Director of Operations in March 2025, bringing with him over two decades of comprehensive facility management expertise from his time at Delgado Community College. Michael’s extensive background ensures the center’s infrastructure, safety protocols, and daily operations are handled with strategic insight and efficiency, maximizing the functionality of all physical assets.

    Michael’s vision for the Operations Department focuses on cultivating a culture of proactive maintenance and mentoring, ultimately ensuring a seamless and welcoming experience for every client and visitor. Committed to creative design and complex problem-solving, he is also the designer of the original role-playing game, Antediluvian, and enjoys engaging in the strategy and community of RPGs.

    Michael’s deep operational expertise and passion for strategic planning and mentorship make him the ideal leader to elevate facility management standards.

  • mrowe@harborcenter.org

    Matt joined the team in 2005 and has served as The Harbor Center’s Operations Manager for the past 20 years, bringing with him a deep commitment to excellence in facility management and team leadership.

    Throughout his two decades at the venue, Matt has been the backbone of all successful events, overseeing the crucial setup, in-event management, and breakdown of every function. His expertise is comprehensive, encompassing team leadership for three full-time and twelve part-time employees, including their hiring, scheduling, and training. Furthermore, Matt is responsible for maintaining all custodial needs of the building and assisting with payroll calculations for both part-time and full-time staff.

    Committed to professional growth, Matt holds 36 hours of Continuing Education in Business Administration and maintains essential safety certifications, including being CPR Certified and a Certified Trained Crowd Manager.

    Matt’s dedication ensures that every event runs seamlessly and that The Harbor Center remains a well-maintained and safe venue for the community. As a key leader behind the scenes, Matt is integral to delivering the flawless event experience that clients expect.

  • Justin joined team in 2021 as a Building Services Operator, bringing with him a strong technical and hands-on background from his previous job as a technician.

    As a valued member of the operations staff, Justin plays an active role in the daily life of the venue. He enjoys the fast pace of working events and particularly likes the opportunity to meet clients, providing helpful support that ensures their vision is executed smoothly. His previous experience has given him an innate understanding of mechanics and technical details, which he applies daily to keep operations running efficiently.

    A lifelong resident of Pearl River, Justin is closely connected to the local community. When not assisting with events, he prioritizes his time as a father and enjoys winding down with movies and video games.

    Justin’s positive attitude, technical expertise, and enjoyment of client interaction make him a dependable and welcome addition to The Harbor Center’s operations staff.

  • Chris joined the team in 2010 as a Building Services Operator, bringing with him 15 years of focused experience in operations management.

    As a vital part of the operations staff, Chris plays a hands-on role in ensuring the successful execution of all events. His primary expertise lies in the critical, physical aspects of venue operations, including the timely setting up and taking down of events. Chris has earned a reputation for his problem-solving skills, which are essential to navigating the unique logistical challenges that arise daily in a dynamic event center. He greatly enjoys working as part of a cohesive team to deliver outstanding results for clients.

    A lifelong resident of Slidell, Chris is deeply rooted in the local community. When not ensuring The Harbor Center runs smoothly, he channels his passion into a favorite hobby: working on and building cars.

    Chris’s commitment to teamwork and his decade-plus of experience make him a reliable and indispensable member of The Harbor Center’s operations staff.

  • With 15+ years of experience in event coordination, community outreach, and client relations, Gwendolyn brings an incredible wealth of knowledge and passion to our team. Whether you're planning a corporate event, a social celebration, or anything in between, you're in great hands.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • The Harbor Center Slidell Louisiana is the Northshore’s premier multi-purpose destination, serving as a premier large capacity event venue near New Orleans. Spanning 54,000 square feet of flexible space, our state-of-the-art center was designed to meet the growing demand for high-end regional gathering spots. We offer a sophisticated environment for everything from high-profile corporate conventions to massive community celebrations.

    Strategically located just off I-10, and near both I-12 and I-59, we provide easy access for guests traveling from New Orleans, the Mississippi Gulf Coast, and beyond. Whether you are hosting a small executive board meeting or a massive public exhibition, our facility offers the infrastructure, modern technology, and professional staffing required to ensure your event is a resounding success from start to finish.

  • We specialize in a wide array of large-scale productions and high-attendance gatherings. As a versatile multi-day conference venue Gulf Coast organizers trust, we are built for professional longevity. Our facility is equally renowned as a top-tier trade show and expo venue on the Northshore in Louisiana that businesses rely on for heavy-duty load-ins and high foot traffic. Additionally, we serve as a premier indoor concert venue that Slidell residents frequent for live music and performances. For those planning a milestone, we are a leading business event venue Louisiana professionals choose for networking, as well as a sought-after multicultural wedding venue Louisiana couples adore for grand celebrations. From black-tie galas to massive public festivals, from quinceañeras to small celebrations, our facility is engineered to adapt to the specific needs of any industry or occasion.

  • Absolutely. As a dedicated multi-day conference venue Gulf Coast planners prefer, we offer 18,000 square feet of column-free space in our Grand Hall, which can be supplemented by various flexible breakout rooms and meeting suites. To support technical requirements over several days, our facility features advanced AV capabilities and floor-integrated power, data, and water boxes spaced every 30 feet. This infrastructure allows for complex booth setups and high-tech presentations without the clutter of exposed cables. Our team understands the logistics of multi-day programming, providing dedicated support for catering, registration areas, and attendee flow. We offer the scale of a big-city convention center with the personalized service and accessibility of a Northshore gem, making us the ideal choice for regional associations and corporate retreats.

  • Yes, we are the leading weekday corporate event venue Louisiana professionals choose for seminars, training sessions, and executive retreats. Recognizing that business doesn't just happen on weekends, we offer tailored packages for Monday–Thursday events. Our flexible room configurations make us an ideal business event venue in Louisiana that companies use to escape the distractions of the city while remaining just a short drive from New Orleans. Whether you are hosting a 20-person corporate training or a 500-person mid-week seminar, our facility provides a professional atmosphere with high-speed internet, integrated presentation technology, and on-site catering options. By choosing a weekday slot at The Harbor Center, your organization can enjoy a focused environment with all the amenities of a world-class facility, ensuring your team stays engaged and productive.

  • Our expansive facility can comfortably host groups ranging from small executive meetings to massive crowds of up to 2,500 people. We are specifically recognized as a top 300–500 guest wedding venue Louisiana couples seek out when they need a luxury ballroom wedding venue Gulf Coast guests can attend without the parking or space constraints of smaller downtown locations. The Grand Hall’s 18,000 square feet of unobstructed space allows for massive banquet seating, dance floors, and stages, while our 9,000-square-foot meeting area provides an elegant pre-function area. Unlike many historic venues in the region that have tight quarters, our "large capacity" designation means we can accommodate high-attendance black tie gala venue Slidell events and regional conventions without ever feeling crowded, providing a comfortable and safe environment for all attendees.

  • Yes, we are the primary trade show and expo venue on the Northshore in Louisiana that exhibitors choose for both B2B and consumer-facing shows. Our facility was built with the logistics of large exhibitions in mind, featuring 30-foot ceilings, a heavy-duty loading docks, and a massive 18'x18' drive-in ramp that leads directly into the Grand Hall. This allows vendors to drive vehicles and heavy equipment straight onto the floor for easy setup. Our "industrial-strength" infrastructure includes utility floor boxes every 30 feet, providing exhibitors with easy access to power and data. From boat shows and home expos to regional craft fairs and industry trade summits, we provide the square footage and technical support necessary to host hundreds of booths and thousands of attendees in a seamless, professional environment.

  • We take great pride in being a premier Indian wedding venue Louisiana families trust for complex, multi-day celebrations. As a specialized South Asian wedding venue near New Orleans, we offer the massive scale required for traditional ceremonies, Sangeets, and grand receptions. Our status as a top multicultural wedding venue Louisiana couples love is built on our flexibility; we understand the importance of cultural traditions and allow for custom decor, specific catering requirements, and large-scale guest lists that many other venues simply cannot handle. Whether you are planning a vibrant 500-guest celebration or a more intimate but high-end cultural ceremony, our luxury ballroom wedding venue Gulf Coast team works closely with you to ensure every ritual is honored and every guest is accommodated in a grand, beautiful setting.

  • We take great pride in being a premier venue Louisiana families trust for important celebrations. As a quinceañera venue near New Orleans, we offer the massive scale required for traditional celebrations. Our status as a top multicultural venue in Louisiana gives families the flexibility needed; we understand the importance of cultural traditions and allow for custom decor, specific catering requirements, and large-scale guest lists that many other venues simply cannot handle. Whether you are planning a vibrant 500-guest celebration or a more intimate but high-end event, our team works closely with you to ensure every event is honored and every guest is accommodated in a grand, beautiful setting.

  • Yes. As a premier indoor concert venue Slidell music fans enjoy, our Grand Hall offers incredible acoustics and clear sightlines for live music, theatrical performances, and national comedy tours. The facility is equipped to handle professional touring rigs, featuring high-capacity power drops and extensive rigging points for lighting and sound arrays. Our location and massive free parking lot make us a favorite for local residents looking for high-quality entertainment without the hassle of New Orleans traffic. From intimate acoustic sets to high-energy rock shows and community theater, our venue provides a professional, climate-controlled environment that ensures a world-class experience for both the performers and the audience.

  • Choosing The Harbor Center means choosing a superior balance of scale, accessibility, and professional service. Unlike smaller, older venues in the heart of New Orleans that struggle with parking and vendor access, we offer a large capacity event venue near New Orleans that is entirely modern and user-friendly. We provide ample free on-site parking for all guests and "drive-in" access for vendors, which significantly reduces the stress and cost of event logistics. Whether you are hosting a high-end black tie gala at our venue in Slidell or a regional multi-day conference, we offer more "room to move" and more technical flexibility than almost any other venue in the region. Our professional staff acts as your partner, ensuring that your event—no matter how complex—is executed with precision and Southern hospitality.

  • We would love to help you bring your vision to life and show you why organizations across Louisiana choose us as their preferred event venue year after year. To check availability, request a custom proposal, or schedule a personal tour, please visit our [Plan An Event] page or contact our booking team directly at 985-781-3650.

    Our experienced event coordinators are ready to discuss floor plans, catering options, and technical requirements for your upcoming event — whether that's a trade show, corporate gathering, or a dream South Asian wedding celebration near New Orleans. No matter where you are in the planning process, we're here to provide the professional support you need to make your next event a total success.