My favorite New Orleans word is lagniappe (lon-yop). Broadly defined, a lagniappe is a something given or obtained gratuitously or by way of good measure. In other words, a little something extra. Every trip I have taken to New Orleans – and there have been more than I can count – has included a lagniappe experience. Finding a new favorite artist on Magazine Street. Enjoying the brightly painted homes during a walk through the Faubourg Marigny. Sailing Lake Pontchartrain with my 9-year-old son as the boat’s captain (thank you, Bruce Cranner!). My next trip to New Orleans starts tomorrow morning, when I arrive there as Chair of the 2012 DRI Annual Meeting. Even though I know the blockbuster and CLE programs like the back of my hand, I know there will be something extra to take away from each presentation that will enhance how I represent my clients. No doubt, the pounds that I’ll take home from tasty food and beverages at the receptions and party at the Superdome will be a little something extra. The best lagniappe of all, though, will be the rich conversations that I will have with old friends and longstanding clients, and the refreshing conversations that will happen with people I will want to get to know. If you are attending the meeting in New Orleans this week, I look forward to seeing you there. If you are still trying to squeeze a few days of the meeting and the Big Easy into your schedule, I encourage you to come on down and register on-site. Seeing you there will be yet another lagniappe to treasure.
