The 2026 New Orleans Zone Institute started with an opening session to beat the band, literally. The Warren Easton High School marching band welcomed attendees to the Crescent City, followed by Rotary International Director Brian Hall, Past Rotary International President Barry Rassin, RIPE Larry Lunsford, and The Rotary Foundation Trustee Ann-Britt Asebol joining in a lively discussion of Rotary’s status and future. For the first general session, the panel was joined by Past Rotary International Vice-President Nicki Scott in a “Q&A” format. After a short break for beignets and coffee, General Session Two featured Music and an inspiring “TED talk” format message from Rotary Peace Fellow, David LaMotte. The evening wrapped up with a three-hour cruise and dinner on the riverboat paddle wheeler, City of New Orleans with magnificent night time views of the city.