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NAJAS 2026 NETWORK CONFERENCE Hosted by Japan Society of New Orleans and the Japan America Society of Northwest Florida |
Welcome to New Orleans! Culture + Business from the Grassroots This July, we are thrilled to welcome members, partners, and guests to New Orleans, Louisiana. Join us at a unique assembly of U.S.-Japan experts, corporates and non-profits converging from 30 states and one province across North America in the Gulf Region.
Throughout the 20th Century era, Japan exerted a strong economic and cultural influence on Louisiana, both in the cosmopolitan city of New Orleans and outside. As the only large city and commercial center in the Gulf region, New Orleans became a major conduit for Japanese trade and investment early in the century, especially in the mushrooming cotton trade. Relations expanded so greatly that by 1922, Japan opened a consulate building in New Orleans. While trade was cut off during World War II, by 1960 Japan had become the Crescent City’s largest international trading partner. Meanwhile, rice grains from Japan were heavily planted in Louisiana, Japanese flowers such as the Water Hyacinth (plus the Kudzu vine) were transplanted in Louisiana soil, and the Japanese Camellia enjoyed a vogue. We will strive to connect figures like Lafcadio Hearn to that legacy and see what it portends in our current era of “Peak Japan” buzz. The great transnational cultural and touristic traditions clearly live on under the entrepreneurial, can-do Japan Society of New Orleans—a society that will celebrate its centennial in a pair of years. JSNO stands out for innovative programing (see Krewe of Japan podcast) and collaborative style, such as in co-hosting NAJAS with kindred volunteer society, JAS Northwest Florida, in the Pensacola area. | Hosted by Japan Society of New Orleans
and the Japan America Society of Northwest Florida
Host Hotel & Venue:
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2026 NETWORK CONFERENCE SPONSORS & DONORS |
Gold Sponsors
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Amb. Shigeo Yamada Ambassador of Japan to the United States |
Adm. Dennis C. Blair (US-Ret.) Retired U.S. Navy admiral and fmr. Director of National Intelligence | .png) Wendy Cutler Senior Vice President Asia Society Policy Institute |
Sam Mihara National Endowment for the |
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SPEAKERS
In alphabetical order by last name
Kim Andrews | Kim Andrews Nonprofit Consulting | Workshop facilitator
Emma Chanlett-Avery | Asia Society | Panelist
Steve Bloom | US-Japan Foundation, Senior Fellow | Workshop facilitator
Matt Burkett | Japanese Culture Club of Arizona | Workshop facilitator
Jason Lanclos | Louisiana Economic Development | Panelist
Harumi Maejima | Japanese Culture Club of Arizona | Workshop facilitator
Nozomi Morgan | Michiki Morgan Worldwide | Emcee
Gabriel Rebeck | Laurasian Institution | Presenter
Hiromi Zeppieri | Japan Foundation New York | Presenter
Historic New Orleans Collection A free history museum and research center devoted to the people, places, and traditions of New Orleans and the Gulf South. |  New Orleans Jazz Museum The New Orleans Jazz Museum celebrates the history of jazz, in all its forms, through dynamic interactive exhibits, multi-generational educational programming. |
The National WWII Museum Named #1 New Orleans attraction by Trip Advisor, the museum tells the story of the American experience in the war that changed the world. Exclusive discount for conference attendees! |
 Mardis Gras World Tour the working warehouse of Blaine Kern Studios, the company that has built floats for many of the Mardis Gras parades since 1947. See behind-the-scenes of the creation of floats, costumes and props. | 
Cruise on the Mississippi with Creole Queen Experience the Mississippi River on a leisurely, 2-hour cruise! While aboard, enjoy traditional live jazz, craft cocktails, and beautiful New Orleans scenery. Exclusive discount for conference attendees! |
Craft cocktails at the Sazerac House Explore the history of classic cocktails through interactive cocktail exhibits and exclusive spirit tastings in celebration and preservation of good times! |
Full Conference Agenda > The following activities are subject to change. A detailed agenda will be uploaded to this page closer to the conference date. Continue checking this page for updates! |
Member Program Wednesday Morning
Evening
Thursday Morning
Afternoon
Evening
Friday Morning
Evening
| General Program For All Registered Attendees Friday Morning
Evening
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ABOUT THE NAJAS ANNUAL CONFERENCE
The NAJAS annual conference moves across the U.S., hosted by a different Japan-America member society each year, and helps us surface insights from the most diverse Japan-America network anywhere. As a core benefit of NAJAS membership, member societies access a focused day of workshops and peer learning for staff and board participants. All attendees are invited to our Thursday evening and Friday programming.
At the 2025 Network Conference in Lexington Kentucky on Aug. 20-21, 2025, over 130 attendees benefitted from extensive networking and talks on geostrategic, political and economic issues within the U.S.-Japan relationship. We visited the Georgetown Toyota facility, the largest Toyota automobile plant in the world, and gathered at a fabulous gala hosted by JAS Kentucky. Download the 2025 Conference Summary (PDF) > |
Sheraton New Orleans |
DRESS CODE
What is the dress code?
- Thursday is business casual
- Friday is business attire
- Business or cocktail at the welcome and closing receptions
ABOUT Registration
For JAS / JS Member Societies
Discounted registration is available to all staff and Board Members of Japan-America / Japan Societies as a key benefit of NAJAS membership.
Member Registration includes all conference programming and hosted events:
- Welcome Reception
- Thursday members-only programming (lunch included)
- Thursday and Friday meet and greet with Society Solutions Providers
- Friday open-day programming (lunch-included)
- Friday evening JSNO Closing Reception
Additional members-only information will be added to the Membership Benefits page.
For Invited Guests
Invited guest registration includes:
- Friday meet and greet with Society Solutions Providers
- Friday open-day programming (lunch-included)
- Friday evening JSNO Closing Reception
For Speakers, Sponsors & Guests
Speaker, sponsor and funder registration includes all conference programming and hosted events:
- Welcome Reception
- Thursday and Friday meet and greet with Society Solutions Providers
- Thursday evening group dinners (self-pay)
- Friday open-day programming (lunch-included)
- Friday evening JSNO Closing Reception
How do I register?
Scroll to the top of this page and click "Register here". If you want to register on behalf of a group, click "Register as a Company" on the top right of the registration page and enter all the information for all those in your party. Alternatively, each person can register themselves individually.
Have questions about the Network Conference? Please reach out to Bianca at sanchezalvarez@us-japan.org.
TRAVEL & LOGISTICS
I would like to stay at the host hotel and save on accommodations with the Network Conference room rate. How can I make a reservation?
The conference host hotel and venue is the Sheraton New Orleans on Canal Street. Once you register for the conference, you will receive the link to reserve your room. Do not book your reservation on the Sheraton's website directly! Please use our unique booking group link to access our special rate.
The host hotel conference rate of $145 + tax / night is available until July 8 at 11:59 pm EST.
What airport should I fly into? How can I get to the Sheraton New Orleans?
The closest airport to the Sheraton New Orleans is Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) located 20 minutes away by car. From there, arrivals can choose to take a taxi or ride-share to the hotel, or rent a car. Conference guests receive 10% off valet parking at the host hotel.
Where can I view the schedule and learn more about the speakers?
More information about the detailed schedule and speakers will be added here.
I'm driving in for the day. Where can I park?
Conference guests receive 10% off valet parking at the Sheraton New Orleans. Each day, the hotel front desk will adjust your valet parking fee to reflect the discount, and you should see the final discount on your bill at check-out. NAJAS is not responsible for parking costs.
Will wi-fi be available in the host hotel?
Free wi-fi will be available for guests staying at the host hotel.
What are the accommodations for dietary restrictions?
Attendees who provided dietary restrictions for hosted meals will receive further information at registration to access your dietary-safe meals at the conference. Thank you and we are glad to ensure that you enjoy meals safely.
Are there spaces to work and for small meetings outside of conference programming?
The Sheraton New Orleans features open gathering areas, including the main atrium and lobby. If you are a Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Member, you have free Concierge Club Lounge access on the 42nd floor. The lounge hosts complimentary breakfast, snacks, evening hors d’oeuvres, and non-alcoholic beverages throughout the day. The lounge provides comfortable seating, WiFi, and business services, with cocktails, beer, and wine available for purchase.
Where can I find the agenda?
Scroll up on this page to "Agenda". Details will be added as we confirm them.
What else can I do while I'm in New Orleans?
Our friends at Japan Society of New Orleans offer this list of recommended activities and eateries to enjoy the best New Orleans has to offer! Click below to learn more.
SPONSORSHIP
Please reach out to NAJAS President Andrew Wylegala at wylegala@us-japan.org about sponsorship opportunities.
Questions & Support
Have questions about the NAJAS Network Conference? Please reach out to Bianca at sanchezalvarez@us-japan.org.