Biz Talks

David Skinner, general manager of the Saenger Theatre, shares some surprising information about how New Orleans stacks up against other national markets in Broadway ticket sales. He also shares some fun insights into the shows in the upcoming 2026-27 season (including one he can’t see enough).  

A new partnership between Loyola University and Freret Street live music club Gasa Gasa is offering students the opportunity to get direct, real-world experience by participating in every part of the process of operating a live music venue. The forces behind Gasa U —Loyola’s director of the School of Music and Theatre Professions Kate Duncan and industry veteran and endowed professor Jonathan McHugh — share how Loyola’s commitment to reinventing education experiences is aimed at giving students a leg up in the competitive entertainment industry.

The 29th return of the New Orleans French Film Festival — one of the longest-running international language festivals in the U.S. — is March 19-24 and this year there will be some big firsts, along with one-of-a-kind cultural events that bring the films to life. Sharing all the fun is Dodd Loomis, the executive director of New Orleans Film Society.

New Orleans Entrepreneur Week is fast approaching (March 9-14), and one of the biggest pieces of news in this ecosystem lately was this fall’s launch of the New Orleans Entrepreneurship Council (NEC). The council is designed to bring area stakeholders and organizations together to unify and amplify their efforts with the goal of attracting, retaining, and growing entrepreneurial talent in the region. NEC Chair Kimberly Gramm, chief innovation and entrepreneurship officer at Tulane University’s Innovation Institute, shares all the details.

Having workforce challenges? There’s a new tax credit for Louisiana employers who provide work-based learning experiences for apprentices, interns and youth workers. Now you can build your future workforce while saving money. To explain how this works, we’re joined by two members of Leaders for a Better Louisiana — who took the lead drafting this legislation and working to pass it— Barry Erwin, chief policy officer, and Sheree Blanchard, director of policy.

In December, Louisiana led the nation in flu cases. The first wave hit hard — especially with one specific population. Are we heading to a second wave? What can you do now to protect yourself?

Dr. Jordan Harry, medical director of quality and student health at Ochsner Urgent Care & Occupational Health, shares his expertise on this week’s Biz Talks.

Two New Orleanians – attorney Tim Kappel, and his client, Cyril Vetter – are at the heart of a high stakes legal battle that has been waging for years between musicians and music publishers/studios. On Monday, Jan. 12, a federal appeals court upheld a major ruling in U.S. copyright law affecting the ownership rights of songwriters over their songs — and all creators over their work. In this week’s podcast, Kappel explains how this landmark decision could significantly affect long-standing agreements across the music industry.

Marking five years in business next month, Baldwin & Co. is a Black owned café and independent bookstore on Elysian Fields — but that’s just the beginning. Jerid Woods, customer relations and partnership manager, shares how the company’s mission — helping individuals improve their lives and achieve economic independence through the power of books — plays out through an incredible array of projects, with more constantly in the works.

Five months into his new role as head of the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, Jim Cook shares what this year will bring for the upcoming Omni New Orleans Hotel, as well as how the now-increased capital plan is coming along and his thoughts on the future of the River District.

How does Biz New Orleans choose the elite group of honorees each year? What does it take to be named CEO of the Year? Editor Kim Singletary explains the process, along with how you may have a say over next year’s picks. She also breaks down the highlights of this year’s class and why their inspirational stories provide the perfect inspiration to help you dominate in 2026.