Keith Lee, Rick Ross, Ti Martin Attend Southern Hospitality Weekend in New Orleans

New Orleans — Morrow Hospitality successfully launched the inaugural Southern Hospitality Weekend (SOHO), a multi-day national hospitality experience that brought more than 2,000 attendees to New Orleans from January 16–18 for candid, business-forward conversations on access, ownership, and leadership in today’s hospitality economy.

Produced by fast-growing hospitality group Morrow Hospitality, the conference convened operators, entrepreneurs, investors, creatives, and cultural leaders from across the country for three days of panels, fireside chats, culinary experiences, and curated networking events designed to move ideas into action.

The speaker lineup blended hospitality, finance, and culture, featuring Grammy-nominated artist and restaurateur Rick Ross; culinary creator Keith Lee; Slutty Vegan Founder and CEO Pinky Cole Hayes; Earn Your Leisure co-founders Troy Millings and Rashad Bilal; Ti Martin, Proprietor at Commander’s Palace; Chef and Owner Nina Compton of Compère Lapin; and Cleveland Spears III, CEO of Spears Group and Executive Producer of the National Fried Chicken Festival.

Founded by entrepreneur Larry Morrow, Morrow Hospitality has evolved into a multifaceted $30 million hospitality group, known for destination nightlife concepts and culturally relevant brands. In less than five years, the company has grown to more than 300 employees, expanded rapidly across the South, and is now poised for continued national growth.

“Southern Hospitality Weekend was never meant to just inspire people; it was built to connect dots,” said Larry Morrow, Founder and CEO of Morrow Hospitality. “Seeing more than 2,000 people come together to share knowledge, build real relationships, and talk honestly about ownership and access shows there is a real appetite for this kind of space. This weekend confirmed that the future of hospitality is collaborative, intentional, and rooted in community.”

With an emphasis on human connection and in-person engagement, Southern Hospitality Weekend reflected a growing shift toward experiential business convenings that prioritize relationship-building, deal-making, and long-term growth across the hospitality ecosystem.

The conference took place at the Contemporary Arts Center (CAC) in New Orleans, a cornerstone cultural institution celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2026. More than an event venue, the CAC is a dynamic hub for contemporary art, ideas, and community engagement, championing creative expression and cultural dialogue. Hosting Southern Hospitality Weekend at the CAC reinforced New Orleans’ position as a national center where culture, creativity, and hospitality intersect.

For more information, visit sohoweekend.com.

Southern Hospitality Weekend is a national, multi-day hospitality conference produced by Morrow Hospitality. The experience brings together hospitality professionals, entrepreneurs, creatives, and brands to explore access, ownership, and opportunities across restaurants, nightlife, hotels, and the service industry.