Community Calendar

NELA NEXT is the first annual Young Professionals Conference created to connect ambitious, motivated, and community-minded young professionals from across Northeast Louisiana.

It’s a day built around real conversations, new connections, fresh ideas, career growth, and meeting people.

Expect:

• Speakers who actually have something worth saying
• Real networking without the awkward name-tag-and-small-talk energy
• Professional headshots
• Resume and LinkedIn resources
• Lunch included
• Giveaways and surprises throughout the day
• Opportunities to connect with young professionals from across NELA
• Conversations about leadership, careers, community, and what’s NEXT

The Friends of Black Bayou Fall Celebration returns on Saturday, October 17 from 10 am to 1 pm, and all are invited to enjoy a day of nature, science activities and learning from community partners at Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge. Come explore hands on nature stations, meet native animals, and enjoy art and science activities. Join us at 10 am for “Walk with Wildlife,” then help us turn the Blue Goose Migration Marker at 11 am. Big D’s Backyard BBQ will be on-site serving lunch, and FoBB will once again offer the beloved Black Bayou Mud Pies. Visitors can also view the 2026 photo contest winners. With canoeing, crafts and creative photo ops, it’s a great way to celebrate our community’s connection to this beautiful refuge. 

"Author Talk: Edgar Allan Poe" is a chance to hear about the famous American Gothic writer from a fellow student who is passionate about Poe.  There might even be a visit from Poe himself!