Jazz Education Network draws record number of attendees to its 2026 conference in New Orleans

Jazz Education Network (JEN) Conference returned to New Orleans in January 2026 with a record number of attendees.

One of the earliest JEN conferences was held in New Orleans, and in years when the conference returned to the city, attendance spiked dramatically, reflecting strong local and national interest. Recognizing this, the JEN Board of Directors made a strategic decision during the pandemic to host the conference in New Orleans every other year, deepening the organization’s relationship with the local jazz community.

This commitment has allowed JEN to bring together artists, educators, and youth in the Birthplace of Jazz, creating immersive educational experiences and vibrant performance opportunities. Supported by leading partners such as DownBeat Magazine, which produces the annual conference program and show guide, and a host of local and community-rooted sponsors including The Preservation Hall Foundation and Loyola University New Orleans School of Music and Theatre Professions, the conference also generates significant economic growth for the city.

The Hyatt Regency, the primary conference hotel, sells out each year, demonstrating both strong demand and the conference’s contribution to New Orleans’ hospitality sector. Attendance has consistently been high during New Orleans years: 3,771 attendees in 2020, 3,933 in 2024, and 4,000 projected for 2026, compared with 2,543 in Texas (2022), 2,534 in Florida (2023), and 3,028 in Atlanta (2025). "These numbers underscore the city’s importance as a hub for JEN’s community, growth, and ongoing economic impact," said Ashley Shabankareh, JEN, Board of Directors.