Diane B. Lyons, President and founder of ACCENT New Orleans, isn’t just planning events; she’s been helping people fall in love with New Orleans for over 34 years.
With her passion for people and her deep roots in the city, Diane has built more than a business. She’s built a reputation for turning big ideas into unforgettable moments. Through ACCENT New Orleans, she and her team have helped shape what it means to truly experience this one-of-a-kind place.
Diane’s leadership and heart have made waves far beyond the Crescent City.
Her dedication to thoughtful, culture-forward events has earned national recognition, including the 2023 DMC Network Founders Award for lifetime achievement. But for Diane, it’s always been about the people, and the magic that happens when they come together.
Our Commitment
For over 30 years, we’ve had one goal: make every moment count. At ACCENT New Orleans, we don’t just handle logistics. We help create the kind of memories people talk about for years. The trusted name in New Orleans event planning, we’ve earned the confidence of companies big and small by delivering events with heart, hustle, and that unmistakable local touch.
Whether it’s your first event in the Big Easy or your fiftieth, our team is all in. We handle the details, solve the problems, and make magic happen so you can enjoy the moment and take the credit.
Our Mission
Back in 1991, Diane B. Lyons set out to do more than just plan events. She wanted to change the way people experience New Orleans. With a big vision and a small team, she founded ACCENT to bring creativity, culture, and connection to every event.
What started as a bold idea has evolved into a full-service destination management company trusted by planners worldwide. Our mission remains the same: deliver unforgettable moments that celebrate New Orleans and make our clients shine.
Our Dedicated Team
Behind every great event is an even greater team, and ours is all heart. From seasoned project leads to the behind-the-scenes crew that brings it all to life, our people are the reason ACCENT runs like clockwork.
We’re problem-solvers, cheerleaders, and magic-makers who genuinely love what we do. Whether we’re orchestrating a parade or managing a full-scale production, we show up ready to make your event feel seamless, personal, and unforgettable.
Approach
At ACCENT, we don’t believe in cookie-cutter. Every event we plan is built from the ground up, tailored to your goals, your audience, and the unmistakable vibe of New Orleans.
We work as an extension of your team, anticipating needs, sharing insider tips, and ensuring every detail reflects your brand and our city’s unique culture. Whether it’s a second-line through the Quarter or a sleek corporate gala, we bring the same energy, passion, and local know-how to everything we do.
And while New Orleans is our home, our experience travels well. With a diverse portfolio spanning over 100 programs in major meeting cities across the U.S., Canada, and the Caribbean, we’re no strangers to the big picture. Our global reach, paired with our deep local roots, means we deliver exceptional service, wherever your event takes you.
Reputation
Trust isn’t handed out. It’s earned… one event, one detail, one wow moment at a time.
At ACCENT, we’ve built our reputation on doing things right and doing them well. From behind-the-scenes prep to center-stage execution, we sweat the small stuff so you don’t have to.
Our work has been featured by The Wall Street Journal, BusinessWeek, and even Good Morning America, but the recognition we’re proudest of comes from our clients who keep coming back year after year.
Accreditation
We don’t just say we’re committed to excellence; we prove it.
ACCENT New Orleans was one of the first companies in the city to be accredited by the Association of Destination Management Executives. It’s not about having a shiny badge. It’s about holding ourselves to the highest standards so our clients can feel confident they’re in good hands.
This recognition reflects the heart we put into every event, every time.
Awards & Accolades
- Biz New Orleans’ New Orleans 500 List: 2026 Edition – Diane Lyons
- CityBusiness’ 2025 Best Women-Owned Businesses Honoree – Diane Lyons
- Biz New Orleans’ New Orleans 500 List: 2025 Edition – Diane Lyons
- Smart Meetings’ 2024 Smart Women in Meetings Award – Diane Lyons
- DMC Network’s 2023 Lifetime Achievement Award – Diane Lyons
- Biz New Orleans’ 2023 Women to Watch – Diane Lyons
- ADMEI Achievement Award 2023 for Best Four-Week Challenge Event
- New Orleans Magazine’s 2016 People to Watch – Diane Lyons
- American Red Cross’ 2016 Power of Women Honoree – Diane Lyons
- ADMEI Achievement Award 2016 for Best Creative Activity – Best Corporate Social Responsibility
- ADMEI Award 2016 for Excellence in Site Inspections
- International Special Events Society (ISES) Esprit Award 2015: Best Meeting/Conference Program with a budget over $250,000
- ADMEI Achievement Award 2015 for Excellence in Sustainable Initiatives
- ADMEI Achievement Awards 2014: Best Innovative Events – $100,001 – $200,000
- HandCraft Heroes Award 2013 (inaugural) – Diane Lyons, recognized as one of three women nationwide for exceptional support and fundraising efforts for breast cancer awareness
- New Orleans Magazine’s 2013 Top Female Achiever – Diane Lyons
- New Orleans City Business’ 2012
- Women of the Year – Diane Lyons
- ADMEI Achievement Awards 2012: Best Team Building Activity
- International Special Events Society (ISES) Esprit Award 2011: Best Meeting/Conference Program Budget over $250,000
- ADMEI Achievement Awards 2010: Best Innovative Event – $201,000 and above
- ADMEI Achievement Awards 2010: Best Recreational Activity
- WBEC South Supplier of the Year 2010
- New Orleans City Business’ 2004 Women of the Year – Diane Lyons
- PCMA Convene Magazine’s “Author of the Year” – Diane Lyons