A native New Orleanian, Campbell McCoy has always had a strong appreciation for the culture, history, hospitality, and unmistakable character that makes his hometown unlike anywhere else.
After graduating from Texas Christian University with a Bachelor of Science, Campbell began his professional career in Houston as a travel consultant. There, he gained experience coordinating complex travel arrangements, managing client needs, and navigating the countless details required to create seamless experiences. While the experience was invaluable, New Orleans always remained home, and Campbell ultimately returned to build a career that combined his background in travel and hospitality with his love for the city.
Destination management quickly felt like a natural fit, giving Campbell the opportunity to create memorable experiences while introducing visitors to the people, food, music, history, and traditions that make New Orleans so special.
What Campbell enjoys most about events is the problem-solving and creativity that happen behind the scenes. From finding the right venue and local partners to navigating logistics and developing unique experiences, he enjoys figuring out how to turn a client’s vision into reality.
He also appreciates that no two programs are exactly alike. For Campbell, each one is a new opportunity to create a memorable experience while representing the city he’s proud to call home.
Getting to Know Campbell
What is your favorite restaurant in New Orleans?
This is always such a hard question because New Orleans has so many incredible restaurants, but if I had to choose one, I would say St. Germain in the Bywater. I love how intimate and unique the experience is and how much creativity and thought goes into every detail. To me, it represents one of my favorite things about dining in New Orleans; there is always something new and exciting happening while still maintaining the character and sense of place that make the city so special.
What’s your favorite New Orleans festival?
Mardi Gras, without question. Growing up in New Orleans, Mardi Gras has always been much more than just a festival. It brings families, friends, neighborhoods, and the entire city together. I love all of the traditions surrounding Mardi Gras and how every New Orleanian seems to have their own Mardi Gras rituals and memories. There really is nothing like the energy of the city during Mardi Gras season, and it is one of those experiences that always reminds me why I love calling New Orleans home.
What’s your favorite food?
I’m definitely a New Orleans cliché when it comes to food. It’s hard to beat a dressed fried shrimp po-boy from Parkway Bakery & Tavern, but my grandmother’s homemade gumbo is probably the food that means the most to me. Both are foods I grew up loving and will always associate with home and New Orleans.
Coffee or cocktail, and what’s your favorite?
While I enjoy both, I’m definitely going with a cocktail. I can never go wrong with a good Old Fashioned. I recently went to Charles & Julia, and their take on an Old Fashioned, their JABBERWOCKY, is especially my favorite. And while it technically isn’t a cocktail, another favorite is a Miller High Life with a splash of Aperol. It has become a bit of a “McCoy special” in my family, so there is usually one nearby when we are all together.
What’s your favorite pastime or hobby?
I love playing tennis and pickleball and generally finding any excuse to be outside… as long as the New Orleans heat cooperates. I also really enjoy trying new things, whether that means checking out a new restaurant, attending a festival, traveling somewhere new, or discovering an experience around the city that I haven’t done before. Most of all, I enjoy spending time with my friends and family.
As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I was obsessed with Star Wars growing up, so naturally my first career choice was to become a Jedi. Once I realized that wasn’t exactly a realistic option, I decided I wanted to do something involving space.
Do you have a nickname?
Nothing too exciting! Some friends and family call me Camp, but most people have always just called me Campbell.