Here are some final bits for your preparations. Lagniappe is "a bit extra" that you seem to get commonly in New Orleans. I'm quickly trying to get this posted as I sit in DFW waiting for my flight, so if I missed something, ask me when you see me.
National Parks
There are 2 National Parks in New Orleans. The first is in honor of the pirate that saved New Orleans from falling to the British in 1815, Jean Lafitte. Cannons, spies, and saucy wenches abound! The second honors jazz. A number of the park rangers are talented musicians and have been known to put on impromptu concerts. They are each a couple blocks either side of Jackson Square on Decatur St and worth the short side trip. Check out the websites for more information.
http://www.nps.gov/jela/index.htm
http://www.nps.gov/jazz/index.htm
Fish - NOT on a plate
At the end of Canal Street, is a ginormous body of water inside a very interesting building. The Audubon Aquarium has diverse saltwater and fresh water displays, but the building itself and the way that you get to interact with the inhabitants is equally entertaining.
War! What is it good for?
The National World War II Museum is just a short walk away from the Convention Center. Allocate a couple hours to explore what started as the D-Day Museum. Why New Orleans? Most of the landing craft that were used in the D-Day Invasion were built in New Orleans. The museum started as a backyard project to restore one of the landing craft and kinda got out of hand.
Architecture
New Orleans' Garden District and St. Charles Avenue provide historic examples of Greek Revival homes, many dating back 150 years or more. I admit to having wandered to the Garden District Book Shop (2727 Prytania St) a couple decades ago to buy a signed copy of an Anne Rice book. While walking down the street, I expected LeStat to walk out from behind one of the trees while I was gawking at the homes. There are also several smaller restaurants in the area that don't get all the name recognition, but are every bit as good.
Patron Saint of Nerds, and a Cemetary
Yes, apparently there is a patron saint even for us computer geeks. St. Expeditus background is rather vague, but as his name suggests, he was always rushing around and delivering requests expeditiously. Having been in the computer end of things, I was immediately drawn to him when I read his story in 2004 http://www.wired.com/culture/lifestyle/news/2004/11/65184 Just to keep on his good side, I have made several pilgrimages. The statue is in Our Lady of Guadalupe Church on Rampart, a few blocks off Canal. The church itself is one of the oldest in New Orleans and warrants a visit, even without St Expeditus. Immediately across the street is St Louis Cemetery #1. It provides an interesting history of the city. There are docents that provide information and occasional tours.
Free Cruise to Exotic Algiers
Well, maybe Algiers, LA isn't all that exotic, but the cruise from Canal St to Algiers is still free. A ferry makes the crossing twice an hour across the Mississippi River. If you are lucky, you will get to see one of the ocean-going vessels up close as it steams by. Algiers has a plethora of interesting shops, restaurants and clubs and provides a look at New Orleans from a different perspective. It is definitely worth a trip to check it out, especially for some of the nightlife.
Oysters
November has an 'R' in it so it is safe to pig out on oysters. Actually, with refrigeration, it is safe to eat them anytime. The traditional slurping from the shell with a little lemon and horseradish is my favorite, but I am looking forward to trying some of them char-grilled. It seems to be all the rage in the last year or so.
Final Warning
For those tempted to eat beignets, remember the words of Bill Clinton and don't inhale! That powdered sugar is dangerous.