FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 6, 2017

Contact: Kristian Sonnier, 504-481-1833, ksonnier@neworleanscvb.com
Tara Letort, 504-566-5019, tletort@neworleanscvb.com

NEW ORLEANS CELEBRATES SECOND ANNUAL GLOBAL MEETINGS INDUSTRY DAY

New Orleans, LA - The New Orleans Convention & Visitors Bureau (NOCVB), New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center (MCCNO) and Meeting Professionals International (MPI) Gulf States Chapter, celebrates the second annual Global Meetings Industry Day (GMID) on April 6, 2017, with an industry luncheon featuring an address from nationally acclaimed industry leader, Don Freeman, Chairman of Freeman. The event is being held during the International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM) Region 5 Conference.

The New Orleans tourism industry joins forces with the advocacy coalition Meetings Mean Business (MMB) and meetings industry organizations worldwide to showcase the real impact that business meetings, conferences, conventions, incentive travel, trade shows and exhibitions have on people, business and communities.

"New Orleans is one of the most authentic destinations in the country and provides the ultimate backdrop for any meeting or event," said Stephen Perry, President and CEO of the NOCVB. "As we celebrate record-breaking visitation to the city last year, we continue to recognize the impact that meetings, conventions, tradeshows, live events, exhibitions and conferences have on our city and the more than 86,000 New Orleanians employed in the tourism and hospitality industry."

"Organizations such as the NOCVB, MCCNO and MPI Gulf States Chapter will help us demonstrate the crucial role meetings play in building personal relationships, driving positive outcomes and supporting strong communities," said Richard Harper, executive vice president at HelmsBriscoe and co-chair of MMB.

Meeting professionals organizations, association chapters, corporations, destinations, partners and other supporters are coming together to hold events supporting this international day of advocacy. Last year, events were held throughout North America, Latin America, South America, Europe, Africa and Australia along with robust conversations online and more than 40 million social media impressions. Proclamations of support were issued by the governors of Maryland and Kentucky, along with the mayors of Ottawa, Edmonton, Phoenix, Baltimore, Buffalo and Mobile, Alabama. The Empire State Building and Niagara Falls were illuminated in blue in celebration of GMID.

"GMID helps share the meetings industry's value story, ensuring that the media, elected officials and general public understand the benefits of face-to-face," said Paul Van Deventer, chief executive officer and president at Meeting Professionals International and co-chair of MMB. "Showcasing the industry's strength through this global movement allows us to better advocate and generate widespread conversation."

To learn more about GMID, visit http://www.meetingsmeanbusiness.com/GMID. Follow and participate in the digital conversations at @MeetingsMeanBiz on Twitter and by using the hashtags #MMBusiness with #GMID17.

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About the New Orleans Convention & Visitors Bureau
The New Orleans Convention & Visitors Bureau (NOCVB) is a nationally accredited, 1,100-member destination marketing organization and the largest and most successful private economic development corporation in Louisiana. The CVB and its members influence thousands of decision-makers and millions of visitors to choose New Orleans through direct sales, marketing, public relations, branding and visitor services at our New Orleans headquarters and offices in Chicago, Louisville, KY, Washington, D.C., the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Canada, Brazil and China. Consistently recognized as one of the top five CVBs in the country, the New Orleans CVB celebrates its 57th anniversary in 2017. For more information, please visit www.neworleanscvb.com; www.facebook.com/neworleans; www.twitter.com/VisitNewOrleans.

About the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center
With 1.1 million square feet of contiguous exhibit space, an award winning staff and first class amenities, the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center is the sixth largest convention center in the nation, a consistent Top 10 host of the largest number of conventions and tradeshows annually, and one of the city's "Top Workplaces." As "Louisiana's Economic Engine," Convention Center event activity has produced $53.7 billion in economic impact since its 1985 opening, including $3.4 billion in new tax revenue for state and local governments.

About Meeting Professionals International Gulf States Chapter
Meeting Professionals International (MPI) is the largest meeting and event industry association worldwide. Founded in 1972, the organization provides innovative and relevant education, networking opportunities and business exchanges, and acts as a prominent voice for the promotion and growth of the industry. MPI has a global community of 60,000 meeting and event professionals including more than 17,000 engaged members and its Plan Your Meetings audience. It has more than 90 chapters and clubs in 24 countries.

MPI Gulf States chapter represents 200 members throughout Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama. Founded in 1997 in New Orleans, Louisiana, the Gulf States chapter is recognized as the best in class, award winning chapter within MPI and serves as the Gulf Coast's resource for the Meeting Professional Industry. www.mpigulfstates.org www.facebook.com/mpigulfstateschapter

About Meetings Mean Business
Meetings Mean Business is an industry-wide coalition to showcase the undeniable value that business meetings, trade shows, incentive travel, exhibitions, conferences and conventions bring to people, businesses and communities. By rallying industry advocates, working with stakeholders, conducting original research, engaging with outside voices and more, the coalition brings the industry together to emphasize its importance. Comprised of over 60 members, the coalition unites the meetings industry with one strong and powerful voice. For more information, visit www.MeetingsMeanBusiness.com.