"New Orleans turned out to be an outstanding venue for Pittcon 2008 in March. The Convention Center, French Quarter and downtown areas are in better condition than ever and the restaurants are excellent, as always. The assistance provided to us by the New Orleans Metropolitan Convention & Visitors Bureau, the Convention Center staff and the hotel staffs were wonderful. We had a great conference and exposition and can’t wait to go back."
- John A. Varine, Pittcon 2008 President, April 28, 2008
"Thank you for your assistance is making the NAEPC’s 44th Annual Conference a success! Our group of 330+ attendees had a wonderful time in the city and the CVB’s staff was essential in getting them the necessary information to do so! The materials that you provided us with were the perfect supplement to our registration materials."
--Eleanor M. Spuhler, Administrator, National Association of Estate Planners & Councils, December 3, 2007
"This is to recognize the New Orleans Convention & Visitors Bureau for a job well done during the Fuller Convention that took place from November 1st to November 5th in New Orleans. Our events are planned, and we work very hard to exceed our sales force expectations, and this time we did it! A good deal for this to happen, was due to the work that you, your team and all the people in the city did. Thank you all for making our stay in New Orleans a pleasant one, contributing to the great success of our convention. Be sure that if there is another opportunity to have an event around your country we will be thinking of you as our firsto. New Orleans is ready for the world."
-- Liliana Huergo, Event & Convention Manager, Fuller Cosmetics SA de CV, November 2007
"The [Circuit City Holiday Training Camp at the Hilton Riverside] went fabulous. In fact, we heard from our survey that this ranked as one of our top events. People rated the hotel 'excellent' and we heard such comments as 'very accessible space,' 'great customer service,' and 'nice rooms.' I thoroughly enjoyed working with the hotel staff. They were very professional, and went above and beyond to exceed our expectations. Both our CEO and COO commented that the site was great. We also heard that our community event was the 'best we have ever done.' I think people really liked being out in the community and feeling like they were making a difference. So overall, great event, and we would definitely return to New Orleans and to the Hilton."
--Darlene Blaum, Corporate Event Planning, Circuit City, October 25, 2007
"The International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), the world's oldest and largest association of law enforcement executives, just concluded a most successful annual conference in New Orleans just lastweek. The people of New Orleans rolled out the red carpet for more than 13,000 delegates, and we truly appreciate it.
The IACP is grateful to Superintendent Warren Riley and the New Orleans Police Department and Colonel Stanley Griffin and the Louisiana State Police for their support. We appreciate all of their assistance beforeand during the conference. We were very impressed with their professionalism and we truly enjoyed working with them. I would also like commend the staff of the New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau who worked with us every step of the way as we prepared for our annual conference.
Our thanks also go to the friendly, welcoming people we encountered in the city's superior restaurants, hotels, and taxicabs. Everyone had a wonderful time experiencing all the best that New Orleans has to offer. Thank you so much for making us feel right at home."
--Dan Rosenblatt, Executive Director, International Association of Chiefs of Police, October 24, 2007
"I would like to thank the New Orleans CVB for all your efforts that went into making the 2007 AALL Annual Meeting and Conference in New Orleans a successful one. We were uncertain what to expect from our membership when planning this meeting post-Katrina, but I was pleased with the response they showed us by attending this meeting in numbers that met our expectations. This would not have happened without your support and resources. You were with us every step of the way by keeping us informed and offering the marketing support that helped us sell New Orleans to our members. The New Orleans CVB has set a standard of service that should be an example for all CVBs. We have never experienced this level of involvement from a CVB before--and now I'm spoiled!"
--Pam Reisinger, CMP, Director of Meetings, American Association of Law Libraries, August 24, 2007
"This year's MERLOT Conference was a huge success with over 400 attendees from all over the world. I had many attendees tell me that this was their first MERLOT Conference and their first time in New Orleans and they plan to come back to the city when they have more time to spend.
We invited the University of New Orleans Jazz All Stars to play at two of our receptions and they were great! Our MERLOT Conference Community Work Day (CSD), Monday, August 6th at at John Dibert Elementary School was a huge success as well."
--Diane Didier, Louisiana Office of Information & Learning Technology/MERLOT Conference, August 2007
Bill Brewster, Vice President of Marketing, Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A., Inc., discusses his company's highly successful corporate meeting and New Orleans experience on "Winning in Business" hosted by Caliper's Herb Greenberg and Patrick Sweeney on WOR radio, New York, August 5, 2007 more...
“In April, 2007, we held our National Sales Meeting in New Orleans for the first time, and it truly proved to be a showcase for our employees. In addition to the wonderful food, music and history that abounds in today’s New Orleans, our employees were given a rare opportunity to enjoy a round of golf at a century-old course in the center of the city’s historic district, and to enjoy an authentic Cajun dinner in the midst of alligators, black bears and other swamp creatures. And for our many benevolent employees, there were numerous, safe options to make a real contribution to the rebuilding of America’s most unique city. In then end, our employees voted to make New Orleans an every-other-year location for our National Sales Meeting. As President, I found the city safe, fun and educational for our employees."
--Barry D. LeBlanc, President & CEO; Pamlab, LLC, June 25, 2007
"New Orleans has always been a favorite venue for the ACC Annual Scientific Session and our College leadership were proud to recommit and bring our annual meeting, the i2 Summit and our exposition back to the city in March 2007. The collaboration with the New Orleans Convention & Visitors Bureau, the Morial Convention Center, key major Airlines, city hotels and New Orleans authorities was second to none that I have ever experienced in any other city I have worked in. Because of this strong collaboration and regular visits to the city, I was able to report positively to the College leadership as our plans progressed, and to provide accurate and current information on the progress being made in the city.
We brought over 26,250 attendees and almost 400 exhibiting companies to New Orleans and by all accounts it really was business as usual! We launched many new educational formats and initiatives this year including live case transmissions from both within and outside the US, and all went flawlessly. The City did us proud and the people of New Orleans made us all feel very welcome -- I encourage other associations to return to New Orleans to feel part of the rebuilding of this US icon-- the spirit of New Orleans lives on! We are very glad we returned."
--Sue Sears Hamilton, Senior Director, Annual Scientific Session and i2 Summit, American College of Cardiology, April 30, 2007
"Thanks again for all your help in putting together what is being described as ISRI's best-ever convention. Our final attendance of 3,687 makes it easily the second largest convention in ISRI's history. The final night event at Mardi Gras World was nothing short of amazing. The food, provided by 9 of the city's best restaurants (plus one of the city's best caterers) was spectacular. I'm pleased to say that ISRI made sure that each was patronized by guests while in town that week. I personally ate at five of them. I truly appreciate all your help in marketing this convention to our members and hope that we have helped to reassure others that New Orleans is ready, willing and better able than ever before to host great conventions."
--Chuck Carr, Vice President - Member Services, Meetings, Marketing and Communications, Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries, Inc., April 27, 2007
"New Orleans always has served as a favorite location for us to host Anheuser-Busch's annual sales meetings, and we were proud to bring it back to the city in 2007. So many of those who attended commented on the warm welcome they received, and we all were impressed by the tremendous spirit of the people who showcased the best of New Orleans hospitality once again. With the chance to sample our beverages with new friends and old on Bourbon Street and beyond, a seemingly unlimited number of phenomenal Cajun, Creole and many other restaurants, and some of the best live music venues you will find, New Orleans truly offered a unique setting for our meetings. It remains a great American city - we look forward to our next visit." --Dave Callahan, Senior Manager-Corporate Event Services, CMP CMM Anheuser-Busch, March 2007
"I can’t underestimate how important Connect for Growth_2007, our dealer conference and product expo recently held in New Orleans, was for our company." --To read to this letter from Bill Brewster, vice president of marketing for Konica Minolta, in its entirety, click here.
New Orleans' apparent readiness to host major events got a ringing endorsement from Stephen Lieber, president of the Health Information and Management Systems Society, whose 24,000 conventioneers began arriving over the weekend for their annual conference, one of the biggest to convene here the hurricane. "We have not heard a single complaint about not having enough cabdrivers or enough people in the hotels or the restaurants didn't have enough help or anything like that," said Lieber, who has visited the city several times in the past year to prepare for the event. "All of the things that we who live elsewhere have heard -- and at times continue to hear about the city -- we knew from the multiple trips we made here, that they simply weren't true," he said. -- Quote from The Times Picayune, "Nagin declares Carnival a Huge Success" - February 27, 2007.
"Great meeting! Great week! Thanks for sending us to New Orleans. There was some early apprehension about going to this location. But, we all shared a different perspective after working with Habitat for Humanity on site and are proud of our company and fellow workers for making a difference."
"I thought that the week in New Orleans had a different feel than any of the other conventions that I had been to in the past in a good way."
"I had a great time and not only grew as a sales person but also grew as a member of society who cares about helping others."
--Whirlpool Corporation Employees, January 2007
"After attending MPI's 2007 PEC in New Orleans, I had to tell you that New Orleans should be very proud of a job well done! The city is exceptionally clean, professionally run and very friendly. I found the Convention Center to be a meeting planner's dream, and the hotels to be extremely accommodating and full of Southern Hospitality. This was, by far, the best MPI PEC to have taken place in a very long time, and I credit the city for making it happen. New Orleans exceeded all expectations and sent a clear message to everyone that it is ready for any and all, convention or leisure travel business. I know that in 2009, I will be very proud to bring my Annual Conference delegates to your city so they, too, can benefit from the fascinating culture, rich history and vibrant spirit found only in New Orleans. Keep up the great work!"
- Jane Matteson Mundell, CMP, Senior Meetings Professional, Association of Legal Administrators
"While there is clearly still a lot of work to be done to heal New Orleans, meeting attendees would never know there was a storm of such magnitude that hit this city, since the hotels, convention center and restaurants in the major tourist areas are fully functional and in great shape. The money generated by the meetings and travel industry is a tremendous component needed by New Orleans to return to economic health. The meetings industry has the power to make a difference, one meeting at a time."
--Terri Breining, CMP, CMM, Founder and CEO, Concepts Worldwide, Inc., Carlsbad, California, attendee of MPI 2007 PEC-North America Conference
America's largest trade association - The National Association of Realtors® - reconfirmed New Orleans for its 2006 annual meeting. Registration numbers of 24,000 - including record-breaking exhibitor participation - marked a 17% increase in attendance since its last gathering here in 2002. According to Tom Stevens, President of NAR, "New Orleans made a lot of promises. I can tell you that they kept all of their promises and then some. The city is ready and it's a great place for a convention."
"On behalf of all the REALTORS attending the Conference & Expo last week in New Orleans, THANK YOU and everyone in New Orleans who worked so hard to make NARdi Gras such a resounding success! The final count was 23,560 ...a 17% increase over our event in New Orleans in 2002. We also had a record number of exhibiting companies...651 companies. And thanks to your efforts, the City was prepared to welcome each and every one. The positive feedback has been tremendous...everyone saying how glad they were that we stayed in New Orleans. It was a truly inspiring experience! Whether they worked on a Volunteer Activity, or pumped dollars in the economy just by enjoying themselves, I think most members came away with a renewed appreciation for New Orleans and are committed to continuing efforts to help and draw attention to the needs in the Gulf Region. Thanks again for making our 2006 REALTORS Conference & Expo one of the most memorable ever!"
-- Sue Gourley, Vice President, Conventions, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS(R), November 2006
"I am a Realtor from Cincinnati, Ohio and have to say that your City of New Orleans is to be commended for the extraordinary job your City did to host and welcome the National Association of Realtors (R) Convention. Given the circumstances of this past year, New Orleans of the past will pale to its future as a tourism city. Our meal at Brigtsen's Restaurant was wonderful but Sunday Brunch at Commander's Palace was better than any of my previous great occasions/celebrations at this world class restaurant. Regards and appreciation."
-- Earl C. Hatt, Comey & Shepherd Realtors, November 2006
"My wife and I worked with the Rebuilding Together group. We spent all day scraping, priming and painting two coats of paint on the home of an elderly couple. Thanks to efforts prior to NAR's arrival the interior had already been made livable. These folks were appreciative beyond words. They are one of only about four families that have returned on their whole street. On a side note, everyone we met in New Orleans wanted us to thank everyone from NAR and the vendors for coming and to tell everyone back home that they are open for business and to come down. I'd like to thank those who put together this program for helping while we were there, working on that home with 16 others was the best time we have ever spent, along with the smile on the homeowner's face being something we will never forget. If anyone has the time, there are groups there that will house and feed anyone that can get there to help, we are thinking of taking our grandchildren down for a week to help."
--Bob Jeans, NAR attendee, November 2006
"The NAR convention exceeded my expectations with great sessions and classes and the chance to give what I could to New Orleans. I started my first two days, the 8th and 9th, with Habitat for Humanity at Musician's Village, building wall frames with Realtors and Executives from PA, MA and VT but also from the rest of the country. The build was very organized and picked up momentum as the wall parts were getting more familiar to nail together. A few of the brightly colored homes built were just being occupied by displaced families, also there to help rebuild other homes. Making new friends throughout the week was only a plus. New Orleans has a strong cultural base, very similar to my home town and that culture surfaces through the people that I've met, from the cabbies, bus drivers to the wait staff and people in the street who were so appreciative that the Realtors were there. There is a lot more to do and only time, money and continued volunteer support will pull the city out of the "mud". This was my first trip to New Orleans and certainly it will not be my last."
--Lawrence Endrina, NAR attendee, November 2006
"This was my first NAR convention. I decided to attend so I could give back a little of myself to the people who have suffered so much. I was so proud of the REALTORS and what we were able to accomplish! What a wonderful experience!"
--Leslie Heath, NAR attendee, November 2006
"This my first time to a NAR convention and the first time in the birth place of my parents and their family. It was experience I won't soon to forget. A good time was had by all, including the volunteers and the faculty in painting the De La Salle High School. I can't believe the amount of work that was done in so little time. None of the volunteers wanted to leave including myself. We wanted to just keep going! In doing so, I was the last to get on the bus. After mentionioning our work at the school to my relatives who still live in New Orleans and to the many cab drivers, they couldn't stop thanking me and the rest of the Realtors for our efforts. A few had attended De La Salle High School. The spirit of the people of New Orleans is extrodinary... to have gone through so much devastation and loss and still have a smile on their face and a hug for all visitors was amazing. Thank you NAR for offering me the opportunity to make a difference and I believe we all did."
--Carole Fisher, NAR attendee, November 2006
"This was my first time attending the NAR Conference. I decided to go over the weekend. I bought my plane tickets on Monday and left on Wednesday. I have to say I never understood the importance of attending until now. The benefits of Networking with so many Realtors in one place was amazing. The speakers and education classes were excellent. I have to give Women's Council of Realtors credit, for it was their members (Joyce Neusbaum, Lee Mrazek, BJ Swineheart and Roma Edmonds) that encouraged me to attend. I am so thankful that I did and will continue to show my support of NAR and everything our organization stands for. The people of New Orleans were so appreciative of us being there. Countless times I was thanked for being there and spending money at the local shops and resturants. Thank you NAR for choosing to hold our convention in New Orleans!"
--Heather Hajek, NAR attendee, November 2006
"The Association of Small Foundations could not have been more pleased to hold our biennial National Conference in New Orleans. Within a few weeks of Hurricane Katrina, we committed to coming to New Orleans, not knowing how many of our members would come or what the city would be like. We asked members to come to New Orleans to support a great city, learn how your citizens are dealing with adversity, and to enjoy the wonderful sights and sounds of New Orleans. 600 of them came!! We were treated like royalty by the local grantmakers and nonprofits. Our members spent time in the community housing projects, schools, and much more. Everywhere we went, people were welcoming and gracious. New Orleans is truly a wonderful place to visit, with warm people, good food, great music, and lots to come back for. I want to especially thank the New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau for making so many connections for us. This was truly a remarkable conference thanks to our decision to come to New Orleans."
--Deborah Brody Hamilton, Director of Member Services, Association of Small Foundations, November 8, 2006
"What a fabulous experience we had in New Orleans last week! On behalf of the officers and members of the American Society of Human Genetics, I would like to thank you and all the staff at the New Orleans Convention & Visitors Bureau for all your support in conjunction with the 56th ASHG Annual Meeting held at the Ernest N. Morial Morial Convention Center, October 9-13. We are certainly glad we made the commitment to remain in the City! The CVB staf was wonderful throughout the planning process as well as on-site. Our questions and concerns were handled professionally and promptly. The meeting was a huge success with close to 3,800 scientists and 1,000 exhibitors in attendance. Our attendees certainly appreciated the special "welcome" from the CVB staff on the first day! Overall, New Orleans served as an excellent location for our attendees and we look forward to perhaps booking future meetings with the city. Thank you again for helping make the 56th ASHG meeting a great success."
---Pauline Minhinnett, CMP, Senior Meetings Manager, FASEB Office of Scientific Meetings and Conferences
"Best Damn Sports Show Period had such a wonderful time bringing the show to New Orleans, FSN hopes for the opportunity to do it again. The trip had something for everyone -- from the great shopping on Magazine Street to the unique bohemian vibe of Faubourg Marigny. The inventive Creole and Cajun dishes are unmatched anywhere else in the country and of course, Bourbon Street is back to hosting its one-of-a-kind, non-stop party. It was great to see the city's successful rebirth and even more pleasurable to be a small part of it."
--- Justin Simon, Media Relations Director, Fox Sports Network, October 9, 2006
"Along with about 200 of my colleagues in Delta Sales and Distribution, I recently spent four days at a conference in New Orleans. I am extremely happy to report that the French Quarter and downtown business areas are up and running full steam. Hotels, restaurants, bars, music and conference facilities are all intact and open - now all they need are for customers to return. As part of our Delta conference, we all spent a day in community service working with Habitat for Humanity, which is building housing in one of the hardest hit neighborhoods, the 9th Ward. The experience was sobering, of course, but felt very safe and rewarding. I spent the day nailing baseboards into a house that was going to be occupied by a musician's family and it felt so good to give back in even a small way. I encourage you to consider New Orleans as a location for some of your small meetings. We stayed at the Royal Sonesta Hotel right on Bourbon Street in the French Quarter. The hotel was very lovely with great service, and gave us an excellent rate. If you do plan a meeting in New Orleans, it would be a worthwhile thing to consider including a day of community service while your people are there to lend a hand." -- Dana K. Hill, Corporate Sales Account
-Executive, Delta Air Lines/ SFO, October 2, 2006
"On behalf of the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America, please accept our great appreciation for hosting such a wonderfully successful event in New Orleans last week for our National Board of Directors and other affiliated groups. The progress happening in the city right now is amazing compared to only six months ago when my association president, Bill Stiglitz, and I visited to confirm that the city would be ready to host groups. We saw many positive things in February with rebuilding the city's downtown infrastructure and heard from many restaurateurs and business owners that they would be returning. Much of what was promised by these people was delivered. That kind of action backing up statements like that speaks volumes to the loyalty and commitment of the business community to come back in full force and even better than before.
It is said that what does not kill you will make you stronger. It appears that this is what is happening in New Orleans right now and it is encouraging. Over 240 members of the IIABA board along with their spouses and several insurance company supporters participated in the Habitat for Humanity project at the Musicians' Village. I've already gotten 240 commitments - PLUS MORE - to come back in 2009 to see the finished village area and to volunteer for another project. Thanks!
-- Jeffrey A. Etzkin, Vice President, Events & International Memberships, Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America, September 13, 2006
"We attribute our steadfast confidence in New Orleans to the clear synergy and spirit of cooperation between the staffs of the Convention & Visitors Bureau, the Morial Convention Center and the hotels. We greatly appreciate your ongoing communication over the past nine months, while you coped with the difficult recovery from Hurricane Katrina. As a result of the regular reports, we were able to provide our Board of Directors and members with quality and detailed information about the progress that was being made in New Orleans and the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. To put it simply, everyone in New Orleans--your staff, the employees at the local restaurants, and citizens--made us feel very welcome. We were very happy to select your gracious city for our annual conference four years ago, but we were very proud to be the first major conference to occur in New Orleans since Hurricane Katrina. You're back and we're happy to have been there!"
--Adrianne Carolla, CAE, Executive Director, Air & Waste Management Association, June 28, 2006
“My company, Securities America Inc. of Omaha, Neb., recently held our annual National Educational Conference at the New Orleans Riverside Hilton. More than 850 financial planners, guests and exhibitors attended this four day event. All of our attendees said New Orleans surpassed all expectations for a grand conference. We would like to thank the staff of the Hilton and all the people of New Orleans for making our annual event one of our best ever. We recommend New Orleans as a conference host to any business or organization. “ - Kirk J. Hulett, Senior Vice President, Securities America Inc., July 16, 2006
"Let me tell you: Your city lived up to every word you said! The folks at the hotel bent over backwards, not just with service, but in making an effort to be personal! At the French Quarter, officers were everywhere, helpful and friendly! The restaurants were thrilled to have us. The waitress at one was so grateful she hugged and thanked everyone of us when our group left! Good luck to the city of New Orleans! You have truly earned it."
Richard Vogel, Executive Director Eagle Club, Southern Miss Athletics, July 17, 2006
(Richard Vogel attended the 2006 American Association of Colligate Directors of Athletics conference).
In June 2006, the American Library Association made a bold move in becoming the first citywide meeting to return to New Orleans with 17,000 delegates. ALA's due diligence and strategic partnership with the CVB paid off with one of the most memorable meetings in the association's history. "One of the most amazing aspects of this conference has been the opportunity to spend time working shoulder to shoulder with our library colleagues and others working to ensure our public, school and academic libraries are restored to the people of New Orleans," said ALA President Leslie Burger. "I also have never felt so welcomed to a city. It's true there is no other place like New Orleans, and I hope many conventions and visitors will come soon to enjoy all the city has to offer."
VIDEO TESTIMONIALS:
Avaya Communications, October 7-13, 2006.
Society of Exploration Geophysicists, October 1-6, 2006.
Christine Duffy, President and CEO of Maritz Travel, during the Maritz Global Sales Conference community service project in New Orleans City Park, May 2006:
Deidre Ross, CMP, Director of Conference Services for the American Library Association, during the first citywide meeting to return to New Orleans, June 2006:
Smith Bucklin Senior Vice President Lise Pockorius on the benefits of hosting meetings in New Orleans, June 2006:
Smith Bucklin Senior Director Cele Fogarty on the spirit of the New Orleans hospitality industry:
Michael Gorman, President of the American Library Association, June 2006:
Some of the 17,000 attendees of the American Library Association 2006 conference speak about their experience in New Orleans and the Ernest Morial Convention Center:
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