Introduction

The succesful planning and execution of conventions and meetings is a complex and daunting task under perfect conditions. Association and corporate planners depend upon solid strategic planning, effective systems and processes well designed and smoothly executed, and sterling communication internally and externally with no breakdowns.

When the normal complexities of meeting management and execution are impacted by emergency situations due to weather, natural disasters, acts of terrorism, or other unanticipated catastrophes, it is more important than ever that effective, well thought out emergency plans and communication systems are in place and providing guidance to all partners.

The safety and well-being of every visitor to New Orleans is of utmost importance during times of crisis, and the Convention and Visitors Bureau, the City of New Orleans, and the state and city offices of emergency preparedness continue to monitor, evaluate and outline specific emergency strategies for immediate implementation to ensure the security of every visitor and local alike.

In the event of a crisis, the NOMCVB Rapid Response Team, a group of executive staff with significant emergency experience (including the NOMCVB CEO and NOMCVB senior operations officers), come together and establish constant emergency communications with city and state officials, hotel general managers, restaurant owners, meeting vendors, convention center officials and staff to ensure a smooth transition through each phase of the emergency plan.

New Orleans Tourism Crisis Management Plan

Crises do not discriminate based on location or timing, and they can hit when a city least expects them; as such, the City of New Orleans has developed a unified plan, which establishes communications protocols to ensure that every visitor to New Orleans as well as hospitality communicators are familiar with emergency procedures and their individual roles.

This plan, along with diligent and thorough preparation with an emphasis on safety, will assist visitors and community members in responding appropriately to emergencies. The convention center’s plan for dealing with emergencies is included in this program, and covers a number of different types of emergency situations, such as: fire, structural damage, hurricane, flood, tornado, power outages, medical emergencies, bomb and terrorist threats.

The goal of the New Orleans Tourism Crisis Management Plan is to ensure the safety and well being of all visitors and to provide accurate information and visible leadership in a timely fashion. This plan defines prescribed communication protocols, which are in place to mitigate potentially damaging issues that can affect you and the city's long-term image, credibility and public relations.

The City of New Orleans and State of Louisiana have a unified emergency communications plan to ensure the timely flow of information across the region in emergency situations. The New Orleans tourism industry has joined with the Mayor and Governor to provide information they require to conduct a fully integrated Crisis Management Program for the City and the State.

This document presents a comprehensive and effective citywide emergency communications plan for the Greater New Orleans tourism industry. The individual emergency plans included in this plan for New Orleans tourism entities support the City and State Crisis Management Plan and are in line with the entire regional tourism industry.

The New Orleans Metropolitan Convention and Visitors Bureau (NOMCVB) is the only agency in New Orleans in day-to-day touch with the full spectrum of tourism industry participants on a local, national and international basis, including: NOMCVB members and industry-related professionals; other industry agencies; community, business and government organizations and leaders; corporate and association travel markets; group and individual leisure travel markets; and relevant media.

The NOMCVB serves as the nexus of all data inputs and outputs necessary to effectively organize and disseminate accurate, timely and necessary information to the hospitality community and all visitors. This document is made available to meeting planners, convention attendees, travel professionals and guests to New Orleans to ensure they are equipped with the knowledge to make informed decisions and to be assured that their safety and well-being is of utmost importance.

Click here to download a copy of the Tourism Crisis Communication Plan

New Orleans Hotels and Lodging Visitor Evacuation Plan

Conv Center Emergency Preparedness Plan

SAFETY TIPS AND FAQs

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