Convention Facilities

One of the true icons of the convention and meetings industry, the New Orleans Morial Convention Center is regularly chosen as a key anchor in the rotation of major association and corporate meetings and has become a  tremendously popular location for mid- and small-size conventions and meetings as well. 

Following a well-received response to a $60 million makeover in 2006, the New Orleans Morial Convention Center recently completed another round of upgrades to the revered facility. Over $7 million in improvements include: extensive landscaping, new digital large-screen audio/video information systems and furniture pods in the pre-function areas.

More enhancements to the facility, totaling $12 million, are planned for 2009. The next phase of improvements will focus on ballroom renovation, way-finding upgrades, a plush new executive lounge for a hotel-like feel and technology (by establishing a 10 GIG internet backbone facility-wide).

In addition to physical enhancements, the Center has also instituted an ambassador program dubbed “Fleur de Lis.” Attired in unmistakable purple blazers, Fleur de Lis will greet convention goers at every entrance in traditional New Orleans style.

The Center is hosting a full 2009 line up, with 84 major conventions, tradeshows and events bringing nearly 667,000 attendees to the city.

For the Convention Center's most recent press release, please click here.
 
Meetings, conventions and special events have a number of other distinct non-hotel convention facilities currently available, including the world-renowned Louisiana Superdome, New Orleans Arena, Pontchartrain Center, and Mahalia Jackson Theater.  With such fabulous and flexible choices, you are guaranteed to find the perfect venue for your successful event. 

Accommodations & Hotel Meeting Facilities

Looking for a world class corporate hotel? A Carribean-influenced boutique property? A mid-size with European flair, French Quarter courtyards and lush balconies? A city-wide complement of 60 hotels of different sizes and price points? An ultra-luxury environment? A family atmosphere?

New Orleans offers an abundance of great choices throughout every part of the city. There are more than 33,000 hotel rooms open and welcoming guests in New Orleans, ranging from quaint bed and breakfasts to elegantly appointed high-rises.  Almost 90 percent of those rooms are conveniently located in the beautiful, very walkable downtown area; but every corner of the city offers unique character and benefits.

The meeting, convention and event spaces inside are just as diverse as the hotels that house them.  Choose from superbly designed hotel ballrooms, breakout rooms of every size, ample yet flexible exhibit space, elegant board rooms, high-tech corporate facilities or unique subtropical venues; wherever you hold your event, you and your clients will know they are somewhere special. 

And the food and beverage departments of our hotels are the envy of the nation; they do, after all, make up part of the finest restaurant community on the planet. Enjoying a memorable meal at a New Orleans hotel, you will no doubt think you are in a five star restaurant (and in some cases, you actually will be).

For mega-meetings, the New Orleans CVB convention staff can help you put together housing packages that include three, four or more hotels, all convenient for your delegates and affordable for their budgets. For smaller affairs, there is no city that offers more diversity, flexibility and sublime service.  Your event can be whatever you want it to be in the Crescent City.

Also, Tara Letort, Director of Group Communications & Public Relations, provides confirmed groups with customized marketing plans to bolster attendance. Click here to view the 2009 Marketing Menu.

Unique Venues & Special Event Facilities
These uniquely New Orleans venues can help bolster your conference attendance and serve as a reward to those who have helped make your meeting a success. They can also offer the perfect environment in which to wrap the goals and objectives of your meeting while allowing attendees to enjoy the New Orleans experience.