What Our Clients Say
American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, December 2011
The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists held the 46th Midyear Clinical Meeting and Exhibition in New Orleans, December 4-8, 2011. It was a long awaited return to the Big Easy, and we had one of the most well attended Midyear meetings, with over 19,500 total attendees! We felt very welcomed by the City, and we were extremely grateful for the level of service and dedication we received from start to finish from the CVB, Convention Center, and hotel community! It was a true partnership that definitely helped contribute to the overall success of the meeting. We lookforward to returning in 2015!-Fran Lappin Byrnes, Director, Conference and Convention Planning, American Society of Health-System Pharmacists
The Conference Group, Inc., February 2011
It was so good to be back in New Orleans! We enjoyed it immensely, and even though we had to work, we managed to get to several of our favorite restaurants and some new ones, too: Mothers, Palace Café, Rambla, Daisy Dukes! Our participants really love the City; it's so easy to walk and the dining options are endless. The Sheraton staff was wonderful and great to work with, and the registration assistant we had from the CVB was superb and a huge help! We are looking forward to being back in New Orleans soon. Thanks again.
-Joanie Purvis, Conference Coordinator
American Association of Community Colleges, April 2011
New Orleans is home to me so it was great to be able to bring America's Community Colleges to my hometown. The city did a fabulous job of making sure that our needs were met before, during and after our meeting. The New Orleans Morial Convention Center and the Hilton New Orleans Riverside staff showed our attendees what true hospitality is all about. We had the good fortune of being able to hire local entertainment and musicians, including Trombone Shorty & Orleans AvenueTM; and I must say, what a treat! Our attendance was stronger than it has been in a number of years and staff is saying we must go back and soon. Kudos and much appreciation to the City of New Orleans for making our meeting a great success!
- Tavia S. Cummings, Director of Meeting and Convention and Association Secretary
American Counseling Association (ACA), April 2011
More than 4,300 professional counselors convened in New Orleans for our 2011 Annual Conference. We received rave reviews from our attendees ...they were thrilled to be in the Big Easy, and was overly pleased with the site, hotels, restaurants and all that New Orleans has to offer. The conference was huge success...our attendance was up 20%, the highest in 10 years!!! Thanks to the N.O. CVB and the New Orleans Morial Convention Center for their contributions to the success of the conference...what a great team!
- Robin Hayes, Director of Conference & Meetings
American Physical Therapy Association, March 2011
Once again the city of New Orleans has helped the American Physical Therapy Association deliver an exceptional attendee experience. We achieved record breaking numbers both in terms of attendance and exhibits. New Orleans never fails to impress!
- Allison McIntyre, Director, Meeting Services
International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans, February 2011
The NOVCB marketing tools presented to conference organizers are a great resource to find copy and links to promote our conference city! What a tremendous time-saver.
- Ann Godsell
Produce Marketing Association, February 2011
New Orleans has always been a great draw for the Produce Marketing Association and its more than 18,000 attendees, which is only one of the reasons we've chosen to add the city to our permanent rotation. Fresh Summit, PMA's annual convention and exposition, gets better every year and attendance continues to improve year over year, which we anticipate will continue in New Orleans. The cultural, historical, entertainment and gastronomical options for exhibitors and attendees are seemingly endless.
- Kent Allaway
American Mathematical Society, February 2011
The mathematicians returned to New Orleans in January 2011 for the annual Joint Mathematics Meetings. This was the third time that this meeting took place here and like the others, this meeting had record breaking attendance---5985 attendees for 2011! We heard numerous accolades about the great program and this exciting city. The attendees clearly enjoyed the ambiance of the city, the food and the wonderful French Quarter. Everyone had a wonderful time. So thank you for the wonderful hospitality which is why I believe people love to come to New Orleans. I can't wait to come back!
- Penny Pina, CMP, Director of Meetings & Conferences
International Association for Exhibitions and Events (IAEE), December 2010
We have far exceeded expectations for this year's meeting in terms of attendance, sponsorship revenue and show floor participation. The exhibitions and events industry is certainly doing its part to push through this economic recovery period and, based on what we saw in New Orleans, is optimistic about its future. We attribute a great deal of the success we enjoyed to the outstanding support and work of Stephen Perry and his staff at the New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau.
- Steven Hacker, President
American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists (AAPS), November 2010
The 2010 FIP PSWC/AAPS Annual Meeting & Exposition was a success in the eyes of AAPS, FIP and the 44 other organizations who co-sponsored the meeting. Although our attendees came for the science, they also came because they love New Orleans. They enjoyed the ambiance of the city, the food and the wonderful French Quarter. Our attendees had a wonderful time. This is the first time we left a meeting with no complaints. We believe that is due to the great hospitality they received in New Orleans.
- Sharon Pichon, Director of Meetings, Expositions & Association Relations
American Society for Microbiology, November 2010
I would like to thank you for all your help and hospitality. Everything was so well organized and I know our president couldn't have been happier. You and your team have gone above and beyond the call and it hasn't gone unnoticed. I feel sorry for the CVB Marketing team we will be working with next year ...going to be a tough act to follow.
- Gregg McGrath, Marketing Manager
Water Environment Federation, November 2010
I really appreciate all of your help before, during and after conference. I have had assistance in other host cities but you have definitely taken it to a different level. I'm very impressed.
- Lori Harrison, Director, Public Information
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, October 2010
The New Orleans Convention & Visitors Bureau is undeniably among the best in the country. Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., held our 50th National Convention July 29-Aug. 4, 2010, in New Orleans. Our public service organization had more than 15,000 people in attendance. The CVB worked closely with our staff to make sure our sorority members and guests felt welcome in every part of the city-from the fabulous restaurants and stores to the convention center and the hotels we occupied. Also, the CVB dedicated its time and resources to helping our public relations team reach out to the local media. That's a service few convention and visitors bureaus provide. Our sorority members are still talking about the great time they had in New Orleans. They can't wait to return!
- Cynthia M. A. Butler-McIntyre, National President
Water Environment Federation, October 2010
We could not be more pleased with our conference week here in New Orleans. The convention center, the hoteliers and the hospitality community at large literally rolled out the red carpet. Our exhibition is a record breaker; our attendance is right on the money as anticipated, and look at this weather, what a beautiful week, our attendees loved it! New Orleans is the consummate convention host city and we could not have asked for a better preamble to our return in October 2012.
- Tim Ricker, Chief Operating Officer
National Association of REALTORS®, October 2010
20,000 REALTORS® and guests from across the nation and the world will visit New Orleans, November 5-8, to learn about changing issues affecting the real estate industry. REALTORS® are looking forward to coming back to New Orleans for NARdiGras 2010.
- Sue Gourley, VP Conventions
College and University Professional Association for Human Resources, October 2010
The Hilton staff was excellent, attentive to our needs and made us feel very welcome. The meeting space worked very well for us and the hotel rooms were also very nice. It was obviously that they had been recently updated. We also appreciate the help that the CVB and others provided to make the event even more special. Our attendees enjoyed the conference and the conference location.
- Andy Brantley, President and Chief Executive Officer
U.S. Small Business Administration, August 2010
The New Orleans CVB has an "AWESOME" staff!
- Loretta B. Poree, Public Information Officer
NACS, July 2010
It's great to see that New Orleans is back and better than ever! Our NACStech attendees thoroughly enjoyed themselves in the city. And in addition to everything the city has to offer attendees, I was also impressed by the commitment and level of service the New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau provided to us. They truly enhanced our marketing campaign by collaborating on digital communications, ads, banners and other marketing materials. They really went above and beyond the call of duty to make sure that our event was a success.
- Stephanie L. Robert, Director, Event Marketing and Communications
NISSCO RDG, June 2010
I believe the NOCVB is one of the best in the country.
- Christine Richardson
American Thoracic Society, May 2010
The American Thoracic Society convened in New Orleans May 14-19, 2010 with 14,000 attendees from 75 countries. It was the same New Orleans that we always known and loved. From the way that the media portrayed it, you would think that there was oil in the French Quarter...but that's not the case at all. New Orleans is so far inland and not directly on the coastline, you would never even know that there was an environmental catastrophe going on in the Gulf. We had one of the most successful meetings we've ever had, we enjoyed the seafood at some of the best restaurants and the meeting space looked better than ever. We love coming to New Orleans because you couldn't ask for a better group of hospitality professionals and it's a great place to do business while offering your attendees so much to do after the meeting. Can't wait until we can come back!
- Deborah Richardt
APA Meetings and Conventions Department, May 2010
The American Psychiatric Association recently concluded a very successful meeting in New Orleans. With 12,000 in attendance, the city performed at its best. Of course you can always count on the fabulous food, music, sights and sounds of the city. It's so alive, if you can have fun there, you can't have fun anywhere! The entire city was ready for APA and with their usual hospitality, made each attendee feel welcome. From the taxi drivers, to the hotel staff, to the convention center team, each performed at 110%. It's a great walking city so our attendees walked to and from their hotels to the Convention Center every day. The Center has never looked better, even fresh flowers in the rest rooms! Now that might not make or break a convention, but it's certainly an example of their efforts to make the building inviting. We had over 500 sessions and individual meetings in the Center and seven hotels. We utilized 42 hotels for our room block. As you can see, we were all over the place. I can assure you New Orleans is ready to welcome your group as well.
- Cathy L. Nash, CMP, Director
AEGON Financial Partners, May 2010
I plan over 80 meetings a year throughout the country and I always work with the CVB on my initial site visit and then throughout the planning process. Never have I worked with a CVB that offered so many high quality marketing materials!
- Amy Ingalls
CoreNet Global, April 2010
Our recent event in New Orleans was a fantastic success. Our members enjoyed the food and entertainment in this great city and the colleagues at the Convention and Visitors Bureau were a real pleasure to work with.
- Linda DeMars, VP, Global Summits
CoreNet Global, April 2010
Our New Orleans Summit was a great success and it was wonderful working with everyone at the Convention Center and in the city of New Orleans! Hope we get to come back to New Orleans in the not too distant future!
- Charlotte Coleman, Global Summits
Alliance of Independent Academic Medical Centers, April 2010
Members of the Alliance of Independent Academic Medical Centers truly enjoyed the city of New Orleans! Service at the Loews Hotel, our meeting site, was absolutely superb. We enjoyed an off-site dinner at the Aquarium, and our members had a great time taking in the exhibits and enjoying the delicious food. New Orleans is such an inviting and easy city to explore. Our guests really appreciated the ability to take quick and easily-navigated walking tours during meeting breaks. The people of New Orleans genuinely welcomed us, were happy to share our company and made our stay one that we will remember for years to come!
- Kimberly Pierce-Boggs, Executive Director
Torchmark Corporation Travel Department, April 2010
New Orleans....It's back and it's better than ever!!!! I have recently held two corporate meetings in NOLA and was very excited to see how great the city looked; the enthusiasm of the residents; and the general excitement that was once a New Orleans staple; is thriving once again.
The service at The Roosevelt was impeccable as one would expect, but the staff seemed to go above and beyond their assigned duties in order to insure that all my attendees experienced a positive and memorable trip to their city! And what can be said about that FINE Cajun food both in The Roosevelt and in your many outstanding restaurants other than...YUM!! I was looking for my Cajun fix and I found it!
I can't say enough about how great it was to experience N.O. like she should be experienced!!! Kudos to the New Orleans residents for returning your city to one of the world's best playgrounds and historical wonderments!
- Donita Jacobs, Assistant Vice-President
CoreNet Global, April 2010
I think you should package your (marketing and) promotional ideas for all other CVB's. What a great set of tools!
- Emily Horton, Marketing Communications Manager
American Thoracic Society, March 2010 (preparing for the ATS Convention, May 2010)
I think the New Orleans CVB is doing a phenomenal job.
- Brian Kell, Senior Director of Communications and Marketing
Junior Volleyball Director Association, April 2010
This is the most comprehensive list of services I have seen from any CVB! Outstanding!
- Jenny Hahn, Executive Director (for Allstate Sugar Bowl Global Volleyball Challenge, April 2010)
National Event, AARP, January 2010
You guys are setting the bar high for other cities.
- Jason Weinstein, Senior Manager (after discussing marketing and attendance-building tools during site visit for 2012 National Event & Expo)
Teachers of English To Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL), December 2009
If you haven't been to New Orleans recently, you haven't been to New Orleans.
- Lisa L. Dyson, CMP, Director of Conference Services (after site visit for 2011 Annual Convention)
CityMatCH at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, August 2009
CityMatCH's conference this year was possible because we chose New Orleans and because New Orleans opened their arms to our CityMatCH family. THANK YOU for all of your service from site visit to live event. We had an awesome time in your wonderful city!
Choosing New Orleans to host our annual meeting was the best decision we could have made. Our guests were delighted to travel to NOLA and experience all it had to offer. The city is back! And we were delighted to enjoy its many offerings for our guests and their families. We were especially pleased by the service we received from the CVB; it was the best sight visit to a location we have ever been on...other cities have much to live up to after our New Orleans experience.
- Kathleen Brandert, MPH, CHES, Education and Training Manager
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, July 2009
I want to thank you for all that you did in sparking news coverage of the ELCA Youth Gathering. And, please, extend my thanks to everyone there in the bureau. It seemed to be a wonderful team effort. I met folks every time I turned around. New Orleans did a very smart thing by investing in its Convention and Visitors Bureau and assembling a crack team of people who really know what they're doing. Thanks again.
- Frank Imhoff, Associate Director for News
Society for Human Resource Management, July 2009
Thank you so much for all your support during the planning and execution of the 2009 SHRM Annual Conference and Exposition. It was an extremely successful event in spite of the economic pressures that resulted in a drop in our attendance numbers.
I even managed to have a great time during the meeting and that's really because it went so smoothly. The Convention Center team did a terrific job and the hospitality demonstrated at all the hotels and restaurants was great. I also appreciated the visible police presence which went a long way toward making our members feel very safe in the city.
Everyone on your team was so gracious and helpful to us and more importantly to our members and exhibitors. We look forward to returning in 2010 for our Diversity Conference.
- Lisa Block, Director, Meetings and Conferences
American Association of Blood Banks, July 2009
As a meeting planner, I was so impressed with how well all of the logistics went during my visit to New Orleans for Jazz Fest. In particular, the shuttle. Hotard did a phenomenal job. We didn't wait in a line coming or going. Also, I was very happy to see the city packed with tourists and meeting attendees. Everywhere everyone was busy. The Quarter was alive and jumpin', people were on the streets, it was great to see.
- Shelley Cohen Renn, Director of Meetings and Programs
American Diabetes Association, June 2009
New Orleans provided a fantastic venue for our recent meeting, the American Diabetes Association's 69th Scientific Sessions. The Morial Convention Center is a great venue for our event - with plenty of large meeting rooms, (and small ones for offices), in a convenient layout. We felt the hospitality of the city and it's residents from the moment our people arrived at the airport with a Brass Band welcoming them, to the greeters at the convention center, and every time you got in a cab or went to eat - we were thanked for coming to the city and for our support of the city.
- Germaine Schaefer, Director, Convention Operations
Association of Government Accountants, June 2009
New Orleans was a great place to have a meeting. This city has so much to offer... there's dining, shopping, tours, music and so much more! The CVB and the hotel community really came together to make our conference unforgettable. Our attendees had a great time and can't wait to go back. Thanks for everything!
- Ada Phillips, Director of Meetings
Riddle & Associates, CLEAN Show Management, June 2009
Everything about New Orleans was great when we held the World Educational Congress for Laundering and Drycleaning (Clean Show) in June 2009. Our show is an extensive user of utilities - electricity, water, steam, drains - and Morial Convention Center did an outstanding job of providing these. The exceptional pre-show planning and communication between NOMCVB, MCC, the general contractor and other local subcontractors gave us the easiest move in, and the easiest show, we have ever produced. Hotels were understanding of unusual situations and wonderful to work with. Our trade show was as flawless as a trade show can be, and all involved deserve accolades.
- John H. Riddle, President
Coin Laundry Association, CLEAN show, June 2009
The show was a huge success for CLA. We had great attendance at our educational seminars; our Mardi Gras party at the Astor was oversold at nearly 500 people and we had to turn people away - Paul Sanchez and the Rolling Road Show was great local entertainment; our exhibitors were very happy with the quality of the attendees; and our Habitat for Humanity project in New Orleans East was very rewarding for all of us. All told, a great CLEAN show in New Orleans.
- Brian R. Wallace, President and CEO
Law School Admission Council, May 2009
We had an amazing event in New Orleans! The first annual Electronic Services Conference (ESCon) was held in April 2009, and our attendance was nearly double what we expected. New Orleans proved to be a big draw for our group, which we learned when our attendees extended their stays to see more of the city. From site selection through the event process, the CVB partnered with us to make sure we had everything we needed. We felt that our business was valued and appreciated. On the evaluations, attendees reported that they loved being in a city where no car is needed, and that they were in such close proximity to a large number of attractions. We hope to be back soon!
- Gayle Patterson, CMP, Coordinator-Forums and Meetings
Microsoft Corporation, March 2009
We wanted to express our gratitude again for hosting our Convergence 2009 event in March! The event was an overwhelming success, and a large part of that was due to the partnership with New Orleans. I can't tell you how many comments we have heard from our attendees about how accommodating and hospitable both the Convention Center staff and local hotel & restaurant staff were. And the opportunity that we provided to our attendees to volunteer in the community with Habitat for Humanity prior to the event's start proved to be an incredibly rewarding experience for participants and made their overall experience in the city so much more meaningful. We look forward to being able to return to New Orleans again in the future!
- Gina Broel, CMP, Sr. Event Marketing Manager
The Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology, 2009 Annual Meeting, April 2009
I wanted to thank you for helping promote our conference. You run a most efficient operation which is perhaps the best that we've experienced in all the cities where we have had conferences.
- Clif Boutelle
Meetings Industry Consulting, Improving Meetings & Conventions, April 2009
Working with the City of New Orleans and the New Orleans Morial Convention Center was one of the best meeting management experiences in my 25 years as a meeting planner. The staff at NOCVB and NOMCC were outstanding! I have never had such service and "can do" attitudes from everyone in the city and the center! I worked very closely with engineers, electricians and internet providers/installers in the Center - they strategized with me to provide solutions that exceeded my expectations. These are not sales people - these are the actual line workers that spent time with me to discuss what I envisioned and then came up with suggestions to make it happen - all the while with the friendliest and most customer-service oriented attitudes that I have ever experienced! This is definitely not the "norm" when working in a convention center - it was amazing to me the time and effort they spent to make sure my expectations were met and exceeded.
I highly recommend New Orleans as a meeting/convention destination and the NOMCC as a venue! The teams they have at both the center and the bureau are outstanding and your every need and expectation will definitely be exceeded! Our meeting was stellar in every way, due in large part to the hospitality teams in New Orleans!"
- Vicky A. Betzig, CMP, President/Owner
