Hot News

New Orleans—This summer’s oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico has nearly eliminated any positive news about the hospitality and meetings industry in the region. Leave it to the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center to counter that trend. The venue was recently honored with the prestigious President’s Award from the Gulf States Chapter of Meeting Professionals International (MPI) at their Annual Awards and Installation Luncheon held at Arnaud’s Restaurant in New Orleans.

The Gulf States Chapter of MPI encompasses Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama. The President’s Award is the highest award given by MPI. The recipient of the President’s Award must be involved with the Gulf States Chapter of MPI, not just as a member, but one who works with MPI and supports the entire hospitality industry.“It is an honor to work so closely with a major facility, such as the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center,” said Rachel Vella, President of the Gulf States Chapter of MPI. “I can’t think of any other organization in the community that supports Meeting Professionals International and is deserving of this award more than the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center.

Vella, who as president holds the responbility of naming the President Award receipient,  said she selected the Convention Center for its continued service to MPI, through donations, providing speakers, and volunteer activities on the MPI Board. “They have been with us from the beginning and I know they will continue to grow with the MPI Gulf States Chapter," Vella added.

Last year, the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center received the “Offensive Player of the Year” award from the Gulf States Chapter of Meeting Professionals International. In recent months, the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center has completed $19.1 million in aesthetic and technological improvements. The Center recently implemented a 100 precent redundant fiber optic backbone delivering data up to a capacity of 10 gigabytes, making it one of the most technologically powerful Convention Centers in the nation.  An additional $11.6 in improvements is slated through 2010.

“We have 284 employees with over 2,000 combined years of experience. I am sure they will appreciate knowing they have made such a positive impression on our industry peers,” said Bob Johnson, President/General Manager of 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 considered the sixth largest convention center. A leading rainmaker of the city’s hospitality industry, MCCNO event activity has produced $40.79 billion in economic impact through 2008, including $2.33 billion in new tax revenue. Now celebrating its 25th anniversary, the venue has welcomed more than 12 million visitors through its doors.