Trade Show News

New Orleans' trade show sector contributed significantly to the city's 2025 tourism, which saw $10.8 billion in spending. The city is also advancing plans for a $600 million, 1,000-room Omni convention center hotel to further boost its convention district.

New Orleans was highlighted among TSNN's Top 250 cities, with the trade show business anchoring a strong year for the destination in 2025, generating $10.8 billion in visitor spending. The city is investing in infrastructure, with the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center slated to receive up to $763 million in improvements through its Capital Improvement Plan. New Orleans hosted eight of the largest U.S. trade shows by net square footage in 2025.

The New Orleans City Council has approved a 45-year payment-in-lieu-of-taxes (PILOT) deal for the planned $625 million, 1,006-room Omni hotel across from the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. This approval is a crucial step for the project, which is projected to create approximately 2,500 construction jobs and 1,400 permanent positions, along with an estimated $8 million annually in local taxes.

Hilton New Orleans Riverside has completed an $80 million renovation of its guest rooms, with new luxury suites set to debut by February 2027. This significant upgrade enhances the offerings of New Orleans' largest hotel, aiming to provide a more connected and comfortable travel experience.

The New Orleans City Council approved a 45-year property tax break, or Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) agreement, for the $625 million Omni Headquarters Hotel. This deal replaces standard property taxes with annual payments calculated based on the area's most heavily taxed hotels, aiming to generate millions in city sales tax revenue and create jobs. The 1,000-room hotel, expected to open by 2030, is intended to enhance the Convention Center's ability to attract major events.

The New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center (NOENMCC) has promoted Gina Locatto to assistant director of sales. Locatto, who joined the center in 2004, will now help guide sales efforts, strengthen client relationships, and attract new business, bringing over 22 years of experience to her new role.

NANO Architecture + Interiors is celebrating 25 years, highlighting its significant role as the architect of record for the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center's $180 million second-stage renovation. This project is part of a larger capital improvement program and marks a key milestone in the firm's growth and contribution to the city's economy.

The NADA Show 2025, which took place in New Orleans despite a significant snowstorm, has been recognized at #37 on Trade Show Executive's esteemed Gold 100 list, marking one of its highest historical rankings. The event's resilience, with 70% of registrants attending, underscored the automotive retail industry's tenacity. The expo floor's size was equivalent to 3.7 New Orleans Superdomes.

ArcoVexa Hospitality Partners is hiring a remote Business Development Representative in New Orleans to engage corporate and association clients for hospitality solutions. The role involves prospecting, nurturing leads, and developing relationships with hotel partners for group accommodations and event needs.

Tommy Costales has been promoted to Director of Technology Services at the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. His promotion reinforces the Convention Center's commitment to prioritizing infrastructure and services to support a world-class event experience.

The NAR NXT conference, held at the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center from November 6-8, 2026, attracted approximately 10,000 attendees and over 200 exhibitors. The event focused on innovation, education, and networking within the real estate industry, with attendees praising its comprehensive agenda.

Registration is now open for Commodity Classic 2027, a premier agricultural event scheduled for March 2-5, 2027, in New Orleans. This show will bring together farmers, agricultural leaders, equipment manufacturers, and researchers, offering hundreds of exhibitors, educational sessions, and networking opportunities. AEM, a co-owner of the event, emphasizes its value in fostering connections and advancing the industry.

New Orleans is set to host several significant trade shows and conferences in the coming months. Key events include the DEMA Show (Nov 3-6, 2026), Pool Spa Patio Expo (Nov 17-19, 2026), International WorkBoat Show (Dec 2-4, 2026), Underwater Intervention (Dec 2-4, 2026), LNHA Convention and Trade Show (Nov 11-13, 2026), SET The Show (Nov 11-13, 2026), and the ASH Annual Meeting and Exposition (Dec 12-15, 2026). These events cover diverse industries from diving and construction to healthcare and marine.

The NAR NXT REALTORS Conference & Expo, a key event for real estate, finance, and technology professionals, began on November 7, 2026, at the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. This exhibition offers participants a unique opportunity to explore the latest industry trends.

The New Orleans Holiday Market, an ATT Expo Market event, is scheduled for November 6-8, 2026, at the Pontchartrain Center. This trade show specializes in jewelry, apparel, decor, and general merchandise, featuring Louisiana's top vendors for holiday shopping needs.

New Orleans is investing in infrastructure to sustain its tourism momentum, with the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center slated to receive up to $763 million in improvements through its Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). Phase 1 of the CIP is complete, featuring a 7.5-acre pedestrian park and a $65 million transportation hub. Phase 2 is currently underway, bringing updates to 140 meeting rooms, the lobby, and the conversion of Hall A into The Great Hall, a 60,000-square-foot, column-free ballroom.

The New Orleans City Council approved a payment-in-lieu-of-taxes (PILOT) agreement for the $625 million Omni headquarters hotel adjacent to the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. This final tax vote clears the way for groundbreaking, expected in late 2026, with the 1,000-room hotel projected to open in 2030. The project is anticipated to generate approximately $8 million in new local tax revenue annually and create 2,500 construction jobs and 1,400 permanent positions.

The New Orleans City Council has approved a Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) agreement for the proposed $625 million Omni Headquarters Hotel, a significant step towards its construction. This 1,000-room hotel, featuring approximately 100,000 square feet of meeting and event space, is expected to break ground in late 2026 and open in 2030. The project aims to attract new convention and leisure travelers, creating thousands of jobs and generating millions in annual local tax revenues.

The New Orleans City Council approved a Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) agreement for the proposed $625 million Omni Headquarters Hotel, which will include over 1,000 guest rooms and approximately 100,000 square feet of meeting space. This development is projected to create 2,500 construction jobs and 1,400 permanent jobs, generating significant tax revenue.

The New Orleans City Council has approved a Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) agreement for the proposed $625 million Omni Headquarters Hotel, a development featuring over 1,000 guest rooms and approximately 100,000 square feet of meeting and event space. This approval is projected to create around 2,500 construction jobs and 1,400 permanent jobs, while generating millions in new annual local tax revenues. The hotel aims to bolster the city's hospitality sector and attract additional convention and leisure travelers.