Trade Show News

New Orleans anticipates 225,000 attendees for 14 major conventions and meetings from September to year-end 2026, generating over $2 billion in annual direct spending. The city is also preparing for the planned 1,000-room Omni New Orleans headquarters hotel, which received key financing approval and is expected to break ground in late 2026.

New Orleans is set to host 14 major conventions and meetings from September to December 2026, expecting at least 225,000 attendees and significant economic activity. The planned 1,000-room Omni headquarters hotel, expected to break ground in late 2026, will further enhance the city's competitiveness for major events.

New Orleans anticipates attracting at least 225,000 attendees from over 60 countries for 14 major conventions, conferences, and meetings scheduled between September and the end of 2026. These events are expected to generate more than $2 billion in direct spending annually, significantly boosting the city's economy.

Jay Cicero discusses New Orleans' ability to compete for major events, emphasizing the collaborative spirit across the hospitality industry, government, and community. This collective effort helps position the region as a top destination for large-scale events.

New Orleans & Company presented its 2027 tourism strategies, highlighting over $1 billion in hospitality investments, including new and reimagined meeting spaces. The city's tourism industry saw 19 million visitors and $10.4 billion in spending in 2024, reinforcing its "Built to Host" reputation.

The New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center is actively seeking a Director of Event Management. This leadership role is crucial for overseeing the planning and execution of various conventions, trade shows, and special events, as well as fostering strong client relationships for the venue.

The New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center will host a Reverse Trade Show on October 22, 2026, to connect local small businesses with nearly 20 public and private companies seeking contractors and vendors. This event, part of the Convention Center's Small and Emerging Business (SEB) Program, offers direct access to procurement leaders. It aims to provide networking opportunities and help local businesses secure contracting opportunities.

The International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) announced an expanded AI partnership for its Expo! Expo! 2026 event. New Orleans & Company and the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center are recognized as strategic partners of IAEE.

The New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center is represented within the leadership of the International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM) Region 6. This involvement highlights the convention center's role and personnel within key industry associations.

The Ernest N. Morial New Orleans Exhibition Hall Authority has announced several current procurement opportunities for 2026. These include bids for electric carts, insurance brokerage and consultation services for employee health and welfare benefits, and furnishing and installing a Sodexo Check-in Area.

New Orleans will host several major conventions in late 2026, including WEFTEC 2026 (Water Environment Federation's annual conference) expecting 18,000 attendees, and the American Academy of Ophthalmology's annual meeting with 24,000 attendees. Other significant events include DEMA Show 2026, NAR NXT, the International WorkBoat Show, and the American Society of Hematology's Annual Meeting & Exposition, collectively drawing tens of thousands of professionals. These events highlight the city's appeal for large-scale industry gatherings.

OCEAN REEF announced its participation in DEMA Show 2026, taking place in New Orleans, LA, from November 3-6, 2026, at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. The company will be at Booth #1837, showcasing new products and innovations.

The ACA Annual Conference & Expo (ACA ACE) is scheduled to take place from September 24 to September 26, 2026, at the Royal Sonesta in New Orleans, bringing together professionals in its field.

Encore EventNow lists several upcoming conferences and trade shows at the Hilton New Orleans Riverside, including the Women in Agribusiness Summit 2026 (Sept 22-24), CCBO Annual Conference 2026 (Sept 23-24), Origami Risk Elevate 2026 Client Conference (Oct 20-22), 2026 New Orleans Investment Conference (Oct 28-31), 2026 TERMIS-AM Annual Conference (Nov 15-18), and Broadband Nation Expo 2026 (Nov 18-20).

The 2027 GCSAA Conference and Trade Show is scheduled for January 18-21, 2027, at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans. The event will feature educational sessions, networking opportunities, and a trade show with over 400 exhibitors.

The New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center is inaugurating a permanent art collection featuring over 70 artists with ties to Louisiana, with installations commencing in September. This initiative is part of the Convention Center's broader $557 million Capital Improvement Plan to modernize the facility. The collection aims to offer visitors a deeper cultural experience and provide greater visibility for local artists.

The Louisiana State Bond Commission has approved key financing agreements for the planned $600 million, 1,000-room Omni New Orleans headquarters hotel. This approval is a crucial step, with construction anticipated to begin in late 2026 and the hotel opening in 2030, enhancing the city's capacity for major conventions.

The New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center is installing a new permanent art collection featuring works from over 70 Louisiana artists, with installations beginning in Fall 2026. This initiative aims to showcase local art and culture to the more than 800,000 visitors the 1.1-million-square-foot facility attracts annually.

The art program is one piece of a much larger $557 million Capital Improvement Plan approved in 2018 to modernize 140 meeting rooms, public lobbies and exterior frontage across the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. The convention center has awarded more than $54 million in contracts to small businesses and disadvantaged business enterprises since 2019, and events held there have generated $93.2 billion in economic impact since 1985.

Plans are underway for major renovations to the Smoothie King Center, aimed at enhancing the fan experience and modernizing the arena. These upgrades will support the venue's ability to host major sporting events, concerts, and entertainment, reinforcing New Orleans' position as a premier destination for live events.