Trade Show News

The Higgins Hotel in New Orleans recently earned a Top-3 Global Curio Ranking and AAA Four-Diamond Status. This recognition highlights the hotel's quality, which is important for accommodating trade show attendees and business travelers.

A study by Oxford Economics for the American Hotel & Lodging Association reported that New Orleans' hotel industry generated nearly $9 billion in total economic impact in 2025. This vital sector supported over 51,000 jobs and contributed $1.2 billion in taxes to the city and state economies.

A new economic impact study by Oxford Economics for the American Hotel & Lodging Association reveals that New Orleans hotels generated nearly $9 billion in total economic impact in 2025. The industry supported over 51,000 jobs and contributed $1.2 billion in total taxes.

A new study by Oxford Economics for the American Hotel & Lodging Association reveals that the New Orleans hotel industry generated nearly $9 billion in total economic impact in 2025. This vital sector supported over 51,000 jobs, contributed almost $5 billion to the city's GDP, and generated $1.2 billion in total taxes. The report underscores the significant role the hotel industry plays in driving New Orleans' economy.

A new economic impact study by the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) reveals that New Orleans hotels generated nearly $9 billion in total economic impact in 2025. The industry supported over 51,000 jobs and contributed $1.2 billion in total taxes.

The International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) released its 2026 CEIR Index Report, providing insights into the exhibition industry. New Orleans & Company and the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center are listed as strategic partners of IAEE.

SKÅL New Orleans will host its 11th Annual Industry Update on June 9 at The National WWII Museum, bringing together over 300 tourism professionals. The event will feature a keynote on 'NOLA on the Global Stage … IPW 2027 – New Orleans!' and networking opportunities.

The Exhibitions Industry Collective, in partnership with CNTV, launched a new Workforce Development Video Series to highlight diverse career opportunities in the exhibitions and events industry. IAEE, a strategic partner of New Orleans & Company and the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, is part of this collective effort.

Elaine Williams, Chief Commercial Officer of the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, was featured in Biz New Orleans' 'Women to Watch.' Her leadership is recognized for elevating the Convention Center and strengthening New Orleans' tourism industry.

Elaine Williams, Chief Commercial Officer for the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, highlighted the ongoing $560 million renovation of the Convention Center and the importance of the adjacent Omni Hotel. She emphasized the Convention Center's role in driving the city's tourism economy and its long-term investments in guest experience and community development.

The South Central Motorcoach Association will hold its 2026 Annual Convention & Marketplace from August 30 to September 1 at the Drury Plaza Hotel New Orleans. The event will gather motorcoach operators, tourism professionals, and industry leaders for education, networking, and marketplace opportunities.

The DEMA Show, a premier trade show for the diving, water sports, and adventure travel industries, is scheduled for November 3-6, 2026, at the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center and Caesars Superdome. The event will feature innovations, products, and networking opportunities.

The Hilton New Orleans Riverside is set to host several professional events in May and June 2026, including the IIOM International Symposium (May 11-13), the FMS Forum (June 14-16), and the NAAHP Biennial (June 25-26), catering to diverse industry professionals.

The American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (AACRAO) is holding its 2026 Annual Meeting in New Orleans. The event will take place on the west end of the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, with registration, exhibit hall, and plenary sessions on the first floor. Safety plans are in place with hotel and convention center partners.

ThriftCon, the premier vintage clothing and collectible convention, debuted in New Orleans on Saturday, May 9, 2026. Held at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, the event featured over 100 curated small businesses and included live performances and panel discussions.

The Ernest N. Morial New Orleans Convention Center has achieved its second LEED Gold certification and is continuing a multi-year, $557 million upgrade. The city also approved Omni Hotels & Resorts to develop a new 1,000-room headquarters hotel for the center, with renovations underway for 140 meeting rooms.

The Ernest N. Morial New Orleans Convention Center has been undergoing a multi-year, $557 million upgrade. Recent work includes replacing 1.9 million square feet of roofing with an energy-efficient system.

The New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center is undergoing a transformative $763 million modernization, reinforcing its position as one of the nation's premier convention and trade show facilities. Completed enhancements include the Pedestrian Park and a Transportation Center, with ongoing interior renovations to elevate the experience with upgraded meeting rooms and public spaces.

The New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center is undergoing a transformative $763 million modernization, reinforcing its position as a premier convention and trade show facility. This extensive project includes a planned 1,000-room Omni New Orleans Convention Center Hotel to add critical headquarters hotel inventory. Completed enhancements feature a Pedestrian Park and a Transportation Center, with ongoing interior renovations to upgrade meeting rooms and public spaces.

The New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center is undergoing a transformative $763 million modernization, reinforcing its position as a premier convention and trade show facility. The center recently earned its second LEED Gold certification, demonstrating a commitment to sustainable operations. The planned 1,000-room Omni New Orleans Convention Center Hotel and the future River District development will further enhance the attendee experience and the city's capacity for major events.