Trade Show News

Plans for a new headquarters hotel across from the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center have advanced after a local board moved closer to granting a key subsidy for the project's developer. This development follows city regulators' endorsement earlier this month for the demolition of two historic warehouses to make way for the proposed 27-story Omni New Orleans Hotel.

The New Orleans Marriott, located near the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, is undergoing a full guestroom, suite, and M Club renovation set for completion in Fall 2026. The hotel, ranked among the top meeting hotels, offers over 86,000 square feet of event space and lists numerous upcoming event dates for 2026 and 2027.

Major events, including anticipated combat-sports and wrestling events in the New Orleans area, contributed to increased U.S. hotel metrics for the week ending March 21. Event calendars are increasingly crucial for shaping hotel booking curves and rate strategies, indicating a balanced demand mix from meetings, entertainment, and leisure travel.

The Capital Improvement Plan for the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center is projected to generate over $50 million in contracts for small and emerging businesses through 2026. This initiative is part of the ongoing efforts to modernize the venue.

New Orleans & Company's newest destination video, 'How Glad Am I,' designed to elevate the city's story to meeting planners, received a Silver ADDY at the 2026 District 7 American Advertising Awards. This recognition underscores the city's efforts in marketing itself as a premier destination for conventions and trade shows.

Jeremy Stamkos will launch his new book, "Cigar Sanctuaries: The Art and Science of the Modern Indoor Cigar Lounge," at PCA26, the Premium Cigar Association's annual trade show in New Orleans. The book is aimed at cigar retailers, lounge owners, and hospitality operators, focusing on the technical aspects of designing and maintaining indoor cigar spaces.

New Orleans & Company, in partnership with the New Orleans Culinary & Hospitality Institute (NOCHI), is offering 'Serving Up Hospitality,' a flexible six-seminar series designed to build professional and personal excellence for the hospitality workforce. The program aims to elevate service standards across the destination, with classes beginning March 30, 2026.

Linda Baynham, Director of Sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility at the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, was honored as a Travel and Tourism Week Champion. This recognition highlights individuals who are passionate about the industry and create positive community impacts.

Sodexo Live! is seeking Banquet Supervisors for the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, with job postings on March 21, 2026. These roles involve overseeing planning, preparation, and service for various events at the convention center.

Service industry workers at the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, Superdome, and Smoothie King Center have ratified union contracts with UNITE HERE Local 23. This includes updated agreements for convention center workers and first-time contracts for workers at the other venues.

The Hyatt Regency New Orleans will host several significant events in 2026, including the 2026 ARD Symposium (March 28-31), the LMA 2026 Annual Conference (April 20-22), and the 2026 AOCS Annual Meeting & Expo (May 3-6).

The Hyatt Regency New Orleans is scheduled to host several major events in 2026, including the 2026 ARD Symposium (March 28-31), the LMA 2026 Annual Conference (April 20-22), the American Association of Blacks in Energy 49th Annual Conference (April 12-15), the PMSA 2026 Annual Conference (May 4-5), and the 2026 AOCS Annual Meeting & Expo (May 3-6).

The Hyatt Regency New Orleans is scheduled to host several significant conferences in Spring 2026, including the GAF Wealthbuilder 2026 (March 19-20), 2026 ARD Symposium (March 28-31), LMA 2026 Annual Conference (April 20-22), and 2026 AOCS Annual Meeting & Expo (May 3-6). These events underscore the hotel's capacity to accommodate large-scale professional gatherings.

The Sheraton New Orleans will host several conferences in 2026, including the SEPA 2026 Nola (March 25-28), AWS Shipbuilding & Aluminum Conference 2026 (April 13-15), and ALTA 2026 Annual Conference (April 16-17). These events highlight the hotel's role as a venue for various industry gatherings.

The IEEE PES T&D conference is scheduled to take place in New Orleans from May 3-6, 2026. This event focuses on power and energy systems.

The New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center is undergoing a $763 million transformation, including major interior renovations and technology improvements. A 1,000-room Omni New Orleans Convention Center hotel is planned to open by 2030 across from the center. Additionally, new event venues like The Misi and Josephine on Napoleon, along with renovations at Hilton New Orleans Riverside and New Orleans Marriott, are enhancing the city's meetings offerings.

Elon Musk's Boring Company is exploring the feasibility of an underground tunnel, the "NOLA Loop," to connect the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center with downtown New Orleans. This project aims to enhance connectivity for the convention center, potentially including stops at the River District and the upcoming Omni hotel.

Elon Musk's Boring Company is investigating the feasibility of constructing an underground tunnel in New Orleans to connect the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center with downtown areas. New Orleans was one of three cities selected for the company's 'Tunnel Vision Challenge,' which launched in January. Convention Center officials have met with the company to discuss potential routes and the project's implications for the facility.

Elon Musk's Boring Company is exploring the feasibility of an underground tunnel, dubbed the "NOLA Loop," to connect the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center with parts of downtown New Orleans. Convention Center officials have met with the company to discuss potential routes.

Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) has released its 20-year Master Plan, outlining a strategic vision for long-term growth and infrastructure investments. The plan anticipates the need for a second terminal facility and 10 to 15 additional gates to accommodate growing passenger volumes within the next decade. This expansion aims to enhance New Orleans' role as a global city and a hub for visitors, conferences, and major events.