FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
APRIL 14, 2006

Kitty Ratcliffe
Executive Vice President
New Orleans Metropolitan Convention & Visitors Bureau
504-566-5034
kratcliffe@neworleanscvb.com

Bonnie J. Stephenson, CMP
Director, Conference Events
Golf Course Superintendents Association of America
785-841-2240
bstephenson@gcsaa.org

Golf Course Superintendents Association of America Reconfirms 2009 Meeting
Golf Industry Show to take place Feb. 3-7, 2009

New Orleans, La. – The Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) has reconfirmed their commitment to hold the Golf Industry Show and their respective conferences in New Orleans, February 3-7, 2009.

With an attendance of more than 26,000, the meeting will have 7,000 hotel rooms on peak night and 30,000 hotel rooms. GCSAA brings a large and important delegation to the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, further illustrating the city’s capability to host substantial meetings, while still providing exciting and memorable venues and services.

“Several years ago, we selected New Orleans to host our annual event on a three-year rotation basis,” said Bonnie J. Stephenson, GCSAA director of conference events. “Today, we are still confident that New Orleans can host this event and meet the needs of the anticipated 26,000 attendees. It is our hope that having our event in the Big Easy will help in the ongoing efforts to rebuild this wonderful, historic city.”

GCSAA is the leading professional organization for the men and women who manage golf courses in the United States and worldwide.

“New Orleans and the three organizations which collectively produce the Golf Industry Show, GCSAA, plus the National Golf Course Owners Association and Club Managers Association of America, have a long history together,” said Kitty Ratcliffe, executive vice president of the New Orleans Metropolitan Convention & Visitors Bureau (NOMCVB). “We couldn’t be more pleased with their decision to continue to hold this prestigious convention in New Orleans.”

About New Orleans Metropolitan Convention & Visitors Bureau (NOMCVB)
Since 1960, the New Orleans Metropolitan Convention & Visitors Bureau (www.neworleanscvb.com) has been the driving force behind New Orleans' most important industry, attracting $4.9 billion to the region annually. Nationally recognized for superior customer service, NOMCVB represents over 1,200 members and provides convention services and visitor information for business travelers and vacationers. In 2004, the NOMCVB welcomed a record-breaking 10.1 million visitors to one of America's favorite meeting and leisure destinations. The NOMCVB is committed to rebuilding the city of New Orleans.