FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contacts:
New Orleans CVB
Erica Papillion
504-566-5019
epapillion@neworleanscvb.com

Pinnacle Information
Michelle Schiano
646-654-7654

NEW ORLEANS CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU RECEIVES 2007 SUCCESSFUL MEETINGS PINNACLE AWARD
New Orleans CVB named one of the best CVBs in the country, as selected by meeting planners nationwide

NEW ORLEANS (May 29, 2007) – The New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau (NOMCVB) is pleased to announce it has been chosen by Successful Meetings magazine as one of the country’s best CVBs. The prestigious 2007 Successful Meetings Pinnacle Award is a mark of excellence for meeting destinations and is awarded to those organizations that have done an outstanding job servicing their meetings, incentive travel programs, trade shows and conventions during the previous year.

2007 marks the 17th year Pinnacle have recognized the efforts of CVBs. The Pinnacle Award earned a reputation as the most credible and prestigious symbol of excellence among meeting planners and hoteliers alike. “With all of the hospitality choices that meeting and event planners have these days, any property that wins a Pinnacle Award is obviously in the highest tier of quality in the hospitality field,” said Robert Carey, Successful Meetings' Editorial Director. “And the best part is that it is planners themselves who are making this distinction, thus giving a credible stamp of approval that others can use when deciding where to host a meeting, incentive, convention, or trade show.”

The new Pinnacle format, started last year, now accepts reader reviews, going beyond voting to gather meaningful peer reviews which will be published in August’s Pinnacle Registry in print and online at www.mimegasite.com/pinnaclewinners. Readers of Successful Meetings magazine -- corporate and association executives with meeting planning responsibilities – registered to become Pinnacle Reviewers via online ballots and gave feedback based on professional experiences worldwide. Reviews are based on a scale of 1-10 (10 being best) across four categories.

The four unique categories for CVBs:

  • Area Group Amenities
  • Quality/Availability, Information
  • Quality/Variety, Services & Facilities
  • Service/Responsiveness of Staff

The Pinnacle Awards recognize reader/planner selections of the leading meeting destination venues and support organizations across the United States and internationally.

All winners will be listed in Successful Meetings’ annual Pinnacle Registry, published in August. The award-winning Successful Meetings magazine has long been respected for industry innovation and authoritative discussion of meeting, special event, incentive, convention and trade show planning and execution. With the largest industry audience, Successful Meetings reaches corporate/sales/marketing executives who plan meetings meeting professionals and event planners, trade show directors, and association executives who are involved with planning conventions and meetings. For more information on Successful Meetings, please visit www.mimegasite.com Successful Meetings is owned by Nielsen Business Media, a division of The Nielsen Company.

“The New Orleans Metropolitan Convention & Visitors Bureau is honored to be recognized by a respected industry publication such as Successful Meetings,” said Stephen Perry, president and CEO of the NOMCVB. “To be chosen by peers in the hospitality industry as one of the best CVBs in the country proves that New Orleans is a viable and remarkable place to hold meetings. The NOMCVB is dedicated to making every meeting a resounding success.”

About New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau
The New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau (www.neworleanscvb.com) is the driving force behind New Orleans’ most important industry, tourism, which generates $5 billion in visitor spending and creates 85,000 jobs. Today the cultural riches, sensual indulgences and unparalleled service that define the New Orleans experience continue to flourish, as they have for centuries. The most celebrated and historic core of the city - including the French Quarter, Central Business District, Warehouse and Arts District, Magazine Street and Garden District - not only remains intact, both physically and spiritually, but is thriving. The New Orleans CVB is proudly welcoming visitors and business travelers every day.

About Nielsen Business Media
Nielsen Business Media, a division of The Nielsen Company, is a leading market-focused provider of integrated information and sales and marketing solutions, helping businesses go to market more effectively and efficiently. Serving seven major market groups, and 30 industries, spanning the entertainment, media and marketing, retail, travel and performance, design, and life sciences industries, Nielsen Business Media provides business-to-business products and services in print, online and in person. With 42 publications, over 135 trade shows and conferences, and 185 digital products and services, Nielsen Business Media offers insight, analysis and face-to-face contacts to help professionals better understand their markets, serve their customers and grow their businesses.

About The Nielsen Company
Nielsen is a global information and media company with leading market positions and recognized brands in marketing information (ACNielsen), media information (Nielsen Media Research), business publications (Billboard and The Hollywood Reporter) and trade shows. The privately held company is active in more than 100 countries, with headquarters in Haarlem, the Netherlands, and New York, USA. Nielsen employs nearly 41,000 people. For more information, visit www.Nielsen.com.

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