FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contacts:
Kelly Schulz/Tara Letort
New Orleans CVB
504-566-5019
kschulz@neworleanscvb.com
tletort@neworleanscvb.com

NEW ORLEANS CONTINUES TO HELP MEETING CUSTOMERS REDUCE COSTS DURING TOUGH ECONOMIC TIMES BY EXTENDING “EXTRAORDINARY EXPERIENCES” OFFER
Turnkey program including complimentary convention center amenities and customized attendance-building resources are extended through 2013

NEW ORLEANS (March 27, 2009) – In an effort to help corporations and associations reduce costs and achieve more successful meetings during this unusual economic climate, The New Orleans Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) and the New Orleans Morial Convention Center (NOMCC) have extended “Extraordinary Experiences,” the quickest turnaround, most meeting planner-friendly program in the country, offering complimentary space, F&B, marketing resources and more for meetings held during specific months from now until 2013.

Available for groups using the NOMCC and 1,000 or more hotel sleeping rooms on peak night, Extraordinary Experiences includes the following complimentary of NOMCC :

  • General session, exhibit space and breakout rooms
  • Wi-fi access in selected public spaces
  • A Cyber Executive Lounge
  • One refreshment break
  • Carpeted aisle general session and food and beverage areas
  • Additional complimentary offerings from the New Orleans CVB
  • A personal visit from a senior CVB team member to customize an extensive library of free public relations and attendance-building resources
  • Assistance identifying the right team-building or social responsibility program for attendees
  • A micro-site customized to promote the meeting and the organization’s brand identity
  • One complimentary site inspection for two, including airfare
  • A CVB team member will attend the show prior to New Orleans to promote attendance

“We understand the economic and ROI pressures that association and corporate meeting professionals are facing, so we want New Orleans to be the highest value proposition of any destination in the United States,” said J. Stephen Perry, president and CEO of the New Orleans CVB and an executive committee member of Destination Marketing Association International.

Perry continued, “Extraordinary Experiences reduces the meeting professionals’ workload by offering an easy, turnkey program with no hassle factor, eliminating back and forth negotiations by the planner and the city. By partnering with our award-winning sales, service and public relations team, customers will achieve a return on investment for their meetings, especially in an economic downturn when meetings and travel often are the first budget items to be cut. And, their attendees will have an unforgettable experience in New Orleans … the most culturally rich, authentic, inspiring city in the country.”

The Extraordinary Experiences offer is available during the following months:

  • 2009: April, May, August, September, November and December
  • 2010: January, August, September, December
  • 2011: January, July, August, September, November and December
  • 2012: April, May, July, August, December
  • 2013: January, April, June, July, August

Offer is valid for groups of 1,000+ sleeping rooms on peak night that sign a NOMCC contract by December 31, 2009. Offer is based upon availability and will not be applied to events currently under contract or combined with any other offer. Offer is subject to change without notice. This offer supersedes all previous offers. Elements of the offer are of a prescribed design. Additional charges may be incurred with alterations to the offer content. Executive Cyber Lounge accommodates 50 people at a time and includes 10 computer stations. Refreshment break items for the number of attendees on peak show day will be selected by the NOMCC. For additional program guidelines, visit www.foreverneworleans.com.

Extraordinary Experiences is another component of The New Orleans Commitment to make New Orleans the most meeting planner friendly city in America. It is an enhanced way of doing business and partnering with customers on sales, service, marketing, emergency planning and measurement of post-meeting results.

With 1.1 million square feet of contiguous exhibit space, an award winning staff and first class amenities, the New Orleans Morial Convention Center (NOMCC) is the sixth largest convention center in the nation and a consistent Top 10 host of the largest number of conventions and tradeshows annually. A leading rainmaker of the city's hospitality industry, NOMCC event activity has produced a statewide economic impact of $35.17 billion since its 1985 opening, including $2.03 billion in new tax revenues. For more information about the New Orleans Morial Convention Center, please visit www.mccno.com.

Consistently recognized as one of the top five convention and visitor bureaus in the United States, The New Orleans Convention & Visitors Bureau is the driving force behind New Orleans' most important industry, tourism. 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, the Faubourg Marigny and Garden District - are thriving. For more information, visit www.neworleanscvb.com.

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