FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contacts:
Erica Papillion/Kelly Schulz
New Orleans CVB
504-566-5019
epapillion@neworleanscvb.com
kschulz@neworleanscvb.com

Rosalie Mortillaro
Morial Convention Center
504-582-3023
rmortillaro@mccno.com

Natalie Mahnken
American Heart Association
214-706-1852
natalie.mahnken@heart.org

New Orleans to Host the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association for Two Major Conferences in 2008
International Stroke Conference and State-of-the-Art Stroke Nursing Symposium to be held February 2008 and Scientific Sessions to be held November 2008

NEW ORLEANS – June 19, 2007 – The American Heart Association (AHA)/American Stroke Association (ASA) has re-confirmed New Orleans as the destination for two major conferences in 2008, bringing millions of dollars in economic impact to the city.

AHA/ASA is the first organization in the healthcare industry to bring two major meetings to New Orleans in the same year since 2005.

The American Stroke Association, a division of AHA, will hold the International Stroke Conference February 20-22, 2008, with the State-of-the-Art Stroke Nursing Symposium being held one day prior to the event on February 19. Projected professional attendance is 4,350 and total attendance is more than 5,500. AHA’s Annual Scientific Sessions is slated for New Orleans, November 9-12, 2008, with a projected professional attendance of 19,000 and total attendance of more than 27,500.

The International Stroke Conference (ISC) is a two-and-a-half day conference which features over 700 presentations highlighting the most recent advances in cerebral circulation and brain function, clinical stroke research and outcomes, rehabilitation science and surgery. Over 70 exhibits will showcase the latest in stroke prevention, treatment and outcomes.

Phillip B. Gorelick, M.D., program chair for ISC, expressed his excitement that New Orleans is once again the host city for the conference. “The American Stroke Association is gearing up for the conference and we are excited to return to New Orleans and show our support for this great city,” he said. “Attending the International Stroke Conference is not only an amazing educational experience, but also gives you the opportunity to financially support an amazing city as its citizens continue their recovery efforts.”

Scientific Sessions is the world’s largest gathering of scientists and healthcare professionals devoted to the science of cardiovascular disease and stroke, and the care of patients suffering from these diseases. Programming is designed to improve patient care by communicating the most timely and significant advances in prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cardiovascular disease from many different perspectives.

Gordon F. Tomaselli, M.D., FAHA, Chairman, Committee on Scientific Sessions Program, shared the following comments on the American Heart Association’s decision to return to New Orleans in 2008. “New Orleans is definitely prepared to host a major event such as Scientific Sessions and I am proud to support the decision to return to this great city. When you attend Scientific Sessions come in early or stay late and consider lending a hand to the city by participating in a day of community service. I look forward to a great conference and record attendance. See you in New Orleans in 2008.”

The annual meeting provides five days of comprehensive, unparalleled education through more than 4,000 presentations given by some of the world’s top leaders in the areas of cardiovascular disease – as well as a chance to experience more than 400 exhibitors showcasing the latest CV technology and resources.

According to Stephen Perry, president and CEO of the New Orleans CVB, “We deeply appreciate The American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s commitment to New Orleans. The International Stroke Conference and Scientific Sessions will be two in a series of our successful major conventions that reaffirms New Orleans is an extraordinary destination for the most prominent healthcare meetings in the world.”

Both events take place at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center which has undergone a $60 million renovation since AHA/AHA’s last International Stroke Conference in New Orleans in 2005. “We appreciate the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s continued support in returning their previously scheduled events to New Orleans in 2008. We anticipate that both the International Stroke Conference in February and Scientific Sessions in November will be a great success, as were their previous visits in 2005 and 2004, respectively,” said Jaime Richard, national accounts manager at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center.

Abstract submission for ISC and the Nursing Symposium will be open June 11, 2007, 8 a.m. CDT through August 27, 2007, 5 p.m. CDT. Please submit online at strokeconference.org.

For more information about the International Stroke Conference, please visit strokeconference.org.

The American Heart Association is a national voluntary health agency whose mission is: “Building healthier lives, free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke.”

The American Stroke Association is the division of the American Heart Association that's solely focused on reducing disability and death from stroke through research, education, fund raising and advocacy. The American Heart Association created the American Stroke Association after many years of increasing emphasis on stroke. The American Heart Association spends more money on stroke research and programs than any other organization except the federal government.

About the Morial Convention Center-New Orleans (MCC)
With 1.1 million square feet of contiguous exhibit space, an award winning staff and first class amenities, the Morial Convention Center-New Orleans (MCC) 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, MCC 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 Morial Convention Center, please visit www.mccno.com.

The New Orleans Metropolitan Convention & Visitors Bureau (www.neworleanscvb.com) 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 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.

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