FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contacts:
Mary Beth Romig or Jenn Lotz
New Orleans CVB
504-566-5019
mbromig@neworleanscvb.com
jlotz@neworleanscvb.com 

                 Vampire Enthusiasts and Blood Bank Professionals Convene in “Boo” Orleans
         New Orleans welcomes ghosts, goblins, vampires and the American Association of Blood Banks
                            for a weekend in “America’s Most Haunted City,” October 23-27, 2009

New Orleans—October 23, 2009—New Orleans is proud to host the 2009 American Association of Blood Banks (AABB) Annual Meeting & TXPO just as the 2009 Vampire Film Festival descends upon the city for the first time.

New Orleans, often known for its bewitching voodoo, haunted mansions and architecturally-rich cemeteries, is the perfect destination for these coinciding events. As transfusion and cellular therapy professionals unite to discover the latest innovations and solutions in the blood and product transfusion industry, thousands of vampires will participate in a list of blood-sucking events including a vampire jazz funeral procession, a vampire ballet and a costume ball party.

“This weekend New Orleans wants your blood!” said Vampire Film Festival director Asif Ahmed, “We are thrilled to be in America’s most gothic city here along with AABB. Our vampire filmmakers are arriving from around the world and are already intrigued with the many charms and haunts of this city. Remember once you invite a vampire in, it’s hard to get us to leave!”

Sharon D. Moffett, director of Education for AABB added, “AABB is very glad that the city of New Orleans has welcomed us.”

Also, New Orleans anticipates the second annual Krewe of Boo parade, Audubon Nature Institute’s Boo at the Zoo and Boo Carré at the historic French Market. Krewe of Boo’s Mardi Gras-style Halloween parade is produced by Blaine Kern’s Mardi Gras World with all proceeds benefitting the First Responder's Fund of New Orleans. The parade will kick off October 24 at 7 p.m. The Halloween celebrations continue as the 11th annual Voodoo Music Experience celebrates music and culture October 30-November 1. This is the third Voodoo Music Experience to fall on Halloween weekend.

Costumes are encouraged for Krewe of Boo, Boo at the Zoo and Boo Carré, while name badges are required for the AABB Annual Meeting & TXPO.

For more information on the events mentioned above, please visit www.neworleanscvb.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. In 2008 New Orleans welcomed 7.6 million visitors, an increase over 2007 visitor levels of 7.1 million people. For more information, visit www.neworleanscvb.com.

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