New Orleans :: Tourism Updates
All city-wide conventions (those utilizing Convention Center space and three or more hotels) have been cancelled through March 31, 2006. This is because the Center itself will not be available until then. Full renovations are expected to be completed by the middle of the first quarter of 2006. For specific information regarding the Convention Center, see the section below.
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All city-wide conventions (those utilizing Convention Center space and three or more hotels) have been cancelled through March 31, 2006. This is because the Center itself will not be available until then. Full renovations are expected to be completed by the middle of the first quarter of 2006. For specific information regarding the Convention Center, see the section below.
Other meetings (those self-contained in hotels and not utilizing the Convention Center) scheduled after January 1, 2006, are not cancelled. Each will be dependent on the status of the individual host property and the preparedness of the city at the time of the meeting. The NOCMVB will remain in constant contact with meeting planners to update them on the status of both. Organizations planning meetings/events through a third-party planner should consult with that planner regarding hotel and city tourism status. We are very optimistic about the future of hotel-based meetings next year. Many hotels will be back in pristine condition in less than 30 days and will be committed this Fall to servicing recovery workers. Most will have beautiful renovations and updating completed over the next 90 days. Many properties fortunately remained undamaged or suffered only slight damage and are currently running on self-generated power while fully servicing recovery staff.
The commitment of New Orleans to a flawless experience for our customers means unequivocally that your hotel partner and this city will not re-open for meetings and convention business until we are fully prepared to deliver an experience that meets both your and our highest standards. Rest assured that we will always err on the side of both safety and quality for you.
Convention Center Status
The Ernest N. Morial Convention Center sustained some damage to Halls A and B, as well as to its roof. Otherwise, analysis of structural issues has returned positive results. Power has been restored to the Center, and HVAC engineers have restarted the system. Roof repairs that were needed are almost completed, ahead of schedule.Unfortunately, the interiors of the Center have been under considerable duress from large crowds which gathered and inhabited the center as shelter. The citizens there were without water or food for more than three days, and civil unrest result from the mass hardship and frustration.
The Center will be comprehensively and thoroughly cleaned, repaired and renovated.
Already, significant portions of the concrete exhibit floors, especially in Phase III, have been cleaned by the military as they established operations there. Carpeting and interior surfaces will be completely replaced throughout the building when renovations begin. When renovations are complete, the Convention Center will be better than ever before: even fresher and more beautiful than the day it opened.
Thorough environmental cleaning, expected to take approximately 20-30 days to complete, began on Friday. Convention Center Boulevard is already being cleaned and restored.
Updates will be continue to be posted as they become available.
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