submitted by New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center (NOENMCC)
NEW ORLEANS – New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center (NOENMCC) Chief Operating Officer Adam J. Straight was recognized as a “Power 20” honoree in a recent Tourism and Hospitality issue of New Orleans CityBusiness, a weekly business newspaper. A special section published quarterly, each Power 20 edition represents a different industry and features 20 of the most influential leaders in that industry.
Chosen for this honor through an anonymous nomination process, Straight has been fundamental to the success of the Convention Center’s ongoing $557 million Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). Under his leadership, the NOENMCC has completed extensive renovations, making energy-saving upgrades and other sustainability projects a key focus. The CIP is critical to modernizing the 1983-designed facility to address today’s meeting needs and making critical infrastructure upgrades including replacing a traditional roof with 1.9 million square feet of a new, energy-efficient roofing system. By prioritizing these nationally recognized sustainability initiatives, the Convention Center earned LEED Gold certification and became the first convention center in the world certified under the more rigorous LEED program v4.1 O+M. This latest LEED program raised the building standards for energy efficiency, water conservation, indoor air quality and waste reduction
“Our Convention Center is fortunate to have such an experienced and knowledgeable leader guiding our day-to-day operations,” said Michael J. Sawaya, Convention Center President and CEO. “Adam’s discipline has been a driving force in how we improve our processes and our facility for the modern meetings market. I want to congratulate Adam on this well-deserved recognition. We are thrilled to see him receive this honor for his impact on the local visitor industry.”
Before joining the Convention Center, Straight was integral to the management and execution of multiple large events and high-profile construction projects. With more than 20 years of experience in the event industry, he previously served in executive positions at the Georgia Dome, the University of Maryland and the Georgia World Congress Center Authority, which oversees the Georgia World Congress Center, Mercedes-Benz Stadium and Centennial Olympic Park. In his current role at the NOENMCC, Straight manages and oversees daily operations for the facility and its 1.1 million square feet of exhibit space.
A veteran of the U. S. Coast Guard, Straight received numerous accolades and commendations for his service. He earned a safety certification from the National Safety Council and is an IAVM Certified Venue Manager. Married to his wife, Alyson, and a father of two sons, Silas and Peyton, Straight is actively involved in his community. He regularly volunteers his time with several different initiatives and organizations, including various committee memberships and serving as a board member of the Men’s Club at Holy Name of Jesus School.
About the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center (NOENMCC)
New Orleans is Built to Host! With 1.1 million square feet of prime exhibit space on one level, all under one roof, NOENMCC is the sixth largest Convention Center in the United States and provides the largest single exhibit space in the country. Our recent LEED Gold certification makes NOENMCC the largest LEED-certified project in Louisiana and the largest convention center project in the U.S. certified under LEED v4.1 Operations and Maintenance, as well as the first convention center in the world to be awarded initial certification under LEED Gold v4.1 O+MA. A leading contributor to the city’s robust tourism economy, NOENMCC event activity has produced $90.1 billion in economic impact since its 1985 opening.
