(Pictured: Just a fraction of the dedicated women staff members and leaders at the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center.)
submitted by New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center (NOENMCC)
NEW ORLEANS – The New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center (NOENMCC) has received the 2024 New Orleans CityBusiness Empowering Women Award for its commitment to elevating and supporting women. The annual award marks the second time the NOENMCC has been recognized for its efforts to help advance women in the workplace and within the community.
“The Convention Center is a prime example of how having a staff that reflects the makeup of our city drives success and innovation,” said Michael J. Sawaya, Convention Center President and CEO. “Our commitment to providing opportunities for career growth and advancement has been a cornerstone of our mission, ensuring that women are not only part of our success but are leading it.”
The NOENMCC continues to achieve success with women leaders at the forefront of various projects. From senior executives to directors, these women play pivotal roles in shaping the strategic direction and operational excellence of one of the state’s most significant economic assets. Nearly half of the Convention Center’s management positions are held by women, each contributing significantly to the organization’s achievements across sustainability, innovation, communications and financial management.
In addition to this recognition, several women at the Convention Center have also received individual accolades for their exceptional contributions to the industry and field. On the Executive team, Chief Administrative Officer Alita Caparotta was named a 2023 “Power 20” leader in tourism and hospitality by New Orleans CityBusiness, and was also honored on their Women of the Year list, highlighting top women leaders in New Orleans. In 2024 she was named to the “Women of Impact” list by New Orleans Magazine. This year, a member of Caparotta’s team, Mary B. Jones, was recognized as a New Orleans CityBusiness Money Maker for her accomplishments as the Director of Financial Operations. Director of Sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility Linda Baynham was named a Tourism Champion by New Orleans and Company in 2023. Senior Director of Sales and Event Services, Elaine Williams, CMP, CEM-AP, was recently selected to serve on the Board of Directors for the International Association of Exhibitions and Events, the largest association in the exhibitions and events industry.
“When women are in leadership roles, it’s not just about representation—it’s good business practice,” said Caparotta. “The Convention Center’s commitment to promoting and supporting women exemplifies how diverse perspectives and experiences drive innovation and propel communities forward.”
The NOENMCC’s dedication to women extends beyond its internal operations. The Small and Emerging Business (SEB) Program, launched in 2019, underscores the Convention Center’s commitment to promoting diversity and supporting women-owned businesses. Since its establishment, the SEB Program has awarded over $56 million in contracts to local and disadvantaged businesses, including many led by women. The recent addition of the Port of New Orleans and the New Orleans Public Belt Railroad to the SEBConnect app expands this effort by providing real-time access to even more contracting opportunities for local vendors.
To learn more about the NOENMCC’s commitment to supporting the New Orleans tourism industry and advancing women in the workplace, visit https://mccno.com/.
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. NOENMCC is a 2023 IAVM Venue Excellence recipient and is consistently named a regional top workplace by The Times-Picayune/The New Orleans Advocate. 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+M. 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.
