The New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center (NOENMCC) has earned two 2026 honors recognizing workplace leadership and service to the meetings and events industry. New Orleans CityBusiness selected NOENMCC as an Empowering Women honoree for the fourth consecutive year, while Association Conventions & Facilities magazine gave the center a 2026 Distinctive Achievement Award.
Women Hold Half of Management Roles
Women currently hold half of NOENMCC’s management positions, including leadership roles across sales, event services, finance, communications, sustainability and operations. The convention center also provides executive coaching and encourages employees to participate in professional organizations such as the International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM).
“Being recognized as an Empowering Women honoree for a fourth consecutive year is especially meaningful because developing women leaders is something we actively invest in,” said Jim Cook, president and CEO of NOENMCC. Cook said the center aims to give women access to the experience, resources and professional relationships that can help them advance into leadership roles.
National Recognition for Meetings Service
Association Conventions & Facilities magazine also recognized NOENMCC with a 2026 Distinctive Achievement Award. Subscribers and association meeting planners vote on the annual awards, which recognize organizations for client service, planning support and functional event spaces.
NOENMCC earned the same recognition in 2025.
Additional Industry Honors
Two members of the convention center’s leadership team have also received recent industry recognition. New Orleans Magazine included Chief Administrative Officer Alita Caparotta on its Women of Impact list, while Smart Meetings Magazine selected Chief Commercial Officer Elaine Williams, CMP, CEM-AP, CVE, as a Smart Women in Meetings Innovator.
Williams has worked at the convention center since 2007 and oversees strategies to drive growth and attract high-profile events. Her role connects sales, marketing, communications, event services and operations.
By the Numbers
NOENMCC hosts more than 100 events each year and welcomes more than 800,000 visitors annually. The facility offers 1.1 million square feet of exhibit space on one level and ranks among the 10 largest convention centers in the United States.
Since opening in 1985, the center says its event activity has generated $93.2 billion in economic impact. NOENMCC has also awarded more than $54 million in contracts to small businesses and disadvantaged business enterprises since 2019.
About
The New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center is a two-time LEED Gold-certified facility with 1.1 million square feet of exhibit space. The venue hosts conventions, meetings and events that support New Orleans’ tourism economy. For more information, visit mccno.com.
Press release submitted by the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. Edited by Exhibit City News for clarity, length and style.
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