Williams also honored with “Women of the Year” award as a top community leader
submitted by New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center
NEW ORLEANS – The New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center (NOENMCC) Senior Director of Sales and Event Services, Elaine Williams, CMP, CEM-AP, was recently named as one of the “100 Most Influential Venue Professionals” by Eventex.
With nearly two decades of experience at the NOENMCC, Williams began her career in 1996 and has since risen through the ranks, showcasing her expertise in both sales and operations. In her current position, she leads a dedicated team focused on generating business and producing top-tier events, overseeing every aspect from prospecting and negotiating contract terms to planning and seamless execution.
Williams was also recognized as one of New Orleans CityBusiness’ “Women of the Year,” an award that recognizes 50 women as top leaders in their New Orleans area communities. The magazine hosted an event celebrating the winners at the New Orleans Museum of Art on Nov. 4 and will feature the honorees in a special insert in its Nov. 15 issue.
Williams is an active member of the International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE), serving on its Board of Directors, and is also a member of the Board of Governors for the International Association of Venue Managers’ (IAVM) Senior Executive Symposium. Her leadership within these organizations highlights her commitment to advancing the industry and embracing innovative practices.
“Elaine’s contributions to the Convention Center and the broader events community are truly commendable,” said Michael J. Sawaya, Convention Center President and CEO. “Her strategic vision and meticulous attention to detail ensure that each event is an unforgettable experience, reinforcing New Orleans’ reputation as a premier destination for meetings and events.”
In addition to her professional accomplishments, Williams is deeply involved in her community, having volunteered as a coach at St. Edward the Confessor Catholic School and Mike Miley Playground. She serves on the Development & Marketing Committee for Catholic Charities Archdiocese of New Orleans and has dedicated time to Second Harvest Food Bank of Greater New Orleans and Acadiana, working hard to combat hunger and food insecurity in the community.
Williams’s accolades include being the first facility representative in IAEE history to receive the Certification in Exhibition Management Advanced Professional (CEM-AP). She was also nominated for the Professional Convention Management Association’s 2022 Professional Excellence Awards in the Supplier of the Year category.
“Being recognized in this way is a profound honor,” Williams stated. “I am passionate about our industry and committed to making a positive impact in our community through my work at the Convention Center. With passion and determination, I am confident we will cement New Orleans as a thriving destination of opportunity and advancement for years to come.”
As she continues to advance her professional development, Williams continues to be a respected leader in the hospitality industry both locally and the national stage. Her strategic initiatives are instrumental in showcasing the rich culture of New Orleans and attracting global visitors, ensuring the city remains a world-class destination for events.
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 tied for the sixth-largest convention center in the United States. NOENMCC is a 2025 Exhibitor Magazine Centers of Excellence recipient and is consistently named a regional top workplace by The Times-Picayune/The New Orleans Advocate. A 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.
