The New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center (MCCNO), one of the six largest convention centers in the nation, promoted an employee to director of sales.
In this new capacity is Elaine Williams, CMP, who is responsible for overseeing the direct sales efforts of MCCNO. She worked in various capacities at the convention center since 1997 and previously served as assistant director of sales.
“Elaine is a seasoned industry professional who knows her customers and our operations well. Her proven ability to lead and cultivate strong customer relationships will be a valuable asset to our sales initiatives,” said Tim Hemphill, vice president of sales and marketing, MCCNO. “We are thrilled Elaine has accepted this new challenge.”
Williams brings extensive sales skills and operational knowledge to the position from a career that has spanned 20 years in the convention and hospitality industries. Her career with ARAMARK, the center’s former caterer, began in 1997 when she was named sales manager. Over the years, Williams rose through ARAMARK’s ranks to achieve the position of director of sales, director of operations and interim general manager before joining MCCNO’s marketing and sales department.
In 2005, she became a Certified Meeting Professional (CMP), designated by the Convention Industry Council, after successfully passing the exam.
A graduate of the University of New Orleans, Williams has completed several Hospitality Management Training programs consisting of internal ARAMARK programs as well as those offered by Affiliate Hospitality Associations.
