submitted by The New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center
NEW ORLEANS – The New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center’s Small and Emerging Business (SEB) program held a “WIN with NOENMCC” event on August 30. Hosted by the Convention Center’s SEB program manager LaToya Martin, the event was designed to give small, emerging and diverse Louisiana companies the opportunity to network in person with local business leaders that have current or upcoming projects at or with the Convention Center.
In addition to a Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation’s presentation on its Superbowl LIX Procurement Program, the August 30th event included special presentations by River District Neighborhood Investors, LLC (RDNI) partners JCH Properties, Broadmoor, LLC and Gibbs Construction.
In 2022, the Ernest N. Morial New Orleans Exhibition Hall Authority selected RDNI to develop 39 acres of land adjacent to the Convention Center. A mixed-use development featuring dining, entertainment, retail, housing and green spaces, the River District’s development holds multiple opportunities for Louisiana businesses to play a part in transforming the undeveloped urban riverfront land into a vibrant new neighborhood.
Following details and updates on River District projects and timelines, WIN event attendees learned about diversity certifications and upcoming NOENMCC initiatives and opportunities for SEBs.
“This is all about the power of partnerships,” Convention Center President and CEO Michael J. Sawaya said of the WIN event. “Whether it’s a single marquee event like the Super Bowl or a long-term transformative development like the River District, the Convention Center is committed to facilitating connections and access for diverse and emerging companies in Louisiana. The way we see it, an investment in our small business community is an investment in a brighter future for New Orleans.”
In Q1 and Q2 of 2024, the NOENMCC awarded over $10.3 million in contacts to SEB vendors. To learn more about the NOENMCC’s small and emerging business program, visit exhallnola.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.
About the Ernest N. Morial New Orleans Exhibition Hall Authority
The Ernest N. Morial New Orleans Exhibition Hall Authority’s (Authority) exclusive mission is to finance, construct and operate facilities in order to attract and conduct conventions, trade shows and other events that support and expand the economy of both the State of Louisiana and New Orleans Region. The Authority is composed of a 13-member board of commissioners, ten appointed by the Governor of Louisiana, and three appointed by the Mayor of New Orleans. Since 1985, event activity at the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center has produced $90.1 billion in economic impact since its 1985 opening, including $5.7 billion in new tax revenue for state and local governments.
About River District Neighborhood Investors LLC (RDNI)
River District Neighborhood Investors is a diverse group of partners with deep local roots, all accomplished mixed-use and residential developers with local, regional, and national experience, unparalleled reputations, and strong financial results. The team was selected in 2021 by the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center Authority to develop a mixed-use community with best-in-class sidewalks, bike paths, and green spaces. The River District will revitalize this 40+ acre tract of vacant land along the riverfront as an energetic hub of commerce, trade, culture, history, and community. For information visit www.riverdistrictnola.com.
