The skinny on what’s new and notable from Stephanie Turner, New Orleans & Company SVP Convention Sales Strategies.
New Orleans & Company launched Built to Host a few years ago to educate planners on what The Crescent City has to offer groups and how its specialized teams can assist with a seamless one-stop-shop for meetings and incentive programs. “New Orleans & Company takes the time to understand our customers and align with their goals, creating invaluable partnerships,” says Stephanie Turner, SVP Convention Sales Strategies. “From site selection to the final attendee’s departure, we stay with our clients every step of the way to ensure success. We offer complimentary planning services, marketing tools and attendance-building resources—and we connect organizations with volunteer opportunities that reflect their values.” Prevue recently caught up with Turner to get the inside scoop on Built to Host and NOLA news.
Prevue: What are the most significant changes in the NOLA meetings and incentive market since the Built to Host program began in 2022?
Stephanie Turner, New Orleans & Company SVP Convention Sales Strategies:
New Orleans’ biggest changes come in the form of new hospitality development. The New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center is in the middle of a $557 million comprehensive capital improvement strategy that includes everything from the roof to the meeting rooms and from the exhibit halls to a state-of-the-art transportation center. Convention Center Boulevard has been transformed into a 7.5-acre pedestrian park with 200 trees, art installations, shaded gathering spaces and outdoor event space. Adjacent to the convention center, 39 acres of riverfront property is being activated into an entirely new neighborhood called The River District that will include dining, retail, entertainment options and 900 mixed-income housing units, 450 of which will be affordable and workplace housing units.
Prevue: What is the most important new hotel and venue development planners should be aware of?
Turner: Global and luxury brands are investing in New Orleans. The Four Seasons, Virgin Hotels, and a $450 million renovation of Caesars Superdome stadium (complete by Super Bowl 2025), enhance the city’s hospitality offerings. Additionally, Caesars Entertainment, Inc. is spending $435 million to rebrand Harrah’s Casino and build a new 340-room hotel tower, scheduled to open this fall. A 31-story office tower in the Central Business District is being redeveloped into the 250-room Fairmont New Orleans, with 20,000 square feet of meeting space. An extended stay, 216-room Element by Marriott is also part of the project, set to open in Summer 2025.
In other venue news, The National WWII Museum completed its final permanent exhibits and opened the Expressions of America exhibit and new Liberation Pavilion to wide acclaim last year. Audubon Aquarium of the Americas and Insectarium is welcoming guests to a new lobby and 17,000 sq-ft. of new exhibit space after a $40 million transformation.
Prevue: In what specific ways can New Orleans & Company help planners to coordinate complex logistics for conferences and events?Â
Turner: The New Orleans & Company Services team specializes in matching the right resources for each event. Our local experts can pull off the most technical aspects of a meeting, from understanding transportation routes to navigating city regulations to staffing needs. When challenges arise, we bring solutions that underscore our dedication to the group’s goals. Our Convention Services professionals are passionate about the city and the level of service they provide. Within that umbrella, our marketing and attendance-building team provide planners with a suite of complimentary tools to generate excitement and boost registration.
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