If you are coming to New Orleans for a convention or business meeting, you will likely be going to the Morial Convention Center, a huge expanse exposition space running alongside the Mississippi River. Here is some information you may find useful.
New Orleans Convention Center:
The New Orleans Convention Center is named after Ernest N. Morial, the mayor who was instrumental in its birth. It opened in 1985 in New Orleans, expanding rapidly after that to mirror the booming market in conventions and expositions. Post Katrina, the New Orleans Convention Center has been restored as a first-class facility for everything from Mardi Gras balls to interactive NBA events to library conventions and symphony performances.
The Facility:
The New Orleans Convention Center is about 3 million square feet, and boasts 1.1 million square feet of exhibit space on one level. It has 12 separate exhibit halls, two ballrooms, a 4000+ seat conference auditorium, 140 meeting rooms, and 12 separate exhibit halls. It is located in the Warehouse District, along the Mississippi River, next to the Riverwalk Shopping Center and near the French Quarter.
Amenities:
The Lagniappe Food Court in one of the main halls has Grille Works, Soup n' Salad and Seafood City. In Lobby J is Jazz City food city. There are also food stations such as the Deli Corner, Gretel's Bakery, Leghorn's Grillworks, and Caribbean, eastern, and pasta kiosks. Parking is adjacent to the Center, and most hotels provide a shuttle service. The New Orleans Convention Center is also accessible by riverfront streetcar line, which runs behind the Quarter, along the River to the New Orleans Convention Center.
Contact Information:
The New Orleans Convention Center
900 Convention Center Blvd., New Orleans, LA 70130
(504) 582-3023
Fax: (504) 582-3032
General e-mail: m-s@mccno.com