New Orleans Meeting Planners Guide - 2025 New Orleans Meeting Planning Guide

New Orleans’ meeting facilities are one-of-a-kind and offer convenience and customizable options for every meeting.

CHANGE IS COMING

The impressive 3-million-square-foot New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center (NOENMCC) that so perfectly complements the city’s walkable hotels continues forging ahead with an ambitious $557 million improvement plan, including interior modernizations and a complete makeover of its exterior experience. Renovations are underway in lobbies, 140 meeting rooms and pre-function areas with upcoming enhancements planned for entrances. An energy-efficient 1.9-million-square-foot roof was installed in mid-2024.

Our 2022 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.

The Convention Center and River District Neighborhood Investors (RDNI) recently broke ground on the River District — a dynamic mixed-use development spanning 39 acres of prime riverfront land adjacent to the center that will include new dining, retail, housing, and entertainment options offering benefits to both visitors and locals. The project has been hailed as a generational opportunity to activate undeveloped urban riverfront land as a transformative asset for the New Orleans region and the state of Louisiana. This brand-new neighborhood will further solidify New Orleans’ reputation as a city that’s “Built to Host.”

FACILITY UPGRADES

» $65 million tree-lined pedestrian park along 7.5 acres on Convention Center Boulevard features covered porches, outdoor event spaces, water features, and public art.

» Transportation Center allows shuttles, taxis, and rideshares to move attendees more efficiently to and from the Convention Center.

» Digital signs installed at each of the 140 meeting rooms.

» Wayfinding kiosks installed throughout lobbies.

» Restroom renovation and complete makeover of charging stations.

» Upgrades to physical plant including four new chillers, two new cooling towers, six boilers, and a new systems-monitoring station.

» Recently completed one of the largest energy-saving initiatives ever undertaken in the region, including an overhaul of lighting and HVAC systems.

THE GREAT HALL

The Convention Center’s striking façade features a large outdoor pedestrian plaza and a 32’ x 18’ high-definition video display board, providing a grand sense of arrival to attendees. Just inside the glass doors is the 60,300-square-foot divisible, column-free Great Hall ballroom, 26,000-square-foot pre-function space, 3,880-square-foot Rivergate Room, 3,420-square-foot elevated outdoor terrace, 980-square-foot indoor balcony, and a 5,600-square-foot lounge. Recent installations include an LED lighting system and high-density Wi-Fi capable of serving 20,000 users simultaneously.

FEATURES & SERVICES

» Digital, flat-panel information systems are strategically placed throughout the main lobby, meeting room levels and in pre-function areas. In addition, key-card access and a fully integrated digital signage system with screens are in all 140 meeting rooms and throughout public spaces.

» The Convention Center boasts a 1-gigabit-per-second fiber optic internet backbone that is 100% redundant and burstable to 10 gigabits per second.

» Our highly qualified and experienced production team offers a full slate of integrated services for all of your lighting, audio, video, and rigging needs in-house, or can support your selected contractor.

» The center offers a full suite of HD video equipment for a variety of satellite broadcasts, presentations, or recording formats and the trained personnel to design, capture, and edit your program on-site. The New Orleans Theater offers a seating capacity of 4,000 and can be divided into three acoustically separate sections.

» The full-service UPS Store at the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center provides show management, attendees, and exhibitors with large-image, on-site printing of meter boards, directional signs, and banners; inbound and outbound small-package handling; and a satellite mobile kiosk for printing, packing, and shipping.

» Dutch’s Corner is a new in-house convenience store stationed next to the UPS Store in Lobby E that sells items such as phone chargers, cables, and first aid supplies, as well as New Orleans-themed souvenirs. Named for Mayor Ernest N. “Dutch” Morial, Dutch’s Corner is yet another way that NOENMCC meets the diverse needs of convention attendees while offering a taste of the unique culture that defines New Orleans.

THE GREAT HALL (FIRST FLOOR)

The New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center features a 60,300-square-foot divisible Great Hall ballroom with 26,000-square-foot multiuse prefunction space and hotel-like appointments throughout. Additional features include a 3,880-square-foot Rivergate Room, complete with a 3,420-square-foot rooftop terrace, a 980-square-foot indoor balcony and a 5,600-square-foot executive club lounge. The Great Hall is located on the ground floor level near the Julia Street entrance.

Freight Gate 6: 19' 2" x 20'

Freight Gate 7: 20' 9" x 20' 6"

Ballroom sections A, B, and D are available individually, or in the following configurations: A/B, A/D, or B/C.

Ceiling Height: 28'6"

LA NOUVELLE ORLEANS BALLROOM (SECOND FLOOR)

La Nouvelle Orleans Ballroom is located on the second level above Halls E and F. With a banquet capacity of 1,800 people, the ballroom is ideal for meal functions.

This flexible, carpeted ballroom may also be subdivided between sections A/B or B/C to host more intimate affairs.

Access Door: 12’ x 12’

Ceiling Height: 30’

NEW ORLEANS THEATER (SECOND FLOOR)

Designed by a team of technical production experts, the New Orleans Theater is a canvas for your creativity. In full 4,000-seat configuration or divided into acoustically separate sections, this showcase venue is every producer’s dream.

From its lift-free, wire-mesh production grid to its computerized lighting controls, professional sound, and cutting-edge video systems, the New Orleans Theater offers virtually turn-key production capabilities.

Upper Level seats may be screened off by an opaque scrim. The staging area allows the flexibility to add risers and platforms to create the ideal set. In full configuration, staging can be completed by our computerized Braille curtain, the utmost in presentation sophistication.

DID YOU KNOW?

According to the International Association of Venue Managers, NOENMCC was the first convention center in the nation to have established a Chief Diversity Officer position. The Convention Center created the position to reflect its commitment to implementing diverse, equitable, and inclusive practices, providing equal opportunities that drive innovative solutions for its internal and external communities.

FOOD SERVICE

The New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center’s exclusive food service contractor, Sodexo Live!, sources Louisiana-made and Louisiana-grown ingredients and incorporates them into creative and delicious menus for the facility. The menus are designed to showcase the best of local seafood, produce, and craftsmanship. Other food and beverage options include:

» 400-seat Atrium Restaurant featuring PJ’s Coffee and Twain’s Deli (Hall C Lobby)

» 200-seat Jazz City Café (Hall J Lobby)

» 100-seat Lagniappe Food Court (Hall F Lobby)

» Ma Maison VIP Dining Suite

» Streetcar Café (Hall G Lobby)

» Retail food outlet (Hall A Lobby)

TRUCK DOCKS

» Located just a few blocks from the Convention Center, the Vehicular Operations Center has a 450-trailer capacity and direct access along major truck routes to our 62 dedicated truck bays.

» Additional nearby marshalling yards are available for lease.

COLUMN SPACING

» 90' x 90' typical with column-free areas. Halls C and D each have 50,000 square feet of column-free space. Hall F has 88,658 square feet of column-free space.

LOBBY REGISTRATION

217,044 square feet can accommodate simultaneous registration for multiple events:

» Great Hall pre-function: 26,000 square feet

» Lobby AB: 56,873 square feet

» Lobby DEF: 56,873 square feet

» Lobby GHIJ: 77,096 square feet

EXHIBIT HALL CEILING HEIGHTS

» Great Hall: 28'6"

» Halls B-E and G-J: 59' to truss peaks, 65' to roof peaks, 27' under serviceways

» Hall F has a minimum of 36'

HALL UTILITIES

» Floor boxes on 30' centers

ELECTRICAL

» Typical 120/208v electrical service in exhibit hall floor boxes

» Typical 120/208v power on utility trusses

» Typical 277/480v electrical service on each utility truss

» These general statements are reflective of the minimum power available on each utility truss. Some have more available and some supplemental power can be arranged upon request. Also, passenger trusses are not considered utility trusses and typically have no heavy power available. If power is needed from a passenger truss, special arrangements may be necessary.

COMMUNICATIONS

» Telephone connections and microphone jacks available

DRAIN

» Three-inch drain in each exhibit hall floor box

ACCESS

» 17 elevators

» 62 loading bays

INTERNET ACCESS

» The Center’s 1-gigabit-persecond fiber optic internet backbone is 100% redundant and burstable to 10 gigabits per second. All cabling, networking equipment, and technical support is provided as needed. Complimentary wireless internet service is available in designated public areas.

AIR

» Continuous air in serviceways: 90–100 psi, 1 1/2" header, 1" tap

WATER

» Continuous in serviceways: Three-pump unit in cycles of 75–160 GPM. 50–55 psi, 2" header, 1" tap

GAS

» Continuous in serviceways: 6" water column pressure, 2" header, 1" tap

STEAM

» Available in Halls D, E, G and H: 10,000 lbs. per hour, 3" header, 1" tap

FLOOR SQUARE FOOTAGE

» Column-free space:

Minimum: 13,090 square feet

Maximum: 21,250 square feet

SEATING CAPACITY

» Up to 17,000

» Half house configuration with in-house curtain drape

» 3 60-degree upper bowl black curtain drape system

A TOTAL PACKAGE

» In addition to the Smoothie King Center, ASM Global manages the 76,000-seat Caesars Superdome and Champions Square, a 91,000-square-foot outdoor event venue. All three venues are just steps away from one another as part of one central campus. ASM Global is the world’s leading venue management and services company, and an experienced and knowledgeable staff ensures the success of every program held at the complex.

WHERE THE PERFORMANCE NEVER ENDS

For the past 20 years, Smoothie King Center has taken its place as the number one entertainment and sports venue in the region. Adjacent to Ceasars Superdome, Smoothie King Center is New Orleans’ premier facility for a wide array of events, including private and public concerts, general sessions, banquets, sporting events, and touring shows. Numerous special events and general sessions have been held with outstanding results, all within the same walls where champions have been crowned and world-class performers have thrilled thousands of fans.

TESTIMONIAL:

"Solomon Group has worked on numerous projects all over ASM’s New Orleans campus of venues, including the Smoothie King Center, several ESSENCE Festivals at the Caesars Superdome, and large-scale corporate shows inside of both facilities. ASM seems to hire the best people in the arena/stadium industry. Their team is always fantastic to work with, and they maintain state-of-the-art, top-notch venues.” - Gary Solomon Jr., President, Solomon Group

NEW ORLEANS’ FINEST STAGE

The venue size and tiered-level seating make this technology-driven facility the venue of choice for general sessions and private concerts. With flexible seating configurations and an upper-level black curtain drape system, this multipurpose arena creates an immersive experience for a variety of programming.

PREMIUM AREAS

The Smoothie King Center is VIP-ready with an array of spaces located throughout the facility outfitted with high-end finishes and amenities. The venue sets the standard for arenas across the country and is the prime location for corporate/association groups looking for a first-class event.

FLOOR SQUARE FOOTAGE

» Column-free space:

Minimum: 112,900 square feet

Maximum: 162,434 square feet

SEATING CAPACITY

» Up to 76,000

» Reduced configurations with in-house curtain drape

A TOTAL PACKAGE

» The Caesars Superdome anchors an entertainment and sports district that attracts 5 million visitors a year. The complex encompasses the Superdome, Smoothie King Center, and Champions Square, offering unrivaled versatility for event programming. Managed by ASM Global, the world’s leading venue management and services company, clients have the advantage of working with an experienced and knowledgeable staff.

WHERE LEGENDARY MOMENTS ARE MADE

For decades, the Superdome has defined the New Orleans skyline. With its iconic design, the venue has become one of the most recognizable landmarks in America and has created a lasting place in Louisiana’s history.

Caesars Superdome is a premier destination for every type of event. From the biggest, elaborate productions to the most intimate gatherings, the Superdome adapts. The stadium is the venue of choice for a wide array of programming, including special events, general sessions, conventions, concerts, trade shows, and sporting events.

TESTIMONIAL:

“The ASM team helped us create an unforgettable event for IPW by hosting 5,300 delegates from 73 countries in the Caesars Superdome for a Carnival-themed welcome reception. We knew that ASM’s expertise at planning and managing large, multifaceted events in this amazing, world-renowned building would create memories for these VIPs that will keep New Orleans fondly on their minds for years to come.” - Stephen Perry, Past President and CEO, New Orleans & Company

WORLD-CLASS EVENTS

Whether planning an event for a few hundred on the turf field or an elaborate event on the floor for thousands, the Superdome delivers. For general sessions, the tiered-level seating produces excellent sightlines, ensuring that each attendee has the best seat in the house. The in-house curtain drape allows for reduced configurations and a more intimate environment. With approximately 163,000 square feet of column-free space, the Superdome provides attendees an “unconventional” convention experience.

PREMIUM AREAS

The newly renovated Atrium spaces, Club Lounges, End Zone Club, and Premium Bunker Club Lounges at Caesars Superdome offer additional options for smaller meetings and events. These premium spaces are perfectly suited for VIP accommodations in conjunction with an event hosted directly on the Superdome floor.

CLUB XLIV & ENCORE

club XLIV & Encore offer a remarkable 17,900 square feet of prime special-event space just steps away from the Superdome and Champions Square. club XLIV features amazing built-in amenities, including modern furnishings, specialty lighting, and audio/visual packages, plus boasts a classic New Orleans-inspired feel. Guests may easily move between the two spaces, which are connected by impressive, oversized sliding doors. Encore offers a blank canvas, allowing each client to customize this space specifically to their taste and event needs.

FUNCTION

Sporting events, meetings, social events, expos, public/private concerts, and festivals with nearly 50,000 square feet of column-free exhibit space over three halls. Can host up to 10 volleyball or 6 basketball courts.

EQUIPMENT

Round and regular tables, padded folding chairs, maple hardwood and SportCourt flooring surfaces, scoreboards, and movable stages.

SECURITY

Jefferson Parish police details and contract security are available, as well as Jefferson Parish fire watch.

FOOD SERVICE

Full-service catering upon request for up to 3,000+ with four permanent concession stands and portable concession facilities available.

DRESSING/LOCKER FACILITIES

Complete dressing and shower facilities for theatrical and athletic events.

PARKING

1,400 lighted automobile spaces on site, with additional overflow parking on adjacent fields.

RECENT IMPROVEMENTS

» LED lighting throughout Halls A, B & C

» Complete restroom renovations in 2019

» Digital message boards above all doors and entry points

» New scoreboards in Halls A & B, including new LED centerhung scoreboard in Hall A

» Free public internet access throughout complex

» Exterior full-color LED marquee sign on Westbank Expressway

TESTIMONIAL:

“In our 23-year partnership, the Alario Center has always allowed Southern Amateur Athletic Union (SAAU) to maintain the excellence associated with its program. SAAU ensures that our sanctioned events follow certain criteria as far as facility quality is concerned. The Alario Center quality is so well-known in AAU circles that when we list it as our host site, host privileges are immediately granted [...] SAAU has been extremely happy and proud to work for the past 23 years with the Alario Center’s first-class staff, as they always make any situation work. The SAAU program is the second-largest amateur youth sports program in Louisiana behind only the Louisiana High School Athletic Association (LHSAA) in terms of number of members.” — Roch Weilbaecher, SAAU Boys’ Hoops

LOBBY/PRE-FUNCTION SPACE

» First level: 9,750 square feet, adjoining exhibit area

» Second level: 2,552 square feet, adjoining meeting rooms

EXHIBIT AREA UTILITIES

» Floor Boxes (30' on center)

» Electrical – 120/208 volt, 3-phase, 60 amp

» Telephone

» Drains

» WaterWall Boxes (four locations)

» Electrical – 277/480 volts, 100 amp

» 120/208 volt, 3-phase, 60 amp

FOOD SERVICES

Full-Service Kitchen: Can be used for food preparation, warming, refrigeration, dishwashing, and staging facilities.

Concessions: Three permanent concession areas located in exhibit area and front lobby; additional portable concession facilities available.

LOADING

» Dock spaces for five tractor-trailers

» Drive-in access to exhibit area through two doors, one 18' x 18' and one 14' x 18'

DRESSING/LOCKER FACILITIES

Complete dressing and shower facilities for theatrical and athletic events; two private and four group dressing rooms.

MISCELLANEOUS EQUIPMENT

Round and rectangular tables, stacking and folding chairs, athletic floor surfaces and equipment, scoreboards, movable stages, and portable audiovisual equipment are available.

PARKING

More than 1,300 parking spaces

EXHIBIT SPACE

» Main Assembly/Exhibit Area:

» 46,080 square feet

» Ceiling Height: 35'

» Floor: Concrete, 350-poundsper-square-foot load capacity

MEETING SPACE

» Total Meeting Area: 17,413 square feet

» First Level: Three rooms, movable walls

» Second Level: Three rooms, permanent walls

» Ceiling Height: 12'

CONVENTION FACILITIES LOCATOR MAP & SUMMARY

1 NEW ORLEANS ERNEST N. MORIAL CONVENTION CENTER

(see page 24) 900 Convention Center Blvd., New Orleans 70130

» Square Feet Exhibit Space: 1.1 million

» Maximum 10' x 10' Exhibit

» Booth Capacity: 5,046

» Number of Meeting/Reception Rooms: 144

» Number of Ballrooms: 2

» Maximum Theater Capacity: 4,032

» Maximum Banquet Capacity: 50,250

2 SMOOTHIE KING CENTER

(see page 28) 1501 Dave Dixon Dr., New Orleans 70113

» Square Feet Exhibit Space: 21,250

» Number of Meeting/Reception Rooms: 7

» Maximum Theater Capacity: 17,700

» Maximum Banquet Capacity: 1,000

3 CAESARS SUPERDOME

(see page 30) Sugar Bowl Dr., New Orleans 70112

» Square Feet Exhibit Space: 129,631

» Number of Club Lounges: 9

» Maximum Theater Capacity: 68,206

» Maximum Banquet Capacity: 10,000

4 JOHN A. ALARIO, SR., EVENTS CENTER

(see page 33) 2000 Segnette Blvd., Westwego 70094

» Square Feet Exhibit Space: 49,534

» Maximum 10' x 10' Exhibit Booth

» Capacity: 194 (Halls A&B)

» Maximum 8' x 10' Exhibit Booth

» Capacity: 126 (Hall C)

» Number of Meeting/Reception Rooms: 3

» Maximum Theater Capacity: 3,165

» Maximum Banquet Capacity: 1,240

5 PONTCHARTRAIN CENTER

(see page 34) 4545 Williams Blvd., Kenner 70065

» Square Feet Exhibit Space: 46,080

» Maximum 10' x 10' Exhibit Booth

» Capacity: 225

» Number of Ballrooms: 1

» Number of Meeting/Reception Rooms: 7

» Maximum Theater Capacity: 3,700

» Maximum Banquet Capacity: 1,500