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New Orleans Convention Center hosts meetings technology guru
Corbin Ball claims New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center to be among the best
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 NEW ORLEANS — In an effort to become one of the most technologically capable convention centers and destinations in the industry, the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center invited meetings technology guru Corbin Ball to address Convention Center employees and local hospitality industry professionals on the latest trends impacting meeting planning, associations and society in general.
The New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center’s technological capabilities impressed Ball, who was a self-described “geek before it was chic.” “The New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center has developed a service-oriented, very strong IT infrastructure that appears to be among the best around,” said Ball.
In his program, “Emerging Technologies: Don’t be Left Behind,” Ball gave an overview of social media sites, mobile technology and GPS-based technology and how they will change the meetings industry dramatically in the next two to three years. Ball also discussed how to prepare for these changes to be able to work more efficiently and effectively.
Among the 130 registered guests was John O'Gara, technology program group manager, Microsoft Events. O’Gara was also among a smaller focus group of Convention Center clients that met to discuss technology needs. “As one can imagine, Microsoft meetings are among the most challenging technologically for venues. The New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center is one of the most advanced that we use on a regular basis,” O’Gara said.
In recent months, the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center has completed $19.1 million in aesthetic and technological improvements. The Center recently implemented a 100 percent redundant fiber optic backbone delivering data up to a capacity of 10 gigabytes, making it one of the most technologically powerful Convention Centers in the nation.
The Convention Center has also re-purposed pay phone bays into “I-Cove” stations where attendees can connect their laptops to the internet and/or or re-charge electronic devices. Among other improvements, the Convention Center opened two executive cyber lounges, installed card-key systems to all 140 meeting rooms, and installed new digital, flat panel audio/video information systems throughout the main lobby and meeting room levels. An additional $11.6 in improvements is slated for 2010.
Corbin Ball, CSP, CMP, MS is an international speaker, consultant and writer helping clients worldwide use technology to save time and improve productivity. With 20 years of experience running international technology meetings, he now is a highly acclaimed speaker with the ability to make complex subjects understandable and fun. His articles have appeared in hundreds of national and international publications and he has been quoted in the US and News Report, Wall Street Journal, the New York Times, Fast Company, PC Magazine and others. Corbin serves or has served on numerous hotel, corporate, convention bureau and association boards. He is the only person to have received both the MPI International Supplier of the Year and the MPI International Chapter Leader of the Year awards. Corbin has been named for four consecutive years as one of "The 25 Most Influential People in the Meetings Industry" by Meeting News Magazine.
With 1.1 million square feet of contiguous exhibit space, an award winning staff and first class amenities, the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center (MCCNO) is the sixth largest convention center in the nation and a consistent Top 10 host of the largest number of conventions and tradeshows annually. A leading rainmaker of the city’s hospitality industry, MCCNO event activity has produced $40.79 billion in economic impact through 2008, including $2.33 billion in new tax revenue. Now celebrating its 25th anniversary, the MCCNO has welcomed more than 12 million visitors through its doors.
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