First-Ever Comprehensive Convention Center Transportation Center Opens To Rave Reviews

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The New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center opened its new Transportation Center for buses, shuttles, taxis and ride shares to rave reviews. The Convention Center made a significant investment to improve public safety and convenience of residents, local commuters and event attendees by eliminating shuttles, taxis and ride-shares on the boulevard that fronts the Center. The Transportation Center is the most well-designed and functional transportation center of any Convention Center in the U.S., as expressed by planners who first used it recently.

“The AAO-HNSF conference attendees found the Transportation Center’s central location convenient, easy to navigate, and admired it’s modern design,” said Tami L. Rollins, CMP, CEM, Director, Global Education, Meetings, and Strategic Partnerships, AAO-HSNF.

The AAO-HSNF (American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery) Annual Meeting & OTO Experience was the first group to use the Transportation Center which attracted more than 9,000 otolaryngologist head and neck surgeons from more than 80 countries with more than 250 exhibiting companies.

“Having managed thousands of transportation systems in several convention centers all over the US, we have seen and experienced different transportation areas. The new “Transportation Center” at the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center is a welcomed update to the property,” said Sam A. Spadavecchia, Director of Sales & Marketing, CMAC, LLC – Convention & Event Transportation Management.

“A large construction project is always frightful for us as we approach a program, but our experience last week was smooth and painless. We welcomed having a centralized location for all transportation needs for all attendees,” Spadavecchia continued.

The construction of the Transportation Center is part of a $557 million five-year modernization plan that will transform the planner and guest experience including reimagined meeting rooms, restrooms and public spaces. Negotiations are underway to develop a 1,200 room headquarters hotel connected to the Center that will be surrounded by a 39-acre mixed-use project with unique retail, dining and entertainment options.

The next major milestone will be the opening of the Pedestrian Park, expected in late 2020. It will be a lushly landscaped park the length of the Convention Center that will include communal gathering areas, public art, water features and outdoor event space.

For a list of major construction milestones, visit advantagenola.com.