New Orleans Convention Center Showcases Re-Opening Measures
November 23, 2020
Socially distanced set ups demonstrated to local and state officials how future meetings and events will operate
The New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center has been hard at work preparing to reopen for meetings since shutting down in response to the pandemic. The center demonstrated to local and state officials how well prepared they are by showcasing how future meetings and events will be executed, making the health and safety of staff and visitors the top priority.
“This has obviously been a year of unprecedented events that have greatly impacted our operations,” said Michael J. Sawaya, president and general manager of the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. “With our new safety and health protocols in place, along with GBAC Star Accreditation, we feel confident about welcoming guests back into our facilities when allowed. These standards will keep our visitors and our team members safe and healthy, so all of us can go back to doing what we do best – showcasing the best that New Orleans has to offer.”
Local and state officials, including the city’s Director of Public Health Dr. Jennifer Avegno and State Fire Marshal Butch Browning, were walked through stations that demonstrated room set ups and exhibit booths featuring social distancing, and reviewed the health, safety and sanitation protocols the Convention Center has established to host live events when allowed. Both Avegno and Browning are critical in reviewing plans to host live events.
“I was impressed with the level of research that went into these proposed measures, specifically, the national recommendations on sanitation and training for their personnel to manage the variety of events they could host, “ said State Fire Marshal Chief H. “Butch” Browning, “I commend the Convention Center for reaching out for feedback and guidance, showing a true commitment to personal responsibility for the safety and well-being of everyone that steps in their facility.”
The New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center was one of the first venues to receive the GBAC STAR accreditation, and early in the pandemic engaged a preeminent industrial hygienist team to help establish new protocols. The Convention Center has instituted Post-Cleaning Verification (PCV) and incorporated the latest technology, among other protocols, and was at the forefront of establishing the standards for hosting live events.