NOENMCC Sales Director Elaine Williams Nominated for PCMA Supplier of the Year

Elaine Williams
Director of Sales
New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center

Elaine Williams, CMP, CEM-AP, Director of Sales at the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center (NOENMCC), was named as a nominee in the Professional Convention Management Association’s 2022 Professional Excellence Awards in the Supplier of the Year category.

The award, established in 1983, honors a PCMA supplier who exemplifies excellence to their organization, PCMA, and the business events community.

A supplier is considered a person or business who supports bringing an event to fruition. Williams’ nomination cements her as one of the leaders of the convention and events industry and demonstrates the impact her work has on the events that annually brings thousands of visitors to the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center.

Williams’s career in the Convention Center began with ARAMARK in 1996 when she was named sales manager. While working for ARAMARK, Williams rose through the ranks to achieve the positions of director of sales, director of operations and interim general manager. She joined the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center sales team in 2007 as a national sales manager. As Director of Sales, Williams leads a team of ten and is responsible for targeting new business as well as selling and servicing the Center’s national association and corporate accounts.

In 2005, Williams successfully completed the CMP exam, becoming a Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) designated by the Convention Industry Council. A graduate of the University of New Orleans, Williams has completed several Hospitality Management Training programs consisting of both internal ARAMARK programs as well as those offered by affiliated hospitality associations.

In May 2021, Williams became the first facility representative in the history of the International Association of Exhibits and Events (IAEE) to earn an Advanced Professional certification in Exhibition Management.

“Elaine has been in the event industry for 25 years, and every single day of that experience shines through when she interacts with our internal and external customers,” says Michael J. Sawaya, Convention Center president. “This nomination is a testament to her never-quit work ethic, inexhaustible drive, and passion for providing outstanding service. Elaine does things the right way and is always looking to bring fresh ideas and innovative thinking to her role as Director of Sales. We could not be happier that she is receiving this well-deserved recognition and look forward to her bright future here at the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center.”

The winners of the PCMA Visionary Awards, including the award for Supplier of the Year, will be announced during a live event on March 24th in National Harbor, Maryland. To see all the honorees for PCMA’s 2022 Professional Excellence Awards, click here.