Omni Hotel Project Adds New Convention Capacity
New Orleans is preparing for a busy fall tourism and convention season, with major events on the calendar and new hotel development underway. Walt Leger, president and CEO of New Orleans & Company, joined Mornings With Brian Haldane to discuss the city’s convention industry, upcoming events and the impact of new hospitality infrastructure.
Leger highlighted the planned Omni Hotel near the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. The approximately 1,000-room hotel will include meeting space and provide a nearby lodging option for large conventions.
A dedicated “host hotel” can make a destination more attractive to meeting planners by keeping attendees close to the convention venue. Leger said the project could also strengthen New Orleans’ ability to compete for major sporting events, including future Super Bowls and college football championships.
Major Events Bring Visitors to the City
New Orleans also faces a packed calendar of festivals, concerts and sporting events. WWE’s Money in the Bank is scheduled for October 10 at the Smoothie King Center, while NOLA by NOLA will showcase live music at venues throughout the city.
Leger described NOLA by NOLA as an opportunity to experience different neighborhoods, venues and local performers. The event will feature hundreds of performances over several days, along with programming focused on the business side of the music industry.
Convention Visitors Drive Local Business
Beyond hotel stays, conventions generate business for restaurants, transportation companies, caterers, audiovisual providers and exhibit contractors.
Leger said hundreds of thousands of convention visitors will come to New Orleans over the coming months. One major medical convention alone is expected to bring approximately 30,000 attendees.
With New Orleans competing against destinations investing heavily in convention infrastructure, Leger said continued investment remains important. He also expects in-person meetings to remain valuable as businesses adopt more artificial intelligence and digital technology.
According to the interview, nearly 250,000 convention attendees are expected in New Orleans over the next several months, providing a significant boost to the city’s hospitality and tourism economy.