NEW ORLEANS – The New Orleans Convention & Visitors Bureau (NOCVB) has issued its Third Quarter Convention Sneak Peek for 2017, including a list of CVB-booked business for the months of July, Aug. and Sept.
Highlights of the Second Quarter included five major events and conventions – French Quarter Festival, which brought more than 700,000 attendees to the largest showcase of Louisiana music in the world and the largest free music festival in the South as well as the Allstate Sugar Bowl Crescent City Classic that welcomed 25,000 runners for its 39th annual 10k race. Additionally, New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival presented by Shell, which attracted more than 425,000 visitors, Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) with 20,000 attendees and Collision Conference, “America’s fastest growing tech conference,” also welcomed more than 19,700 attendees from 192 countries.
The momentum continues in the Third Quarter with ESSENCE Festival, presented by Coca-Cola, attracting more than 450,000 attendees to New Orleans, June 29 – July 2. Headliners of this year’s festival include John Legend, Diana Ross, Solange, Mary J. Blige, Chance the Rapper and Jill Scott. Shortly thereafter, Beachbody Summit will gather at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome over four days for business-building training, workshops and a large group workout in Champions Square. This year’s event is expected to have more than 17,000 coaches in attendance.
Local CVB campaigns this quarter include COOLinary New Orleans Restaurant Month in Aug., where locals and visitors can take advantage of discounted two-to three-course menu options from restaurants across the city. This runs in conjunction with Be a Tourist In Your Own Hometown in Aug. and Sept., which encourages locals to take advantage of discounts on hotels and attractions around the city. Additionally, the Louisiana Restaurant Association’s Restaurant Week New Orleans, Sept. 14 – 20, brings together discounted prix-fixe menu offerings from restaurants around the city.
The Third Quarter of 2017 will continue to bring conventions and events from many industries, including the Veterans of Foreign Wars Annual National Convention, the Younique Products Annual Convention and the Louisiana Restaurant Association (LRA) Foodservice Expo, collectively welcoming more than 35,000 attendees.
The National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ), Connect Marketplace, National Recreation and Park Association (NPRA) and Farm & Table Nola will convene in the middle of the quarter.
The Q3 CVB convention schedule includes:
June 29 – July 2
ESSENCE Festival
450,000 attendees
This annual four-day event hosted by ESSENCE, the distinguished lifestyle magazine for African American women, welcomes the country’s best musicians and entertainers, as well as seminars created to empower African American men and women.
July 12 – 16
McKesson Corporation
ideaShare Conference
4,000 attendees
McKesson ideaShare is an annual conference that brings together the best and brightest community pharmacy leaders.
July 13 – 16
Beachbody, LLC
Coach Summit
17,500 attendees
Beachbody Summit is a four-day business-building training and networking event for Beachbody fitness coaches.
July 22 – 26
Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)
Annual National Convention
10,000 attendees
The VFW annual convention brings together eligible veterans and military service members from the active guard and reserve forces.
August 3 – 5
Younique Products
Annual Convention
15,000 attendees
Younique Products’ annual convention is a three-day event to uplift, empower, validate and ultimately build self esteem in women around the world.
August 5 – 7
Louisiana Restaurant Association (LRA)
Louisiana Foodservice & Hospitality EXPO
12,000 attendees
The Louisiana Foodservice & Hospitality EXPO is the largest and most attended showcase of its kind in the region. Held in New Orleans every August, the LRA invites companies to exhibit their products and services to an audience of thousands of restaurant owners and operators. A wide variety of special events and educational seminars are available.
August 18 – 21
Helen Brett Enterprises, Inc.
New Orleans Gift & Jewelry Show
3,000 attendees
Helen Brett Enterprises, Inc. is a full-service trade show production and management company that currently conducts quarterly gift and jewelry shows in New Orleans. Qualified buyers only.
August 25 – 27
Marine Aquarium Societies of North America (MACNA)
Marine Aquarium Conference of North America
3,000 attendees
MACNA is the oldest marine aquarium conference in North America.
September 13 – 16
5Linx Enterprises, Incorporated
5Linx International Training Event
7,500 attendees
5Linx International Training Event provides products and services that individuals and businesses use daily to expand.
September 26 – 28
National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA)
Annual Congress
3,200 attendees
NRPA’s Annual Conference is the flagship event of NRPA and the premier meeting of the park and recreation community.
September 26 – 29
Industrial Fabrics Association International (IFAI)
Annual Expo
4,000 attendees
IFAI Annual Expo is the premier industrial fabrics expo in North America.
