Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1503289
B M & T ••• July/August 2023 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 18 that positively impact society can be invaluable. To celebrate GMID, the destination's DMO, New Orleans & Company, held a panel discussion hosted by its President and CEO Walt Leger III and Stephanie Turner, senior vice president, of convention sales and strate- gies. Speakers included industry leader Sherrif Karamat, president and CEO of Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA), and two major clients: Lauren Parr, senior VP, meetings & learning, American Geophysical Union, and Tucker. In New Orleans, a city whose economy was hit particu- larly hard during the height of Covid-19, all shared the unique benefits of hosting a meeting in New Orleans, whose economy is on its way to recovering, said Turner. For Parr, AGU, an international, nonprofit scientific association whose mission is to pro- mote discovery in Earth and space science, focuses a lot around climate change, "and the scientists and universities doing academic research are located here," she said. She said the uptick in renewable energy investments being made in the area also makes the city attractive. In addition, Parr noted that "We have projects all over the city where we match community leaders with scientists to develop solutions to problems impacting neighborhoods and people." Karamat said that one benefit for PMCA hosting in New Orleans is due to its reputation for southern hospitality. "It's no secret that New Orleans is an amazing, welcoming place," he said. He pointed out that PCMA held its EduCon 2022 in the city, and "The things they're doing to transform the destination are great." Karamat said he would like to see more focus on what can drive the economy, "like shipping. New Orleans is a big port city, and we tend to forget that." Regarding in-person or online meetings, Karamat said, "It should not be either/or. In 2008, during the financial crisis, corporate America canceled its meetings and digital meetings continued to grow. But face-to-face meetings came back even more." Following GMID, journalists had the opportunity to experience New Orleans' renowned hospitality, as well as its existing and developing infrastructure. Our group departed from the Hyatt Regency New Orleans, our host hotel, featur- ing 1,193 rooms and more than 289,000 square feet of meeting space in the Central Business District. The property, at 601 Loyola Ave., was the headquarters for city officials and first responders during Hurricane Katrina. If booking a stay, be sure to watch the documen- tary on your TV to learn how this property became a huge supporter of non-profits in the city during Katrina. Lunch was next on the agenda at the Palace Café located in the historic Werlein Music Building at 605 Canal Street. The restaurant has been serving contemporary Creole cuisine for over 30 years. The restaurant features soar- ing ceilings, a spiral staircase, and three private dining rooms. Popular dishes include its signa- ture crabmeat cheesecake and andouille crust- ed fish. Our group then headed over to the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center at 900 Convention Center Blvd. It is the desti- Ryan Tucker Walt Leger III Stephanie Turner Sherrif Karamat ,Lauren Parr