FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contacts:
Kelly Schulz
New Orleans Metropolitan Convention & Visitors Bureau
504-566-5019
kschulz@neworleanscvb.com

Mary Beth Romig
New Orleans Metropolitan Convention & Visitors Bureau
504-566-5019
mbromig@nomcvb.com

Stephen Perry, President & CEO of the New Orleans CVB, Named One of Top 25 Most Influential People in the Meetings Industry by Meeting News
Perry receives prestigious honor for the second year in a row

NEW ORLEANS – Aug. 6, 2007 – The Board of Directors of the New Orleans Metropolitan Convention and Visitors Bureau is pleased to announce that for the second year in a row, Stephen Perry, President & CEO of the New Orleans CVB, has been honored by Meeting News Magazine as one of the “25 Most Influential People in the Meetings Industry.”

In doing so, Meeting News in its July 16, 2007 issue stated:

“Perry continues to fight the good fight for New Orleans, which is struggling to rebuild itself and its hospitality industry nearly two years after Hurricane Katrina.

Helped by his able convention sales staff, the chief executive won critical conventions for the city this past year, including last November’s National Association of Realtors’ annual meeting, which drew about 24,000 people. Perry also lead a public relations blitz across the United States and Europe as part of the bureau’s new marketing campaign to emphasize the city’s timelessness, under the slogan ‘Forever New Orleans.’

Thanks to Perry’s indefatigable spirit, there’s little doubt that the bureau will continue to play a large role in the city’s recovery, and that groups will continue to choose New Orleans.”

According to Amy Reimer, 2007 Chairman of the Board of the New Orleans CVB, “In New Orleans, we have an unprecedented opportunity to lead the renaissance of one of America's greatest convention destinations. My year as Chairman of the Board has been made easy with the guidance and leadership of Stephen Perry. He is always the leader out in front with the questions, answers and solutions. As Isaac Newton one said, 'If I have seen farther than others, it is because I was standing on the shoulders of giants.'"

Under Perry's leadership, the New Orleans CVB has won numerous awards for customer service excellence in the meetings industry, developed a National Customer Advisory Council, and became the first CVB to create a vice president of client relations position (filled by 20-year meeting professional Donna Karl, CMP) to serve as a strategic asset and advocate for New Orleans convention clients.

Before taking the lead of the NOMCVB in 2002, Perry served as Louisiana Governor Mike Foster’s Chief of Staff from the time the governor took office in January 1996. In that capacity, he helped put together the governor’s economic development package, including financing for Phase IV of the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. Perry holds B.A. degrees in History and Russian Area Studies from LSU, an M.A. in Anthropology from LSU, and he completed the Senior Executives Program in State and Local Government offered by the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University.

About New Orleans Metropolitan Convention & Visitors Bureau (NOMCVB)
The New Orleans CVB (www.neworleanscvb.com) is the driving force behind New Orleans' most important industry, tourism. Today the cultural riches, sensual indulgences and unparalleled service that define the New Orleans experience continue to flourish, as they have for centuries. The most celebrated and historic core of the city - including the French Quarter, Central Business District, Warehouse and Arts District, Magazine Street and Garden District - not only remains intact, both physically and spiritually, but is thriving. The New Orleans CVB is proudly welcoming visitors and business travelers every day.

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