Valerie Royal, NAFSA: Association of International Educators, and Mary Ellen Tristram, Partner, WTTC.com

I recently returned from the PCMA New Orleans where WTTC.com was one of six companies selected for I-Zone, the innovations showcase.

This was my 16th PCMA Annual Meeting so it was more about connecting with people than attending sessions. I attended with Kathy Brainbridge-East who recently joined us from Starwood Hotels and Resorts.

Attendance seemed be down from last year although I heard there were 3,000 registrants. The New Orleans Convention Centre is a mile long, which may have contributed to the feeling that it was not as busy.  The I-Zone area where we were stationed was very quiet in the mornings but the afternoons were steady.

Kathy and I spelled each other off between I-Zone and The Imaginaries (Toronto’s Hospitality Suite) so that we could walk around and meet people. I found the key was to connect with people in the morning and invite them to come by the booth for a demo in the afternoon. We were able to attract a number of people and often had two or three people viewing the demo at the same time.

I attended the opening general session, which featured Steven Lewis, former Special Envoy to the UN and chair of the board of the Stephen Lewis Foundation. As part of his keynote, Mr. Lewis spoke about his work with AIDS-Free World, a new international advocacy organization that promotes more urgent and effective global responses to HIV/AIDS. He is a fabulous speaker and brought tears to the eyes of many in the audience.

This was my first time in New Orleans so I had no before and after from which to make comparisons. The opening reception was held at Marti Gras World where the floats and costumes for the parade are housed. It was spectacular and I would like to go back sometime. Unfortunately, we didn’t get to see a lot of the warehouse as we were escorted and ended in a part of the building where the food and beverage was set-up.

The evening was called Mysteries on the Mississippi, brought to life with walking hors d’oeuvre tables dressed as Southern Belles. One room was even decorated like a swamp. An authentic paddlewheeler brought guests back to the Hilton New Orleans Riverside at evening’s end.

I also attended the Monday luncheon to see Sharon Dayal, Director of Event Co-ordination at the Metro Toronto Convention Center, presented with the PCMA Distinguished Convention Servicer Manager of the Year Award. Monday night we were on our own so Kathy and I headed to the Warehouse District and to Herbsaint Restaurant. There are hundreds of restaurants in New Orleans and some very famous chefs, including Emeril Lagasse whose restaurant, Emeril’s Delmonico, I walked pass everyday on my way to the convention center.

Monday night was “Party with a Purpose,” which supports the PCMA Education Foundation and PCMA’s Network for the Needy^®.  Proceeds from “Party With A Purpose” went to Payton’s Play It Forward Foundation and a cheque for $30,000 presented to Coach Payton during the morning session on Tuesday.

I have to say the common conversation at PCMA was the economy. Tuesday’s speaker, Jeremy Siegel, a Professor of Finance at The Wharton School, laid out the facts of why the economy is where it is and what history has shown can be the outcome after a recession of this type. His talk provided some positive outlooks for things to come, at least for me.

I guess the problem with conventions is that you never really experience the city. I was trapped at the convention centre from 7:00 am to 5:00 pm. so our quest to find a lunch place that embodied the essence of New Orleans was a bit difficult. Ultimately, Kathy and I found Acme Oyster House, which has been around since 1910. It was exactly what I wanted. It had regulars, local foods such as charbroiled oysters and staff with welcoming southern drawls. Everyone was very friendly and accommodating in recommending traditional Louisianna fare. Loved it! And will definitely go back.