Local businesses can connect directly with nearly 20 organizations seeking contractors and learn best practices for doing business with each.
NEW ORLEANS – On Thursday, October 22, at 10 a.m. The New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center (NOENMCC) is hosting a Reverse Trade Show for local business owners to connect with nearly 20 public and private companies looking for contractors or vendors.
Unlike a traditional trade show, the Reverse Trade Show puts participating agencies, organizations and procurement representatives behind the tables, giving small business owners direct access to organizations seeking qualified businesses. SEBs will have the opportunity to network with participating agencies to learn more about current and upcoming needs and position their businesses for successful procurement of public and private contracting opportunities.
The registration-only event will take place Thursday, October 22, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Rivergate Room at the Convention Center. Attendees can register at exhallnola.com/win/, and registration will close on October 21.
The WIN Series is part of NOENMCC’s Small and Emerging Business (SEB) Program, which provides events and networking opportunities for local small businesses, helping them gain the tools and skills to thrive and open doors to new business. The Reverse Trade Show builds on the August installment of the WIN Series, The Procurement Playbook. During the August workshop, general contractors and construction service providers strengthened their bidding, estimating and procurement skills. Now, these SEBs can put those skills into action by connecting with organizations currently seeking contractors.
“This event is about making it easier for small businesses to get the information they need in one place to pursue contracting opportunities,” said LaToya Martin, SEB Program Manager. “Providing SEBs with the connections, tools and information they need to grow is one of the most meaningful ways the Convention Center connects to our New Orleans community.”
Participating agencies include Audubon Nature Institute, City of New Orleans, Delgado Community College, Entergy, Hancock Whitney, JP Morgan Chase, Garden Doctors, Gulf Coast Bank, Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development, Louisiana Economic Development, Legacy Professional Services, Liberty Bank, Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, New Orleans Regional Transit Authority, Port of New Orleans, Propeller, Sewerage & Water Board of New Orleans, Thrive Nola, Urban League, New Orleans & Company and more.
“Small businesses want a fair chance to compete for contracts, and organizations want to find qualified local companies that can meet their needs. This event helps both sides make those connections,” said Jim Cook, NOENMCC President & CEO. “That’s what our small business program is all about: putting the right people in a room and making it easier for local businesses to position themselves for long-term growth.”
The Convention Center is also expanding access to contracting opportunities beyond the WIN Series. The SEB Program recently revamped its website to provide a more efficient way for SEB-certified businesses to easily learn about opportunities at the Convention Center and easily join the SEB Program. The newly-refreshed website creates a simplified way for SEBs to stay in the loop on upcoming opportunities around the city.
Since 2019, the NOENMCC has awarded more than $54 million in contracts to SEB and DBE vendors. Through initiatives like WIN and the SEBconnect website and app, the Convention Center continues to expand access to opportunities and remove barriers for local businesses.
Small business owners interested in attending the October 22 Reverse Trade Show or learning more about the WIN 2026 Series can visit exhallnola.com.
About the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center (NOENMCC)
With 1.1 million square feet of prime exhibit space on one level, all under one roof, NOENMCC ranks among the top 10 largest convention centers in the United States. A two-time LEED Gold-certified facility and consistently recognized as a regional and national top workplace, NOENMCC welcomes more than 800,000 visitors each year. Its event activity has generated $93.2 billion in economic impact since its opening in 1985 and plays a leading role in New Orleans’ tourism economy. More than $54 million in contracts have been awarded to small businesses and disadvantaged business enterprises since 2019. With its unmatched space, scale and economic impact, NOENMCC proves that New Orleans is Built to Host.
About the Ernest N. Morial New Orleans Exhibition Hall Authority
The Ernest N. Morial New Orleans Exhibition Hall Authority’s (Authority) exclusive mission is to finance, construct and operate facilities in order to attract and conduct conventions, trade shows and other events that support and expand the economy of both the State of Louisiana and New Orleans Region. The Authority is composed of a 13-member board of commissioners, ten appointed by the Governor of Louisiana, and three appointed by the Mayor of New Orleans. Since 1985, event activity at the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center has produced $93.2 billion in economic impact since its 1985 opening, including $5.7 billion in new tax revenue for state and local governments.