Fwd: FYI- New Orleans Convetion Center
Andrew Larimer
I'm forwarding it on to our Google group so we can incorporate this data into our talking points, and we'd love to be able to list your guys' support in press releases and on our site. And we'll definitely keep y'all in mind for possible press conferences and announcement.
Andrew
From: Mae Johnson, Sales Manager <mjoh...@mccno.com>
Date: Wed, Mar 10, 2010 at 10:42 PM
Subject: FYI- New Orleans Convetion Center
To: con...@nolafiber.com
From: Mae Johnson, Sales Manager <mjoh...@mccno.com>
Subject: FYI- New Orleans Convetion Center
Message Body:
As an FYI (not sure if it plays into the scheme of goals of the overall bid/ application, maybe you already know) the New Orleans Morial Convention Center is one of 3 convention centers in the country after last years upgrades, and the only one of our size- we're 3.2 million square feet under roof- (other 2 are Austin and San Jose~ much smaller facilities) to have a 10-gig backbone (NOAA has a 3 gig as comparison). We have 100% redundancy out of Dallas and Atlanta for our back up. We also have a robust fiber infrastructure in the center, complete with Network Observation Center that can monitor the system in real time. This being said if we were to be chosen to be the host city to be the site of Google's project we would also be a premier destination to launch with a major kick off or follow up conference/ convention showcasing how fiber has impacted the city in which we live.
Also, as a premier destination for tourism and conventions we are also actively working to bring our hotel product online with similar connectivity found at our convention center so the conventioneer/ attendee has similar capabilities as they would within the facility and their hotel rooms, getting this could help that along.
I'm not sure how this would or if this information would provide useful, however the 10-gig infrastructure is already in place making us on the fore front of our industry and if this was carried into the community in hotels, businesses, and homes we'd be the most highly connected technologically advanced destinations in the country~ any additional resources and elements to set our destination apart from others makes a difference.
We have a Director of Technology who's at the helm of MCC's facility upgrades and technological capabilities and we have a Convention Sales team that certainly have an incredible amount of experience in showcasing our destination to major meeting planners (the Microsoft's, PITTCON's (math and science teachers), and Health care Information Management Systems' of the world), and in getting them to see what sets us apart and select New Orleans for all of the incredible facilities and resources we have making us a state-of-the-art meetings destination as well as the intangible reasons we love and call it home.
Imagine Google launching this decision in our 4000 seat New Orleans Theater at the Convention Center, our 17,000 seat arena, or even our Mardi Gras World facilities. We have the Destination backdrop to make it special.
If there is anywhere we fit into the mix please let me know and I'd be happy to facilitate having our Technology connect and communicate with you to see if our partnership could be useful in anyway.
Best,
Mae Johnson, Sales Manager
New Orleans Morial Convention Center
o. 504-582-3046
mjoh...@mccno.com
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Stephen Sabludowsky
All,
The Convention Center info is really promising. FYI--Bayoubuzz.com intends to continue to write about this project as frequently as we can. This kind of information would be wonderful to show exactly why New Orleans would be ideal for the project. So, please continue to spread the word so we can help communicate this to others in the city and get more believers.
I received a message from Camille at WDSU and she really seemed enthusiastic about the project. That spawned an idea similar to the one I had the other day when I threw out “Musicians For Google Fiber”. That initiative is just beginning and I will get back with you with more information.
After receiving the message from Camille I believe it also would be fascinating if a group called New Orleans media for Google Fiber were formed. I believe after listening to all of the ideas so far-- the media in the city would not only greatly benefit but could also tremendously help the coalition. I would like to get your input whether you think the media should be involved in support of the initiative in this way. If so, I can start the process. I believe the more involvement, the better, but I would like to get your read on this issue.
Related to this—I put on a program called Politics With a Punch at the Blue Room. It is really fantastic. On the panel tomorrow is the Queen of Soul, Irma Thomas. Also, on the panel is publisher Vincent Sylvain who runs a super alternative media newsletter and who hosts a WBOK radio program. Also panelists are Rachael Wulff of WDSU, Jim Bernazanni, formerly head of the local FBI (and a person who was always on TV discussing technology and who is in charge of a prominent not-for-profit organization, Margarita Bergen (who writes for me) who is the city’s “social diva”, Stephen Forster (who does the TP “Social Scene” on Sundays. The MC is Jeff Crouere who writes for me and is the key DJ for WGSO radio, and does commentary for City Business, ABC26 and more.
I would love for you to attend if you are able. I intend to mention the coalition and the more people there the better. These people above could be incredible ambassadors since they are very plugged into the community, very well respected and would have a great interest in this project.
Here is a link to the site for more info. http://www.bayoubuzz.com/News/NewOrleans/New_Orleans_Great_Louisiana_Music_Hall_Of_Fame_Member_Will_Punch_It_Out_Thursday__10447.asp
(Listen to Irma on the Youtube video on the page)
We always have a great turnout and so many of these attendees are normally very influential and can also be great ambassadors for this cause.
If any of you are interested, let me know. Your presence would be great and you will have a very enjoyable evening. Also, it is a great opportunity to schmooze at the Blue Room and meet city leaders who I know can really help the coalition. There is a charge which really just pays for the venue.
Email me if you are interested. I think that all of the panelists and the attendees can really help contribute to the coalition.
Steve
Stephen Sabludowsky, J.D.
Publisher of Bayoubuzz.com