National Association of Realtors to Hold 2006 Conference in New Orleans

Conference to take place November 8-13, 2006, bringing over $34 million to the city.

New Orleans, La. – New Orleans will host its largest convention in 2006, the National Association of Realtors ’ (NAR) Annual Conference & Expo with over 26,000 attendees.
The leadership of the NAR voted December 9 to stick with New Orleans rather than to seek an alternative site for the convention and exposition, and to mount a national education campaign to encourage Realtors and exhibitors to attend.

“We can set no better example to the nation than by keeping our promise to New Orleans and its people to hold our 2006 annual meeting there,” said NAR President Tom Stevens. “The health and safety of our members are our primary concerns. We have done our research and we are convinced New Orleans will be a safe and healthful venue for our convention.”

Stevens and NAR staff traveled to the city to meet with local New Orleans authorities, including representatives from the New Orleans Metropolitan Convention & Visitors Bureau (NOMCVB). While there, they reviewed reconstruction efforts and assessed the city’s ability to meet the needs of NAR and its members. The Central Business District, French Quarter and Garden District escaped flooding and essential services have been fully restored to those areas. The Ernest N. Morial Convention Center and nearly all hotels in the area are filled with hundreds of workers repairing damage from the storm.

“It's amazing how fast the city has pulled together and the progress it has made to get things back to normal,” Stevens said. “Our annual meeting will help to provide jobs for residents to rebuild their lives and revenues for the city to restore services. We will have a wonderful conference as we celebrate the rebirth of this legendary American city.”

“We have been impressed with the thorough approach to the decision process and we are delighted with the outcome,” said Kitty Ratcliffe, Executive Vice President of the NOMCVB. “The National Association of Realtors, with its 1.2 million members, has long been a good partner with the New Orleans community. Their partnership is appreciated by us more now than ever before, the economic impact of their convention in New Orleans in November 2006 will be well over $34 million and will have a substantial impact in the rebirth of the city.”



About New Orleans Metropolitan Convention & Visitors Bureau (NOMCVB)
Since 1960, the New Orleans Metropolitan Convention & Visitors Bureau (www.neworleanscvb.com) has been the driving force behind New Orleans' most
important industry, attracting $4.9 billion to the region annually. Nationally recognized for superior customer service, NOMCVB represents over 1,200 members and provides convention services and visitor information for business travelers and vacationers. Last year, the NOMCVB welcomed a record-breaking 10.1 million visitors to one of America's favorite meeting and leisure destinations. The NOMCVB is committed to rebuilding the city of New Orleans.

About the National Association of Realtors (NAR)
The National Association of Realtors®, “The Voice for Real Estate,” is America’s largest trade association, representing more than 1.2 million members involved in all aspects of the residential and commercial real estate industries.