Two major medical associations, the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS) and the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), have signed agreements to locate future conventions in New Orleans, the New Orleans Convention & Visitors Bureau recently announced.
HIMSS, which last met in New Orleans in 2007, has agreed to hold its annual meeting in the Crescent City in March 2013. AAO, meanwhile—which also last met in New Orleans in 2007—has agreed to hold its November meeting there in both 2013 and 2017.
"The City of New Orleans graciously hosted and welcomed all of our attendees of the Annual HIMSS Conference & Exhibition in 2007," HIMSS Executive Vice President and COO R. Norris Orms said in a statement. "Our plan to return in 2013 reflects our confidence in the city, the excellent convention facilities and its exciting collection of hotels. We again look forward to enjoying New Orleans' genuine hospitality, its great cuisine, and exciting music and entertainment."
New Orleans already has booked a slew of major medical meetings for 2013, including annual conventions for the American Society of Neurological Surgeons, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the American Dental Association, among others. In addition, it will host the NCAA Women's Final Four and Super Bowl XLVII that same year.
According to New Orleans CVB President and CEO Stephen Perry, the city's latest contracts confirm its status as a major meetings destination.
"There are so many factors that determine a group's decision to meet in a destination, and with our delectable cuisine, unbeatable jazz, hospitable staff, world-class meeting facilities and an award-winning team of sales, service and marketing professionals at the CVB, New Orleans contains all the elements necessary to ensure a successful meeting," he said in a statement. "We believe that the recent addition of these prominent medical associations to New Orleans' growing list of future conventions only solidifies the city's reputation as a world-class destination for hospitality, tourism, meetings, conventions and special events."