Before Hurricane Katrina hit in August 2005, New Orleans enjoyed $9.6 billion annually from its convention business. Since then, visitors have only trickled in after the storm. But the National Association of Realtors (NAR) and its members are planning on making a statement of support by holding one of the largest conventions of the year on November 10-13, 2006.
According to Realtor.org, New Orleans is ready, the "most celebrated and historic core of New Orleans remains intact, both physically and spiritually. The cultural riches, sensual indulgences and unparalleled service that define the New Orleans experience continue to flourish, as they have for centuries."
The Central Business District, French Quarter, Warehouse and Arts District, Faubourg Marigny, Audubon Zoo, Garden District, Magazine Street, and St. Charles Avenue are back to business, says the site.
"New Orleans is ready for us," says Tom Stevens, president of NAR. More than 103 downtown hotels have undergone environmental remediation and over 1000 restaurants are open for business including "Galatoire's, Emeril's, Arnaud's, Bayona, Restaurant August, Bacco's, Palace Cafe, Lilette's, Brigsten's, Cuvee, NOLA, Bourbon House, and Antoine's. In addition, many of the city's favorite neighborhood hotspots such as Mother's, Casamento's, Ralph's on the Park, Clancy's, Jacques-Imo's, Johnny's Po-Boys Restaurant, Upperline, Acme Oyster House, Cafe du Monde, Tommy's, and Pascal's Manale are also open.
"All restaurants that are open have been examined by the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals for compliance with regulations regarding water safety and food handling," says NAR.
The largest convention to be held this year was the American Library Association Conference with about 18,000 attendees. NAR is on track to break its own record with as many as 25,000 or more attendees.
"Registration for New Orleans is running strong -- 28 percent over San Francisco last year and 40 percent ahead of New Orleans in 2002 -- the last time we where there, post 9/11," says Frank Sibley, senior vice president, Communications Group. "To date we have 463 exhibitors signed up for 130,000 feet of exhibition space -- about the same as San Francisco '05."
Among the reasons registration has been so strong is the much-anticipated General Session, to be held Saturday, November 11, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. The Honorable George H.W. Bush and The Honorable William J. Clinton (that's right -- George Sr. and Bill) will speak to the audience.
Bank of America is sponsoring a concert by New Orleans native and Hurricane Katrina victims advocate Harry Connick Jr. Sunday, November 12, 2006 from 8:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
But another reason this convention is different is that Realtors are responding to the very real need New Orleans has to get back on its feet. Unlike past conventions where cities are in one piece and thriving, New Orleans is a "tale of two cities," where vibrant areas are contrasted by ravaged neighborhoods that have not recovered from last year's most destructive hurricane.
NAR leadership is rallying the troops to pitch in and help with various renovation and building projects under the category of Rebuild New Orleans . From November 7, 2006 through November 14, 2006 (except Sunday) Realtors can pick a "volunteer day" to work from about 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.. Bus transportation and box lunches are provided.
What these events all have in common is dedication to helping New Orleans get back on its feet. The Bush-Clinton Katrina Fund has raised more than $125 million to date and has so far announced $40 million in grants to the affected states, $30 million in grants to higher education institutions, and $20 million to help rebuild churches that were devastated by Katrina, says NAR. Harry Connick Jr. has partnered with Branford Marsalis, to build The Musicians' Village, consisting of 81 Habitat-constructed homes for displaced New Orleans musicians. Realtors have already contributed $5.6 million to date to the REALTORS® Relief Fund for the Gulf and are embarking on a campaign to build 54 Habitat for Humanity homes, representing one from each state and territory.
"I think Realtors are basically altruistic at heart and want to help N.O. rebuild there city," says Sibley. "We've been saying attending New Orleans can help the individual grow professionally while helping the city renew itself from the ravages of Katrina."
To learn more, see this video featuring NAR President, Tom Stevens.
To register, please click here . 
