Business View Magazine | February 2021

197 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2021 NEW ORLEANS ERNEST N. MOR I AL CONVENT ION CENTER from Hurricane Katrina was challenging, especially with regards to recycling. Our options were really limited as to what was available in the marketplace. Since then, we’ve come together in a big way. We’re monitoring a lot of things. We’re changing out all of the lighting in the exhibit hall. Because of the pandemic, our venue spaces are basically empty, so we’re able to get in and change out all the fixtures simultaneously. You’re talking about over a million square feet of exhibition space. That will have a significant impact on our energy consumption.” The Center is seizing upon the unexpected halt in activity to install what they’re calling I-Coves throughout the building’s public areas; stations where individuals can hold small, one-on-one gatherings. They’re also creating a drop-off area in front of the Great Hall for in-town events, and looking at solar opportunities, as well. In addition, all the electrical boxes are being upgraded to a new standard of safety. Sawaya acknowledges, “When the exhibition hall does get back online, I R O T O L O C O N S U L T A N T S . C O M 8 0 0 . 6 4 1 . 2 4 2 7 R O O T E D I N T R A D I T I O N G R OW I N G T H E F U T U R E CONSTRUCTION DESIGN + BUILD LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE