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PCMATODAY Going Once, GoingTwice

June 2011

It’s not too late to bid on New Orleans and the PCMA Convention Center Auction.

Time is running out on the fourth annual PCMA Convention Center Auction—but the auctioneer’s gavel hasn’t pounded yet. Until June 30, meeting planners still have the opportunity to secure a great deal for their organization: up to 10 days and 1.1 million square feet of exhibit space at the New Orleans Morial

Convention Center. It’s a million-dollar package— and bidding begins at just $150,000. Or, you can use the “Buy It Now” option to take the center off the market for $250,000. The auction was announced this past January at

PCMA 2011 Convening Leaders in Las Vegas. “New Orleans is a premier destination, and their participation in the Convention Center Auction demonstrates their com- mitment to our industry,” said PCMA President and CEO Deborah Sexton. “In partnering with PCMA, New Orleans will be showcasing its beautiful and historic city along with its state-of-the-art convention center. The auction

offers planners an incredible deal and supports educa- tional resources for all PCMA members and our industry.” Not only will the winning bidder’s organization receive

space at the New Orleans Morial Convention Center— for use between now and 2018—the group also will enjoy a host of addi- tional dis- counts and support pro- vided by the New Orleans Metropolitan Convention & Visitors Bureau and participating

area hotels, including the Astor Crowne Plaza, the

Hilton New Orleans Riverside, the InterContinental New Orleans, and the New Orleans Marriott, among others. The package also includes a free reception at the Louisiana Superdome (subject to availability) and more. Meeting planners can register to bid on this exciting

and valuable package at www.pcma.org/convention centerauction. And don’t forget that the winning bid will raise money to fund high-level meetings-industry education.

READ ALL ABOUT IT: For an interview with J. Stephen Perry, president and CEO ofthe New Orleans Metropolitan Convention & Visitors Bureau, see last month’s issue of Convene, atwww.convenemag.org. 12 pcma convene June 2011 www.pcma.org