NEW ORLEANS, La. – The New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center marked the return of major trade shows by hosting The Precast Show 2021, the largest precast concrete-specific event in North America.
With more than 2,500 exhibitors, attendees, and National Precast Concrete Association (NPCA) members taking part, the event is one of the largest trade shows the conventions and events industry has seen since March 2020. The Precast Show, which ran from May 20-22, enjoyed a better-than-anticipated attendance.
“Last week we celebrated a major milestone for the convention and events industry by hosting The Precast Show, the first and largest since restrictions were lifted,” said Michael J. Sawaya, convention center president. “I commend the organization for having the courage to conduct the event in such uncertain times, demonstrating that it is time to get back to traveling, showcasing products on a trade show floor, and convening in person, which plays such an important role in fueling our local, state, and national economies. NPCA will forever hold a special place in our hearts, and we hope to be their host again soon.”
To prepare for the return of events, convention center officials assembled a COVID-19 response team that recommended changes to the facility’s health and safety protocols, including enhanced cleaning and remediation measures. Just prior to the show, mask mandates by the city were lifted and temperature checks suspended. However, the trade show floor was more than doubled from 200,000 square feet to allow for social distancing.
