September 2005 Article                      

Inside New Orleans: The Future
An interview with Bonnie Boyd, CMP, president, Bonnie Boyd and Company, New Orleans

“Book business. Spread the word. We are alive and kicking, ” responds Bonnie Boyd, CMP, president of Bonnie Boyd and Company, when asked how meeting planners can help rebuild her industry in New Orleans. “If anything, New Orleanians are more passionate about their city than ever,” she exclaims. “We’ve been around for 287 years and we’re coming back,” she promises.

In the meantime Bonnie says planners may be called upon to put industry people into temporary jobs. She suggests checking out the MPI website where job postings are currently free.

Incredibly upbeat, Bonnie reports that by late September she hopes to be allowed back into the city to assess the damage at her office. “We can’t spend the night, but we can gather essential information from our businesses. We are very very hopeful.”

Bonnie’s home, high on a hill, survived with little damage. All of her staff members are safe, though some have lost their homes. Scattered among several states, they have successfully relocated or postponed most meetings scheduled for the third and fourth quarters and have begun work on January events.

“Working with Krisam and GEP has been comforting and supportive,” Bonnie says, explaining that many meetings were relocated through GEP partners. “We are much blessed to have the network. They have been wonderful.”

Bonnie projects that meetings can be held in the city after January 1. It is only the Morial Center that is closed through March 31, she explains. “We’ll take business any time. We have two corporate meeting set for late January and early February.”

BBC will be attending IT&ME in Chicago, September 26-29, 2005. Bonnie will be in the GEP booth, #544. David Rome will be in the New Orleans booth. Both will be ready to book business.

Bonnie cites many positive signs that New Orleans is coming back including

• The core of the city is dry.

• Four hotels are open and housing rescue and restoration workers

• The Windsor Court Hotel is expected to reopen in November.

• Donald Trump is going forward with his plans to build a high rise hotel/condominium downtown.

Bonnie, her husband, and their dog rode out the storm in New Orleans in their 1880s house. They did not leave town until Thursday when they were fortunate to join the caravan of vehicles evacuating those who took refuge in the Superdome. They are currently operating out of a friend’s home in Baton Rouge

How you can help the people of New Orleans? Bonnie first suggests donating to the Salvation Army as funds go directly to relief work. She also recommends the Red Cross and again encourages planners to check out the MPI site for other ways to assist in rescue and rebuilding efforts. And, to help yourself, Bonnie says, “It is a good idea to have insurance for meeting disruptions.”

But, the point Bonnie most wants you to know is “We are open for business.”

The New Orleans Convention and Business Bureau is in temporary quarters in Baton Rouge. “They have done a great job,” Bonnie commends.

BBCs temporary mailing address is: 1934 Steele Blvd, Baton Rouge, LA 70808. Attn: Bonnie Boyd. Bonnie’s email is bboyd@bbcdmc.com.

Get up-to-date information on Bonnie and other industry news.