Ernest N. Morial Convention Center

Flying Colors Inc., Berkeley, Calif., United States

Flying Colors created an integrated banner program throughout the pre-function lobbies of the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, La. Linking the near mile-long succession of spaces, a system of 60 double-faced banners focused on photographs of the city.

One of the greatest challenges was identifying the best photographic images to showcase. Working closely with the convention center staff and the New Orleans Metropolitan Convention and Visitors Bureau, hundreds of images were reviewed to identify those that best communicated New Orleans’ richness and diversity. An effort was made to resolution-correct many of the images to ensure consistency between images and the best possible presentation of the images.

Because many conventions occupy the pre-function space as well as the exhibit halls themselves, an installation system was required that would enable facility staff to quickly remove and reinstall the banner system, as needed.

Through the project’s development, the client came to recognize the importance of the facility not just as a business venture, but as the epicenter, both geographically and culturally, of New Orleans. Because many visitors attend conferences and trade shows at the convention center, this was an opportunity to not only transform the space, but to act as a public service to help promote a city in need of economic revitalization.

New Orleans is beginning to return to its former glory. Although it still has a great way to go, this project worked hard to depict its core and its sense of place and purpose.