After a nationwide search, the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center has named Adam Straight as vice president of operations. In this capacity, Straight will be tasked with the oversight of plans and strategies for convention center event operations. Departments reporting to Adam will include Production Services, Food and Beverage, Public Safety, Environmental Services, and more.
Straight brings more than 19 years of facility operations and management experience to his new role. Before joining with the New 
Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, Straight served as the senior director of campus operations for the Georgia World Congress Center Authority (GWCCA) in Atlanta, Georgia, which includes the Georgia World Congress Center, Mercedes Benz Stadium, and Centennial Olympic Park. Under his leadership there, he and his team on the GWCC Authority oversaw the planning and management of multiple NCAA Final Fours, Super Bowls, and the National College Football Playoff Championship Game.
Straight’s career in the events industry includes four years as director of facility operations at the Georgia Dome, which played host to hundreds of sporting events and concerts, bringing approximately 1.9 million guests to the building per year. Straight also served 12 years with the University of Maryland, where he oversaw the daily operations of 14 athletic facilities that saw about 750,000 visitors annually. During this time, Straight also oversaw the planning, construction, and opening of a $13.5 million football stadium renovation.
“Adam is a great fit in both experience and personality and I am confident he is a perfect addition to our staff,” said Michael Sawaya, President of the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center.
“My family and I are very excited to join the New Orleans family and plant roots in such a historic and vibrant city,” Straight said. “Through my unique experiences in venue management, my commitment to hospitality excellence and use of Quality Operating Standards, I look forward to help solidifying the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center as the #1 destination center in the #1 destination city.”
A nine-year veteran of the United States Coast Guard, Straight received numerous accolades and commendations for his service. Straight is also an IAVM Certified Venue Manager and received his Safety Certification from the National Safety Council.
