$5 billion dollars in economic impact annually Nearly 78,000 jobs in the New Orleans area Funding to New Orleans schools, RTA, Louisiana Superdome, New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, city services (police, fire) Critical to city recovery post Katrina, Rita and Oil Spill Tourism Matters Meetings Industry Trade Cruise Industry Travel Industry Trade General Business Assuage Customer Concerns Crisis Communications Seafood Safety Misperceptions Tourism Matters Newsletter Local Media Interviews Member Appreciation Events Ad Campaign Director of Group PR Extension of Customer Marketing Teams Face-to-face Client Meetings in DC, Chicago with VP of Client Relations Leverage CEO National Leadership Win Industry Awards Track Tone of National Media Coverage New Orleans Perry Elected DMAI Chairman Attract Leisure Visitors Preserve Hospitality Brand Increase Meeting Attendance Drive Member Business Visitor Numbers Convention Bookings Perception Surveys Hotel Occupancy Success Measures Before Graduation When Interviewing In Your First Job Tips for Entry Level Success in PR PRKelly Schulz Internships: Thank You