Conventional wisdom

Although it may not be his place of birth, Michael Sawaya has a love for the city of New Orleans that is plain to see. As the outgoing President and CEO of New Orleans Ernest N Morial Convention Center (NOENMCC), he has proudly showcased all the best The Big Easy has to offer.

“There’s just no destination in the world like New Orleans, Louisiana,” he says. “We love New Orleans. It’s one of the oldest cities in America and a melting pot that has welcomed people from all over the world.

“Whether it’s the Creole culture, whether it’s the Italian Sicilian culture or whether it’s the culture that I’m coming from – I’m Lebanese – you feel welcome here. People want to celebrate who you are.”

Passion for success

As well as deep seated beliefs in the value of faith, family and health, Sawaya has carried a strong passion to succeed in an industry with which he has a long history.

“I am a consummate hospitality industry executive,” he says. “I am someone who is very action and achievement oriented.”

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“The Ernest N Morial Convention Center project is one of the most remarkable our teams have had the honor to work on. From day one, our partnerships have been a driving force in our work and shared success. Together, we’ve proudly created opportunities that reach into the local community and helped lay the foundation for the city’s growth for generations to come.” – Joe Eckhart, Vice President, AECOM Hunt

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After 21 years spent in San Antonio, Texas, successfully managing and upgrading the city’s vital infrastructure, Sawaya was seeking a new challenge. When offered the opportunity to head up NOENMCC, the sixth-largest convention facility in the nation, he simply could not refuse it.

NOENMCC hosts a wide range of events and exhibitions, proudly reflecting the city’s spirit of diversity. These range from hosting a pickleball match between Tennis legend John McEnroe and former New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees to annual Mardi Gras celebrations and being home to the poignant Louisiana Civil Rights museum.

Sustainable development

Under Sawaya, NOENMCC has continually looked to the future, with its guiding vision being to maintain itself as one of the United States’ leading conference centers. One of the strategies Sawaya has advocated to achieve this, which will continue following his departure, is to make sure that its facilities are both cutting-edge and sustainable. This has been assisted by construction partners such as AECOM.

“We have a US$558 million capital improvement plan that we are toward the end of now, but it is the largest capital improvement plan that our facilities have ever undergone,” he reveals.

“This will ensure that we have the latest and greatest technology, which makes us among the best in the entire world when it comes to being able to do even the most demanding conferences.”

This has included a large proportion of eco-friendly provisions. As well as updating the efficiency of its cabling and water usage, NOENMCC is undertaking a particularly vast project up on its rooftops.

“We’ve made investments throughout the facility that have gained us points in our quest to be a leader in environmental design,” Sawaya says.

“We have a building that is three-quarters of a mile [1.2 kilometers] long, and 40 acres [16 hectares] in surface area. And I know that because we have a 40-acre roof that we are replacing, with a new ‘cool roof’.”

Its work has been recognized by the United States Green Building Council, which awarded it the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold certification.

“Today we are the largest building in the entire world, not just in the United States, to accomplish a LEED Gold designation,” he adds.

Putting people first

As well as being recognized for its environmental credentials, since 2015, the company has consistently been designated as a top place to work in New Orleans. Sawaya has passionately carried this commitment as its leader.

“You want the organization to reflect who you are and what you hold dear. I believe in people, so I put people first,” he says.

“That philosophy in a people-centric business such as hospitality is what has continued to drive the successful organizations that I’m responsible for.”

And he hasn’t just feel a responsibility for his employees, but for all the citizens of this great city.

“What drives me in New Orleans today, of course, is that what we do affects so many people’s lives,” he explains. “We create jobs and we give opportunities for career advancement and for growth and education and for people to live better.”

With this approach, Sawaya believes that New Orleans, and the values that underscore its greatness, will keep prospering.

“We’re one of those places where people don’t give up easily. We’re a place where people come together to celebrate who we are, putting aside our differences,” he says.

“When you think about it, that melting pot of cultures is part of what makes our country special. America’s not America without the story of New Orleans; the history of New Orleans, but also the future of New Orleans.”