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Know Before You Go

#NMSDCConference

LET THE GOOD TIMES ROLL AS WE CONTINUE TO DISRUPT THE STATUS QUO

We are really excited to celebrate NMSDC’s 50th-anniversary celebration with you.

This page provides everything you need to know to ensure you have a seamless experience. Please review the logistical details below:

NMSDC Onsite Wellness Protocols

The well-being of all attendees is our number one priority. Therefore, we have put the following protocols in place:

Vaccination Protocols

We will require all guests to be either fully vaccinated or show a negative COVID-19 test at the registration check-in counter.

Vaccinated Entry

You’re considered fully vaccinated two weeks after you get a second dose of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine, such as Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna, or two weeks after you get a single dose of the Janssen/Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine. Please bring your vaccination card to pick up your conference badge (physical card or photo of the card).

Non-vaccinated Entry

If you’re not vaccinated, you need to show a negative COVID-19 test administered by a health facility two days prior to arriving in New Orleans.  If you are not able to provide a COVID-19 test, you will be asked to take a test. We will offer a designated COVID-19 Testing Center on site that guests can use if they are flagged by the thermal scanners. No appointment is needed. The process for testing is simple and quick.

Additional Precautions
  • Thermal Scanners - we will have thermal scanners to take digital temperatures at various access points.
  • Hand Sanitizer - we will provide hand sanitizer stations in front of every room and have masks readily available for guests to pick up and utilize.
  • Masks - this is a mask-optional event, and we strongly encourage attendees to utilize masks based on their own personal comfort level.

DISCLAIMER: NMSDC is not a medical provider and does not guarantee the accuracy of the testing results, the conditions of the testing process, or any impacts upon your health from testing. Please consult your medical provider with any questions regarding any personal health conditions prior to testing.

Group Pickup of Badges

We will not allow for group pickup of badges due to our Wellness Protocols and the need to check each attendee's COVID-19 vaccination status.   

Registration

Conference registration commences on Saturday, Oct. 29 with the following schedule, please pay attention to the locations as they vary: 

  • Saturday
    • Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (Arrival Concourse): 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
    • Hilton Riverside Hotel Parish (Fountain) 3rd Floor: 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
    • Convention Center, Hall D Lobby & Great Hall A: 12:00 - 5:00 p.m.
    • Sponsors Lounge, Convention Center, Rivergate Room: 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
  • Sunday
    • Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (Arrival Concourse): 7:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
    • Hilton Riverside Hotel Parish (Fountain) 3rd Floor: 7:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
    • Convention Center, Hall D Lobby & Great Hall A: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
    • Sponsors Lounge, Convention Center, Rivergate Room: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
  • Monday
    • Convention Center, Hall D Lobby & Great Hall A: 7:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
    • Sponsors Lounge, Convention Center, Rivergate Room: 7:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
  • Tuesday
    • Convention Center, Hall D Lobby & Great Hall A: 6:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
    • Sponsors Lounge, Convention Center, Rivergate Room: 6:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
  • Wednesday
    • Convention Center, Hall D Lobby & Great Hall A: 7:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
    • Sponsors Lounge, Convention Center, Rivergate Room: 7:00 - 10:00 a.m.

Note: If registration changes or new purchases are required you will need to do so at the main registration area in Hall D at the Convention Center.

Credentials: Once you are registered, you must wear your credentials (badge and wristband) while participating in all conference-related activities.  

Agenda at a Glance

The complete conference week agenda can be found on the conference website for both in-person attendees and virtual attendees.

Please be sure to show up early to each session as seating is limited. We will have overflow rooms for main-stage sessions, but once capacity is reached for other session rooms, we will need to turn attendees away due to fire marshal regulations.

Be sure to use #NMSDCConference when sharing your insights and takeaways on social media. 

All Flair in Business Affairs

The conference attire is business/business casual.

  • The Welcome Reception and the Concert at Champion Square are casual.
  • The 50th Anniversary Awards Ceremony and Farewell Celebration are black tie optional.

Visit the website for complete pre-conference event information.

Virtual Experience: Lights, Camera, Action

The Conference Main Stage Sessions will be live streamed and Premier Sessions will be recorded for on-demand viewing at a later time. Virtual attendees will receive a link to the Conference Attendee Hub on the morning of the event.  

Conference Events & Activities

Be sure to use #NMSDCConference when sharing your event and activity pictures on social media. 

The “Bon Temps” Welcome Reception

The reception will take place at the renowned Fillmore New Orleans on Sunday, Oct. 30, from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

50th Anniversary Concert

The concert, with headliners Sheila E. and Bell Biv DeVoe (BBD), will take place at Champions Square (LaSalle Street, adjacent to the Superdome’s Grand Staircase at Gate C) on Tuesday, Nov. 1, from 7:00 p.m to 10:00 p.m.  Shuttles will be provided to take attendees to and from the reception. The event will have some seating.

Matchmakers

One-on-one business connections will take place Tuesday and Wednesday. Advanced registration is required. If you are confirmed for Matchmakers, please check in at room 208 at the convention center.

Ask the Experts

50-minute, one-on-one conversations with experts in business, access to capital, and financial planning for our certified suppliers. Appointments are limited so advanced registration is required. If you are registered, you will need to check in at room 208 at least 15 minutes before your appointment time.

State of NMSDC (Corporate Members Meeting)

You are cordially invited to the annual Members’ Meeting to hear from our leadership in a State of NMSDC address and to conduct any required membership actions.

Community Service — Project I Am

Join us by assembling bags to be distributed to the homeless from Monday, Oct. 31 – Wednesday, Nov. 2. Spend just 30 minutes helping and you’ll receive a ticket to Vue Orleans to explore on your own time.

Bags will be delivered to the Harry Tompson Center on Thursday, Nov. 3.

The Exchange

NMSDC will host The Exchange, an opportunity for NMSDC-certified minority-owned businesses to showcase their products and services and connect with NMSDC corporate members. Attendees are encouraged to attend the Exchange Tuesday and Wednesday. Be sure to check out the interactive layout of the exhibition floor with all exhibitor listings.  

Conference Transportation

Convention Center Entry Points

Get energized with a brisk 6–8-minute walk between the conference hotels and the Lobby A entrance at the convention center for registration and access to the conference concourse.  

Note you can also use the conference shuttles available from the conference hotels at which point you will have access to the second registration area located in Lobby D. It is approximately a 6–8-minute walk from the drop-off point to registration and another 5–8-minute walk to the main conference concourse.  

Shuttle Service

NMSDC will provide private shuttles to and from the conference hotels (Hilton New Orleans Riverside, Harrah’s New Orleans, and JW Marriott/Sheraton New Orleans) and the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. Shuttles will arrive every 30 minutes starting on Saturday, Oct. 29 at 11:30 a.m. and concluding on Wednesday, Nov. 2 at midnight.  

For complete details and route information, please visit the NMSDC Conference website shuttle page.

Parking

Parking is available at your own cost, in nearby parking garages and surface lots adjacent to the Superdome and Smoothie King Center. Note: Re-entry and overnight parking are prohibited. 

Conference Mobile App and Attendee Hub

Visit our Mobile App and Attendee Hub page for instructions on how to download the mobile app or attend virtually through Attendee Hub.  

Conference WiFi

Wireless Network:   NMSDC50th
Password:   Time2Disrupt 

Contact Us

For any additional questions or information, please contact events@nmsdc.org or visit the conference website.