The Comms Exchange: a Podcast by 30|90 Marketing — Season 1 | Episode 8

Transforming New Orleans: How the Super Bowl Became a Catalyst for Change

In this episode of The Comms Exchange, Rachel Ledet and Christianne Brunini sit down with Michael Hecht, President and CEO of Greater New Orleans, Inc. and State Coordinator for Infrastructure and Economic Development for Super Bowl LIX. Together, they unpack how a single sporting event became a forcing function for cleaner streets, brighter public spaces, new public art, and a renewed sense of pride in New Orleans.

Michael shares how more than 500 projects across multiple agencies came together on a tight timeline, why expectation setting with local businesses matters, and how the “real win” of the Super Bowl lives in global perception, repeat visitors, and future conventions rather than one weekend of sales.

You will hear how “small moves” like graffiti removal, murals, lighting, and sidewalk repairs can shift a city’s image, create shared accountability, and raise expectations for what is possible long after the cameras leave.

In this conversation, we explore:

• How major events can catalyze long-term infrastructure and quality of life improvements

• The leadership and communication tactics behind coordinating hundreds of partners for maximum efficiency

• Why storytelling, visuals, and clear expectations are essential for public buy-in

• What other cities can learn from New Orleans about using deadlines to drive real change

You can learn more about GNO, Inc at https://gnoinc.org/.