Verizon Business, Times-Picayune to lead New Orleans summit to help local entrepreneurs capitalize on Super Bowl LIX opportunities

With less than four months before the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans hosts Super Bowl LIX, Verizon Business will host a Small Business Summit this month to educate local business owners about ways they can take advantage of this opportunity to create long-term success.

The Summit is set for Tuesday, Oct. 29, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and is being hosted in partnership with The New Orleans Advocate | The Times-Picayune. It will take place at the newspaper’s offices at 840 St. Charles Avenue in New Orleans. Attendees can look forward to speakers from the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation (the Super Bowl host committee) and the Greater New Orleans Regional Economic Development Foundation (GNO, Inc.), as well as two local small business owners. Additionally, attendees can expect a special guest appearance by a player from the New Orleans Saints.

Anyone interested in attending may register by clicking here. Questions may be submitted in advance by emailing louisianatownhallquestions@gmail.com.

Seth Hachmeister, senior director of business sales for Verizon Business, said the Summit will be especially valuable to small business owners and customers, community organizations, and local government leaders.

“It’s a great opportunity to see how events like the Super Bowl impact the community. New Orleans knows how to handle big events, but we want to discuss how small businesses can really benefit from them,” Hachmeister said. “We’re here to help these businesses stay connected and provide exceptional service to their customers. Whether it’s managing online orders, handling an influx of phone calls, or other challenges, we’re committed to keeping New Orleans connected, even when things get busy.”

Hachmeister noted that a recent survey from Verizon Business, in partnership with Morning Consult, indicated that nearly 70% of Louisiana small and midsize businesses anticipate increased demand around the upcoming Super Bowl LIX on Feb. 9, 2025. In preparation, these business owners are investing more in technology, marketing, and staffing, as well as implementing innovative marketing strategies and optimizing their operations.

The survey results will be discussed in more detail during the Small Business Summit. Other topics on the agenda include planning, social media strategies, collaboration, website development, marketing, and flexibility.

Verizon Business has made it a priority to support the digital needs of small businesses, which are vital to local communities but often lack resources available to larger companies. Key areas of focus include mobility, connectivity, and cybersecurity. In addition, Verizon Small Business Digital Ready is a free online resource designed to assist diverse and under-resourced business owners. The platform provides access to more than 40 courses, mentorship, peer networking, one-on-one expert coaching, and incentives such as grant funding.

“Verizon Business is committed to providing our small business customers with a suite of integrated tools that will give them the technological edge they need to succeed, such as Business Unlimited Plans, One Talk, and more,” Hachmeister said. “Our field teams work closely with our small business customers every day to drive reinvention. The growth and digitization we have seen from small businesses over the past few years have played a large role in directly helping our customers navigate implementing technology solutions. This rapid adoption is not a one-size-fits-all approach, and our team has worked arm-in-arm with our customers.”

Verizon Business provides advanced communication, technology and networking solutions to businesses of all sizes. With its global network infrastructure, Verizon Business enables organizations to improve operational efficiency, drive innovation and ensure connectivity for employees and customers, regardless of their location. Visit www.verizon.com/business to learn more.