McLean, Va. – The city of New Orleans, which has recently invested billions of dollars in major restoration projects, is hosting the 97th annual National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) Convention & Expo next January. It will be the 10th time the convention has been held in the Big Easy since 1973.

“New Orleans looks better than it ever has,” said Desmond Roberts, chairman of NADA’s convention committee. “The city has been through a lot, but it too has rebounded and thrived just like the auto industry. It’s fitting to be in a city as tough and determined as our industry.”

The Ernest N. Morial Convention Center was renovated this year. There’s been a 55 percent increase in the number of restaurants over the past seven years, nearly $800 million in hotel upgrades and $77 million in street improvements, including a new streetcar line connecting the Sports District to the Central Business District and French Quarter.

“The city has a festive atmosphere you can’t find anywhere else—from the amazing Creole cuisine and culture to the historic sites and music,” added Roberts, a Chevrolet dealer in Hodgkins, Ill. “The most popular hotels will fill up quickly, so we’re encouraging attendees to register early.”

The NADA convention runs from Friday, Jan. 24 to Monday, Jan. 27. Considered the “Automotive Industry Event of the Year,” the convention includes dealer-manufacturer franchise meetings, educational workshops, hundreds of exhibits on the expo floor and networking events.

Steve Forbes, chairman and editor-in-chief of Forbes Media and NADA Chairman David Westcott, a new-car dealer in Burlington, N.C., will deliver keynote remarks on Saturday, Jan. 25. J.R. Martinez, an injured Army veteran and winner of the 13th season of ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars,” will provide an inspirational address on Sunday, Jan. 26.

Former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton will address the general session on Monday, Jan. 27.

The 2014 American Truck Dealers (ATD) Convention & Expo runs concurrently with NADA.