The 2015 National Urban League Conference heads to Greater Fort Lauderdale’s Broward County Convention Center July 29 through August 1, 2015. This is the first time the annual event, attended by political, business and community leaders, will be held in the destination and is expected to draw approximately 10,000 attendees and generate an economic impact of nearly $10 million.
Each year, the National Urban League gathers its leadership, members and partners at a conference to participate in discussions around the state of urban America. The four-day event typically draws major news and policy makers from Presidents to Cabinet members.
“As one of the most diverse multi-ethnic urban areas in the country, second only to Queens, NY, Greater Fort Lauderdale is the destination of choice for multicultural organizations for conferences, reunions and special events,” said Albert Tucker, vice president for Multicultural Development for the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau. “For the past 10 years, Fort Lauderdale has hosted the National Urban League’s annual mid-winter conference to train affiliate CEOs. We look forward to welcoming the annual conference attendees and having the first time privilege of hosting such a prestigious event.”
Conference highlights include empowering sessions and workshops where attendees will hear from political, business and entertainment leaders on topics such as education, jobs and justice. The four-day event will feature exhibits, career fair, several top tier keynote speakers and a number of networking events for attendees. Presidential candidates and thought leaders including Hillary Clinton, Jeb Bush, Ben Carson and Martin O’Malley are expected to attend this year’s conference, which is themed “Save our Cities: Education, Jobs & Justice,” and can be followed via social media using #SaveOurCities.
“The National Urban League is dedicated to producing quality programs and high-caliber events with high-profile speakers, panelists and entertainers,” said Marc H. Morial, National Urban League President and CEO, who will deliver opening keynote remarks. “By providing forums that inspire our attendees, we motivate them to continue empowering themselves, their communities and the nation.”
Other events include a welcome reception at the Broward Center for Performing Arts hosted by the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau and TD Bank, the Women of Power Awards Luncheon, the Young Professionals Summit, a Red Carpet Advance Movie Screening, National Council of Urban League Guilds Leadership Luncheon with Essence magazine editor-in-chief emerita, Susan L. Taylor and Urban League Live: Flashback Friday – A Salute to Soul Train, the ultimate interactive music experience hosted by MC Lyte.
The conference also features free events for the community including the N.U.L. Experience Expo Hall with live entertainment and hundreds of exhibitors and giveaways. Guests from the local area can take part in the Small Business Marketplace or a Career & Networking Fair to expand their community ties. Participants can qualify to win $10,000 in prizes for their business ideas at the Small Business Matters Entrepreneurship Summit. A college-based Youth Leadership Summit called Raise the Bar: Dream It, Believe It, Achieve It! is being held in conjunction with the Conference on the campus of Nova Southeastern University, bringing more than 600 youth to the Fort Lauderdale area to learn about college preparedness and celebrate their successes. To allow more local youth to attend the summit, the Children’s Services Council of Broward County (CSC) will provide 100 scholarships (total value of $40,000) for students across Broward County to participate.
The local Urban League of Broward County will host the “Big Latch On” event on Saturday, August 1, a global, breastfeeding awareness initiative where hundreds of breastfeeding women and children will gather around the world to “latch on” for one minute at a set time. Another locally-driven event encourages attendees to explore the work of emerging and established artists in the Art Expo, a community-building event in conjunction with Greater Fort Lauderdale’s Centennial Celebration, Broward 100. “This conference will provide career-shaping opportunities for local artists and small businesses to inspire thousands of visitors from our community and across our nation with their collections, products and services,” said Germaine Smith-Baugh, Ed.D., president and CEO of Urban League of Broward County.
New to the conference this year is the “Taste of Paradise,” a three-day food village showcasing culinary cuisine from local chefs and restaurants in Greater Fort Lauderdale. Urban League will also host a new Living Well Program, which focuses on diabetes management and prevention and will gather walking groups from local organizations, churches and civic groups to participate in a “Powerwalk with Marc” on Saturday, August 1 to promote health and wellness.
For visitors looking to explore Greater Fort Lauderdale, Urban League has partnered with Fort Lauderdale’s Water Taxi to arrange transportation for attendees.
For more on the National Urban League Conference, visit http://conf2015.iamempowered.