Marc H. Morial, President & CEO of the National Urban League NEW YORK, NY- The National Urban League is gearing up to host over 10,000 participants at its annual conference from July 29 - August 1, 2009 at the McCormick Place Convention Center in Chicago, Illinois.
As one of the most anticipated events of the summer, the National Urban League Conference is recognized as a leading event for networking, employment and entrepreneur opportunities by African-American professionals. This year’s conference is particularly relevant as people seek opportunities and tools to survive and even thrive in today’s economy.
The conference’s theme, “A Path to Power” will address many of the challenges faced by today’s economy through workshops geared toward career survival, jobs in the new green economy, keys to entrepreneurial success, home foreclosure prevention, financial management, improving education, healthcare reform and a new age of community activism.
“In these challenging times, the National Urban League Conference will be a powerful gathering of major thought leaders, companies, recruiters, entrepreneurs and community activists who will interact, share resources, create opportunities and discuss solutions that can empower people and communities nationwide,” said Marc H. Morial, President & CEO, National Urban League. “Chicago, known for its rich culture, dynamic activism and as a hub for Black-owned corporations, will serve as a prime venue for conference attendees searching for extraordinary networking opportunities.”
Each year, the National Urban League annual conference features many of America’s most dynamic and prominent leaders. Confirmed speakers include Secretary Arne Duncan/Department of Education, Lisa Perez Jackson/Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, Jeff Johnson/BET, Rev. Al Sharpton, Benjamin Jealous/NAACP, Melissa Harris-Lacewell/Princeton University, Michelle Bernard/MSNBC, Sharon Epperson/CNBC News, Dr. Randal Pinkett, and Dr. Julianne Malveaux to name a few. President Barack Obama has been invited to address the conference on policy issues and many of the challenges confronting urban communities.
This year’s conference will feature a career fair with over 100 Fortune 500 companies and recruiters; top speakers in business, politics and academia; 350 exhibits; the “Young Professionals Summit” targeted to young professionals 21-44 years old; franchise and business development opportunities; free career coaching and interactive workshop.
Other highlights of the conference include the award ceremonies which honor individuals and organizations whose work and achievements have empowered communities, influenced the civil rights movement and/or influenced the next generation of African American leaders, and an awards ceremony.
Established in 1910, the National Urban League is the nation’s oldest and largest community-based movement devoted to empowering African-Americans to enter the economic and social mainstream. Today, the National Urban League, headquartered in New York City, spearheads the non-partisan efforts of its local affiliates.
For more information and to register for the 2009 National Urban League conference, visit www.nul.org or call (212) 558-5386.