Urban League of Broward County to Host 2015 National Urban League Conference

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL. (February 1, 2013)  -- The diverse and vibrant city of Fort Lauderdale will be the site of the National Urban League’s prestigious 2015 Conference, National Urban League President and CEO Marc H. Morial and Urban League of Broward County President and CEO Dr. Germaine Smith-Baugh announced today.

“Dr. Smith-Baugh has been instrumental in establishing the Urban League of Broward County as the community’s leading civic and social services organizations, and one of the most dynamic community outreach networks in the nation,“ Morial said.  “I can think of no better setting for a conference that is focused on effecting community change.”

The Conference will take place the last week in July 2015.  Morial said Dr. Smith-Baugh’s outstanding leadership was instrumental in attracting the conference to the city.

“I'm proud and thrilled to welcome the National Urban League Conference to the Broward County for 2015,” Smith-Baugh said.  “Not only do Fort Lauderdale and Broward County represent an exciting cross-section of cultures, but we feel that our affiliate’s thriving public and private partnerships throughout the region can be a model for the nation.”

“It’s about so much more than the $8 million dollar economic impact that the National Urban League Conference brings to Broward County. It’s about strengthening the community by becoming the destination of choice for the country's largest and most influential black professional organizations,”said Nicki E. Grossman, president of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Morial said he expects the nation’s largest civil rights and social justice conference to attract as many as 5,000 of the nation’s most influential community leaders, together with top policy-makers, academicians, business leaders and artists for three days of dynamic dialogue, intellectual exchange and community service. 
 
“The National Urban League Conference has been the only event of its kind to feature both major-party presidential nominees during nearly all of the last several elections,” Morial noted. “Additionally, leading elected officials and cabinet secretaries have chosen to break major announcements at the conference. President Obama attended the 2012 Conference and announced the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for African Americans.”
 
In addition to the registered attendees, thousands of community members will be drawn to free events such as an Expo Hall featuring hundreds of exhibitors, a college fair and an employment and networking fair.

The National Urban League Annual Conference is a national forum for debate and discussion on policy issues and creating solutions to the challenges confronting African Americans and urban communities. The 2013 Conference is scheduled for July 24 – 27 in Philadelphia, followed by the 2014 Conference in Cincinnati, Ohio.

CONTACT:      Teresa Candori
                        (212) 558-5433