After 25 years, Indianapolis will once again host the National Urban League Conference where leaders from diverse fields, including business, politics and media, will gather to discuss important issues, network and have a little fun. The conference will be from July 24-27 at the Indiana Convention Center.
“We know there’s economic impact for the community, but for us, it’s about bringing the entire Urban League movement here, the opportunity to showcase all the great work of affiliates from across the country, and to have meaningful dialogue with national speakers,” said Anthony Mason, Indianapolis Urban League president.
Speakers will address education, injustice, the economy and criminal justice. While Mason could not provide names of prospective or confirmed speakers at this time, he and National Urban League President Marc H. Morial said they will invite all major party primary presidential candidates.
The National Urban League Conference will also feature business-oriented events such as networking opportunities for professionals. In addition, a Youth Leadership Summit at University of Indianapolis will feature leadership development and workshops for over 500 youths.
The final day of the conference will be “Community Day,” a free event that will provide healthy food, school supplies and health screenings.
Morial said the National Urban League picked Indianapolis over “some stiff competition” largely because of his confidence in the local Urban League affiliate. He specifically highlighted the chapter’s energy and president.
“Tony has had great experience with the Black Expo here,” Morial said. “[He has] personal experience in executing big conferences. His understanding of that, even though he’s a relatively new CEO in our movement, gave me great confidence that he would understand what it would take from a local perspective to make this conference a success.”
The conference, which will need more than 500 volunteers, is expected to bring plenty of visitors, commerce and attention to the city. Last year’s National Urban League Conference in Columbus, Ohio, had 19,940 attendees, and this year it could be even bigger.
“This conference has the chance to be the biggest Urban League Conference ever,” Morial said.
Morial predicts between 5,000 and 7,000 people will visit Indianapolis for the conference. The primary candidates, in particular, will ensure the nation’s eyes will be on Indianapolis. Mayor Joe Hogsett, who announced the National Urban League Conference alongside Mason and Morial, is excited the city will host the national event.
“Every day is a good day, some are better than others,” Hogsett said. “And today, my friends, is a great day for the city of Indianapolis.”
After 25 years, Indianapolis will once again host the National Urban League Conference where leaders from diverse fields, including business, politics and media, will gather to discuss important issues, network and have a little fun. The conference will be from July 24-27 at the Indiana Convention Center.
“We know there’s economic impact for the community, but for us, it’s about bringing the entire Urban League movement here, the opportunity to showcase all the great work of affiliates from across the country, and to have meaningful dialogue with national speakers,” said Anthony Mason, Indianapolis Urban League president.
Speakers will address education, injustice, the economy and criminal justice. While Mason could not provide names of prospective or confirmed speakers at this time, he and National Urban League President Marc H. Morial said they will invite all major party primary presidential candidates.
The National Urban League Conference will also feature business-oriented events such as networking opportunities for professionals. In addition, a Youth Leadership Summit at University of Indianapolis will feature leadership development and workshops for over 500 youths.
The final day of the conference will be “Community Day,” a free event that will provide healthy food, school supplies and health screenings.
Morial said the National Urban League picked Indianapolis over “some stiff competition” largely because of his confidence in the local Urban League affiliate. He specifically highlighted the chapter’s energy and president.
“Tony has had great experience with the Black Expo here,” Morial said. “[He has] personal experience in executing big conferences. His understanding of that, even though he’s a relatively new CEO in our movement, gave me great confidence that he would understand what it would take from a local perspective to make this conference a success.”
The conference, which will need more than 500 volunteers, is expected to bring plenty of visitors, commerce and attention to the city. Last year’s National Urban League Conference in Columbus, Ohio, had 19,940 attendees, and this year it could be even bigger.
“This conference has the chance to be the biggest Urban League Conference ever,” Morial said.
Morial predicts between 5,000 and 7,000 people will visit Indianapolis for the conference. The primary candidates, in particular, will ensure the nation’s eyes will be on Indianapolis. Mayor Joe Hogsett, who announced the National Urban League Conference alongside Mason and Morial, is excited the city will host the national event.
“Every day is a good day, some are better than others,” Hogsett said. “And today, my friends, is a great day for the city of Indianapolis.”
Contact staff writer Ben Lashar at 317-762-7848. Follow him on Twitter @BenjaminLashar.
Contact staff writer Ben Lashar at 317-762-7848. Follow him on Twitter @BenjaminLashar.
