Boston Snags Both the National Association of Black Journalists, National Society of Black Engineers for Future Years
September 4, 2012
The National Association of Black Journalists and the National Society of Black Engineers both signed contracts with the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority to bring their events to Boston in 2014 and 2016.
“Over the last several years, the MCCA and city leaders have made a concerted effort to recruit minority events to come to Boston, allowing people from across the country and around the world to see our city in a new light,” said James Rooney, executive director of the MCCA.
He added, “And it’s working. After the National Urban League and Blacks in Government events in 2011, perceptions about our city are positively changing. The NABJ and NSBE events continue this effort, marking Boston as a welcoming destination for the world.”
The NABJ will make Boston the host city for its 2014 convention and career fair July 31-Aug. 2, 2014.
The 2014 meeting will be the first time the NABJ will visit New England. The 2,400 journalists from across the country are expected to create $2.8 million in economic impact in Boston and the region.
"NABJ is excited about going to Boston in 2014 for our 39th annual convention. It is a fabulous city with the right mixture of a prime location, hotel price, convention space and leisure activities to make a great convention for our members," said Gregory Lee Jr., NABJ president and former sports editor and reporter with the Boston Globe.
He added, "NABJ has never held a convention in Boston. We look forward to this convention and partnering with a city that celebrates culture and tradition."
NSBE has agreed to bring their convention to Boston from March 23 -26, 2016. The event will attract approximately 10,000 attendees and is expected to create $9 million in economic impact. The group last came to Boston in March 2005.
“This is NSBE's third time going to Boston, a city where science, technology and engineering thrive and where our members have been treated with dignity and respect,” said Carl B. Mack, NSBE executive director.
He added, “I meet with three or four cities per year to identify potential sites for NSBE’s s annual convention, and Boston stands out, from Michelle Shell’s chairing the MCCA board to my first stay at an African American-owned hotel. Boston is making some very progressive moves, and I am delighted that NSBE is coming back.”
NABJ is the largest annual gathering of journalists of color in the nation. The convention annually attracts newsmakers such as Presidents Barack Obama, George W. Bush and Bill Clinton; Vice President Joe Biden; Secretaries of State Hillary Clinton, Colin Powell and Condoleezza Rice; and Sen. John Kerry.
The National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) has more than 29,900 members and is one of the largest student-governed organizations in the country.
Founded in 1975, NSBE includes more than 394 college, pre-college and technical professional/alumni chapters in the United States and abroad.
Partner Voices
MGM Resorts is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse culture, not just among employees and guests but also within its supply chain. The company prioritizes procuring goods and services from businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, people with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals and those facing economic disadvantages. This commitment is integral to MGM Resorts' global procurement strategy.
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MGM Resorts’ commitment to supplier diversity not only enhances its business operations but also plays a crucial role in uplifting communities and fostering economic development. This approach reinforces the idea that diversity is a powerful driver of innovation and resilience, benefiting both the company and the wider community.
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