The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF) will unveil its new Enterprise Pavilion at the Exhibit Showcase during the Foundation’s 43rd Annual Legislative Conference (ALC) Sept. 18-21, 2013, at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C.
“The Exhibit Showcase is designed to provide educational, health and business related opportunities for ALC attendees,” said A. Shuanise Washington, president and chief executive officer for CBCF. “This year, our new Enterprise Pavilion will include a job fair, and information regarding how to secure federal and private contracts. We know that small businesses fuel our economy. The procurement portion has been added to increase the value of the Exhibit Hall experience for entrepreneurs and small business owners,’’ she said.
The ALC Exhibit Showcase will feature nearly 200 exhibitors including corporations, government and nonprofit organizations, small businesses and a marketplace. Close to 10,000 are expected to visit the Showcase on Sept. 19 from noon – 7 p.m.; Sept. 20 from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Sept. 21 from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. Exhibitors are arranged in Pavilions according to products and services offered and will include:
Authors Pavilion
More than 75 of the nation’s premier African-American literary and scholarly talent from all over the country converge at ALC for readings and book signings. Confirmed authors include Terry McMillan, Sherrie Shepherd, Bernice King, Victoria Rowell, Dr. Robin L. Smith and Dr. Sampson Davis.
Business and Technology Pavilion
Lenders, investment professionals, credit counselors, government and private agencies and others join together at the Business and Technology Pavilion. This pavilion is designed to attract influential industry leaders from around the world to introduce new products, services or advanced technology. In addition, attendees can learn about home-based businesses, franchise opportunities, retirement, investment, asset protection and credit/debt management.
Enterprise Pavilion (Job and Procurement)
The new Enterprise Pavilion will provide a platform for individuals to learn about various job opportunities in the federal and private sectors and give minority owned businesses an opportunity to engage with government agencies and private industry around the contracting process. This business exchange will be a rewarding opportunity for individual job seekers, and minority owned businesses.
Health Pavilion
African Americans are disproportionately affected by a number of health conditions, including heart disease, stroke, diabetes, HIV/AIDS and certain cancers. The Health Pavilion will offer potentially life-saving health screenings to Exhibit Showcase visitors. Screenings provided by Howard University Hospital, vital information on health issues and preventative measures will also be provided to increase awareness of the negative impact of health disparities especially for African Americans.
Marketplace Pavilion
Exclusively for professional artisans, designers and unique craftsman and businesses, the Marketplace Pavilion is a source for one-stop shopping and features artistry at its best. ALC attracts high-end consumers seeking one-of kind, high quality artistry, jewelry and clothing.
ALC is recognized as one of the most important gatherings of African-American leaders in the nation. The conference provides an outlet to highlight CBCF’s mission – to develop leaders, to inform policy and to educate the public. It also provides dozens of forums to address the critical challenges facing the African-American community. The Foundation will offer numerous session tracks to present high level, thought-provoking, engaging and useful information. The conference will also include the much heralded Phoenix Awards Dinner fundraiser, the inspirational Prayer Breakfast and a community outreach project in volunteering at Thrive D.C., a philanthropic organization dedicated to homelessness and providing vulnerable individuals a comprehensive range of services.
Registration opens on May 13 at https://www.cbcfinc.org/alc2013-registration.html
Media registration opens on May 13 at https://www.cbcfinc.org/alc2013-registration.html
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