NCLR Provides Highlights of its 2013 Annual Conference

Speakers at NCLR Conference include Rita Moreno, Marc Morial and Minnie Miñoso

NEW ORLEANS—NCLR (National Council of La Raza) today announced highlights of its upcoming 2013 Annual Conference and National Latino Family Expo®, the premier events for Latinos across the nation, which will take place, for the first time, in New Orleans. The NCLR Annual Conference and National Latino Family Expo will run from Saturday, July 20 through Tuesday, July 23 at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center.

NCLR’s Annual Conference and National Latino Family Expo have consistently been the gathering location for some of the most powerful, prominent and influential voices in and working with the Latino community, including community leaders, activists and volunteers; elected and appointed officials; and members of the corporate, philanthropic and academic communities. Attendees will have the ultimate opportunity to learn about current issues in immigration, education, civil rights, health, workforce development, youth leadership and other topics that impact not only Latinos, but all American communities.

“Since we began working with the Latino community in New Orleans several years ago, NCLR has sought ways to bring national attention to the rapid growth of the Latino population in this city and, most of all, to highlight the contributions that Hispanic families and workers have made and continue to make to the entire Gulf South,” said Janet Murguía, NCLR President and CEO. “Bringing our Annual Conference, the largest national annual event in the Hispanic community, to this amazing city is one more step in raising awareness and connecting this emerging community with Latino leaders from all over the country.”

The 2013 NCLR Annual Conference, themed “Rise as One,” title-sponsored by Toyota and Walmart, will feature more than 60 workshops, four town halls, five key meal events including the Latinas Brunch and the NCLR Awards Gala and multiple networking opportunities. This year’s Conference features a list of impressive speakers that was unveiled today, including legendary entertainer Rita Moreno, National Urban League President and CEO Marc Morial, W.K. Kellogg Foundation President and CEO Sterling Speirn, Telemundo news anchors José Díaz-Balart and María Celeste Arrarás, Girl Scouts of America CEO Anna Maria Chávez, baseball great Minnie Miñoso and many more.

“Toyota is honored to serve as a title sponsor of this year’s NCLR Annual Conference, an important forum for issues that impact not only Latinos in our country, but all Americans,” said Bob Carter, senior vice president, Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A. Inc. “We believe this year’s conference will play a big role in supporting NCLR’s commitment to education and advocacy work and we’re excited to participate.”
“As a title sponsor of this event, Walmart recognizes the importance of engaging with America’s growing Latino community," said Paul Gomez, Director of Corporate Affairs Constituent Relations, Walmart. "We are proud to play an important and prominent role at this year’s NCLR Annual Conference.

Additionally, the 2013 NCLR Annual Conference brings some of the best entertainment in the Latino community to New Orleans, featuring bachata sensation Leslie Grace and pop singer Jon Secada.

All attendees and the New Orleans community are invited to visit the National Latino Family Expo, title-sponsored by UPS, a free family fair open to the public, featuring various themed pavilions that offer exciting and cutting-edge games, prizes, live entertainment, product samples and more. The National Latino Family Expo, also taking place at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, will be open to the public from Saturday, July 20 through Monday, July 22.

“UPS is proud to be the Title Sponsor of NCLR’s National Latino Family Expo since it’s inception. It has become a unifying point at the conference where families, businesses and other community stakeholders come together and address important issues that impact not only Latino families and communities, but all Americans” states Eduardo Martinez, President of The UPS Foundation.

The NCLR National Latino Family Expo is one of the largest events in the country focused on resources and activities for the Latino family, with more than 200 exhibitors showcasing their products and services. From live entertainment and giveaways to free health screenings and informative demonstrations, everyone will discover something new in a fun and exciting environment that the entire family will enjoy. The Expo is open to all, and attendance is free of charge! Known figures in sports and entertainment will sign autographs for fans, costumed characters such as Dora the Explorer will entertain kids and all members of the family can learn something new through a healthy cooking demonstration. A highlight of the National Latino Family Expo is our Health and Fitness/Tu Salud Pavilion, where participants can receive a variety of free health screenings, including lung, dental, cholesterol and vision, just to name a few. The Science and Technology/El Futuro Pavilion will highlight opportunities and advances in science, technology, engineering and mathematics that make our everyday lives easier. It is a fun, interactive and informative experience in a safe and inviting family setting.

Click here to learn more about or to register for the 2013 NCLR Annual Conference in New Orleans.

To obtain media credentials for the 2013 NCLR Annual Conference, press may register at http://nclr.emsreg.com/nclr13/public/mediaregistration.aspx.

NCLR—the largest national Hispanic civil rights and advocacy organization in the United States—works to improve opportunities for Latinos. For more information on NCLR, please visit www.nclr.org, or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

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