Charlotte, NC, July 26, 2025
News Summary
Charlotte will host the NAACP’s 116th National Convention, attracting between 10,000 and 12,000 participants from July 12 to July 16. This will be the first time since 1996 that the event is held in the city, promising significant economic benefits exceeding $16 million. Local businesses and the hospitality sector are gearing up for this influx of attendees as Charlotte continues its emergence as a prime destination for conventions.
Charlotte is set to host the NAACP’s 116th National Convention from July 12 to July 16, 2025, at the Charlotte Convention Center. This major event, projected to attract between 10,000 and 12,000 attendees, marks the first time the convention will be held in the city since 1996. The convention is expected to generate significant economic benefits, with a projected economic impact exceeding $16 million.
Charlotte has recently gained recognition as a burgeoning destination for conventions and meetings, according to local tourism officials. Events at the Charlotte Convention Center resulted in over 250,000 hotel room nights by the end of the last fiscal year, surpassing the annual target by 60%. Major upcoming events include not only the NAACP Convention but also the Mary Kay annual seminar, expected to welcome around 11,000 attendees.
Officials attribute this growth to strategic relationship-building and investments in local venues. The local economy is shifting from its traditional banking roots toward travel and tourism, as indicated by Charlotte City Councilmember Malcolm Graham. The Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority (CRVA) has booked over 40 conventions and trade shows for the upcoming year, underscoring the city’s increasing appeal.
Economic Impact and Hospitality Readiness
The influx of attendees for the NAACP Convention and other events is anticipated to provide a considerable boost to the local hospitality sector, with many hotels nearing full capacity. For instance, The Westin Charlotte has already sold out, while hotel rates in the area range from $183 to $457 per night. Local businesses, including restaurants like Exotica Indian Kitchen & Bar, are gearing up for heightened patronage attributed to the cluster of visitors.
Convention Highlights and Themes
The NAACP Convention will feature an engaging atmosphere named “The Hub,” where attendees can enjoy games, local food vendors, and exhibits representing Black-owned businesses. Additionally, there will be appearances by various celebrities. The focus of this event will be on pressing civil rights topics, including mental health issues and government assistance programs. Central to these discussions will be the theme, “The Fierce Urgency of Now,” reflecting the organization’s response to contemporary political challenges.
For the first time in the history of the NAACP, a sitting president has not been invited to speak at the convention, highlighting concerns regarding current political leadership. The organization is set on mobilizing communities around issues of financial equity and social justice while encouraging attendees to partake in meaningful discussions and strategize effective future activism.
Background and Future Events
The decision to host the convention in Charlotte stems from recent renovations at the Dallas Convention Center, which led the Mary Kay organization to select Charlotte for its annual seminar. Feedback from attendees at previous events held in the city has been overwhelmingly positive, further solidifying Charlotte’s reputation as a premier convention city.
With the city’s hospitality industry basking in the anticipated economic windfall from these large-scale conventions, Charlotte is positioning itself as a strategic hub for national gatherings, ensuring ongoing investment in venues and relationship-building efforts that attracted these high-profile events.
Key Event Features
| Event | Dates | Expected Attendees | Economic Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| NAACP National Convention | July 12-16, 2025 | 10,000 – 12,000 | Exceeding $16 million |
| Mary Kay Annual Seminar | Summer 2025 | 11,000 | Not specified |
FAQ
What is the NAACP’s 116th National Convention?
The NAACP’s 116th National Convention is an annual event focused on civil rights, social justice, and community engagement, occurring in Charlotte from July 12 to 16, 2025.
How many attendees are expected at the convention?
Between 10,000 and 12,000 attendees are anticipated to participate.
What economic impact is expected from the convention?
The convention is projected to generate an economic impact exceeding $16 million for the local economy.
What amenities will be available at the convention?
An immersive experience known as “The Hub” will provide entertainment, food, and showcases of local Black-owned businesses, alongside discussions and networking opportunities.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
116th NAACP National Convention Commences in Charlotte
Additional Resources
- WBTV: Charlotte is Attracting More Large Conventions
- Charlotte Observer: Business Article
- WBTV: Charlotte Becoming Convention Destination
- Google Search: Charlotte conventions
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Conventions
Author: HERE Charlotte
The CHARLOTTE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECharlotte.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Lovin' Life Music Festival, Charlotte Pride festival, and major sporting tournaments at Bank of America Stadium. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance and Foundation for the Carolinas, plus leading businesses in finance and entertainment that power the local economy such as Bank of America and NASCAR. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
