New York, NY, Oct 7, 2002—The National Urban League, the Urban League of Pittsburgh and the Greater Pittsburgh Convention and Visitors Bureau announced today that the National Urban League has selected Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania as the site for its 2003 annual conference. This marks the organization\'s return to Pittsburgh for the first time in 49 years.

"Several factors figured into our decision to bring our annual conference to Pittsburgh in 2003," said Milton J. Little, Jr., executive vice president and chief operating officer for the National Urban League.

"Chief among them are the city\\\'s renaissance and the allure of being one of the first groups to use the new, state of the art David Lawrence Convention Center with its waterfront location and spectacular views

"Add to that low labor costs, extremely favorable hotel pricing and a location that is readily accessible to the majority of the Urban League movement as other incentives that factored heavily in our decision."

Added Esther L. Bush, president and chief executive officer of the Urban League of Pittsburgh, "We are truly delighted to serve as the host affiliate for the Urban League movement\\\'s annual conference in 2003.

"In addition to helping the National office secure dynamic speakers and develop workshops and forums that reflect our local flavor, I will also work with the city and the county to create exciting evening events that will showcase what makes Pittsburgh shine!"

From an economic standpoint, according to Mr. Little, the National Urban League annual conference brought more than $3.8 million into the city of Los Angeles this past summer. Some 3,500 people registered to attend the conference, and the organization estimates walk through traffic for its Exhibitor\\\'s Showcase and its Career Fair at 10,000 combined.

Both the Exhibitor\\\'s Showcase and Career Fair are open to the public at no cost. National Urban League annual conference activities open to registered guests include plenary sessions and workshops, the National Urban League president\\\'s keynote address, a gala benefit concert and the annual Whitney M. Young Dinner featuring a special celebrity, political or public figure as the event\\\'s speaker.

"The staff and board of the Greater Pittsburgh Convention & Visitors Bureau looks forward to welcoming the National Urban League to Pittsburgh in 2003," said Joseph R. McGrath, president and chief executive officer, Greater Pittsburgh Convention & Visitors Bureau.

"From our award-winning international airport and our stunning new convention center, to the rich array of cultural activities, dining and shopping, delegates will experience world-class amenities in a city that remains one of the friendliest in the country. We\\\'re certain that they will leave with many positive memories of their stay."

Other events on the National Urban League annual conference agenda include the National Urban League Young Professionals (NULYP) The Training Ground: A Next Generation Civic Engagement Institute, a leadership development institute designed to give participants tools for resolving the socioeconomic, political, and social inequalities within African American communities.

The Training Ground is hosted by the National Urban League Young Professionals, an auxiliary group of the National Urban League comprised of young professionals ages 21 to 40. The Pittsburgh chapter of the NULYP can be reached via email at newarkULYP@nulyp.org.

Registration for the National Urban League\\\'s 2003 annual conference will begin in late April of 2003. The email address to receive registration, sponsorship or exhibitor information is Urban League Conferences. Interested parties may also call the League at 212-558-5300.

Requests for printed materials can also be sent by email to urbanleagueconference@nul.org or made by calling 1-888-314-CONF (2663).