Watch CBS News

National Urban League To Hold 2016 Convention In Baltimore

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- A $1 million addition to Baltimore's economy is heading to the city this summer. Monday morning, the National Urban League announced its 2016 convention will take place in Charm City.

Marcus Washington with more on how the city will financially profit.

It's official--Urban League's 2016 national convention will take place in Baltimore City.

"Just trying to encourage everybody that has any kind of event like this, a conference, to come to Baltimore, because we want to be able to showcase the great city that we are," said Congressman Elijah Cummings, (D) Baltimore.

Congressman Elijah Cummings, along with many others, spoke out about the benefits of having the nearly 100-year-old civil rights advocating organization hold its convention in in the city.

The National Urban League's 2016 convention is expected to bring anywhere from 10,000 to 15,000 people, which means a lot of people will be spending a lot of money in Baltimore.

According to the National Urban League, the members visiting Baltimore will spend an estimated $4.2 million on food, entertainment and hotel stay.

"So for the customer, I think it's a win-win. They get generally a little bit better price, a more charming property, a little bit more taste of the city and what it has to offer, where the locals would go, that kind of thing," said Bob Glock, Hotel Brexton.

Hotel Brexton is just one of many hotels people can choose from in the city of Baltimore when it comes to finding a home away from home during the convention.

And don't forget about the food.

"In the French Kitchen, we have certain menu items that you won't see in Florida, you won't see in California, you won't see up north. We have really great takes of French food that we add the Baltimore style to it," said Doug Baumann, French Kitchen. "This is a great place to be, and we really enjoy having the out-of-towners come in, especially for national conferences."

The National Urban League's convention will take place in Baltimore City from August 3 until Aug. 6.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.