National Indian Education Association (NIEA) selected Hartford, Conn., as the host city for its 2018 annual convention and tradeshow.
More than 1,200 delegates along with more than 100 exhibitors will spend three days in Connecticut experiencing its history and culture. NIEA will meet at the Connecticut Convention Center in mid-October 2018.
Representatives from the Connecticut Convention Center as well as the Connecticut Convention & Sports Bureau attended NIEA’s 2014 Convention in Anchorage, Alaska. After showcasing the wide array of benefits to meeting at the Connecticut Convention Center as well as in the city of Hartford, members of NIEA voted to host its 2018 Convention at the Connecticut Convention Center.
“Just weeks ago, NIEA membership displayed exciting support in taking the largest gathering of Native education stakeholders to the Northeast,” said Ahniwake Rose, executive director, NIEA. “Home to the Mohegan Tribe and Mashantucket Pequot Nation, Connecticut will provide NIEA an exciting opportunity to partner with local tribes and with the larger tribal community of the United South and Eastern Tribes.”
National Indian Education Association advances comprehensive educational opportunities for American Indians, Alaska Natives and Native Hawaiians throughout the U.S. It is the premier organization advocating for Native students, working to achieve educational equity and excellence, as well as ensure all students are provided high-quality academic and cultural education.
“We are excited NIEA has selected the Connecticut Convention Center as the host for its 2018 convention and tradeshow,” said Michael Costelli, general manager, Connecticut Convention Center. “We look forward to welcoming NIEA and showcasing the Center as well as the incredible level of service our staff provides to ensure every experience at the Center is memorable.”
“It is an honor that NIEA will hold its prestigious convention in Connecticut for the very first time,” said H. Scott Phelps, interim president, Connecticut Convention & Sports Bureau. “Our state continues to grow as the destination for national associations and organizations that value our rich history, scenic natural resources, and accessible location.”
NIEA’s annual convention and tradeshow is a chance for Native education advocates to come together, network, learn and discuss issues and policies affecting the state of Native education in the U.S. The Convention consists of 100 educational and professional development workshops as well as cultural events including the welcome reception and annual Pow Wow.
For more information, visit NIEA.org.
