35th NSBE Annual National Convention
Las Vegas, Nev., March 25–29, 2009
Show Time!
By Kimberly M. Cross, NSBE 2009 National Convention Planning Committee Chair

Kimberly M. Cross
Greetings, NSBE Family & Welcome to Las Vegas!
We have arrived in the Entertainment Capital of the World! I know you all have been waiting to see the flashing lights of the Las Vegas Strip. On behalf of the entire 2009 Convention Planning Committee (CPC), I welcome you to the 35th Annual National Convention of the National Society of Black Engineers, hosted at the Las Vegas Convention Center and the Bally’s and Flamingo hotels.
The 2009 CPC, also known as the “Vegas Visionaries,” began its journey in late 2007 with a “Making the CPC ’09” quest. Since that time, our team has been working diligently to ensure that all attendees leave the convention not only entertained but also educated and enlightened. As promised, this year’s convention will provide you with cutting-edge workshops and high-profile, motivational keynote speakers. History has been made in our nation during the planning process of this convention. The 2009 convention is the first NSBE national convention during the tenure of the first African-American president of the United States, Barack Obama.
The 2009 convention theme, “Energizing Creativity to Achieve Exponential Growth,” challenges NSBE to generate innovative solutions to make a positive impact on our communities. The convention has been planned with this goal in mind and is designed to provide you, the NSBE member, with the tools to solve the many problems facing our society. Despite the current economic crisis in the U.S. and monetary setbacks for our organization, we have persevered in creatively finding resources to provide all attendees with the optimal convention experience.
It is often said that “What Happens in Vegas Stays in Vegas,” but that is not our view. We want you to leave Las Vegas with new knowledge and skills, a larger professional network and greater excitement for the NSBE mission. Whether you are a pre-college student, an undergraduate student, a graduate student, a technical professional, an International member, a corporate partner or an esteemed guest, there will be something to offer you at this convention.
The 2009 CPC is excited to open the doors and welcome you to (Whose House?) the Mighty S.I.X. House, for a little something that we call the G.C.O.A.T. — “The Greatest Convention of All Time!”
With Six Hugs & NSBE Luv…Viva Las Vegas!
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