Wilmington, NC: On Aug. 28 travel industry partners in Wilmington and its island beaches will welcome the East Coast Migrant Head Start Project for their 2023 Professional Development Conference. This year marks the inaugural year of the organization’s regional conference. We are thrilled that Wilmington has been selected as the host location bringing in attendees from across North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia.

Since their establishment in 1974, the East Coast Migrant Head Start Project has opened centers along the east coast and mid-west of the United States to provide services to migrant farmworkers and their children. Today, ECMHSP operates at 48 educational centers and serves nearly 3,000 children annually.

With anticipated attendees expected to reach over 375, including educators, administrators and community leaders. Conference events will be held at the Hotel Ballast, Tapestry Collection by Hilton in downtown Wilmington.

"We are excited to provide a space for educators to exchange ideas and strategies that will benefit their students and enhance their professional growth," states Rosecar Dorceans, Director of Program Operations. "By focusing on advocacy coaching, we hope to equip attendees with the tools they need to create positive change in their communities."

This event is a vital platform for educators and advocates to connect and collaborate, furthering the mission of the East Coast Migrant Head Start Project. Attendees can expect engaging keynote speakers, interactive workshops and insightful panel discussions aimed at fostering advocacy skills. The conference aims to empower participants to better advocate for their students and communities. The conference theme, "The Joyful Journey of Advocacy Coaching," reflects the organization's commitment to enhancing educational opportunities for migrant and seasonal farmworker families. Educators, advocates and professionals from South Carolina, North Carolina and Virginia will convene to explore effective advocacy coaching strategies.

“We are excited to welcome the East Coast Migrant Head Start Project’s Professional Development Conference to Wilmington for the first time,” states John Sneed, vice-president of sales and services for the Wilmington and Beaches Convention and Visitors Bureau. “We look forward to the opportunity to showcase Wilmington and our island beaches to first-time visitors and provide a memorable Carolina coastal experience with hopes of inspiring return visits in the future.”

The New Hanover County Tourism Development Authority (TDA), d/b/a Wilmington and Beaches Convention & Visitors Bureau, markets and develops the county and its communities’ leisure and group travel experiences for economic growth and quality of place.

[END]

Note to Media: To arrange media interviews with conference organizers and to discuss best photo opportunities, please contact Brooklynn Thomas by email bthomas@ecmhsp.org or phone (703) 744-0149. 

Contact:
Hannah Almeter
Communications/PR Manager
Wilmington and Beaches CVB
910-341-4030 x126
866-266-9690
halmeter@wilmingtonandbeaches.com