Wilmington, N.C. - September 10, 2026: As the fall season arrives, Wilmington and its island beaches continue to welcome visitors beyond leisure travel. With three major conferences and meetings taking place at the Wilmington Convention Center in September and October, group business travel delivers additional visitation and valuable economic impact for the destination. 

Event Details:

  • 2026 Carolinas HFMA(Healthcare Financial Management Association) Fall Symposium

    • Dates: September 16-18, 2026

    • Expected number of attendees: 350

    • The North Carolina and South Carolina chapters of the Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA) are collaborating to host a joint symposium in Wilmington. The event brings together healthcare finance professionals, providers, and industry partners for educational sessions, networking opportunities, continuing education, and discussions focused on the evolving healthcare financial landscape.

  • 2026 SHRM NC Conference (North Carolina Society of Human Resource Management)

    • Dates: September 23-25, 2026

    • Expected number of attendees: 600

    • Hosted by the North Carolina State Council of the Society for Human Resource Management, the annual conference brings together human resources professionals from across the state for networking, learning, and professional development. The conference features educational sessions, keynote presentations from nationally recognized speakers, opportunities to earn SHRM and HRCI recertification credits, and access to industry resources and exhibitors focused on the latest HR trends and best practices. 

  • 2026 NC Realtors Convention

    • Dates: October 8-11, 2026 
    • Expected number of attendees: 800 

    • The NC REALTORS® Convention is the association's largest annual event, bringing together realtors from across North Carolina for education, networking, professional development, and industry updates. The convention is designed to inspire, motivate, and equip real estate professionals through a variety of sessions, meetings, exhibits, and networking opportunities. 

During these September and October events, conference attendees and their guests will stay in local lodging properties and explore the area's dining, shopping, entertainment, and attractions.

"As we enter the fall season, meetings and conventions remain a key contributor to our local tourism economy," said Kim Hufham, President/CEO of the Wilmington and Beaches Convention & Visitors Bureau. "We look forward to welcoming these organizations and showcasing the experiences, hospitality, and local businesses that make Wilmington and our island beaches a premier destination."

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.

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Note to Media: To arrange interviews and photo ops, event websites and conference organizer contacts are provided below:

2026 NC Healthcare Financial Management Association, contact Elaine Peeler at ebpeeler@novanthealth.org; https://web.cvent.com/event/778d32a3-5bff-4745-b73a-a2a0f56bf5bb/summary

2026 SHRM NC Conference (North Carolina Society of Human Resource Management), contact Marie MacDonald at mmacdonald@wilmingtoneye.com; https://ncshrm.com/2026-ncshrm-state-conference/ 

2026 NC Realtors Convention, contact Sarah Nardi at snardi@ncrealtors.org;  https://www.ncrealtors.org/special-events/convention/