NAACP National Convention in Charlotte a ‘substantial boost’ to the local economy
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- The 2025 NAACP Convention is expected to surpass last year’s $16.7M impact.
- Local hotels and restaurants report near sellouts, boosting summer revenue.
- Free community events and vendor hub highlight local Black-owned businesses.
Charlotte is gearing up to host one of its biggest events of the year — the 116th annual NAACP National Convention, expected to draw thousands of attendees from across the country, delivering the city an economic boost.
The four-day convention will run from Saturday, July 12, through Wednesday, July 16, at the Charlotte Convention Center at 501 S. College St. in uptown. Organizers estimate it will take about 200 staff members and volunteers to support the event. Programming and events for youth called the Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological and Scientific Olympics, or ACT-SO began on Wednesday.
Last year’s convention in Las Vegas brought in over 6,000 attendees and generated an estimated $16.7 million in economic impact, according to the NAACP. In 2023, the convention in Boston also yielded over $16.7 million in economic impact with 12,500 attendees.
“We’re looking to exceed that,” NAACP spokesman Dominic Hawkins told The Charlotte Observer on Wednesday.
The convention marks the first time since 1996 that Charlotte has hosted the event, which highlights civil rights, social justice, and Black excellence on a national stage.
“This event showcases the growth, diversity and vibrancy of Charlotte while delivering a substantial boost to the local economy,” Mike Butts, executive director of the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority, said in a statement to The Charlotte Observer. “The NAACP National Convention is one of the most significant events on the Charlotte Convention Center’s 2025 calendar.”
A focus on community
The NAACP convention is offering free community-focused experiences this year.
A block party Friday night will feature rapper and DJ MC Lyte, while a 6,000-square-foot interactive space called “The Hub” on the convention center’s lower level will include games, prizes, food vendors, health screenings and a job fair. There also will be celebrity appearances from the Netflix series “Forever” and CBS’s “Beyond the Gates.”
“We imagine that’s going to drive a lot of foot traffic and interest,” Hawkins said of The Hub. “We’re really looking forward to hosting the community here.”
The Hub will also spotlight local Black-owned businesses. Visit Charlotte partnered with Black-owned business members through its internal database, inviting them to participate in the four-day marketplace and wellness experience.
Big boost for hotels and restaurants
Charlotte’s hospitality industry will also see a boost from the convention. Hotel blocks reserved for the event at The Westin Charlotte, directly across from the convention center, have sold out. As of July 7, the hotel had no availability for the nights of Monday and Tuesday.
Room rates around uptown during the event range from $183 per night at the Hampton Inn Charlotte-Uptown to $457 per night at the Sheraton Charlotte Hotel, a search by the Observer showed.
“We will be selling out, and absolutely, it’s a ton of business to our hotels,” said Tom Dolan, director of sales and marketing at JW Marriott Charlotte. “It should be a great few days for us with NAACP in town.”
The surge in visitors is especially welcome during what is typically a slower summer season for hotels, said Stephanie Harkness, marketing director of sales for the Hampton Inn Uptown and Hilton Garden Inn Charlotte Uptown. Both hotels are nearly sold out for the upcoming week.
“July and August in Charlotte are typically very quiet unless concerts, special events, or conventions are going on,” Harkness said. “So having a convention is very helpful.”
Restaurants are also preparing for a bump in business. Exotica Indian Kitchen & Bar, located across from the convention center at The Green, relies on conventions for up to 30% of its revenue during summer months, restaurant employee Lakshmi Veeraki said.
“The economic impact will be great for residents and its hospitality community,” said Jon Dressler, owner of Rare Roots Hospitality Group with several restaurants uptown including Fin & Fino and Dogwood Southern Table and Bar at The Westin Charlotte hotel.
A broader economic impact
Local leaders see the convention as part of Charlotte’s broader economic development strategy, too.
“As a major gathering with national impact, the convention will deliver a substantial boost to Charlotte’s visitor economy, supporting local hotels, restaurants, and hospitality workers,” Butts said. “Its presence reinforces Charlotte’s role as a premier destination for high-profile, mission-driven events.”
James LaBar, senior vice president of economic development for Charlotte Center City Partners, said being cast in the national spotlight can have lasting impressions on visitors who can become residents and businesses who can become employers.
“Events like this enhance the stickiness of Charlotte,” LaBar said. “Our city never gets boring. We’ve got all these cool, interesting things going on with a variety of choices.”
This story was originally published July 10, 2025 at 5:30 AM.
