Metro Toronto Convention Centre welcomes National Society of Black Engineers
for first convention outside of U.S.

TORONTO, March 24 /CNW/ - From March 31 - April 4, the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) will hold their 36th Annual Convention at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre (MTCC). Toronto has been selected as the organization's first-ever international site for this gathering of experts in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math.

"Hosting our first convention outside of the U.S. represents a major step in our global expansion plans: and Toronto is a strategic location," said Ainsley A. Stewart, Jr., National Convention Planning Chairperson. "A city as diverse as Toronto offers an opportunity to expose our U.S. membership to various international cultures while at the same time honoring and celebrating the success and dedication of our Canadian and overseas global membership."

"Toronto is one of the most multicultural cities in the world and as such, many event organizers are attracted to our city's diversity," said Barry Smith, President & CEO of the MTCC. "We are honoured to have been selected as the site of NSBE's first convention outside of the U.S. and pleased to provide the event with a rich international backdrop."

The event, themed 'Engineering Global Impact', is expected to draw participation from companies including Caterpillar, Exxon Mobil Corporation, IBM, United Technologies Corporation, Ontario Power, Wal-Mart, and Ford as well as some of America's and Canada's leading colleges and universities and government agencies. More than 5,000 people are expected to attend.

About the MTCC

The Metro Toronto Convention Centre is Canada's No. 1 convention and trade show facility. Since its opening in 1984, the MTCC has hosted approximately 15,000 events and entertained over 40 million guests. For further information, please visit www.mtccc.com.

ABOUT NSBE

The National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), with more than 33,000 members, is one of the largest student-managed organizations in the U.S. Founded in 1975, NSBE now comprises more than 450 College, Pre-College, and Technical Professional/Alumni chapters in the U.S. and abroad. NSBE's mission is "to increase the number of culturally responsible black engineers who excel academically, succeed professionally and positively impact the community." For more information, please visit www.nsbe.org.

For further information: Christine Tse, Metro Toronto Convention Centre, [phone], [email protected]; Pamela Sharif, National Society of Black Engineers, [phone], [email protected]