Wilmington, N.C. - July 31, 2024: On August 6-9, travel industry partners in Wilmington and its island beaches will welcome members of the North Carolina Healthcare Engineers Association [NCHEA] when they return for NCHEA’s 72nd Annual Conference & Exhibition. The N.C. Healthcare Engineers Association holds the distinction of being the first convention group to sign a contract with the Wilmington Convention Center in April of 2010, before it opened later that year.
Approximately 1000 attendees are expected NCHEA’s 2024 Annual Conference, including over 475 education attendees along with exhibitors and guests, with events held at the Wilmington Convention Center. Attendees will stay at a variety of hotels, including: Courtyard by Marriott Wilmington Downtown/Historic District, Embassy Suites by Hilton Wilmington Riverfront, Aloft Wilmington at Coastline Center, Best Western Plus Coastline Inn and Hotel Ballast Wilmington-Tapestry Collection by Hilton.
“The N.C. Healthcare Engineers Association was the first convention group to sign a multi-year contract with the Wilmington Convention Center, and we are always excited to welcome them back,” states John Sneed, vice-president of sales & services for the Wilmington and Beaches Convention and Visitors Bureau. “In preparation, conference organizers worked with the CVB and Wilmington Convention Center sales teams to create an agenda that balances business with fun to ensure attendees have a memorable coastal experience.”
NCHEA 2024 Annual Conference activities and events include an opening reception Tuesday evening followed by an opening ceremony Wednesday morning featuring 9-year-old local talent, Greta Kate Haugland, performing the National Anthem. This year’s conference includes keynote speaker Mark Schulmann (Rockstar Keynote & Celebrity Drummer), professional development courses, district meetings and 140 vendor exhibits. During Thursday's closing night reception and banquet gala, entertainment will be provided by local comedic magician, Michael Mario. Other optional activities include a fishing tournament aboard private fishing charter Vonda Kay in Carolina Beach and a special event for guests and spouses. Over the four-day conference, guests and spouses will also enjoy exploring the destination while attendees are in meetings.
This year’s NCHEA annual golf tournament will be held at the Wilmington Municipal Golf Course. Donations from NCHEA’s 2024 Golf Tournament and Fishing Tournament, among other donation opportunities, will benefit local non-profit, Kids Making It , and local youth development organization, First Tee.
NCHEA President, Jerry Thompson (PE, SrHE) states, “We have been coming to Wilmington for the last 10 years for our conference and our membership always looks forward to the service and hospitality of the WCC and the City. We especially enjoy partnering with a local non-profit organization for our community outreach and have been fortunate to donate significant goods and money during our time here. This year we have two organizations we are supporting – Kids Making It and First Tee.”
The N.C. Healthcare Engineers Association, Inc. (NCHEA) was founded in 1952. NCHEA is a not-for-profit, incorporated association dedicated to serving and promoting the healthcare engineering profession. The association is an affiliated chapter of the American Society for Healthcare Engineering (ASHE) of the American Hospital Association (AHA). For more info: www.nchea.com.
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 media interviews with conference organizers and to discuss best photo opportunities, please contact Dona Noblett via email at drnoblett@gmail.com.
Contact:
Hannah Almeter
Communications/PR Manager
Wilmington and Beaches CVB
910-341-4030 x126
866-266-9690
halmeter@wilmingtonandbeaches.com
