Greetings Fellow NCBEMO Members and Friends,
I am pleased to invite you to join me at the 2026 NCBEMO Annual Conference in Wilmington, North Carolina, this July. Our annual conference is a highlight of the year! It is a meaningful opportunity for Black elected leaders to come together, share successes and challenges, and strengthen the relationships that sustain and advance our work. The networking and camaraderie fostered at this event are truly invaluable. Whether you are new to NCBEMO or a long-standing member, we look forward to welcoming you to Wilmington.
This year’s conference will focus on the vital role of economic development in our communities. Through discussions centered on transportation, growth, and knowledge, we will deepen our understanding of how these elements shape community progress. Our goal is for each of us to leave inspired and energized, ready to reinvest in the places we serve.
In addition to hearing from distinguished speakers, I invite you to take part in an optional off-site tour of the Cameron Art Museum. This experience will highlight the intersection of tourism and economic development, showcasing how art, nonprofit festivals, and minority owned private enterprise contribute to community vitality.
I look forward to welcoming you to my home in the greater Wilmington area and to another meaningful and engaging NCBEMO Annual Conference.
Warmest Regards,
Veronica Carter
Councilmember, Town of Leland
President, NC Black Elected Municipal Officials
July 25-26, 2026 | Aloft Hotel, Wilmington NC
Important Conference Information:
Attendee FAQs & Links
Am I a member of NC BEMO? How do I become a member of NC BEMO?
You can check on your membership status by emailing the NCLM Liaison Sophia Trentacosta.
Not yet a member? NC BEMO annual dues are $75 and run from July 1 - June 30 each year. Please fill out the Member Interest Form to start the membership process.Â
What is the refund policy for conference registration?
All requests for refunds must be made in writing, via email, by July 3, 2026. Cancellations after that date are not eligible for a refund.
You may transfer your registration to another member of your municipality at no charge.
How do I make a hotel room reservation?
The reservation deadline to book a hotel room within the conference room block is July 3, 2026.
The block rate is $239 plus applicable taxes.
Rooms are available on Friday, July 24 and Saturday, July 25, 2026.
Parking is available for $20 per day self park, or $25 per day valet parking. Additional parking is available in nearby city-owned parking decks.
Room block information will be emailed to you after you have submitted your registration and payment.
Can I bring a spouse or guest?
Spouses or guests of attendees are welcome to join the group for the optional tour to Cameron Art Museum and the Saturday evening banquet.
All guests must be registered in advance, by July 3, 2025.
Guest registration is $125 for the Saturday evening dinner. The optional tour is $25 per guest.
Cancellation requests for guests must be received by July 3. After that date, registration refunds will not be available.
When will the conference agenda be available?
The conference agenda will be available in late Spring 2026.
How much is conference registration?
NC BEMO Member Registration - $300
Non-Member Registration - $375
Late Registration and Same-Day Registration - $450
Spouse/Guest Registration (banquet dinner only) - $125
Optional tour to the Cameron Art Museum - $20/NC BEMO Members, $25 Non-Members and Spouses/Guests.
What meals are included in conference registration?
Breakfast, lunch and banquet dinner are included on Saturday and Sunday includes breakfast.
Spouse/Guest registration only includes the banquet dinner.
Saturday, July 25, 1:30 - 5:00 p.m.
This optional tour begins as we board a bus at the Aloft Hotel and travel to the Cameron Art Museum for a discussion focused on the intersection of art, history and economic development.
At the museum, conference attendees will explore the historical and economic importance of Boundless, a public art sculpture by NC artist Stephen Hayes, commemorating the United States Colored Troops and their fight for freedom. Between 2019 and 2021, Cameron Art Museum raised $700,000 to fund and support Boundless, primarily through individual and foundation donations with some corporate support. In the last two years, in an effort to incorporate Boundless into the CAM's programming, the museum launched the Sunset Performance Series, featuring musicians, poets, and more taking place in front of the sculpture. This free to the public performance series has garnered over $40,000 each year in corporate support, illustrating the strong connection that continues between Boundless and the community.
We will then learn about the economic impact of the Cameron Art Museum to the Wilmington and southeastern NC region, and how the Museum promotes and encourages community engagement. Last year, CAM welcomed over 66,000 visitors from 86 of North Carolina's 100 counties and visitors from all 50 states. CAM is an important asset for the region, contributing $6.9 million to the economy in New Hanover County, according to UNCW's Cameron School of Business.Â
Finally, our visit concludes with a panel discussion featuring Heather Wilson, CEO of the Cameron Art Museum, September Krueger, Curator of Education and Public Programs at the Cameron Art Museum, Cedric Harrison, CEO of WilmingtoNColor History Tour, and Kamili Anderson, CEO of the NC Rice Festival. We will learn more about these organizations and how they contribute to the cultural and economic fabric of Wilmington and beyond.Â
Guests are welcome to join this tour, but they must be registered in advance. Seating on the bus is on a first come, first served basis. Attendees may also drive themselves to the museum.
Please Note: About 30 minutes of the museum tour will be outside. There will be some shade available, but please come prepared for the weather conditions. You may want to bring an umbrella to provide shade from the sun.
Sunday, July 26, 12:30 - 2:00 p.m.
This optional tour begins as we board a bus at the Aloft Hotel immediately following the conclusion of the annual conference. We will then enjoy a 90-minute immersive storytelling experience that explores Wilmington's history through a multimedia "time machine" format. The tour centers on pivotal moments such as the 1898 coup, while also highlighting Black communities, cultural landmarks and lesser known stores that have shaped the city's past and present.Â
Guests will experience a combination of audiovisual storytelling inside the vehicle and guided stops at historic sites, creating a powerful, place-based journey that brings history to life in a way that is engaging, informative and deeply-rooted in the local landscape.Â
This is a small tour and space is limited. Tickets are $35 per person.
Sponsorship registration deadline is July 3, 2026.
All sponsors at the Signature, Platinum, Gold and Silver levels will receive:
If you're not planning to attend the conference but would still like to support NC BEMO, please consider becoming a Friend of NC BEMO or a Supporter of NC BEMO.
Sponsor FAQs & Links
Sponsorship payments are not eligible for refunds. If an individual is no longer able to attend, we can transfer the registration to another employee of the sponsor.
How do I make a hotel room reservation?
The reservation deadline to book a hotel room within the conference room block is July 3, 2026. Room block information will be emailed to you after you have submitted your sponsorship registration and payment.
The block rate is $239 plus applicable taxes. Parking is $20 per day for self parking or $25 per day for valet parking.
Will I receive a list of attendees prior to conference?
An attendee list, including name, email address and local government units, will be emailed to you approximately one week prior to the conference as part of the Know Before You Go email.
When will sponsors get to talk with attendees?
Sponsors may begin setting up their booths at 6 a.m. on Saturday, July 25. Attendees will start arriving for breakfast at 8 a.m. with the general session beginning at 9 a.m. There are a couple breaks built into the Saturday schedule, as well as some time available during the luncheon.
The attendees will have an optional off-site trip to the Cameron Art Museum on Saturday afternoon from 1:30 - 5:00 p.m. Sponsors are welcome to attend by purchasing one of the optional add-on tickets.Â
Sponsors are welcome to join the evening reception and banquet with dinner and entertainment Saturday evening.Â
If you wish, you may also continue to staff your table on Sunday, from 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.Â
How much does it cost to add an additional representative?
It is $250 per person outside of the allotted complimentary registrations. Swapping out representatives per day under one registration is not permitted.
What is the exhibit booth size?
Exhibit tables are 6' x 30" and include a black stretch linen, two chairs, and electrical power. Table space is available on a first come, first served basis. Â
You may choose if you want to exhibit on Saturday only or Saturday and Sunday.Â
Can I mail packages to the directly to the hotel?
Exhibit materials may be mailed to the hotel. Please be sure to follow the instructions below. Materials must arrive no earlier than July 22.
Please contact the hotel in advance to let them know you are shipping packages. The hotel can be reached at 910-377-7600.
Include the following infomraiton on the exterior label of each container/box:
Aloft Wilmington at Coastline Center
501 Nutt Street
Wilmington, NC 28401
Attn: Guest Name, Date of Arrival, BEMO Conference, July 24
You must also pre-arrange package pickup for after the conference. The hotel is not able to assist with shipping return packages.