SACNAS STEM conference has $23-million economic impact

VIDEO NEWS RELEASE

The University of Hawaii is the presenting sponsor for the National Diversity in STEM Conference.

The estimated economic impact to the state's economy of the SACNAS conference is $23 million.

Welcoming ceremony for the National Diversity in STEM Conference.

Link to video and sound (details below): https://bit.ly/2WD6J64

WHAT: Hawai‘i tourism officials estimate that the 2019 SACNAS - National Diversity in STEM Conference will have a $23-million impact on the state’s economy.  The University of Hawai‘i is the presenting sponsor for the conference.

WHO:  5,000+ attendees is a record for the SACNAS annual conference. It is the largest and most diverse gathering of underrepresented minority STEM leaders, professionals, scientists and students.

WHEN: Oct. 31–Nov. 2,, 2019 

WHERE: Hawaiʻi Convention Center 1801 Kalākaua Ave, Honolulu, Hawai‘i

WHY:  The Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS)—a broadly inclusive organization with a 46-year history of fostering and promoting success for underrepresented minorities in STEM—is a training ground for the next generation of diverse STEM professionals. The event aims to level the playing field for first-generation college students of color by offering critical tools for success in STEM such as mentorship, professional development and networking opportunities. 

OTHER FACTS:

• Marshall Islands President Hilda Heine kicked off the 2019 SACNAS National Diversity in STEM Conference with a keynote address that called for a united front in taking climate action on behalf of those first and most affected by its impacts.

• Polynesian Voyaging Society President Nainoa Thompson, a master navigator, was also a featured speaker to a standing ovation. 

• 2019 SACNAS contact onsite is Yamila Pino, (202) 440-1432, yamila@prosperolatino.com

VIDEO:

B-ROLL: (1 Minute 55 seconds)

0:00-1:08, 12 clips: SACNAS opening ceremony

1:08-1:14: sign outside of convention center

1:14-1:47, 4 clips: University of Hawai‘i System booth at the exhibit hall

1:47-1:55, 3 clips: various booths in the exhibit hall

SOUND:

Hilda Heine, Marshall Islands President (16 seconds)

“The time has come for has come for the global community to seek viable and effective solutions to the climate crisis and to do so with unrestrained speed.”

Heine (16 seconds)

“It is my hope that the global community can summon the leadership needed to urgently increase its ambition to get us on a pathway consistent with the Paris agreement and to avoid the worst impacts of climate change.”

Nainoa Thompson, Polynesian Voyaging Society President (13 seconds)

“How important the University of Hawai‘i is to the future of Hawai‘i. It is such an extraordinary world-class place, doing amazing work.”

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