CHICAGO | After a 12 year absence, the NCLR annual conference returns to Chicago, representing the largest and most important gathering of the nation's most influential individuals, organizations, institutions, and companies working with the Hispanic community. Thousands are expected to attend.

"Our destiny is in our hands and in no one else's," said by Janet Murguía NCLR President and CEO on the promotional conference video. "This gathering represents our Hispanic community."

Bringing together the best speakers from across the nation to address the issues that are very important to Latinos; providing a forum for people in the business of social change to learn about ongoing and emerging issues in the Hispanic community, connect with key community leaders, and generate partnerships with Hispanic community-based organizations.

NCLR, National Council de la Raza, is proud to exhibit its growth and success at the NCLR Annual Conference being held this year in our own back yard from July 25-28, at McCormick Place West, downtown Chicago.

The conference includes four days of the most thorough and cutting-edge workshops addressing critical issues in the Hispanic community, keynote speakers, and the Latino Expo USA with more than 200 exhibitors participating.

Another significant feature of the conference is the Career Fair and the Health Fair which are offered FREE and open to the general public.

Last year's keynote speakers in San Diego, California were 2008 Democratic Presidential Nominee Senator Barack Obama (D-IL), 2008 Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-NY), and 2008 Republican Presidential Nominee Sen. John McCain (R-AZ).

Past Conference speakers have also included President of Mexico Vicente Fox, Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, 2008 presidential hopeful and New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson (D-NM), and former President Bill Clinton.

These year's keynote speakers will be made public closer to the date of the conference.

Maricela Garcia Director of Capacity Building in Chicago organized the Effective Community Organizing Models free workshop which will be held on Saturday July 26, from 1:30 -3p.m.

One of the main speakers for this workshop is Juan Pablo Chavez of the Florida Immigrant Rights Coalition. The other nonprofit organization participating will be Oregon-based Mano a Mano.

"We wanted to see what works in the Northwest and what works in the South, and share the information with our people" said Garcia.

There will also be an all-day free Citizenship Workshop on Saturday, July 25.

Visit NCLR' website for information regarding the conference: www.nclr.org.