AARP Expands Events Roster with Two New Regional “Life Festivals” Debuting in San Antonio and Chicago
Source: AARP Press Center | 2009-03-31
March 31, 2009
Contact: AARP Media Relations, 202-434-2560, media@aarp.org
WASHINGTON (March 31, 2009) – Adding to the success of its annual national event, AARP, the world’s largest advocacy organization for people age 50+, today announced it will launch two new regional events this year in San Antonio and Chicago. AARP’s Life Festivals will be two-day, cross-generational celebrations of empowered communities and will serve these diverse cities by delivering a vibrant combination of learning and sharing. Approximately 5,000-7,500 attendees are expected at each city. UnitedHealth Group has signed on as the premier sponsor for both Life Festivals.
“In a time where Americans are in the middle of an economic slump and the healthcare crisis is at an all time high, we hope to help them navigate these uncertain waters by delivering relevant information and resources,” said Shereen Remez, Executive Vice President and Chief Membership Officer, AARP. “AARP is committed to improving the quality of life for all Americans and our Life Festivals are just one more way we are able to connect with them on a one-to-one level and equip them with the tools they need.”
SAN ANTONIO, TX
When: Friday, May 15 – Saturday, May 16
Where: The Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center
Who: Featured speakers include author Sandra Cisneros (The House on Mango Street);
fashion designer Carmen Marc Valvo; AARP’s Hispanic Ambassador Jorge Ramos (ESPN Deportes Radio and FOX Sports en Espanol); evening concerts featuring Lush, Las Voces de Tejas and Grammy Award-winner Ruben Ramos and the Mexican Revolution.
CHICAGO, IL
When: Friday, June 5 – Saturday, June 6
Where: Navy Pier
Who: Featured Speakers include TV personality and AARP’s Community Ambassador James Brown (“J.B”), Mellody Hobson, President of Ariel Investments and Financial Contributor to ABC’s Good Morning America; UnitedHealth Group's executive vice president and chief of medical affairs, Dr. Reed Tuckson, evening concert featuring Grammy Award-winning R&B/Gospel duo Mary Mary + LIVE Q&A session.
AARP’s Life Festivals will bring together high-profile speakers addressing health, wellness and financial security topics, along with well known entertainers who will perform in celebration concerts. Additionally, attendees will have access to the “AARP Marketplace,” which will feature approximately 100 national and local businesses, and engaged organizations that are working to build up our communities and empower people. Attendees can participate in health and wellness events, health screenings, and financial-security activities, along with an interactive exhibit floor where there will be music, entertainment, and interactive learning. Additionally, there will be a job fair at each location featuring local and national companies with job opportunities in the area.
AARP’s Life Festivals are free to all AARP members, children and adults under age 40, and only $10 for non-members (non-member registrants will also receive a complimentary one-year membership with their entrance fee, a value of $16). In both cities, evening concerts will be open to attendees for an additional fee and tickets will range in price from $10-$25, depending on the show. All Concert tickets must be purchased on site and will be available on a first come, first serve basis.
Additional information on the AARP Life Festivals and pre-registration is available online at www.aarp.org/events/life_festivals/. For sponsorship and exhibit information contact 202-434-2767 or exhibits@aarp.org. In October of 2009, AARP will host its annual national event, “Vegas@50+” in Las Vegas, NV. Detailed information on speakers, performers and schedule can be found at www.aarp.org/events or toll free 1-800-883-2784.
ABOUT AARP
AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization that helps people 50+ have independence, choice and control in ways that are beneficial and affordable to them and society as a whole. AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to either political campaigns or candidates. We produce AARP The Magazine, the definitive voice for 50+ Americans and the world's largest-circulation magazine with over 34.5 million readers; AARP Bulletin, the go-to news source for AARP's 40 million members and Americans 50+; AARP Segunda Juventud, the only bilingual U.S. publication dedicated exclusively to the 50+ Hispanic community; and our website, AARP.org. AARP Foundation is an affiliated charity that provides security, protection, and empowerment to older persons in need with support from thousands of volunteers, donors, and sponsors. We have staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
