CINCINNATI, OH – The American Legion will hold its 98th National Convention in Cincinnati USA from Aug. 26 to Sept. 1, bringing approximately 9,000 American Legion veterans and servicemembers, along with their families, to the region. The convention marks The American Legion's return to Cincinnati for the first time since 1986.

As the nation's largest veterans service organization, The American Legion focuses its National Convention on furthering the cause of patriotism and support of servicemembers, past and present. Primary convention programming will be held at the Duke Energy Convention Center, with additional events held at the downtown Millennium, Hyatt and Hilton Hotels. The more than 9,000 convention attendees are expected to bring more than $6 million in direct visitor spending. In the midst of the presidential election year, the convention is expected to attract influential national leaders and presidential candidates.

"As an American city with deep roots and genuine pride in our history, Cincinnati USA is proud to welcome the men and women who have dedicated their lives to better our country," said Dan Lincoln, president and CEO of the Cincinnati USA Convention & Visitors Bureau. "Our region has established itself as a place where leaders and organizations can meet to exchange ideas and strengthen communities, providing the perfect backdrop for the American Legion National Convention."

The convention will offer multiple events for the public to honor the U.S. veterans and current military members visiting with The American Legion. Among the public events:
  • Job fair for veterans, servicemembers and their families: A resume workshop will be provided from 9 a.m. until noon on Tuesday, Aug. 30, followed by a job fair from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. More than 35 companies are expected to meet individually with job seekers at the Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza, 35 West 5th Street.
  • Small business workshop: The American Legion will conduct a two-day entrepreneurial course, called “Boots to Business: Reboot,” Aug. 29-30. The course is specifically designed, free of charge, for all veterans and military spouses.
  • Women Veterans Empowerment Workshop: All women veterans and servicemembers are welcome to attend the workshop on Tuesday, Aug. 30, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. The workshop will be held in the Caprice Room of the Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza, 35 West 5th Street.
  • American Legion Parade: Sunday, Aug. 28, starting at 4 p.m.
  • "Our national convention is a busy time," said American Legion National Commander Dale Barnett of Georgia. "It's a time to reflect on our many successes of the past year, and to refine our strategy as we head toward our centennial anniversary. Cincinnati is a wonderful city in which to conduct our national convention and enjoy its attractions during our down time."

Convention programming will also include The American Legion Auxiliary’s National Convention, the Sons of The American Legion Convention and The American Legion Riders Legacy Run. The convention will also feature general sessions with nationally acclaimed keynote speakers, color guard and band contests, a patriotic memorial service, a blood drive, receptions and banquets.

"It is an honor to serve as the host city of The American Legion National Convention to help celebrate and reflect on the service, heroism and inspiring stories of our servicemembers," said Cincinnati Mayor John Cranley. "The American Legion has had a strong presence in Cincinnati throughout history, and we are pleased that Cincinnati can be a part of continuing that tradition."

American Legion National Convention delegates represent each of the Legion's 55 departments - the 50 states, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, France, Mexico and the Philippines. At the convention, delegates will approve changes to the Legion's constitution and bylaws, pass programs that determine the course of the Legion, and elect a national commander and five national vice commanders to serve until the next convention.

For more details about the 98th Annual American Legion National Convention, click here

About The American Legion
The American Legion was chartered by Congress in 1919 as a patriotic veterans organization. Focusing on service to veterans, service members and communities, the Legion currently has about 2.2 million members in more than 13,000 posts worldwide. These posts are organized into 55 departments: one each for the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, France, Mexico and the Philippines. For more information, visit www.legion.org.

About the Cincinnati USA Convention & Visitors Bureau
The Cincinnati USA Convention & Visitors Bureau is an aggressive sales, marketing and service organization whose primary responsibility is to positively impact Hamilton County's and the City of Cincinnati's economy through convention, trade show and visitor expenditures. The travel and tourism industry traditionally has been a $4.4 billion industry in Cincinnati USA, employing 74,000 people in a variety of fields and bringing 24.1 million visitors to the region annually. Visit www.cincyusa.com for more.