In spite of economic struggles, many conventions contain to schedule their events and offer business opportunities for a variety of suppliers. For your gift and gift basket business, consider the top African-American conventions that are being held throughout the country in 2009.

The top groups are the religion-based groups that have a long history and continue to attract large numbers of attendees and present a variety of events.

The top of the heap is the National Baptist Convention. Founded in 1886, this organization is the oldest and largest African-American religious convention and boasts a number of events and auxiliaries. Their 104th National Baptist Congress of Christian Education is scheduled for June 22-26, 2009 in Detroit, MI and expects 40,000 attendees.

The National Baptist Convention also offers national and regional events for married couples, singles, youth and leaders. Get more information and details at their website here.

The second largest religion-based African American group is the Church of God in Christ (COGIC.) Their 102nd International Holy Convocation is November 2-9, 2009 in Memphis, TN. Like the other major groups, the COGIC holds multiple conventions and events throughout the year.

Since these large organizations have local and regional offices, it best to begin with them to discover how to reach the buyers and meeting planners at the national levels.  Like other conventions and events planners will need gifts as welcomes, thank yous to keynote speakers, and congratulations. When trade shows accompany the conventions, vendors often plan a  gift basket giveaway at tables in exchange for names for their databases. Don’t forget to approach the major sponsors who provide large donations to offset the expense and advertising of such events.

Look for lucrative sales when you can connect with conventions such as these who continue to meet, celebrate and promote the many diverse services they offer.

(Pictured above is that famous church lady hat that Aretha Franklin wore when she sang “My Country ‘Tis of Thee” at the Inauguration. It was designed by Luke Song of Song Millinery in Detroit, MI. He has gotten so many orders from around the world that he exhausted his supply.  If you want your own you’ll have to wait a month and be ready to fork over from $150-$250.  It’s not clear whether he’ll repeat the exact design or give you something similar.)