NAACP and Access TCA Partner for ACT-SO Six-Day Event

As if anyone needed proof that events are good for business, the relationship between Access TCA and NAACP began when Elle2 Consulting, the event manager for NAACP’s National Convention and ACT-SO Competition, visited the Access stand at the Experiential Marketing Summit (EMS).

ACT-SO is an acronym for Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological, and Scientific Olympics. ACT-SO was founded in 1978 by author and journalist Vernon Jarrett. The program provides recognition to young people who can demonstrate academic, scientific, and artistic achievement, allowing young people to gain recognition equal to that often achieved by entertainers and athletes. Students can demonstrate their talents in up to three competition areas, from performing and culinary arts to science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).

The Experience

Access was asked to create ten individual activations to be used over the six days of the convention at Mandalay Bay. They ranged from a shimmer wall backdrop in the ACT-SO power plant (their theme for the event) to an LGBTQ-specific photo op to a lounge area with comfortable seating and meeting spaces. Access worked closely with Elle2 to develop the design of these activations and the logistics of what needed to be where and when. This was not just the set-up of exhibits that stayed in place for 3 days but the carefully orchestrated movement of custom pieces for specific event times and from one event space to another.

This year’s convention theme was ALL IN, and Access and Elle2 truly went all in on this event. With celebrations for the young people of ACT-SO and the NAACP Youth and College program and receptions for the President and delegates, the six days were packed full, and Access was privileged to be part of such an inspiring event.