Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: TUESDAY, August 22, 1995                   TAG: 9508220079
SECTION: EXTRA                    PAGE: 3   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: ALMENA HUGHES
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

2ND SISTER-TO-SISTER CONFERENCE SCHEDULED

Coincidentally, though unrelated, on those same dates, approximately 20,000 people are expected to attend the state's largest multicultural event, the 25th annual International Festival, which will be occurring in the Richmond Centre, which adjoins the hotel.

Both events are fund-raisers. Conference proceeds go to the coalition; the festival generates about $135,000 annually to benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of Richmond.

The combined weekend's activities and offerings stand to feed bodies, minds and souls.

The conference, produced by the Richmond Chapter of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Johnson Inc. Marketing & Promotions and several corporate sponsors, centers on high-profile keynote speakers and an assortment of 90-minute seminars aimed at promoting positive self-awareness and professional and personal development among black women. A variety of vendors also offer services and merchandise.

The conference's 35 seminars will cover topics under "family, relationships & self"; "health & beauty"; "historical, political & philosophical"; "business, economics & employment"; and "spiritual."

A general registration fee - $85 before Sept. 5; $100 thereafter - includes admission to all seminars, receptions, including one with best-selling author Bebe Moore Campbell, and a gala sit-down dinner at which Essence magazine editor-in-chief Susan Taylor will be the featured speaker.

Registration may be done at the conference or by sending a check or money order to Sister-to-Sister Conference, P.O. Box 26708, Richmond, Va. 23261. Visa and Mastercard also will be accepted. For additional conference information, call (804) 225-7725.

The downtown Richmond Marriott Hotel is offering attendees a special rate of $69 per night, per room, which may be occupied by up to five people. To get the rate, registrants must specify that they are attending the Sister-to-Sister conference. For room reservations, call (800) 228-9290.

The volunteer-operated festival offers foods, entertainment, cultural demonstrations and vendors' wares representing 30 nationalities and American regional groups. It aims to promote understanding, awareness and interest in the Commonwealth's diverse cultural mix.

Highlights will include folk music, dancing, pageants, exhibits, merchandise, an array of authentic foods and cooking demonstrations by the Virginia Chefs Association. Admission to the festival is $4 per day. For further information, call (804) 353-4389.