Gov. Charlie Crist will serve as keynote speaker for the NAACP 64th Florida State Conference in Gainesville this week.
Crist accepted the NAACP's invitation and will speak on Saturday evening.
Tickets to Saturday's banquet are ,50. A meal is included in the cost.
The theme of the conference is "Power Beyond Measure."
Evelyn Foxx, first vice president of the Alachua County branch, said she recommended Gainesville as a potential host city three years ago at the state executive committee meeting.
"Our city and county is a wonderful place to visit," Foxx said. "We have a lot to offer. I think it needs to be showcased."
More than 1,000 people are expected to attend over the three-day period, she said.
Workshops dealing with issues such as health, criminal juvenile justice, and labor and industry will be offered.
On Thursday, an environmental justice meeting will take place at the Florida Museum of Natural History from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. It is free and open to the public.
