A memorial conference this weekend in New York will mark 70 years since the death of Serbian-American scientist and inventor Nikola Tesla, organizers said.

The Tesla Science Foundation, based in the United States, said the "Why Tesla Matters" conference will include a presentation of awards in the areas of science, spirit, financing and commitment to the promotion of Tesla's name and legacy, Serbian national news agency Tanjug reported Friday.

Chairman of the United Nations General Assembly Vuk Jeremic would address participants gathered for lectures, presentations and discussions, Tanjug said.

The conference will take place in the New Yorker Hotel, where Tesla lived for the last decade of his life. He died on Jan. 7, 1943.