Conferences Every Black Entrepreneur Should Attend in 2024/2025
August is Black Business Month, and I found a few conferences that should be on your radar as an entrepreneur or business owner. So, here are a few business conferences and expos every Black entrepreneur should attend over the next year!
Black Enterprise Disruptors Summit
Started by the long-running business publication Black Enterprise, the conference is “a gathering of forward-thinking individuals who are challenging the status quo and driving change across industries.” The three-day event centers around Black entrepreneurs, investors, creatives, and innovators. The event caters to those hoping to gain business tools, access, and expertise to drive economic change within their communities and bridge the racial wealth gap. The event features keynote speakers, panels, and workshops discussing various topics — building wealth through real estate, raising capital, effective marketing, etc.
Black Women’s Expo
BWe Next began as an exposition for Black women-led businesses to connect with the Chicago community. The conference became a three-day lifestyle event focusing on Black female entrepreneurs in US cities like Chicago and Atlanta. The weekend-long exhibition features events focusing on Black women and their families. The activities range from topical seminars & general sessions led by experts to themed pavilions for certain avenues such as health & wellness and finance & generational wealth. Small business exhibitors have a specialized marketplace alongside major corporate exhibitions.
Black Entrepreneurs Day
Founded by FUBU CEO and Shark Tank star Daymond John, Black Entrepreneurs Day is the ultimate destination for Black business and entrepreneurship. The annual event is a remote conference streamed online broadcast to business owners worldwide. Each year, the conference features panels and roundtables with important Black figures across business and entertainment. Along with the sessions, there are live musical guests. The event works with the NAACP to distribute and award the Powershift Grant to deserving Black entrepreneurs and small businesses.
ByBlack Conference
Starting as a platform for Black-owned businesses spearheaded by American Express, ByBlack has evolved into an annual event for fellowship among Black business owners. The conference is a partnership between the U.S. Black Chambers, Inc. (USBC) and the National Association of Black Owned Broadcasters (NABOB). This annual event becomes the epicenter for Black entrepreneurs, broadcasters, business professionals, and thought leaders every year. Attendees get an immersive experience filled with keynote speakers, panels, a lounge featuring notable brands and companies, and matchmaking sessions between corporations and small businesses.
Marketing for the Culture Summit
Started by the African American Marketing Association, Marketing for the Culture Summit is an annual event where Black marketers come together to learn the latest from the marketing industry. The MFTC Summit allows Black marketers to improve their skills, gain content creation and workflow tips, and learn how to monetize digital platforms. The weekend-long event focuses on building a collaborative community with keynote speakers and informative sessions.
CultureCon
CultureCon is the brainchild of the Creative Collective NYC, a community platform for creatives of color. The annual event allows Black entrepreneurs and business owners to come together for a well-rounded experience. The two-day conference expanded from its New York roots to include Los Angeles and Atlanta. This weekend-long event centers on activities from insightful workshops and keynote speakers to a career fair and a day-long block party.
AFROTECH Conference
As the premier event for media conglomerate Blavity, the AFROTECH Conference seeks to highlight those in technology and business. The annual event connects aspiring entrepreneurs and business owners with high-powered business and tech professionals. The week-long exhibition facilitates various stages, panels, casual meetups, and recruiting sessions. Attendees score the opportunity to partake in the exposition from corporate and tech conglomerates.
Black Pod Festival
Powered by Blk Pod Collective, Blk Pod Festival was birthed in 2020 from a need to showcase and connect Black audio creatives. The event is a two-day conference offering podcasters of any level a fulfilling experience. It provides actionable resources and connections for all. Podcast enthusiasts and creatives can learn about industry trends and best practices while building lasting partnerships.
ForbesBLK Summit
An offshoot of the ForbesBLK initiative, the ForbesBLK Summit started in 2023 due to the rise of Black entrepreneurship in the US. The event is a three-day conference that brings together Black entrepreneurs across different areas to connect and inspire upcoming business owners. It provides a series of informative talks (led by celebrities and business innovators) and networking sessions. Rising entrepreneurs can learn about best business practices and lessons to grow their businesses in today’s world.
Black Professionals Summit
Black Professionals Summit is the response to growing Black entrepreneurship in the US. The conference spans three days, during which Black entrepreneurs can gather to inspire and inform each other. Talks led by business leaders and networking sessions encompass the entire experience. This event concludes with a special VIP social to more networking opportunities.
Black is Tech Conference
The Black Is Tech Conference touts itself as a platform for tech professionals, students, entrepreneurs, and enthusiasts looking to create significant impact in the tech industry. The three-day event has several speaking stages from top tech minds, a workshop day, a vendor expo, and networking opportunities. The conference will feature a week of initiatives and sessions around Houston. The event allows the Black tech sector to connect, learn, and gain professional and business development.
Virginia Black Business Expo
Virginia Black Business Expo centers on black-owned businesses nationwide showcasing their wares. The three-day conference offers entrepreneurs and business owners the chance to learn what new and exciting ventures and opportunities are available. There will be multiple networking sessions, working meal times, and a marketplace for Black businesses. The event allows Black entrepreneurs and business owners to connect with others while pitching their plans and ideas to potential investors.
Juneteenth Expo
Juneteenth Expo spotlights Black-owned businesses so they can thrive on this commemorative Black American holiday. The virtual event allows customers to connect with and purchase from Black businesses safely and remotely. The conference serves two purposes — a marketplace expo for business owners and entrepreneurs and a summit filled with workshops, panels, and fireside chats. The event works twofold — providing a learning experience and creating potential consumer-business relationships.
Take part in these conferences. You can use them to your advantage. Happy Black Business Month!
Originally published at http://adreonpatterson.net on August 1, 2024.
