AFROTECH™ Fam, the 2024 conference is here, and things are off to an amazing start to build the future we want to live in.
As thousands of attendees land in Houston, TX, one of the first orders of business is picking up registration materials, which offer access to various learning sessions, impactful speakers, and limitless opportunities the conference has in store.
This year’s convening is pivotal for Black tech innovators and inclusive tech companies. The annual gathering offers attendees a platform to engage in technical deep dives, participate in learning labs, and seize networking opportunities with industry leaders. It also aims to foster a community for Black tech professionals and provide dynamic programming on emerging trends as well as facilitate conversations with top tech recruiters.
Wednesday’s opening of the Culture Park Stage, presented by Lexus (Nov. 13), offers an immersive experience blending music, community, and diverse programming. The unique, inclusive atmosphere invites visitors to enjoy everything from wellness sessions to live DJ sets and talent showcases.
From 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., attendees should head to the Innovation Stage for “Opening Ceremony.” Don’t forget your badge!
After the ceremony, registered attendees can gather at the opening receptions based on their badge type, which will set the tone for the entire week. There are three distinct reception options, based on registration level (corporate, executive, or general), and receptions end at 9 p.m.
Between the Culture Park and the opening receptions, we hope you make meaningful connections and become part of a growing community. Now, with everything lined up, let’s get ready for an incredible experience ahead.
Here’s a general overview of how you can plan for the next couple of days.
The first full day of sessions across stages and learning labs — Thursday, Nov. 14 — brings a wealth of opportunities. Dive into strategies for closing the pay gap for Black creators as Shannae Ingleton Smith, president, founder, and CEO of Kensington Grey Agency, and Imani Ellis, founder of The Creative Collective NYC (CCNYC), discuss the importance of valuing creativity, fostering community, and negotiating fair compensation. In their session, “Creative and Design Summit: The Business of Creativity,” they’ll address the challenges to achieving equitable pay and share insights on building a more inclusive creative industry.
College students can also connect at the Resume Lab, where they’ll discover essential tools to showcase their skills and strengths, paving the way from the classroom to their dream careers.
Now that the 2024 election is behind us, many are considering the way forward. The “We Voted, Now What?” session on the Innovation Stage will offer key insights into what comes next. Rashad Robinson, president of Color of Change, and Kendrick Sampson, actor and co-founder of BLD PWR, will discuss how meaningful community involvement can drive lasting positive change, foster resilience, and lessen dependence on election outcomes.
This is just a snapshot of today’s agenda, so pace yourself and set the tone.
This year’s AFROTECH™ Conference will host some heavy-hitting visionary leaders and creators sharing insights across various stages, including Bun B, Alexis McGill Johnson, X Eyeé, Tobe Nwigwe, will.i.am, and Angelica Ross. As the week unfolds, dive into cutting-edge discussions on the Innovation Stage, explore advanced topics on the AI, Cybersecurity, and Data & Engineering Stages, and attend specialized summits including the Creative and Design Summit, Founder’s Summit, Health & Environmental Equity Summit, and Women’s Summit.
Feeling things out today is key to making the most of your week. Use any downtime to explore the venue, review the schedule, map out the sessions you want to attend, and plan those outfits for the days ahead. Make sure you’re fully prepared to soak in every opportunity.
AFROTECH™ Conference has limitless potential, but the key to unlocking it lies with you.
Embrace the experience, keep an eye on your personal North Star, and remember there’s a lot more coming. Stay connected and informed throughout the conference by using the AFROTECH Connect app.
