Editorial Note: Opinions and thoughts are the author’s (Lisa Mae Brunson) own and not those of AFROTECH™.
The power of community. For many of us, showing up at events like AFROTECH™ Conference isn’t just about collecting business cards or finding the next big career move — it’s about immersing ourselves in a space that validates and celebrates our unique experiences as Black professionals, creators, and innovators.
But here’s the thing: to truly make the most out of AFROTECH™ (or any other event for that matter), we have to show up with a plan. With years of experience organizing conferences and building spaces for marginalized communities, I’ve learned that being intentional about your goals and tapping into the power of community can make the difference between a fleeting connection and a transformative experience. Here are seven ways you can create impact and community at this year’s conference.
Set Your Intention Before You Arrive
I can’t emphasize this enough: Before you step foot at AFROTECH™, ask yourself, “What do I want to get out of this experience?” Are you looking to level up your network, find a mentor, explore new job opportunities, or simply be in community with like-minded individuals? Setting clear intentions allows you to navigate the conference with purpose, which ultimately helps you prioritize your time and energy.
Embrace The Power Of Community: Be Seen, Be Heard
One of the most powerful aspects of AFROTECH™ is the community. There’s a special magic in being surrounded by people who understand the nuances of your journey and who share a collective desire to break barriers and redefine what success looks like for Black professionals. Lean into that. This means actively participating in sessions, raising your hand to ask questions, and sharing your story. Don’t be afraid to let people see you and hear you.
Community building is about showing up authentically, so whether it’s introducing yourself to a speaker after their panel or hopping into a group chat conversation, focus on creating genuine connections. These aren’t just business transactions — these are seeds for future collaborations, mentorships, and friendships. You might just make your next deal in the rooms where it happens.
Quality Over Quantity: Don’t Get Lost In The Crowd
Let’s be real: conferences like AFROTECH™ can be overwhelming. With so many sessions, networking events, and activations happening at once, it’s easy to get swept up in a whirlwind of activities. My advice? Pace yourself and focus on quality over quantity. Identify the key sessions or meetups that align with your goals, and fully engage in those. Take notes, ask questions, and make it a point to connect with the speakers or participants afterward.
Remember: Your goal is not to collect 100 business cards. It’s to cultivate relationships that can evolve into meaningful opportunities over time.
Don’t Be Afraid To Talk About Your Achievements
For many Black professionals, talking about our wins can feel like walking a fine line between pride and humility. But here’s the thing: if you don’t champion your own story, who will? AFROTECH™ is a space designed to celebrate Black excellence, so own it. Practice your elevator pitch, highlight your accomplishments, and be ready to share how you’re making an impact in your industry.
Stand firm in your worth and own your narrative. Whether you’re speaking to a potential employer, a future collaborator, or simply making new friends, let them know who you are and what you bring to the table.
Stay Open to Serendipity: Make Space for Fun and Unplanned Connections
I’m a firm believer that some of the most impactful connections are the ones we don’t plan for. While it’s essential to have a strategy, leave room for serendipity. Grab lunch with someone you just met, strike up a conversation with the person sitting next to you, or wander into a session you hadn’t initially considered attending. I like to invite folks to happy hour or be the first on the dance floor at the parties. You never know where those unexpected connections can lead — some of my greatest professional relationships have blossomed from these serendipitous moments. When the Cha Cha Slide comes on, connect with the folks vibing on your level.
Follow Up And Foster Long-Term Relationships
This is the part where many of us drop the ball. After the hype of the event dies down, it’s easy to let those contacts get lost in the app, or forget about that amazing conversation you had over coffee. Don’t let those connections fade. Follow up with a personalized message that references your conversation. If you promised to share a resource or make an introduction, follow through.
And remember: Networking is not a one-time event. Schedule a virtual coffee, share updates about your work, and continue to invest in those relationships over time.
Create Space For Self-Care And Recharge
AFROTECH™ is inspiring and exhilarating. With so much energy buzzing around, it’s important to create space to recharge. Take breaks when you need to. Step outside for a breath of fresh air. Reflect on what you’ve learned and how it aligns with your goals. Remember, it’s okay to skip a session if it means preserving your mental and emotional well-being. After all, you want to leave the conference feeling energized, not burnt out.
Events like AFROTECH™ are powerful incubators for growth, collaboration, and impact. They remind us that we’re not alone — that there is a thriving ecosystem of Black innovators, creators, and leaders charting new paths in tech and beyond. But the magic only happens if we show up with intention, actively engage, build community, and follow through.
So, as you step into the AFROTECH™ experience (or any other community-driven conference), think about how you can show up, cultivate a fun community, and maybe even cha cha slide on the dance floor. That’s where the true impact lies.
—
Lisa Mae Brunson is a creative visionary, speaker, author, and social innovation architect dedicated to impacting humanity. She is the founder of Wonder Women Tech, Hiring Humans, the Mentor Magic Program, and the host of the Wonder Women Tech Show podcast and ROAR with Lisa Mae.
