As the entrepreneurial landscape continues to evolve, events and conferences play a crucial role in fostering growth, networking, and learning. For Black entrepreneurs, these gatherings offer unique opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals, gain insights from industry leaders, and access resources tailored to their specific needs. Here are 18 events and conferences in 2024 that Black entrepreneurs should consider attending.
1. Black Enterprise Entrepreneurs Summit
Date: May 14-16, 2024
Location: Charlotte, NC
The Black Enterprise Entrepreneurs Summit is a premier event designed to provide Black entrepreneurs with insights, strategies, and tools to grow their businesses. Attendees can expect keynote speeches, panel discussions, and networking opportunities with top business leaders.
2. PowerNetworking Conference
Date: June 19-22, 2024
Location: Houston, TX
Founded by Dr. George C. Fraser, the PowerNetworking Conference focuses on networking and personal development for Black professionals and entrepreneurs. This event offers workshops, seminars, and networking sessions aimed at building lasting business relationships.
3. AfroTech Conference
Date: November 7-10, 2024
Location: Austin, TX
AfroTech is a leading tech conference for Black innovators, entrepreneurs, and technologists. The event features speakers from top tech companies, networking sessions, and workshops on the latest technological advancements and entrepreneurship.
4. National Black MBA Association (NBMBAA) Conference & Exposition
Date: September 24-28, 2024
Location: Philadelphia, PA
This annual conference brings together thousands of Black professionals and entrepreneurs. It offers a variety of sessions focused on business development, leadership, and career advancement, along with an extensive exposition showcasing diverse businesses.
5. Black Women’s Expo
Date: August 9-11, 2024
Location: Chicago, IL
The Black Women’s Expo is a celebration of Black women in business and entrepreneurship. The event includes workshops, panel discussions, and networking opportunities tailored to the unique challenges and opportunities faced by Black female entrepreneurs.
6. Black Tech Week
Date: February 19-24, 2024
Location: Cincinnati, OH
Black Tech Week is dedicated to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship among Black tech professionals. The event includes keynote speeches, hands-on workshops, and networking opportunities with industry leaders and investors.
7. National Association of Black Accountants (NABA) Convention
Date: June 5-8, 2024
Location: Orlando, FL
The NABA Convention is a key event for Black professionals in accounting and finance. It offers a range of sessions on entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and business growth, alongside opportunities for networking and professional development.
8. Black Business Expo USA
Date: October 10-12, 2024
Location: Raleigh, NC
This expo is one of the largest gatherings of Black entrepreneurs in the United States. It features business workshops, networking events, and an exhibition hall showcasing Black-owned businesses and services.
9. Black Enterprise Women of Power Summit
Date: March 6-9, 2024
Location: Las Vegas, NV
This summit is designed to empower and inspire Black women entrepreneurs and professionals. Attendees can participate in leadership workshops, panel discussions, and networking events focused on personal and professional growth.
10. BYOB (Build Your Own Brand) Retreat
Date: April 26-28, 2024
Location: Miami, FL
The BYOB Retreat is a dynamic event for creative entrepreneurs and business leaders. It offers workshops on branding, marketing, and business development, along with ample opportunities for networking and collaboration.
11. Essence Festival of Culture
Date: July 4-7, 2024
Location: New Orleans, LA
While primarily known for its music and cultural celebrations, the Essence Festival also features a robust lineup of business and entrepreneurship sessions. Black entrepreneurs can gain valuable insights from industry leaders and network with peers.
12. Black Wall Street: Homecoming
Date: October 23-25, 2024
Location: Durham, NC
This event celebrates the legacy of Black Wall Street and focuses on economic empowerment for Black entrepreneurs. It includes panel discussions, workshops, and networking opportunities aimed at fostering business growth and innovation.
13. The PhD Project Annual Conference
Date: November 20-22, 2024
Location: Chicago, IL
The PhD Project works to increase diversity in business education. Their annual conference brings together Black academics, entrepreneurs, and professionals to discuss strategies for business success and academic advancement.
14. Black Business Expo and Financial Literacy Summit
Date: April 20, 2024
Location: Atlanta, GA
This event focuses on financial literacy and business development for Black entrepreneurs. It offers workshops on funding, financial management, and business growth strategies, along with networking opportunities.
15. Revolt Summit
Date: October 3-5, 2024
Location: Los Angeles, CA
The Revolt Summit, founded by Sean “Diddy” Combs, is a platform for Black creatives and entrepreneurs in the music and entertainment industry. The event features panel discussions, workshops, and networking sessions with industry leaders.
16. Black Tech Green Money Conference
Date: September 18-20, 2024
Location: San Francisco, CA
This conference focuses on the intersection of technology and financial empowerment for Black entrepreneurs. It includes sessions on tech trends, investment strategies, and business growth, along with networking opportunities with investors and tech professionals.
17. Global Diversity & Inclusion Benchmarks Conference
Date: June 12-14, 2024
Location: New York, NY
While not exclusively for Black entrepreneurs, this conference addresses diversity and inclusion in the business world. It offers valuable insights for entrepreneurs looking to build inclusive and equitable businesses.
18. Urban League Annual Conference
Date: July 24-27, 2024
Location: Washington, DC
The National Urban League’s annual conference focuses on economic empowerment for Black communities. It includes sessions on business development, entrepreneurship, and economic justice, providing valuable resources for Black entrepreneurs.
Conclusion
Attending these events and conferences can provide Black entrepreneurs with the knowledge, networks, and inspiration needed to thrive in their business ventures. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to scale your business, these gatherings offer invaluable opportunities to connect, learn, and grow.