Traditional conferences often fail to provide an inclusive space for Black Women, relegating their experiences and contributions to the sidelines. However, a wave of change is happening in the conference landscape, with a growing number of some events intentionally curated for and by Black Women.
From inspirational speaker sessions to captivating brand activations and invaluable networking opportunities, these conferences offer a unique blend of resources to propel your business forward. With only less than six months left in the year, mark your calendar with the top business conferences exclusively designed for Black Women. These events go beyond mere gatherings; they provide platforms where you can connect with like-minded individuals, amplify your voice, and seize remarkable opportunities for growth.
Level up your network through these 18 business conferences that you can attend before the end of the year:
1. Summer Celebration - Indiana Black Expo Business Conference
Where: Indianapolis, IN
When: July 8-18, 2023
The Indiana Black Expo Business Conference is on a mission to level the playing field of business, the Indiana Black Expo Business Conference allows entrepreneurs to learn from executives and experts. Sessions and workshops will touch on strategic thinking, leadership advice, and how to secure state and federal business contracts worth millions.
2. Black Tech Week
Where: Cincinnati, OH
When: July 18-20, 2023
Coinciding with the annual Cincinnati Music Festival, Black Tech Week is a conference for tech professionals and funders. Founders, executives, and experts speak on topics ranging from fundraising, customer outreach, the power of community, supply chain logistics, content marketing, and crafting the future of tech and business.
3. Black Girls In Media: The Conference
Where: TBD
When: TBD
Black Girls In Media: The Conference brings women from various professional media backgrounds together for a one-day experience. The conference presents notable panelists, activations, performances, and networking that support minority women in the industry.
4. NABJ Conference (National Association of Black Journalists)
Where: Birmingham, AL
When: August 2-6, 2023
NABJ Conference is held annually and focuses on networking opportunities for attendees, including panel discussions, workshops, and receptions where attendees can connect with other Black journalists and industry leaders from news organizations and other media companies. There are also opportunities for attendees to participate in job fairs and other professional development activities.
5. Martha's Vineyard AAFF (African American Film Festival)
Where: Martha's Vineyard, MA
When: August 4, 2023-August 12, 2023
Martha's Vineyard AAFF is held on the island of Martha's Vineyard in Massachusetts and showcases films and documentaries by and about the Black experience. The festival provides networking opportunities for attendees through film screenings, panels, discussions, and receptions, allowing attendees to connect with other film enthusiasts in the Black community.
6. The Black Women's Expo
Where: Atlanta, GA (Summer 2023), Chicago (August 4-6, 2023), Washington D.C. (Autumn 2023)
When: Multiple dates
Originally an annual expo for small businesses and corporations, the Black Women's Expo, or BWE Next, has evolved into a multi-city lifestyle exposition. In addition to seminars and sessions led by industry experts tackling societal issues and topics involving wellness, finances, and building generational wealth, this expo also provides vendor opportunities and resources on business ownership.
7. Virginia Black Business Expo
Where: Fredericksburg, VA
When: August 11-13, 2023
During National Black Business Month, the 4th annual Virginia Black Business Expo features live demonstrations, business education from local industry experts, networking opportunities, and shopping. Registration for vendor booths is exclusively for Virginia Black Business Directory members. This nonprofit organization increases the visibility of Black-owned businesses from Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia.
8. Women and Wine Weekend
Where: Houston, TX
When: August 12-13, 2023
Women and Wine Weekend is a 2-day empowerment experience for well-rounded women. With a focus on every facet of womanhood, the conference presents discussions and events around the roles women play in their personal and professional lives while providing tools and resources to enhance their daily lives.
9. Women of PM Conference
Where: Atlanta, GA
When: August 24-26, 2023
The Women of Project Management (PM) Conference is an annual event for women of color in the project management industry. Attendees gather in a safe space to support and amplify their voices and initiatives of every specialty in the industry through speakers, education, and valuable resources.
10. Sistas in Sales Summit
Where: New York City, NY
When: September 21–23, 2023
The Sistas in Sales Summit creates one of the most prominent celebrations for Black and brown women in sales. The event offers networking opportunities and tactical workshops for guidance through financial wealth building and pitching while encouraging self-care for women in the fast-paced industry.
11. AFROTECH® Conference
Where: Austin, TX
When: November 1–5, 2023
AFROTECH™ Conference is the largest Black tech conference, connecting 20,000+ professionals and innovators throughout the industry: to experience networking opportunities, tech activations, and emerging trends. Get ready to engage in conversations with industry leaders and tech recruiters.
12. Congressional Caucus
Where: Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill
When: September 10-13, 2023
This conference is held in Washington, DC, and aims to connect black leaders nationwide to discuss policy and political issues that impact the black community. Networking opportunities are plentiful at this conference, with attendees having a chance to connect with black leaders from across the country and other professionals in the public and private sectors. Additionally, the conference offers panel discussions, policy forums, and other events that provide attendees with insights into the latest trends and development in policy and politics.
13. Black Women In Data Summit
Where: Atlanta, GA
When: September 23-24, 2023
Black Women in Data Summit centers on Black women's point of view in all spaces where data lives. This event presents the opportunity for attendees to expand their portfolios and skills while exploring technology critical to advancing Black Women in the data workforce.
14. Goals. Growth. Conference
Where: Charleston, SC
When: September 21-23, 2023
God. Goals. Growth. Conference is on a mission to impact, empower, and promote healthy relationships among aspiring and seasoned women in business. This faith-filled union is for women seeking to encourage growth in God's Kingdom through inspiration, business strategies, and resources.
15. National Black MBA Conference
Where: Philadelphia, PA
When: September 12-15, 2023
This conference is held annually and focuses on providing networking and professional development opportunities for Black MBA students and professionals. The conference typically features keynote speeches, panel discussions, and networking events where attendees can connect with potential employers, mentors, and other industry leaders. There are also opportunities for attendees to participate in job fairs, resume workshops, and other professional development activities.
16. CultureCon
Where: Multiple dates
When: New York City (October 7-8), Los Angeles (June 17)
CultureCon, hosted by The Creative Collective NYC, brings together creative entrepreneurs and change-makers who want to make a cultural impact with their businesses and art. Attendees can access activations, fireside chats, and panels with tastemakers, celebrities, and industry experts. Black-owned companies can also set up shop at CultureCon's small business market.
17. MogulCon
Where: Nashville, TN
When: November 1-4, 2023
MogulCon unites global, Black Women-owned businesses and corporate influencers to impact our communities economically. The 3-day conference grants access to opportunities and professional growth through their signature business accelerator, masterclasses, trade show, and awards ceremony.
18. AdColor
Where: JW Los Angeles, CA
When: November 9th-11th, 2023
This conference is held annually and focuses on providing networking and professional development opportunities for Black MBA students and professionals. The conference typically features keynote speeches, panel discussions, and networking events where attendees can connect with potential employers, mentors, and other industry leaders. There are also opportunities for attendees to participate in job fairs, resume workshops, and other professional development activities.
These curated business conferences offer a platform for empowerment, growth, and celebration. Attending these events opens doors to valuable connections, mentorship opportunities, and fresh perspectives. Mark your calendars, and let us know which event you will attend.
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