Building a successful business requires dedication, smarts, and a powerful network. For Black and Brown women entrepreneurs, forging those connections can be challenging. However, with the empowerment and inspiration that targeted networking events provide, you can connect with other like-minded women who understand the unique landscape you navigate, and be motivated to take your business to new heights.
In this list, we'll explore various networking opportunities in 2024, from large-scale conferences like elevate conference to local meetups. These events are designed to be inclusive, covering a variety of industries and interests, so you're sure to find events that align with your entrepreneurial journey. We value your presence and want to ensure you feel welcomed and valued in these spaces.
Dates: July 16 - 18, 2024
Location: Cincinnati, Ohio
Details: This conference is designed for tech professionals and funders. It will offer insights on various topics, including fundraising, customer outreach, and the future of tech and business. Attendees can learn about cutting-edge technology like artificial intelligence, machine learning, and cybersecurity and how to leverage them for business enablement. It's a premier event for Black tech entrepreneurs to elevate their knowledge and networks.
Dates: November 13 - 16, 2024
Location: Houston, TX
Details: This major conference focuses on technology and Web3, featuring fireside chats, panels, mixers, pitch competitions, and live music performances. Network with other Black innovators and leaders in science and technology. This is not just a networking opportunity, but a chance for you to grow and learn, and for your business to thrive. Explore topics like cloud storage, disaster recovery, and business continuity to elevate your tech strategy. This is a great opportunity for Black and Brown women entrepreneurs in STEM fields.
Dates: October 10 - 13, 2024
Location: Fort Lauderdale, FL
Details: This summit brings together industry professionals, influencers, and travelers for a weekend of panels, workshops, vendor shopping, and networking opportunities. Learn about the latest industry trends and connect with potential partners to elevate your travel business.
Dates: November 22 - 24, 2024
Location: Hollywood, FL
Details: This summit allows Black professionals to convene, learn from industry leaders, build valuable relationships, and discover new opportunities through keynote speeches, panel discussions, and interactive workshops. Gain concrete takeaways to elevate your career and expand your professional network.
Date: August 2 - 4, 2024
Location: Chicago, IL
Details: This expo offers seminars, sessions, and resources on societal issues, wellness, finances, and building generational wealth. It also provides vendor opportunities and resources for business ownership. Connect with other ambitious Black women entrepreneurs in a supportive, deal-making environment.
Dates: June 23 - 25, 2024
Locations: Atlanta, GA & Virtual
Details: This three-day summit brings together leading executives, entrepreneurs, creators, and change makers for engaging and challenging discussions, focusing on Black capitalism, entrepreneurialism, and the power of Black business. Gain insights on transformational strategy and have business-changing conversations with industry leaders.
7. CultureCon
Dates: October 5-6, 2024
Location: CultureCon Campus in New York
Details: This conference focuses on multicultural experiences in comics, gaming, animation, and entertainment. Black and brown women entrepreneurs in these industries can connect with potential collaborators and customers. Immerse yourself in the digital experience and discover new products and services to elevate your business.
Dates: July 16-18
Location: Cincinnati, OH
Details: This week-long event features conferences, workshops, and networking opportunities for Black technology professionals. Black and brown women entrepreneurs in tech can find valuable connections and resources here. Learn about emerging fields like hyperconvergence and unified communications to stay ahead of the curve.
Dates: August 21-25, 2024
Location: Atlanta, Georgia
Details: This conference empowers Black entrepreneurs through workshops, panels, and networking. Gain insights on risk strategy and data privacy security to protect and elevate your business.
Dates: June 6, 2024
Location: Houston, TX
Details: Hosted by the African American Marketing Association, entrepreneurs, marketers, and creatives gather at the Marketing for the Culture Summit to learn best practices and improve their skills in content creation, monetization, workflows, and more. This year's theme, "Plot Twist – The Art of Being a Disruptive Storyteller," aims to transcend traditional marketing narratives and challenge attendees to redefine their approach to storytelling. Sessions will touch on the psychology of marketing, communication in marketing, and brand archetypes.
Dates: August 2 - 4, 2024
Location: Arlington, VA
Details: During National Black Business Month, the 5th 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.
Dates: August 19 - 21, 2024
Location: Houston, TX
Details: The Black Is Tech Conference creates a platform for Black tech professionals, students, entrepreneurs, and enthusiasts to access professional and business development resources. It will feature many workshops and core activities. The Expo will offer recruiting and networking opportunities with over 50 companies.
Dates: June 24 - 25, 2024
Location: Indianapolis, IN
Details: With a mission to level the playing field of business, the Indiana Black Expo Business Conference allows entrepreneurs to learn from executives and experts. The 2024 conference offers sessions and workshops on city, federal, and state contracting opportunities. For instance, attendees can hear from funders on how to increase their capacity through access to capital and experts on the advantages of partnerships.
Dates: July 16 - 18, 2024
Location: Cincinnati, Ohio
Details: 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.
Local Events and Meetups
Juneteenth Black Business Expos (Various Cities): Held around Juneteenth (June 19th) in various cities. These events celebrate Black entrepreneurship and offer networking opportunities. (Search online for specific locations)
Black Women Entrepreneurs Meetups: Many cities have local meetups specifically for Black women entrepreneurs. These can be found on platforms like Eventbrite or Meetup.com.
Women's Business Centers: Many cities have Women's Business Centers that offer workshops, mentorship programs, and networking events for women entrepreneurs.
Industry-Specific Events: Look for industry-specific conferences, workshops, or meetups within your field. Many industries have organizations that host events specifically for women entrepreneurs.
National Coalition of Black Women Business Owners (NCBWBO): This organization provides resources and networking opportunities for Black women entrepreneurs.
Tips
Follow relevant organizations and publications online. They often announce upcoming events.
Search for events using relevant hashtags.
Don't be afraid to reach out to other Black and brown women entrepreneurs. They can be a great source of information about networking events.
The road to entrepreneurial success is paved with connections. By taking advantage of the wealth of networking events available in 2024, you'll gain access to invaluable resources, mentorship, and a supportive community. Remember, a strong network isn't just about exchanging business cards. It's about building genuine relationships that can propel your business forward.
So, don't wait! Dive into this list, explore the possibilities, and get ready to connect with the amazing women who will be your fellow trailblazers. As you venture out, keep your eyes peeled for additional events throughout the year—entrepreneurship is constantly buzzing with activity. Remember, your connections today can pave the way for a thriving business tomorrow. Now, get out there and shine!
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