*The largest Black technology conference, AfroTech, returned to Austin, TX, for another year of innovation, music, culture, and opportunities.
Over 20,000 people made their way to Austin from Nov 1st to 5th to soak up the AfroTech experience, making connections and shaping the landscape of diversity in the tech industry.
The event brought together an impressive lineup of speakers, including Grammy Award-winning producer Timbaland, who delved into the intersection of music, technology, and entrepreneurship.
Whether you came there to snag a new job, learn about the latest AI tools, or just wanted to vibe out, AfroTech had something for everyone.
The conference dove into various areas of technology, with dedicated sessions covering artificial intelligence, fintech, media, engineering, entrepreneurship, and more.
These discussions unveiled the potential of technology and showcased the transformative impact it holds. AfroTech 2023 embraced the theme of empowerment, exploring how individuals and communities can leverage this field to build media empires and create lasting influence. I had the opportunity to chat with Daylon Goff, President of Jet, who was a panelist at this year’s conference.
“In our reinvention of what Jet is, and what Jet is going to be, leaning into technology is imperative because technology is the great equalizer in a lot of ways, and being able to create and tell our black stories… is Jet’s mission right now,” said Goff, when asked why he chose to be at AfroTech.
One of the standout moments at AfroTech 2023 for me was the Women’s Summit, where the audience had the privilege of hearing from the multi-talented Issa Rae. The acclaimed actress, writer, producer, and now wine connoisseur engaged in a compelling conversation with Simone White, SVP of AfroTech and Talent Infusion at Blavity Inc. Rae took the audience on a journey through her remarkable career, unveiling the nuances of her early successes, candidly discussing her fears, and providing valuable insights into the inner workings of her groundbreaking media company.
“There are rooms that I’m not invited into, people who don’t see my value… I feel like I am in a constant state of proving myself, but I’m willing to do it…I understand that there’s a lot for me to do and a lot that I have to showcase, a lot that I have to prove. When I do make it to those rooms I make sure that I am showing up and showing out,” said Issa.
AfroTech 2023 went beyond being a platform for influential speakers; it served as a way to connect with like-minded individuals and a global community of Black professionals. With over 160 partners and 100+ booths in the Expo Hall, attendees had the opportunity to network with industry leaders and apply for positions with top tech recruiters. The event offered a unique space for Black professionals to share ideas and explore opportunities that extend beyond traditional boundaries.
The significance of AfroTech lies not only in its celebration of Black excellence in the tech and business sectors but also in its role as a catalyst for change. Attendees, representing a spectrum of industries and expertise, actively contributed to discussions surrounding equity and DEI initiatives. AfroTech’s impact goes beyond the confines of the event itself, influencing the trajectory of diversity in America’s corporate landscape with the launch of Talent Infusion, which serves as a source of curated, qualified, and diverse talent.
“AfroTech is the one place where you can come and be authentically yourself. It’s magical for our attendees because the people who make it happen are our attendees. We can be a conference, not only in terms of brand but in terms of size and impact, a ken to SXSW or Essence Fest. You see that now with the addition of the music fest… but in Houston, it’s going to be even bigger and better,” said Jeff Nelson, COO, and Co-Founder of Blavity Inc, parent company of AfroTech.
As AfroTech 2023 concluded each day, a plethora of off-site entertainment events swept the city by storm. As much as I like to be “outside,” I couldn’t keep up with the nonstop events. I did have the opportunity to attend the sold-out Ginuwine concert and a few happenings at Soho House.
The conference’s success lies not just in the numbers—partners, booths, and attendees—but in the collective commitment to creating a future where Black professionals thrive, and diversity becomes an integral part of every industry. As technology continues to evolve, AfroTech remains at the forefront, empowering Black professionals to drive meaningful change and shape the future across industries. Missed out on this year’s conference? AfroTech is heading to Houston in 2024! Get your tickets at Afrotech.com.
MORE NEWS ON EURWEB: Black Owned AFRO and CLEO TV Will Launch on Comcast’s Xfinity TV in January 2019
We Publish News 24/7. Don’t Miss A Story. Click HERE to SUBSCRIBE to Our Newsletter Now!
