2023 AfroTech Conference Recap
AfroTech 2023 was held November 1st thru November 5th, 2023 in Austin, Texas. The five-day event facilitated networking opportunities, community building, support for start-ups/entrepreneurs, and entertainment for Black tech professionals in a welcoming and inclusive environment. Insights from leaders in the tech industry bestowed upon attendees a wealth of information and inspiration as they navigate the tech field. AfroTech also served as a celebration of Black excellence in the tech realm and beyond.
AfroTech 2023 was unique in organizing the conference as a mixture of panel discussions, workshops, meetups, fireside chats, sponsored events, and entertainment along with some less formal settings to network and exchange ideas between tech leaders and those who may be seeking entry into the field.
From Producer to Founder: A Conversation with Timbaland, a panel discussion that included Tosh Ernest (Global Head, Silicon Valley Bank), and Denisha Kuhlor (Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Stan) offered attendees a deep dive into the intersection of music, tech, and entrepreneurship. Four-time Grammy winner Timbaland shared his journey from aspirations of being a dj to being encouraged by fellow Grammy winner Missy Elliot to pursue a career in music production. Timbaland stated, “… if it wasn’t for Missy, I probably wouldn’t be Timbaland today. She was the one that said, ‘Yo, you have a gift. Your sound is unique’.” The panel also discussed how tech is transforming the music industry into a rapidly evolving landscape from creation and distribution to how music is consumed.
Will Packer (Founder/CEO of Will Packer Productions) and Dr. Nicole Cross (Emmy Award-winning News Anchor/National Mental Health Correspondent, Psychotherapist/Public Speaker) hosted a fireside chat, Lights, Camera, Legacy: Crafting a Timeless Media Empire, that explored the secrets to creating compelling content and success in the media industry. Packer shared his experiences in community leadership and producing the Academy Awards.
Building a Business Empire With Earn Your Leisure was a conversation with Rashad Bilal and Troy Millings, co-founders of the popular “Earn Your Leisure” podcast, discussing financial education and leadership. Microsoft hosted Microsoft for Startups presents an AI Networking Dinner for Underrepresented Founders, a dinner and reception aimed at sharing the benefits available to underrepresented minority-led startups, including access to OpenAI.
AfroTech 2023 placed emphasis on the intersection of tech and other industries such as film, media, and music while focusing on the future of advancement and opportunities for minorities inclusion. The headliner was Issa Rae’s appearance at the Women’s Summit. Issa Rae shared her journey into entertainment and connected it to tech by stressing ownership in what we create, particularly when it comes to collaborating with larger corporate entities such as her collaboration with HBO.
Wrapping up AfroTech 2023 was an acknowledgement to this year also being a celebration of 50 years of hip hop. Zillow in partnership with Blavity House Party presented The Housewarming, a day party featuring Jermaine Dupri. AfroTech Official Music Stage featured performances from Rick Ross, Saweetie, and DJ Spinderella.
Next year’s AfroTech conference will move from Austin to Houston where, according to Blavity Inc. and AFROTECH Founder Morgan DeBaun, the conference looks to expand to larger stage sizes, more founder conversations, tech deep dives, and a lower entry price.
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