Black Tech Conferences You Can’t Miss in 2019
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I vividly remember the mix of shock and comfort I felt upon entering Disrupt Indy’s inaugural conference in 2017. I was raised in the Midwest, but going to a black tech conference in Indianapolis didn’t seem like a possibility years ago. That’s why the emergence of tech hubs outside of Silicon Valley and Silicon Alley has been really validating. The energy at Disrupt Indy was unique — like hanging out with a bunch of tech-obsessed cousins and other family members. I felt immediately comfortable being my authentic self as we discussed the importance of inclusive technology, bias in recruiting processes, and the need for black tech founders. I also felt genuinely supported by the companies recruiting at the event. Representation matters, and demonstrating a commitment to creating inclusive spaces for people of color in technology is increasingly important.
Shirley Chisholm once said, “If they don't give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair.” These days, black and brown founders are bringing whole sofas — or building their own tables. That’s what the surge in black tech conferences is all about. Sherrell Dorsey, the founder of ThePLUG and BLKTECHCLT, has highlighted the value of black tech conferences in the predominately white industry. Whereas legacy conferences often focus on professional development for the majority, POC-centric conferences expand our vision of the U.S. tech workforce.
Whether you’re looking for community, are on the hunt for opportunities, want to learn how to fund your startup, or simply want to learn more, you’re sure to find what you need from this sample of black tech conferences.
Black Women Talk Tech
Dates: February 27 - March 1
Location: New York, NY
Tickets: $99-$499
Synopsis: “This conference is truly for Black Women Tech founders created by Black Women Tech founders. A platform for women interested in community, fostering deeper relationships, scaling their enterprises, and creating true funding opportunities.”
Rundown: The Black Women Talk Tech Conference (BWTT) is focused on showcasing the brilliance of black women in technology. The event provides a platform for attendees and speakers to share their experiences, find funding opportunities, and share knowledge. Confirmed speakers include Arlan Hamilton, the founder and CEO of Backstage Capital; Kenya Moore, the founder and CEO of Moore Haircare; Jopwell CEO Porter Braswell, and many others.
Black Is Tech
Dates: April 12-19
Location: Manhattan, NY
Tickets: $75-$150
Synopsis: This conference is for diehard techies as well as people who are simply curious about the future of technology and the contributions of black industry experts.
Rundown: This is the inaugural year of the Black Is Tech Conference, a two-day event taking place on Manhattan’s Lower East Side. The event has over 40 speakers including Matthew Burnett, the CEO and cofounder of Makers Row, and Sequoia Blodgett, a producer and host at Black Enterprise, this conference aims to cover numerous topics: diversity and inclusion, blockchain technology, virtual and augmented reality, emerging technology, and building a career in the tech ecosystem.
Tech Inclusion
Dates: September 11-12
Location: San Francisco, CA
Tickets: $199-$299
Target Audience: Data Scientists, human resource officers, educators, entrepreneurs, venture capitalists, and diversity and inclusion advocates.
Rundown: This year, the fifth annual Tech Inclusion Conference, is focusing on “equity, empowerment, and allyship.” The event doubles as a hiring fair that takes place over two days, so attendees can explore tech job opportunities while they learn about empathy and allyship in the tech sector. Other points of focus include mental health, inclusive recruiting, managing microaggressions, the intersection of black multimedia and tech, and more.
Disrupt Indy
Dates: October 3-5
Location: Indianapolis, IN
Tickets: $60-$250
Synopsis: “Indy is for creative, socially conscious millennials who are focused on leveraging tech, culture, and their own diversity to create pathways to generational wealth.” - Jeff Williams, Cofounder of Disrupt Indy
Rundown: Disrupt Indy is the first conference in central Indiana that focuses on diversity and inclusion in the technology sector. The conference includes a career fair, diversity summit, and a student tech day for tech kings and queens. As the conference has grown over the past three years, it has provided a space for collaboration and communication between corporations, students, and entrepreneurs and generated a healthy dialogue about the tech ecosystem as it relates to D&I. Disrupt Indy co-founder Jeff Williams, says, “This year, Disrupt Indy is focusing not only on inclusion within the midwestern ecosystem but is also reaching out to black and brown founders interested in leveraging tech to scale their businesses.”
