Exploring the Impact and Significance of the Annual AFROTECH Conference
1. Introduction to AFROTECH
It is widely acknowledged as an industry-changing event for many tech professionals. Specifically, individuals in the Black community with a passion for tech look forward to attending each year. This includes professionals working in key industries, such as AI and FinTech, which will be further explored in this feature. Moreover, companies with a vested interest in hiring new talent also benefit from considering whether this event is a place they might want to invest their resources in recruiting and networking. To showcase the benefits of participating in the event, we will first provide a high-level overview of what it is and its purpose.
The conference is designed to address the unique challenges emerging in the tech industry from a new and innovative approach. Specifically, the event seeks to bring together people of African descent to address these issues, as well as to provide a platform for networking, shared learning, and collaboration. If you are considering participating or becoming a sponsor, there are a number of reasons to attend. While this is not an exhaustive list, event participants will: - network, learn, and get an overall sense of the market with over 600 people representing more than 100 African companies and organizations; - have five paths geared for managers, data scientists, AI-focused tech, DevOps, and those working to ignite digital innovation in FinTech; and - attend the Technology for All opening and closing keynotes.
1.1. Background and History
AFROTECH started in 2016 with one goal: to talk about taking action to combat the black community's underrepresentation in the tech field. Through the years, we have met tech leaders who shared our vision for equity. In four years, we have seen AFROTECH evolve from a startup side project into a special event with people who share our desire to connect with other founders, developers, designers, marketers, and black employees in the industry. We are celebrating the journey! We are painting a picture of the future as black women and men in tech, discovering and conditioning our connection, braving the build of companies and products, and disciplining ourselves to accomplish the goal of functioning equally in the tech field and feeling comfortable building what we need. In 2001, founders revealed the Grow Pro concept to bring together a small group of black tech users for information, reciprocity, and insight learning about which of the big five from black or brown backgrounds were working. In July 2017, an independent brand committed to disrupting the tech sector and building the largest and most inclusive calendar of acquisition worldwide was created.
Since 2015, a group of writers, developers, and users has led efforts to further develop technical mastery. Our goal is to position the black tech community rather than focus on technology as a product. Experimenting with temporary marketing or immersion events, our community built product-market fit for the conference in 2018. Despite the actual success and failure of the soiree and pitch contest in the following years, we quickly reverted to discovery interview methods and market research to identify alternative acquisition product-market fits for that interest. Trying to solve the problems, we have created a forever experimental process to offer valuable choices to appealing tech companies and startups who want to alleviate diversity. Following the strategic journey, we are exploring how resilience, identity, and leadership are combined in deeper interactions. Be the first to learn directly from the people and companies who make it all possible.
1.2. Mission and Objectives
Afrotech is the premier conference that brings together some of the best and brightest minds in the Black community. Our primary mission is to bring innovators, entrepreneurs, and cultural icons together to share insights, gain knowledge, and network among each other. Our main goal is to create a supportive ecosystem of Black technologists, entrepreneurs, and investors who have a true and lasting desire to create and support new ventures. We seek to help promote young technology markets and the innovation ecosystem, which are so vital to economic development and wealth creation in America and beyond. We are particularly interested in promoting the vibrant and important corridors of activity between LA, the Bay, Phoenix, and Las Vegas. Robust startup and technology communities exist in all of these cities and are waiting to explode with enough interest from seasoned technologists and investor backing.
We produce highly engaging and interactive events for our attendees that deliver tips they can take from concept to launch, plus shortcuts that will help move programs along. Our speakers share information that will help attendees to map a plan that creates career sustainability. Our main aims are to showcase game-changing Black innovators and experience the future through the eyes of the most promising startups around. Plus, to make meaningful and deep connections with the people who are here to drive the future. This leads us to our 'success' section that outlines what we hope attendees will take away from their Afrotech experience.
Ever straying from our initial objectives, we wanted you to understand what drives us and why we do what we do before laying out the incredible program of events.
2. Evolution of the AFROTECH Conference
Over the years, the AFROTECH conference has evolved to meet the needs of the tech and innovation community. The narrative began in November 2013, when founders organized the first AFROTECH conference in San Francisco. The conference was created for Black and Brown executives, technologists, and startup entrepreneurs who had the necessary experience and cultural references to have conversations about how tech should work. The first event consisted of 323 early adopters who traveled from all over the country, a scavenger hunt, and seven sessions in a 10,000 square foot venue. The conference’s "about" section stated, "Black and Brown influencers, visionaries, and creators are defining the future of technology every day and changing the beauty and complexity of the internet."
As technology advanced and our community grew, the AFROTECH team invested six years in making the event an annual conference that could accommodate this role. From 2015 to 2018, the conference placed a primary focus on inclusivity in the tech industry, constructing a handcrafted experience that enabled our sponsors. This final year found the conference hosted in San Francisco, Oakland, and New York City with a combined attendance of 8,000 Black and Brown technologists. In this final era, AFROTECH connected post-grad tech professionals attending our annual conference through the “SEEDS and EXPERIENCE” product. Keynote speakers included Masego, Trevor Noah, Party Noire, and Stefon Bristol. Mandatory sessions at the event included "Sharpening Your Memory: The Value of Active Recall and Spaced Repetition in Your Work" and "How Silent Beats Helped Me Program Better." Attendee hosts in 2015 and 2016 included Ryan Leslie, Essence Magazine, and China Mac. In total, 30,000 attendees and 72 sponsors/attendee hosts attended AFROTECH between 2015 and 2019.
2.1. Inaugural Event
If you’ve ever been to an AfroTech event, you have a pretty good idea of what we set out to accomplish with the very first one. We wanted to create an amazing experience for attendees, full of insightful content that broadens the spectrum of opportunity for Black people in the tech industry. We wanted to provide a dynamic platform that highlights Black creativity, innovation, and the technical expertise of the most promising people working in the industry today. We also wanted an event that is representative of the Black community. We have an intersection of perspectives that makes us truly unique. From the C-suite to the aspiring college student; the software developer to the investor; the founder to the employee; all of those diverse perspectives matter and in some way touch the technology and innovation we create.
We had bona fide tech royalty joining us to celebrate the first event. People like Tristan Walker, one of the first African American entrepreneurs to launch a product into the consumer tech market; Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian; and of course John and Maggie Johnson, the incredible founders of Afrocrowd. These prime examples of “Black Excellence” helped to plant the seeds for our annual celebration of Black innovation. Their participation was so significant to the early momentum of AfroTech, and I’m forever grateful. It’s hard to believe that a group of people who got to sit down over a meal to throw around the concept of “a Black Tech conference” is what eventually became AfroTech.LA. It’s even more humbling to see this same conference now supported by an influential and industry-defining public company. Take some time to review what was said, the conversations inside the event itself, and the most important feedback we received. These are the benchmarks for growth from the most important people in the room: you.
2.2. Growth and Expansion
The AFROTECH Annual Conference has rapidly emerged as a critical event in the tech industry. The conference has risen from grassroots beginnings to attract more than 5,000 participants in 2021, double the numbers drawn in 2017 and 2018 as we have continued to work on event design. The number of corporate representatives at the conference has been similarly revelatory, with the event attracting 40 companies just a few years ago, compared to 70 sponsors and more than 200 companies that have participated in some fashion in more recent years. At the same time, the AFROTECH Conference has widened its programming and participation. Campus departments from across the organization have created public connections by sharing their best practices around the conference, highlighting new platforms and programs that have gained traction among diverse audiences and earned media attention in recent years.
The conference has included Black professionals in tech from across the country, attracting professionals from all 50 states. While an increasingly diverse audience, attendees have remarked in post-conference surveys about the quality of networking. Summit workshops have also expanded in scope from 90-minute sessions to 6-hour formats, covering topics such as hiring processes, data science tools, and software programs that appeal to all departmental participants. As the AFROTECH Conference has expanded, it has leveraged strategic partnerships and organizational changes in response to the evolving tech industry to become the critical event for Black professionals in the field. Spanning a mix of employee resource groups and campus programs, the two-topic focus in our program – professional development and sustainability in tech, or in other areas such as entrepreneurship and innovation – is essential and demonstrates the conference’s continuing relevance as expressed by the broader tech industry.
3. Key Themes and Focus Areas
As planners continue strategizing for productive content deliveries, identifying recurring patterns and significant areas of interest can help in pinpointing what trends and discourses currently pique attention. It is through this filter that we view the important discussions that inform the structural makeup of AFROTECH. Technology and innovation are highlighted as an area of focus given the rapidly evolving digital landscape that is necessary to be aware of for changes and disruptions in the space. Entrepreneurship and business development are applicable to those who are curious about or looking to entrench themselves in the tech industry. Insights are ideated on promotional strategies, security compliance from the ground up, as well as venture funding with potential for immediate application. Additionally, awareness of labor and marketplace trends that the community may populate is pertinent, along with potential partnerships. These strategic and meaningful discussions are vital to keep abreast of and aligned with, and are conversations worth engaging in if potential impacts and overlapping industries are on the table. These areas will move the needle for executives, creatives, innovators, and strategists looking to perform at a high level in their personal and professional lives right now. The intersection of all of these critical thematic discussions and ideation is part of what distinguishes an AFROTECH event program. Technologies and trends often overlap in their applications and dynamics, and conversations at AFROTECH are specifically designed to nurture thoughtful collaboration among attendees. Besides providing a platform to cumulatively inspire budding ideas and inventions, these themes are the channels that empower and engage our communities.
3.1. Technology and Innovation
This section is an opportunity to delve into the latest features, overlooked advances, and puzzling scenarios that are being shaped by technology while discussing technology-led future trends. A conference presentation will ideally demonstrate an ever-evolving ecosystem of dynamic change that speaks directly to both the technology-savvy and the general conference audience. Often, examining applicable challenges, intriguing developments, and areas for community collaboration is a good segue into promoting relevant policy dialogues. Presentations that spotlight what’s new or next always find an audience. However, continuous discussions around the implications of such technology for community and career development are always equally relevant. Therefore, the presentations that capture our interests always align with current trends and explore those that are shaping and being shaped by technology. They can encompass compelling case studies, the frontiers of innovation and research, and challenging yet exciting industry prospects.
Tech Startups and Innovation with Impact
An integral aspect of AFROTECH is showcasing the impressive arsenal of young Black entrepreneurs who turned their passions for innovation into thriving businesses. We do this by highlighting their unconventional paths to independence, their attitude and story, and their future roadmap. Every year, more Black tech leaders innovate and create waves. To help open up these important conversations that are followed by a short panel discussion, presentations are meant to showcase various forms of innovation from emerging innovators. Moreover, the underlying concept will always emphasize the various ways teaching and assimilating their stories have the power to galvanize these conversations. Success story ties, whether historical or potential, have a strong chance of increasing the momentum and excitement. Service meetings being featured in this section do not need to be directly linked with the presentation but instead aim to provide an opportunity to inspire.
3.2. Entrepreneurship and Business
Afrotech’s entrepreneurship and business section allows attendees to connect and share insights. Overcoming disparities may require Black businesses not only to scale but to take advantage of lucrative opportunities and enter new industries. Tech giants are increasingly partnering with Black-owned firms, from soft drink companies and ice cream makers to makers of hydrogen fuel cells and vehicle batteries. Those companies may prioritize or favor minority-owned businesses as potential suppliers when looking to create more industries around key strategic products and services. Many Black entrepreneurs use savings and family savings to start and run their own businesses. When their ventures are ready to expand or fend off competition, they may struggle to get additional funds. The funding segment introduces key stakeholders in the venture capital and angel investment communities. Attendees can expect conversations around what these groups look for in a business and what makes a successful pitch.
Scaling a business takes funding, and once the cash is secured, operations are the focus. The business operations segment looks at financial management, managing costs, and recruiting new employees. Finally, the business impact segment sheds light on how Black entrepreneurs network and find business opportunities. Successful business owners recognize the implicit value of gathering people who share an ethnic or racial identity. They often have to be door openers for other Black folks or encourage other Black firms to attend. Though the small business chain will likely attract attendees who are new to tech, they will not be bound to a single track. Workshops and panels in this segment typically feature the success story of a small team. Entrepreneurs who have successful businesses or receive ongoing project work may speak on topics related to pitching opportunities, managing cash flow, growing businesses, and developing subject-matter specialties. More affluent Black families believe in the value of education and are beginning to cultivate the next set of entrepreneurs.
4. Notable Speakers and Panelists
Notable Speakers and Panelists
Houses of influence and innovation are often asked to serve as panelists or keynote speakers. In particular, by Black volunteers who do not fall under the intersectional categories listed above and may not have had a seat at the table. If they have had a seat at the table in their educational or later careers, that seat was often the result of aggressive calls to action and programs that aimed to increase Black representation in predominantly white classrooms and companies. Seldom do Black educational institutions and companies bring a level of excellence in Black leadership to their events, particularly for the audiences who were affected by increased diversity and inclusion initiatives.
This roster of power and access is all but impressive. In the years directly preceding this one, speakers and panelists have included Black people who have founded wildly successful startups, Black-owned companies, and activist organizations during the pandemic as an effort to remedy its economic consequences. Annually, co-organizers and attendees share their experiences of networking, staffing, and investment pitches that are facilitated when Black founders, inventors, and technology professionals are the majority in attendance. While the culture, grammar, and demographics of Black experiences in technology, entrepreneurship, and innovation in other sectors differ considerably, this event is (or wants to be) an amalgamation of Black innovation and thought leadership in numerous sectors.
5. Networking Opportunities
There are a number of incredibly talented and successful Black professionals across the globe, and the AFROTECH community is a dedicated group of those individuals. Navigating the world as a Black, Brown, or non-white professional can present a number of unique challenges and experiences. Through networking and sharing stories, our community grows, learns, and adapts to the ever-changing world around us. The connections you make at AFROTECH can be the first step to new collaborations, partnerships, or friendships. Ten out of ten prior year's attendees have characterized the sheer energy and atmosphere at AFROTECH as one of the most thrilling, inspiring, and uplifting professional events they have ever experienced.
When tech innovators and entrepreneurs gather for the conference, attendees can expect amazing workshops, panel sessions, and keynotes that are crafted as a toolbox of skills, experiences, wisdom, and opportunities to help gain a head start in their focus areas and careers. Sometimes, it’s through hearing a panelist speak about their experiences that leads to an exciting new mentor advising; maybe a peer with an interesting story who you meet at the mixer ends up becoming a new collaborator; or perhaps hearing about a really cool project from a speaker leads to a chat about what you could bring to your business at your company, or even just a fun conversation. Being uncomfortable or unsure about how to ultimately make those connections, however, suggests that for some, this isn’t entirely clear or it’s a point that warrants exploring a bit more! Every AFROTECH round table, mixer event, and structured networking event is basically a connector break! All the walls are down and you can talk freely with anyone you'd like about responsibility domains, technical case studies, running your own tech business, etc. Do business, make friends, collaborate, and be part of the community!
6. Partnerships and Collaborations
In pursuit of the mission of supporting Black entrepreneurs and innovators in making a larger societal impact, AFROTECH has invested in partnerships with organizations, sponsors, and educational institutions. Reinforcing the values of collaboration and shared learning, partnerships are developed to ensure that new perspectives are integrated and that resources, expertise, and the extended community are invited to participate in the work of AFROTECH. Each year, AFROTECH partners with industry, non-profit, and community-based organizations to offer relevant content, unique sessions, and experiences to attendees. Each partner helps to extend and diversify the reach of AFROTECH and to highlight the work of Black leaders in tech as well as to gain access to their expertise.
New partnerships between AFROTECH and local, Black-owned businesses that are leading the way in the San Francisco Bay Area. The partnership offers learning and networking opportunities with chefs, Black-owned culinary talent, and food organizational leaders in the Bay Area. The partnership elevates the reach and awareness of the conference to employee networks in the tech industry and ensures internal employees, partners, and extended stakeholders are aware of the significant work that has been led by our attendees and speakers, and the potential to recruit high-quality, diverse talent at AFROTECH.
7. Community Impact and Empowerment
Afrotech is not just a conference; it is a movement born out of a commitment to social change. The mission and ultimate goal of this venture include sparking new movements and advocating new initiatives for collaborative problem-solving, and to accelerate research, development, and policy priorities. In a technical scientific context, this means that Afrotech includes a process of technology assessment, making assertions about new technologies and concepts which they may involve as input. Afrotech exists in response to a social need, to elevate the significance of, celebrate, and otherwise expand the professional opportunities available to historically disadvantaged Black people who, through passion and skill, have become masters of their craft. To this end, we study the ways in which software, social media, and education are being used to advance a notion of successfully "woke" that includes skill at such concepts as "coding" for "computers," while also increasingly being taken as a given in technological worlds. We find and present ongoing initiatives sponsored by community members to support Black people in their community. This program provides scholarships, gift cards, and free educational technology products to standout students with demonstrated financial need. It also includes mentorship and internships with the companies and organizations in the network.
8. Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives
Afrotech's diversity and inclusion initiatives represent the event organizers' commitment to fostering an inclusive environment. Many tech companies have implemented their own programs with the goal of promoting diversity and encouraging underrepresented minorities to pursue both undergraduate and graduate degrees in computer science and engineering, two qualifications that can make a job candidate more attractive to employers. Proponents argue that established diversity and inclusion initiatives affect composition at every level within an organization. For example, a company whose gender equity goals embrace hiring, promoting, and retaining women in tech focuses on the junior, mid, and executive senior levels, as well as the entire organization. Several established tech companies also offer internships for members of groups historically underrepresented in computing, such as women and students of color.
Furthermore, a growing body of research suggests that diverse teams of problem solvers can help innovative organizations rise to the top of highly competitive and changing markets. During an era of increasing globalization, it is crucial for the long-term well-being of American businesses, universities, and national economic and military security that diverse communities are recruited into technology. The materials provided work to situate Afrotech's efforts within a larger movement called justice in engineering, the main purpose of which is to re-conceptualize engineering with an eye to social justice. To be fully successful, this larger program argues, engineering culture interventions like Afrotech must be part of a more comprehensive reconstitution of both the tech industry and the engineering communities.
9. Case Studies of Success Stories
Andressa Lopes is a social media influencer and entrepreneur and is also the founder of Protector, a tech startup giving women access to wearable tech to report sexual assault. Lopes had an idea for a tech company but could not afford to follow through. She was able to gather 500 followers to her website and was awarded Office Hours for her presentation on how she acquired customers. While at a tech summit, Lopes discovered an opportunity and subsequently won a free ticket through a contest. At the conference, Andressa was reacquainted with one of the former pitch contest judges, an intelligent personal digital communicating assistant designed to follow your favorite topics and never miss out on important news and stories. Lopes is currently in talks for a partnership to allow Protector to listen to any news directly from the app from up to 500 U.S. sources.
Ephraim Kevin Brutus is now the co-founder and chief technology officer of Noirbnb, which is an authorized short-term housing platform for travelers to find a place to stay or host from a social perspective. Noirbnb was a finalist at a startup location showcase. In addition to accepting a grant, Noirbnb has just had their first beta users check in to their platform. I joined the conference to engage with more Black tech individuals, she said. They agreed Noirbnb was in the right place. I left the session today more motivated, and my talk after was spot on. I truly learned so much from the breakout session. The event will allow attendees to apply for Office Hours as part of the conference. This year, a sponsor pays all participants.
10. Future Outlook and Trends
Future Outlook in Tech: When considering the future of the Black tech community, it is clear we anticipate a number of changes. New Industries: As new industries emerge, future attendees will have the unique opportunity to acquire the skills needed in the market. New cutting-edge and trending technologies are positioned to shape the future. Ultimately, trends will continue in such a way that there will always be a need for this community. It isn't just about the now. The programmatic aspects are tools that have been put in place to address many of the issues related to underrepresentation. That won’t change. Engaging in Societal Issues: As new and looming societal issues emerge, the programming will adjust and develop with it, with appropriate forward thinking and accurate problem identification, continuing to be a leader.
Visibility and Leadership: This community will continue to be a leading event for the Black tech community as we expand the definition of “tech,” extending beyond traditional roles to influence and impact our entire community. Representation in Tech: The need for representation in technology-based careers will always be a topic of discussion. However, the narrative may shift to focus on advocating for individuals within tech to reach back and make a way for others. Delivery: The conference will change with the shifting marketing approach for potential sponsors. The focus of programming will be more strategically targeted for inclusivity and geared more towards creating a changemaking platform. Popularity: The increases in attendance we have experienced year-over-year will return to a more consistent increase. The value proposition will continue to keep us relevant should any other related conferences form.
How Will This Impact Us
Convergence of market forces and the potential range of communities encompassing underrepresented individuals. Influencer and Leader Training: We will further invest in the resources and staff necessary to ensure that our presenters have quality training in order to be successful on stage for the benefit of our events as well as for other speaking opportunities. Societal Outreach: We do not know exactly what will hit our world; all we can do is prepare ourselves to address concerning issues as they emerge. Socially conscious topics and potential areas of interest include those related to health and wellness, job loss automation, racial and gender inclusion, and socioeconomic activity. Societal Advocacy: It is not our forte, nor within our mission as a group, to necessarily utilize our platform as a place where anger and rage can be accentuated. It is our position to provide support alongside a larger and more connected village, to whom we defer for messaging. The community is in constant need of flexible excellence. As long as we remain on the cutting edge, whether that be in attendance, trend signaling, sponsor proof points, or in whispers related to personnel industry trends, we will always be an attractive option for the industry.
11. Conclusion and Key Takeaways
Overall, it’s clear that Afrotech has become much more than a space for learning and professional development; it’s a collection of the people and resources building the future. Each session, panel, and topic is intentionally designed to inform and inspire the Black tech community’s journey in and beyond these essential and ever-evolving fields. Our annual gathering is designed to facilitate collaboration, as members of our community further discuss and workshop learnings and experiences from the field throughout the conference. Initiatives like our Diversity and Inclusion Lab have resulted in more concrete action in the industry, while attendees have gone on to create individually successful startup products or businesses. The spirit of entrepreneurship spread by community members serves as an annual reminder of Afrotech’s capacity for impact.
During our first four years, we’ve watched hopes grow into expectations as individuals utilize Afrotech as a launching pad to change their lives. The growing demand for our annual ticket release in early summer suggests that the trajectory for our community and our event is headed in the right direction to provide accessible access for Black innovators and influencers breaking boundaries within their respective career and passion fields. Like tech itself, Afrotech is always improving and expanding. Our commitment to Black creators, mavens, and aspiring professionals — and the ever-growing tech and innovation space that supports and hires them — isn’t limited to the days of our conferences. Our collective impact is year-round with programs and opportunities that expand, and our goal stretches beyond records set and tickets sold for our event. Our work encourages new communities of color and allies to see Afrotech as the space to grow their innovation into a legacy of creation and community.