It’s the start of a new year, and many people are considering new career opportunities. While it’s great to network with people online, meeting industry professionals in person allows you to form richer connections. This is where tech conferences come in.
Even if you aren’t thinking about making a new career move, there’s no harm in networking with like-minded individuals.
Here at POCIT, we know how daunting it is to be one of the few Black or Brown faces in networking rooms. This is why we’ve created a list of upcoming conferences for people of color in tech. These safe spaces will allow you to network, learn, and meet other tech professionals in relaxed environments.
How to make the most out of your time at conferences.
Conferences are a great way to learn, meet new people, and consider your next career goals. However, they’re often jam-packed with different activities. Here’s how you can make the most of your time at conferences.
Do your research
Make sure you research and identify the right conference for you. Think about what you want to gain out of the conference. Do you want to learn a new skill? Perhaps you want to pivot into a new industry. Research the speakers ahead of time to see if there is anyone in attendance that you want to speak to.
Network efficiently
It’s easier said than done, but there is a right way to network. Prepare what you want to say to people and how you want to present yourself. Ask specific questions and follow up with people on social media after the conference. If you struggle in social settings, consider bringing a friend or colleague.
Take Notes
There’s a lot to learn at conferences, so it’s imperative that you make the most of them. Bring a notepad or take notes on your phone to write important information and new contacts.
Upcoming Black and Latine Tech Conferences
March
Diversitech Connect – Philadelphia, PA
Diversitech Connect hosts regular meetups for tech enthusiasts and professionals on the East Coast. They also host an annual conference, which takes place in March.
National Society of Black Engineers Annual Convention – Chicago, lL
The annual NSBE convention hosts 15,000 attendees and has over 400 career fairs. Black engineers come together to network and connect with individuals in their field.
Dallas Black UX – TBD
The Dallas Black UX Summit provides networking opportunities, mentorship, and interactive workshops.
Latina Empow(h)er Summit – Scottsdale, AZ
The Latina Empower Summit gives Latina professionals expert talks, networking sessions, and the opportunity to prioritize their well-being.
April
Black Gov Tech – Washington, DC
The Black Gov Tech conference brings together 20,000 tech professionals in the tech, federal, and public sectors.
Black Tech Symposium – Houston, TX
Hosted in Houston, the Black Tech Symposium connects Black technologists and Black tech organizations together whilst highlighting the strength of the tech community in Houston.
Bite-con – Miami, FL
Bite-con is a conference for Black and brown individuals interested in web3, NFTs, the Metaverse, Blockchain, and Cryptocurrency.
May
Black Women Talk Tech: Roadmap To Billions’ 25 – New York, NY
This annual tech conference provides business and tech knowledge for and by Black women.
June
Render – Atlanta, GA
This carnival-inspired tech conference has various activities, including workshops, networking, and business developments and demonstrations.
July
Black Tech Week – Cincinnati, OH
Connecting tech entrepreneurs, investors, and professionals to education, resources, and opportunities with one another.
August
Black Is Tech Conference – Atlanta, GA
The Annual Black Is Tech Conference is packed with various experiences, including speaking stages, an expo, breakouts, happy hours, and specialized workshops, amongst many more.
SquadCon – Las Vegas, NV
Hosted by Girls Hack Village and BlackGirlsHack, this conference promises to bring diverse perspectives of contributions, experiences, and issues facing hacking.
September
BITCON – Nashville, TN
An annual conference for Black people in the Technology community, spotlighting the digital divide for people of African descent while creating a platform to highlight and uplift individuals.
Black Women in Data – Atlanta, GA
The conference centers on Black Women’s point of view in all spaces where data lives and offers opportunities for Black women to expand their data skills.
October
Black Tech Fest – London, UK
Europe’s most significant event of its kind, with three days dedicated to celebrating Black culture and its influence on technology.
THRIVE Conference – Fort Lauderdale, FL
Hosted by Black Men in Tech, this four-day conference aims to help you connect, learn, and grow in your pursuit to start or advance your tech career.
Latiné Heritage Month Summit – New York City, NY
Techqueria’s annual summit was created to empower Latiné professionals in tech, connect them with companies committed to inclusion, and celebrate the thriving Latiné in the tech community.
RaicesCon – Philadelphia Marriot Downtown, PA
Bringing together Latino cybersecurity professionals, industry leaders, policymakers, and diversity and inclusion advocates to celebrate Latino individuals’ unique strengths and potential in cybersecurity.
November
AFROTECH Experience – Austin, TX
A global gathering where inclusive tech companies meet innovators.
Dates To Be Announced
Latinas in Tech Summit – Dates TBA
Image: Jopwell
