18 Events and Conferences for Black Entrepreneurs in 2024

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Welcome to Breaking the Blueprint — a blog series that dives into the unique business challenges and opportunities of underrepresented business owners and entrepreneurs. Learn how they’ve grown or scaled their businesses, explored entrepreneurial ventures within their companies, or created side hustles, and how their stories can inspire and inform your own success.

It can feel isolating if you’re the only one in the room who looks like you.

Meeting peers and mentors with a unique understanding of your lived experience and business roadblocks can help you connect the dots needed to grow your business and community. However, finding spaces for this kind of connection can be challenging for Black Americans.

In this post, discover in-person and virtual events nationwide where Black entrepreneurs can strengthen relationships and build expertise.

How to Prepare for Attending a Conference

The United States Census Bureau reported 3.5 million Black-owned businesses, per the last survey.

Attending conferences, trade shows, workshops, and webinars puts you in rooms with consumers and entrepreneurs who have advice, real-life examples, and funds that can shift the trajectory of your business or nonprofit organization.

To prepare for attending a conference:

Review the programming, decide which sessions to attend, and jot down a few questions you want to ask during Q&As or one-on-one meetings.
Pack your business cards, a notepad, and pens.
Choose outfits and shoes that make you feel comfortable and confident.
Ease any nerves by leaning into the excitement of bettering your business.

By strengthening relationships, sharing expertise, and partnering, there are opportunities to create a bigger pool of resources and open or build doors for Black business growth.

Florida

1. Black Travel Summit

Dates: October 10 – 13, 2024

Location: Fort Lauderdale, FL

In celebration of Black culture and business in travel, the Black Travel Summit brings together industry professionals, influencers, and travelers for a weekend of panels, workshops, vendor shopping, and networking opportunities. The highly-anticipated event features a lineup of entertainment, including a Black heritage and Instagrammable foodie tour and a Black Travel Awards Gala.

2. Black Professionals Summit

Dates: November 22 – 24, 2024

Location: Hollywood, FL

The Black Professionals Network presents the 10th annual Black Professionals Summit for an electrifying opportunity. From keynote speeches and panel discussions to interactive workshops, Black professionals convene and learn from industry leaders, build valuable relationships, and discover new opportunities.

Indiana

3. Summer Celebration – Indiana Black Business Expo

Dates: June 24 – 25, 2024

Location: Indianapolis, IN

With a mission to level the playing field of business, the Indiana Black Expo Business Conference allows entrepreneurs to learn from executives and experts. The 2024 conference offers sessions and workshops on city, federal, and state contracting opportunities. For instance, attendees can hear from funders on how to increase their capacity through access to capital and experts on the advantages of partnerships.