Networking and sharing your work with your contemporaries are some of the easiest yet most impactful things you can do to benefit your career.
No matter what field you work in, you’ll find a conference, expo, or networking opportunity for Black professionals on this list that’s right for you. Be sure to sign up while there’s still availability.
1. National Black MBA Association Conference
This is the 45th annual conference for the National Black MBA Association. It’s the nation’s largest diversity career fair, and it’ll be a huge opportunity for job seekers regardless of how much experience they have. They have tools such as their conference planner to help attendees make the best use of their time there, and their Career Success Network Center to help prepare them for interviews and improve their resumes.
Who? – Professionals at all stages of their careers
When? – Sept. 12-16
Where? – Philadelphia, PA
2. National Association of Black Journalists Convention & Career Fair
A current Black Digital client, the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) holds an annual convention and career fair. This event is meant to help journalists develop professionally, network with each other, and provide career opportunities for those looking for their next challenge.
Who? – Established and aspiring journalists
When? – 2024 dates TBD (Aug. 2-6, 2023)
Where? – 2024 location TBD (Birmingham, AL in 2023)
3. Mid-Level Managers Symposium
The creation of another Black Digital client, the Executive Leadership Council (ELC), the annual Mid-Level Managers Symposium is two days of seminars with high-achieving executives and networking opportunities. The goal is for attendees to change the way they think about themselves in the workplace and accelerate their progress toward their goals. The ELC is the nation’s leading nonprofit for the development of Black professionals. They aim to close the race gap among mid-level managers and C-suite executives.
Who? – Mid-level managers of all industries
When? – Oct. 4-5
Where? – National Harbor, MD
4. Power of Women at Work
Another product of the ELC, the Power of Women at Work is another annual symposium and workshop, specifically for Black women. It’s particularly focused on helping Black women address the unique challenges they face in the workplace, such as bias and stereotypes, and helping them develop the skills and confidence to accomplish their goals.
Who? – Black women professionals
When? – 2024 date TBD (April 4 in 2023)
Where? – 2024 location TBD (Virtual in 2023)
5. National Society of Black Engineers Annual Convention
The National Society of Black Engineers is one of the nation’s largest student-run organizations. Their annual convention is designed to give college and pre-college students opportunities to network and form connections that will propel them forward in their academic and professional careers. 2024 will be its 50th annual convention, focusing on themes of Personal CommUNITY, Campus CommUNITY, and Professional CommUNITY.
Who? – Engineering students
When? – March 20-24, 2024
Where? – Atlanta, GA
6. Black Travel Summit
Probably the most fun of any event on this list, the Black Travel Summit is an event to foster thought-provoking discussions about the travel industry and to provide professionals with ample networking opportunities. Featured events include a rooftop pool party at the Hyatt Centric Brickell Miami, the Black Travel Awards Gala, and an All-You-Can-Eat (and drink) Yacht Brunch.
Who? – Professionals in the travel and hospitality industries
When? – Oct. 20-22
Where? – Miami, FL
7. Orlando Black Professionals Mixer
The Orlando Black Professional Mixer is a networking event that includes both job-seekers and recruiters. Business owners, entrepreneurs, and those searching for their next career opportunity are invited to come drink, converse, and form connections that will benefit all involved.
Who? – Professionals in all industries
When? – Sept. 14
Where? – Fern Park, FL
8.National Medical Association Annual Convention & Scientific Assembly
The National Medical Association is a collective of Black physicians. They’re committed to removing the disparity in health outcomes in the United States between Black people and other races. They just held their 121st annual convention & scientific assembly which is “acclaimed as the nation’s foremost forum on medical science and African American health.” This convention is an opportunity to recognize exceptional work in the medical field while also engaging in the crucial exchange of knowledge that serves to benefit everyone.
Who? – Medical professionals
When? – 2024 dates TBD (July 29 – August 2, 2023)
Where? 2024 location TBD (New Orleans, LA in 2023)
9. Virginia Black Business Expo
The Virginia Black Business Expo is not only a platform for Black business owners to showcase their products and services, but it’s also a learning opportunity full of information sessions and guest speakers. The theme of this past year’s business conference was “Surviving Isn’t Enough,” focusing on not just getting by, but getting ahead of the curve.
Who? – Business owners, entrepreneurs, and employees in all industries
When? – Aug 2-4, 2024
Where? Arlington, VA
10. Blacks in Government Annual National Training
Blacks in Government (BIG) is an organization that was founded by a small group of African Americans working at the Public Health Services, but whose goals have expanded to include equity in all government agencies. Their Annual National Training seeks to provide networking opportunities and professional development that will help Black government employees achieve their goals.
Who? – Government employees or those seeking jobs in government
When? – Aug. 28-31
Where? – National Harbor, MD
11. The Black Womens Expo
Brought to you by BWE Next, The Black Womens Expo takes place annually in Chicago and is one of the premier expos of its kind. This event is full of live performances, discussions on critical issues, and Black women showcasing their entrepreneurial spirit.
Who? – Women business owners
When? – 2024 dates TBD (Aug 4-6, 2023)
Where? – Chicago, IL
12. AfroTech Conference
One of the largest Black conferences of any kind in the United States, AfroTech is an incredible showcase of talented Black professionals, specifically those in the field of technology. Every year, speakers include some of the top executives in the industry. On the docket for 2023 are executives from Google and Morgan Stanley, White House advisors, developers, and animators. It’s an opportunity to get a first look at some of the cutting-edge technologies being created by Black entrepreneurs.
Who? – Job seekers, entrepreneurs, business owners, and really anyone in tech
When? – November 1-5
Where? – Austin, TX
13. BLK Pod Festival
There will be over 120 speakers at this year’s BLK Pod Festival. This is an incredible opportunity for Black audio creatives and podcasters, a fairly niche industry, to meet their contemporaries and help each other hone their craft.
Who? – Audio creators
When? – Sept. 30 – Oct. 1
Where? – Atlanta, GA
14. Black Tech Weekend
There is an annual Black Tech Week, but the 2023 Black Tech Week has come and gone, so we decided to highlight Black Tech Weekend. This is a shortened version, taking place over just one day, but there’s still tons of value to be taken away from this seminar. More than 500 attendees are expected to partake in up to 10 sessions discussing the state of the tech industry.
Who? – Tech professionals
When? Oct. 12
Where? – Detroit, MI
15. CultureCon
CultueCon is located at the intersection of professional development and Black culture. The topics of workshops are wide-spanning to the point where anyone could find value in them regardless of what industry they’re in. Workshops like “How to Pivot Careers and Passions,” “Finance and Investing Tips,” and “Finding Your Creative Spark”
Who? – Professionals in any industry
When? – Oct. 7-8
Where? – New York, NY
16. Power Networking Conference
Named one of the top five entrepreneurial conferences by Forbes magazine, the Power Networking Conference aims to help attendees build a financial legacy. With 41 speakers and 26 workshops, there’s something for everyone regardless of industry.
Who? – Entrepreneurs
When? – 2024 dates TBD (August 2-5 in 2023)
Where? – 2024 location TBD (Houston, TX in 2024)
17. NCBMP State of Black Tourism
The National Coalition of Black Meeting Professionals is holding a conference for the tourism industry, headlined by guest speaker, Derrick Johnson, National President of the NAACP. Key learnings include “How does Black culture intersect with tourism?” “What tools will your organization need to navigate within this political climate?” and “In what ways can you impact positive change?”
Who? – Tourism and hospitality professionals
When? – Sept. 21
Where? – Washington DC
18. Sistas In Sales Summit
One of the country’s largest conferences for Black women professionals, the Sistas In Sales Summit boasts an impressive list of speakers. Featured speakers include actress, Kerry Washington, head of industry at Google, Brittan Bright Knight, senior VP at Walmart, Denise Malloy, and many others.
Who? – Women in sales and business
When? – Sept. 21-23
Where? – New York, NY
19. Black Professionals Summit
The Black Professionals Summit is thoroughly packed with guest speakers and informational sessions to help you accomplish your career goals. Sessions include “Landing Your 6-Figure Role,” “Building a Real-Estate Investment Portfolio,” “Bankable Consumer Products,” and much more.
Who? – Professionals
When? – Nov. 9-12
Where? – Hollywood, FL
20. Black is Tech
Black is Tech just held their 5th annual conference. It focuses on leveraging tech to benefit Black communities. This five-day conference has plenty of educational opportunities, along with recruiters looking to hire.
Who? – Tech professionals
When? – Aug. 7-11
Where? – Atlanta, GA
21. The Black Canni Conference
Another conference in a niche industry, The Black Canni Conference is for Black professionals in the emerging and fast-growing cannabis industry. Topics will include the road to legalization in states where it isn’t already legal, social equity in the industry, and how to gain the certifications needed to operate a cannabis business.
Who? – Professionals in the cannabis industry
When? – Oct. 14
Where? – Baltimore, MD
