THURSDAY 9/26

Friday, September 27 — Conference Day 1

Pensole Lewis College of Business and Design | PLC Icon Building | 200 Walker Street, Detroit
 

8:00 AM — Breakfast & Registration
 

9:00 AM — Welcome and Remarks
 

9:10 AM — Introduction of 2024 Theme
 

9:25 AM — The "Unstate" of DE&I: Exploration of the current state and undoing of diversity, equity, and inclusion. What does this mean for our industry and the future of access to opportunities?
 

10:10 AM — Kitchen Table Discussion: Delve into the intricate intersections of mindset, culture, and workplace dynamics, exploring
the often-challenging aspects that shape our relational equity and operational behavior. 
 

11:15 AM — BREAKOUT SESSION: TBA

11:15 AM — BREAKOUT SESSION: The Pivot — A focus on PR & Communications in the Black footwear community
 

12:00 PM — Lunch & Networking Break

Lunch will be available for purchase from a variety of local and top rated food trucks

1:30 PM — BREAKOUT SESSION: Better Together — When Black women come together with a common goal, they make things happen down to the detail. In this panel, women will discuss their wants, their needs, and how they're fostering collaboration among one another, crushing tokenism, and taking the stigma away from those who work in the same fields or hold the same roles.

1:30 PM — BREAKOUT SESSION: But are you good at it? — But, are you good at it?' is more than a question—it's a challenge. Join us as we
help beginners and professionals find their superpowers, sharpen their skills, and own their value.

2:30 PM — The Black Standard: This panel will unpack the complexities of the 'Black Standard' in products and services, questioning
whether being labeled 'Black-owned' is a benefit or a limitation. Throughout the discussion, we'll spotlight Black-owned footwear and apparel brands, amplifying their stories and brands as we navigate the nuances of being a black-owned business.

3:30 PM Threaded: Raw conversation with entrepreneurs who started their brand and made it into the doors of Foot Locker. Explore the real challenges of launching your brand and the strategic roadmap for scaling your business. From navigating initial hurdles to devising actionable growth plans, entrepreneurs share their insights and missteps.

4:15 PM — Black Genius Talk - Creative Disruption & Radical Change