Reflections from Web Summit

Through a partnership with WebSummit, we took a delegation to Lisbon, Portugal to experience one of the largest tech conferences in the world. The time together was transformative.

Hear from our delegation why these experiences matter for the future of Black innovation.

Workshopping in International Space

Lisa Osborne (Black Public Media) and Tamara Shogaolu (Ado Ato Pictures) held a workshop on Virtual Monuments for Public Spaces. In addition to leading an incredibly engaging session, they awoke the next day to a fantastic press piece dedicated exclusively to their session.

Immersing in the Experience

Our members had fun exploring the four-pavillion event space. Nearly half of our delegation comprised creative technologists, so they really enjoyed the more experiential aspects of the conference.

Accelerating for Success

Both Makisha Boothe (SistahBiz Global Network) and Glenn Cantave (Movers and Shakers NYC) participated in Web Summit’s accelerator program which included a space in the exhibition hall where they were able to interface with potential clients and investors.

Taking to the Global Stage

And Kelly did a keynote on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion through a global lens. The talk went great and her BIA family came out to support!

International Swag

We couldn’t come all the way across the ocean and not get our international swag on! We worked with a local photographer to provide headshots for our members who shined atop Lisbon’s city center.

Bringing the Fun & the Joy

Through the exprience, we were able to make deeper connections within our group, as well as forge new ones with others around the world who were likewise working to build inclusive tech ecosystems.

Visioning the Future

And we couldn’t help but imagine what it would be like if we were given the opportunity to create a destination experience at Web Summit where we could show just what Black innovators, entreprneurs and creatives were capable of.

To be continued…