join us on october 18 for the
Black liberation and the digital economy conference
The BLADE Blueprint: A Resounding Echo of Black Innovation and Triumph
BLADECON, the Black Liberation and the Digital Economy Conference, was an unparalleled assembly of Black innovators and thought leaders. This collaborative virtual event, built by Black innovators for Black innovators, marked a historic dialogue in the digital economy’s landscape.
The 2023 BLADE survey and report, created in collaboration with Plexus Information Services, Inc., revealed the untold narrative of Black digital entrepreneurs. Our interactive sessions, masterclasses, and networking roundtables fostered an ecosystem of learning, connection, and empowerment.
Keynotes by the dynamic leaders of the Black Innovation Alliance and Plexus set the stage, with Dr. Kelly Burton, Sherrel Dorsey, and Plexus’ Tayler James unveiling game-changing research findings. The report underscored the profitability and resilience of Black-owned digital businesses, with 77% being profitable and 56% operational for over five years.
Our masterclasses spanned crucial areas like professional services, content creation, education, community development, and activism, offering attendees valuable strategies for their entrepreneurial journeys. Meet-ups facilitated meaningful connections in sectors like decentralized tech & fintech, publishing & media, and gaming & e-sports, while informal networking roundtables sparked organic idea exchanges.
BLADECON 2023 was more than a conference; it was a catalyst for change. As we move forward, the insights and connections forged during this event will continue to drive innovation and growth in the Black entrepreneurial community.
Interactive Sessions
Remarks and Keynotes
Delivered by the dynamic leaders of the Black Innovation Alliance and Plexus, we are happy to open with remarks from Dr. Kelly Burton and Sherrel Dorsey, followed by a keynote report on our game-changing research from Plexus’ Tayler James.
Masterclasses
Created to help attendees discover valuable strategies and “hacks” in their entrepreneurial journeys, our masterclasses will cover professional services, content creation, education, community development, and activism.
Meet-ups
To help participants make meaningful connections in the sectors of decentralized tech & fintech, publishing & media, and gaming & e-sports.
Informal Networking Roundtables
To encourage collaboration within the digital economy by allowing Black digital entrepreneurs to meet and exchange ideas organically.
Topics
Digital entrepreneurship areas:
Ecommerce
The buying and selling of goods or services online.
Digital creation
Individuals who produce and distribute content, often online, including videos, podcasts, music, and art.
Software and technology development
Individuals or teams who create software applications or digital products.
Professional Services
Online expertise offered by professionals, including lawyers, accountants, and consultants, available for purchase by clients.
Decentralized finance and fintech
Financial services that use blockchain technology to enable peer-to-peer transactions and eliminate the need for intermediaries such as banks.
Gaming and e-sports
Industries centered around video games and competitive gaming events.
Publishing and media
Industries involved in creating and distributing online content, including books, magazines, newspapers, television, film, and other forms of media.
Education, Community Development, and Activism
A range of activities, including online education and training, community development initiatives, and activism efforts that use digital platforms to reach and engage audiences.
MEET THE EXPERTS
The BLADE CON 23 Speakers
Stay tuned for more from BLADE and BIA and delve into the comprehensive insights in our BLADE Blueprint report A Blueprint for Thriving Black Entrepreneurship
