Austin Welcomes AFROTECH

For the first time since launching in 2016, AFROTECH moved its Black tech conference to Austin last fall — and their 25,000 attendees loved it. In fact, the conference was so successful that AFROTECH is planning to return to Austin in 2023.

Destination: Austin

Recognized as a thriving tech hub and incubator, Austin was a logical place to host the influx of 25,000 AFROTECH innovators looking to learn and make industry connections. The five-day November event, billed as The Place for All Things Black in Tech and Web3, followed two virtual-only years due to the pandemic. Austin’s reputation for enthusiastically welcoming diverse groups, combined with its ability to host large-scale events, figured into the decision to move AFROTECH to the city.

Crowd at a conference.

The Visit Austin team helped event organizer Blavity Inc. and its CEO, Morgan DeBaun, ensure that plans went smoothly for the country’s largest Black tech conference. AFROTECH secured the Austin Convention Center and adjacent Hilton Austin as hubs for the event, in addition to promoting other downtown hotels to attendees. Local Black-owned businesses and venues also offered their hospitality.

In recognition of Austin’s deep music roots, AFROTECH added a music component for the very first time. Mélat, DJ Kay Cali and other Austin musicians joined the roster of top-notch talent that included Bas, Bia and Wale. Venues such as Empire Control Room & Garage, 3TEN at ACL Live at The Moody Theater, Higher Ground and Stubb’s Bar-B-Q put out welcome mats for AFROTECH participants.

People standing around glass cloches at a conference exhibit.

Exciting Activations and Conference Tracks

Attendees flocked to the expo hall, main stage, tech talks and Learning Labs. High-level Black CEOs, best-selling authors, music company icons and cultural champions inspired audiences. Audience members listened intently as presenters such as Amazon Development Executive Larissa Bell spoke about her entertainment programming achievements. Big-name speakers like entrepreneur Mark Cuban and NASCAR driver Bubba Wallace commanded audiences looking for insight into business and inclusion. They joined more than 130 representatives from Dell, Apple, Verizon and other top-tier companies who gave inspirational talks about emerging technology and careers.

AFROTECH 2023

Details are still being finalized for AFROTECH’s return to Austin this year. For dates, speakers and other exciting news, check out the conference website.

Images courtesy AFROTECH.