AfroTech, an annual gathering celebrating Black success in the tech industry, will feature the Emmy-nominated actress, producer, and writer Issa Rae, and the well-respected artist and producer, Timbaland, as headliners.
Inside The 2023 AfroTech Event
Issa Rae and Timbaland are set to headline the 2023 AfroTech Conference, joined by legendary rapper Doug E. Fresh, U.S. Representative Maxine Waters, and REVOLT CEO Detavio Samuels. This year’s conference promises an impressive lineup of notable speakers and performers.
The involvement of these influential figures reflects the conference’s commitment to fostering innovation, diversity, and inclusion.
The AfroTech conference, established in 2016, serves as a digital hub for Black S.T.E.M. professionals, innovators, entrepreneurs, and forward-thinkers. With its rich history and influence, AfroTech has become a must-attend event for those seeking to impact the tech industry.
Endless Opportunities
This five-day event, organized by Blavity Inc, offers a unique opportunity for businesses to connect with Black tech visionaries and is recognized as a premier recruitment event for companies such as Netflix, Google, Apple, TikTok, and Disney.
AfroTech 2023 will occur from November 1st to November 5th at the Austin Convention Center in Austin, TX, promising a lineup of panels, performances, and exclusive shows. In addition to the educational and networking aspects of AfroTech, attendees can also look forward to exclusive performances by renowned artists.
The lineup includes Rick Ross, DJ Spinderella, Joe Kay, Jadaboo, Andre Power, and an exclusive show by rapper Jadakiss.
Celebrating 50 Years Of Hip-Hop
To culminate the conference, AfroTech plans to celebrate the 50th anniversary of hip-hop with a special “Farewell Brunch” on the final day. Attendees are encouraged to wear hip-hop-inspired attire and participate in a hip-hop trivia game show, with the chance to win $500.
Making Moves
Both Issa Rae and Timbaland were fitting choices to make appearances at the 2023 AfroTech conference.
In addition to her talents as a comedian and actress, Issa Rae has also ventured into the business world, forging partnerships such as the collaboration with Def Jam Records under her media company’s umbrella, Hoorae Media, which includes Raedio.
The Insecure creator has remained authentically connected to her culture and roots, consistently supporting the American Black Festival over the years. She has a long history of involvement with the festival and recently attended one of this year’s film events.
On the other hand, Timbaland is known for his artistic innovation within music. The producer has expressed his desire to launch an AI startup to give late artists a “life after death.”
Austin, TX: The Hub To Success
Austin, TX has become a frequent host for Black conferences, with the city recently welcoming the 2023 DreamCon organized by the media personality group, RDC World. This event featured a diverse lineup of celebrities from various industries, such as gamers and YouTube influencers, including the up-and-coming rapper TiaCorine, who made a notable appearance on the Trap Music Anime panel.