Every fall, HBCU homecomings emerge throughout the country, featuring marching bands, networking opportunities, and the celebration of tradition, legacy, and higher learning. Howard University in Washington, D.C., has returned this year with its “One of One” homecoming theme, while the spirit of Clark University’s Panther pride will take center stage in Atlanta from Oct. 19 to 26. And Houston is hosting a homecoming of sorts for Black professionals, founders, and creatives who are shaping the future of innovation. It’s the return of AfroTech—the flagship conference for Black visionaries and innovators.

AfroTech is returning to Houston for its second year, taking place at the George R. Brown Convention Center from Oct. 27-31. Since launching in 2016, AfroTech has become an international hub for Black tech professionals seeking career development and a cultural recharge. From influential speakers to sessions on the latest AI tools, AfroTech is a place where coding and culture meet. So, whether you’re looking for your next career move, building a startup, or just looking for some inspiration, here are five reasons why you should attend AfroTech.

Photo: AfroTech 2024 Culture Park

1. Cutting-Edge Tech Sessions for Founders

AfroTech offers a range of sessions and workshops that can help founders and entrepreneurs grow. This includes Cliff Worley’s session on “Top AI Tools for Founders.” Worley is the Head of Portfolio Marketing at Kapor Capital, and I attended his session last year. I was very impressed by Worley and the list of tools he shared for his session.

During the session, Worley went through some of the tools that can help founders turn emerging technologies into tangible growth. Some of the tools on his list included Superhuman.com, which is an AI-powered email app that makes it easier to manage your inbox. Then there was ElevenLabs.io, which allows you to make your own AI-generated sound effects and voiceovers. I recently used ElevenLabs to create the intro for my podcast, so this is a recommendation that Worley gave that I’m still using.

Overall, Cliff’s session is designed to give small (or big) teams a competitive edge. It’ll be exciting to see what he’s recommending this year.

Photo: AfroTech 2024

2. Unmatched Networking and Career Access

At AfroTech, conversations don’t end with the exchange of business cards. People are actively networking, and hiring managers and recruiters are on the ground to meet Black talent. Founders meet co-founders, and engineers have coffee with data scientists, while MarTech professionals have casual conversations about the latest tools to generate AI videos. Brands such as Meta, Google, and Microsoft have all attended AfroTech, and some recruiters host on-site interviews. So, bring your resume and your story. The best connections go beyond job titles.

3. The Emotional Connection

Just like an HBCU homecoming, seeing hundreds, if not thousands, of people who look like you in the same field evokes a different type of confidence. It can be an emotional moment to witness a sea of Black creators, analysts, and designers all in the same place, excelling in the world of tech. Whether you’re the only Black engineer at your company or a founder with limited Black counterparts, walking into rooms where Black leadership is the norm feels like a movement. That representation is empowering, and there’s a rich sense of belonging that drives the social and cultural experience at AfroTech.

Photo: AfroTech 2024

4. Access to Capital, Mentorship, and Visibility

Access to capital for Black founders and entrepreneurs is important because it directly affects their ability to start and sustain a business. Historically, founders have struggled to get the funding they need because of systemic barriers. AfroTech gives founders access to investors by hosting pitch competitions, fireside chats, and panels led by venture capitalists. On Thursday, Oct. 30, CNN anchor Brad Smith and the Founder and Managing Director of Base Venture Partners, Erik Moore, will host the “Seed Stage Funding Trends” session at AfroTech. In this session, Smith and Moore will break down how venture capitalists make their decisions. AfroTech can give you the exposure and insight to help take your business to the next level.

5. Culture, Celebration, and Community

Houston’s energy is the perfect match for AfroTech. The city is diverse, entrepreneurial, and rich in Black culture. From live music to happy hour to after-hours mixers, AfroTech feels like a tech family reunion. Between sessions, you might be in the Culture Park eating a hamburger with a data analyst you just met or closing a partnership at an event venue off Main Street between DJ sets later that night. Professional growth, cultural celebration, and a renewed sense of pride and purpose are just a few things you might walk away with after the conference.

Jagged Edge at Blavity Block Party at AfroTech 2024

AfroTech is like homecoming, but for your career: reconnect with your community, celebrate Black excellence, and leave inspired to lead in tech. Tickets are still on sale at afrotechconference.com.