Los Angeles’ largest Black-owned and operated tech and entertainment conference, Black to the Future, returns for 2024, powered by Technology Entertainment Convergence (TEC) Leimert. The annual conference brings creative industry professionals into Leimert Park for a day of networking, digital activations, immersive experiences, music, food, and creative industry-led panel discussions with top professionals.
TEC Leimert’s Black to the Future Tech & Entertainment Conference took over Degnan on Saturday, September 21, to shed light on the emerging innovative trends coming from creative technologists in the tech and entertainment industry. The event featured special activations and development labs for students and residents to enjoy.
TEC Leimert seeks to connect individuals in the L.A. community to art and tech while exposing them to innovations in entertainment and technology. The organization produces programming to bridge the digital divide including the annual TEC Conference. Through these collaborative, community-based platforms, TEC Leimert works to build a blueprint for urban communities to harness the power of creativity to help cultivate an empowering space for underserved communities to thrive.
On Saturday, attendees had the unique opportunity to connect with the latest advancements and creatives in the Creative Lounge, engage with live activations like test driving the latest EV vehicles at the EV Village, listen in on panel discussions: Young (NEO) Professionals, Black Animation 101, Young Black Hollywood, the EnviroTech Panel, and the AI and Creative Technologists conversation.
Related Links:
Black to the Future Tech Conference Returns to Leimert Park – Los Angeles Sentinel (lasentinel.net)
The highlights of each installation like Artificial Intelligence and Creative Technologists regarded the new vanguard of innovation, and how can Black and Brown communities benefit from a robust discussion with industry professionals driving the trend. The EV Village honored Crenshaw’s automotive culture and guests could test drive EV’s and learn more about stationary charging station models, while paying homage to L.A. with a special lowrider showcase. Young Professionals Brunch, a networking session and discussion, explored the creative economy and what it means for young professionals aspiring to excel in their career.
Amongst the many activities and vendor markets, actor Kareem Grimes was in attendance, Black Excellence Brunch Founder Trell Thomas participated in the Young Black Hollywood panel, local faces Etienne Maurice, wellness entrepreneur and Founder of WalkGoodLA, and famous dancer Storm DeBarge, could be seen enjoying the conference. When asked about TEC Leimert and their community presence, DeBarge shared, “two years ago I was asked to speak at TEC Leimert through Chrissy B and today I came to see Ashley Imani for the Young Hollywood Panel, to see her and show my support.”
Connection and purpose are two themes TEC Leimert embodies when taking inventory of the guests that participate in their events. They draw the perfect crowd for advancement and networking.
Operating as a creative hub for Los Angeles’ creative-driven community, TEC Leimert’s Black to the Future conference and the organization’s development labs in Social Media (NXT LVL), Gaming (Game Wizards), Music Production (Audio Affect) and more, help cultivate an uplifting space for underserved minority communities to engage, learn, and network with industry experts, urban professionals, and entrepreneurs.
TEC Leimert has been instrumental in bringing resources to the community and giving opportunities to create involvement in spaces where Black creatives have been overlooked. The TEC Leimert team recognizes the paradigm shift in tech and their vision is to create equitable outcomes for Black neighborhoods that are economically sustainable.
For more information about TEC Leimert, visit TEC LEIMERT– Bridging the Divide
