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Featuring Some Amazing Panels

Black Animation 101
Illuminating Pathways in Animation

We fully acknowledge Black creatives and the occupations they occupy within the 21st century entertainment workplace. Black Animation 101 is an entry into a world and tradition of Black creative and technical excellence often ignored, but at the forefront of advanced storytelling.

Journey with TEC Leimert, as we introduce you to Black animators, artists, designers, directors, studio executives, producers, story editors, voice-over actors, writers, VFX & gaming engineers, as well as entrepreneurial publishers, manufacturers, merchandisers, etc. from around the globe.

Young Black Hollywood
Social Influence + Cultural Capital = Game Changers

The “Young Black Hollywood Panel” discussion promises to be an engaging and insightful conversation that sheds light on how individuals are using their social influence to positively impact the urban community and dictate culture around the globe.

The panel will explore how these influencers are leveraging their platforms to challenge stereotypes, amplify underrepresented voices, and create meaningful change in both media and society. By sharing their unique perspectives and experiences, they demonstrate the power of social media in shaping global culture, fostering diversity, and inspiring brands to embrace authenticity and the culture.

Creative Technologist
The New Vanguard of Innovation

We live in a world constantly disrupted by advancing technology. As the creative and technological landscapes evolve, it's essential to ask, "What can we do with this tool?" and "How does this tool affect creative workflows?"

Meet the Creative Technologist—a trailblazer who merges creativity with technological skills to innovate, solve problems, and redefine how we see and interact with the world. Black to the Future explores what creative technology is, why it benefits the creative economy, and which technologies are the driving forces behind this movement.

Young Professionals

As we kick off the 2024 conference we’ve found it’s important to arm our attendees with the necessary skills and knowledge to navigate the technology and entertainment industries. On this panel, you’ll hear from industry experts who will provide insight into pathways and networks you should join to catapult you towards your professional goals.

During this panel, we hope you find the ability to channel your superpower and unlock the freedom to navigate a path to the career of your dreams. You’ll walk away from this panel with networking skills that you’ll have the opportunity to employ during the conference, insights on careers, and industry trends.

Driving Change: Representation in the EV Revolution

Driving Change: Representation in the EV Revolution brings together the intersections of mobility, culture, and innovation, with a special focus on and envirotech and environmental justice.

As Los Angeles pushes forward as a hub of electric vehicle innovation, this panel will explore how workforce development in the EV sector can empower underrepresented communities while addressing the historical disparities in environmental impact. We will delve into how Black culture shapes the conversation around mobility, and how creative, tech-driven solutions can lead to a more inclusive and equitable EV transition.

Artificial Intelligence
Exploring the possibilities.

What is intelligence?  The question has inspired philosophers throughout time, and we still don’t feel we have a clear grasp on the answer.  However that didn’t prevent us from birthing a new form of what we call intelligence, artificial intelligence, and it’s destined to change everything.  Everything.  But what is it, and how will it change everything?  More importantly, how can we use this new intelligence to empower ourselves and our community? 

This panel will delve into these issues, answer questions of what, who, how, and the ethics that govern intelligence.

Getting The Social Currency Bag

The “Young Black Hollywood Panel” discussion promises to be an engaging and insightful conversation that sheds light on how individuals are using their social influence to positively impact the urban community and dictate culture around the globe.

// HELLO, WORLD

// Hello, World is an inclusive brand and social mixer for anyone who desires to see diverse representation and belonging in tech and entertainment. We kindly welcome new, aspiring, and experienced tech professionals to a safe space where they can connect, build community, celebrate our heritage and set future generations up for success.

The event features a panel of industry professionals in tech and entertainment, with past panelists from Netflix, EA, SNAP, Google, Pinterest, Riot Games, Revolt, and Marvel Studios. 

    The Intersection of Fashion, Technology, and Sustainability

    The Threads of Innovation panel will explore how technology is changing the way we produce, consume, and interact with fashion, and what opportunities and challenges this presents for designers, manufacturers, and consumers. This panel will focus on the following topic(s):

    Fashion Sustainability - E-Commerce, Wearable Technology, Design Tools, Web3

    Moderator:

    Panelists:

    Masters at Work

    Virtual Production accelerated with its use in the gaming industry. It is changing the production process across television and film. This panel will  provide guidance, technique tips, inspirational stories to get involved in the emerging art of production.  The audience will explore the job opportunities and technical processes used for virtual production tool sets including pre-isualization, virtual cameras, and real-time lighting and integration into cinematography.

    Moderator:

    Panelists:

    Exploring the possibilities.

    What is intelligence?  The question has inspired philosophers throughout time, and we still don’t feel we have a clear grasp on the answer.  However that didn’t prevent us from birthing a new form of what we call intelligence, artificial intelligence, and it’s destined to change everything.  Everything.  But what is it, and how will it change everything?  More importantly, how can we use this new intelligence to empower ourselves and our community?  This panel will delve into these issues, answer questions of what, who, how, and the ethics that govern intelligence

    Moderator:

    Panelists:

    Let’s Talk with influential cultivators with identity and community affiliation. This panel highlights individuals who uphold status and social currency. 

    Moderator: Khrissy B, Event/Content Producer

    Panelists:

    • Pooh Jeter - Pro Athlete/ Owner of LACED
    • Calmatic - Film Director or AV Rockwell ( A thousand and one, Feathers etc) 
    • Tristen Winger  - Actor Insecure, So Help Me Todd, The Hostage
    • Pierce Simpson- Complex Correspondent 
    • Latoya Lee - Record Executive
    • Mike & Keys - Music Producers
    • Danielle Cadet - VP of Content, Essence
    • Jayda Cheaves

    FRIDAY

    • A Very Hip Hop
      Happy Hour Kickoff
      @NeueHouse Hollywood
      6p - 10p

    SATURDAY

    • Check-in Opens
      9 AM
    • WalkGood LA
      @Leimert Park Fountain
      10 AM
    • Young Professionals Brunch
      @Community Garden
      10 AM
    • Young Professionals Panel
      Navigating the Digital Economy
      Location: Main Stage
      11 AM
    • Opening Remarks
      Location: Main Stage
      12 PM
    • Black Animation 101 Panel
      Location: Main Stage
      1 PM
    • Young Black Hollywood Panel
      Location: Main Stage
      2 PM
    • Creative Technologist Panel
      Location: Main Stage
      4 PM
    • Live Music Performances
      Featuring Teedra Moses
      @Leimert Park
      5 PM
    • Utopia After Party
      @Leimert Park
      7 PM

    SUNDAY

    • Brunch @ NeueHouse Hollywood
      12 PM

    Speakers

    Hear from industry experts and thought leaders who look like you and want to see you WIN!!

    Martin Brown
    Creative Manager @ SKIMS
    Speaker - Young Professionals
    Tiffany Thomas
    Producer/Writer/Actor
    Speaker - Black Animation 101
    Trell Thomas
    Founder @ Black Excellence Brunch
    Speaker - Young Black Hollywood
    Franshen Cox
    Founder @ Trujulo Media
    Moderator - Young Professionals
    Ashley Imani
    Entertainer
    Speaker - Young Black Hollywood
    Jarrell Hall
    Producer/Director/Actor
    Speaker - Black Animation 101
    Luke Lawal
    Founder @ HBCU Buzz
    Speaker - Young Black Hollywood
    Arif S. Kinchen
    Producer/Voice Actor
    Speaker - Black Animation 101
    X. Eyee
    CEO @ Malo Santo
    Speaker - Creative Technologist
    Chellz Evette
    Social Produer @ The Shade Room
    Moderator - Young Black Hollywood
    Arthur Romeo
    Creative Talent
    Speaker - Young Professionals
    Jamari Perry
    Content Producer @ Color Creative
    Speaker - Creative Technologist
    Ashley Taylor
    Manager @ BET Unscripted Originals
    Speaker - Young Professionals
    Taj Fraiser
    Professor @ USC Annenberg
    Moderator - Creative Technologist
    Jerry Brice
    Creative Director @ Brice Productions
    Speaker - Black Animation 101
    Dulce Baerga
    XR Technologist
    Speaker - Creative Technologist
    Rachel Joy Victor
    Co-Founder @ FBRC.ai
    Speaker - Creative Technologist
    Loren Lott
    Actor
    Speaker - Young Black Hollywood

    BLACK TO THE FUTURE VIDEOS

    You will have the opportunity to be front and center for engaging topics addressed by experts in their respective fields.

    What is

    BLACK TO THE

    FUTURE?

    TEC Leimert is leading the way for technology and entertainment convergence in South Los Angeles bringing together industry experts, thought leaders and influencers from across a spectrum of top Fortune 500 companies.

    The conference focuses on exchanging ideas around tech and entertainment to highlight new pathways toward monetization in an environment of constant change brought on by technological innovation. If you are an entrepreneur, professional, student, creative, tech enthusiast or simply interested in navigating the digital economy this is where YOU want to be!
    Get Tickets
    NewYou already know, get your tickets now! #TECYOSELF