Conferences are the ultimate networking events.

No matter if you’re an extrovert or an introvert, you should attend a conference if you’re an entrepreneur. It will benefit you and your business in many ways.

First of all, going to a conference will allow you to be around people who share at least one of your interest. Isn’t that great? That’s how you build your tribe. If you meet and connect with at least one person then your tribe has increased. Also, conferences provide you personal and business learning experiences through workshops and seminars. Make sure you use that opportunity to meet the person presenting. So go get your business cards and Snapchat ready:

1. Collision – May 2-4, 2017 in New Orleans, LA

Attendees include CEOs of both the world’s fastest growing startups and the world’s largest companies, alongside leading investors and media

https://collisionconf.com/

2. Black Enterprise Entrepreneurs Summit – May 17-20, 2017 in Houston, TX

A three-day business event tailored to both established business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs.

http://www.blackenterprise.com/events/entrepreneurs-summit/

3. EmpowerHer by Blavity – June 9-10, 2017 in Chicago, IL

2017 is all about "living your best life" and sessions will range from intimate AMA sessions, fireside chats, and finding your tribe. Engage with a collective of influencers, entrepreneurs, and brands who are blazing trails in every industry and field.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/blavity-empowerher-17-conference-tickets-32243051836

4. Forbes Women’s Summit – June 12-13, 2017 in New York, NY

Featuring keynote conversations, panel discussions, one-on-one interviews and interstitial spotlights, the 2017 Forbes Women’s Summit will bring together the voices and insights of a diverse range of female luminaries from the worlds of business, entertainment and politics.

https://www.forbes.com/forbes-live/event/womens-summit

5. VidCon with Youtube – June 21-24, 2017 in Anaheim, CA

For People Who Love Online Video. (and want to network with influencers)

http://vidcon.com/

6. BlogHer – June 22-24, 2017 in Orlando, FL

Join an exhilarating mix of content creators, social media stars, entrepreneurs, top brands, activists and fans at #BlogHer17!

http://www.blogher.com/blogher17?from=pod

7. National Urban League Conference – July 26-29 in St. Louis, MO

An inspiring and empowering conference that will provide you with unmatched professional, civic engagement, business development, and networking opportunities.

http://conference.iamempowered.com/saint-louis-2017

8. Congressional Black Caucus – September 20-24, 2017 in Washington, DC

Join subject experts, industry leaders, elected officials and citizen activists to explore today’s issues from an African-American perspective.

http://www.cbcfinc.org/annual-legislative-conference/

9. FinCon – October 25-28, 2017 in Dallas, TX

Join 1500+ digital content creators in personal finance and investing for a one-of-a-kind networking and learning experience.

https://finconexpo.com/

10. AfroTech by Blavity – November 10-11, 2017 in San Francisco

AfroTech is a conference to connect founders, techies and employees with the fastest-growing tech startups. Companies will present their tactics & strategies they use to grow their products and users. Conversations will range from raising venture funding, combining tech and culture, and navigating the tech industry.

http://www.afrotechconference.com/

I know you can find at least one conference to attend from this list or maybe attend them all! Don’t forget to walk up and introduce yourself to a stranger. Maybe it will be me or maybe it will be your next investor or mentor.

If you know of any other conferences, leave it in the comments or send me an email at info@kanaknows.com. Maybe we can collaborate and make a list of 50 conferences every Black entrepreneur should attend in 2018.

Now book that flight and get to networking and making money…

Kana Knows

Writing since November 2016 · 1 story contributed