Black Tech Week is right around the corner and you’re definitely going to want to be in Miami to experience it this year. Established in 2014 by Code Fever, Black Tech Week exists to provide impactful programming for Black History Month. It highlights innovation, creativity and technology to change the narrative surrounding the black community and increase the resource magnetism and access to VC funding for our community. When those things are done, the number of startup founders, tech executives and engineers of color will increase. Black Tech Week is a platform dedicated to celebrating and supporting the diaspora — and along the way there are great panels, keynotes and parties to do just that.

If you’re planning to partake in the week-long cultural celebration, be sure to check out these events — you won’t regret it.

1. Disruptor Showcase and Party at Club LIV

If Lil’ Wayne and his crew can party there on Sundays, then black startups that are changing the game can showcase there on a Monday. Black Tech Week and PowerMoves are teaming up for the Disruptors Showcase, which will highlight five major tech startups whose companies are in the process of disrupting a major incumbent.

2. Eco Tech Visions + Code for America present DiscoTech

Eco Tech Visions, a groundbreaking organization that connects the black community to Green Manufacturing jobs and contracts for startups, is teaming up with Code for Miami to put on this DiscoTech. A DiscoTech stands for Discover Technology and serves as a community event that allows people to explore the possibilities and impacts that technology has — science-fair style.

3. The World of Music, Arts and Technology – Youth Event

Black Tech Week has a huge commitment to getting the entire community connected to the innovation economy. This event will provide youth with an interactive experience including exhibits, industry panelists and live performances to inspire students to keep changing the world of music by utilizing technology.

4. Social Disruption — Activism, Technology & Entertainment

Trick Daddy and his food startup…I bet that got your attention. Yes, the rapper behind hits “I’m a Thug” and “Take It To Da House,” will be discussing music, food and tech during Black Tech Week 2016 On Saturday, February 20th.

5. Panel — Prison to Wealth with Frederick Hutson

You probably don’t hear about technology serving prison inmates often, but Frederick Hutson, the founder and CEO of Pigeonly, will serve as a highlight keynote speaker and panelist during the BTW Summit on Thursday at Florida International University. Pigeonly’s products are Fotopigeon and Telepigeon, which both help to solve communication challenges between inmates and their support systems back home — they make exchanging photos and affordable phone calls a possibility.

6. Keynote — Jeff Hoffman of Priceline.com

You know we love a good flight deal and the “glitches” that sent everyone and their mother to Dubai and Johannesburg last year for the cost of a car payment. The co-founder of Priceline.com and ColorJar will be another highlight keynote speaker on February 18th. He’s also a Grammy-award-winning artist.

7. Design Thinking and Employability with Sian Morson of Collective Mobile, Tracey Jackson of PriceWaterhouse Coopers, Ariel Lopez of 20/20Shift and Melissa James of The Tech Connection

These industry leaders shed light on their experiences and the intersection of design, employability and technology.

8. Spirits and Bytes

Spirits and Bytes is a premiere event that includes tech and innovation with craft cocktails and GastroBytes. This nightlife event will feature craft cocktails from Timeline Brewery Inc. and Jack Daniels Tennessee Honey.

9. Women’s Innovation Brunch & Panel

Not like you need a special reason for brunch on a Saturday in Miami but how about getting together with innovative bad-ass women that are changing the world? Speakers include Mary Spio, the founder of Next Galaxy, a Virtual Realty startup and Kathryn Finney, the founder of Digital Undivided and ProjectDiane. This is a not-to-be-missed closeout event for Black Tech Week. You can absolutely mix business and pleasure, and this brunch is the perfect example of bonding with other determined, business-minded women.

10. The awesome after-parties!

After all of these wonderful learning and innovation opportunities, you deserve to kick back and have fun — after-parties on Thursday and Friday are the perfect opportunity to do just that.

11. Greek Pitch Competition

Calling all Greek Organizations to pitch their innovative ideas for funding from Black Tech Week and investors! Dust off your pitch deck and get in front of the mirror to practice your elevator pitch. Individuals and teams can partake.

Be sure to check out some highlights from last year’s Black Tech Week:

This post is brought to you by Black Tech Week.

So what events will you be attending at Black Tech Week? Buy tickets here and let us know in the comments below.

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