Miami Times September 28th, 2016, Cleveland Bryant The third annual Black Professionals Summit was held last weekend at the Kovens Conference Center on Florida International University’s campus. Kenasha Paul created the Black Professional Summit in 2014 with the help of a handful of friends. “Our mission is to serve as a catalyst for professional development in […]
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Review 2018's Line-Up
Disruption | Creating a Culture of Progress and Elevating the Narrative
This conference is designed for professionals who desire a collaborative network across industries, job functions, and interests all while learning best practices to excel in their respective fields.
Why Attend 2018 #BPNSummit?
Hosted every year in beautiful and sunny South Florida, the Summit introduces new thought leaders of our community, reconnects several generations of leaders from all different industries while forming meaningful connections and sharing invaluable knowledge and resources.- Network and form relationships across a wide range of career paths and job functions.
- Get the knowledge and training from dynamic speakers to push your professional and personal aspirations to new levels.
- Be empowered and energized by your peers under the guiding principle together each achieves more!
What to Expect
Come to form a collaborative network across industries, job functions and interests, all while learning best practices to excel in your field!
Summit Includes:- Career and Exhibitor Fair
- Onsite Professional Headshots
- 5-Star Luncheon provided by Juanita’s Kitchen
- Dynamic Leadership Sessions and Workshops
Who Should Attend?
This event is ideal for motivated, goal-oriented, and ambitious —- Industry Professionals
- Administrative Professionals
- Middle Management Professionals
- Industry Executives
- CEO, Business Owners and Startup Founders
A young professionals track is specifically created for high school seniors and college students. Contact Jerveris Floyd for sponsorship tickets for our #BPNFutures program.
Join us in Miami, Florida on September 28th
Ashley D. Bell, Esq
Friday's Keynote Speaker
Regional Administrator for the U.S. Small Business Administration
Ashley Daniel Bell, Esq. was appointed on February 21, 2018 by the White House to serve as Regional Administrator for the U.S. Small Business Administration for Region IV; serving nine districts located in the 8 Southeastern States of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee. Regional Administrator Bell has oversight of over $5 billion in SBA-backed lending, the Counseling arm of the SBA, which counseled over 225,000 entrepreneurs last year in Region IV, and the contracting programs for small business, which account for over 23% of all federal contracts awarded.
A former Hall County Commissioner elected at the young age of 27, Ashley was the youngest commissioner ever elected in the county, representing the 3rd fastest growing metropolitan area in America. A lawyer by trade, Ashley began his career as a public defender, and went on to become a celebrated trial attorney and co-founder of the law firm Bell & Washington LLP, based in Atlanta, Georgia.
Brian Brackeen
Friday's Keynote Speaker
CEO of Kairos
Brian Brackeen founded Kairos in 2012, and serves as the company’s CEO. His leadership saw Kairos selected by Wall Street Journal as one of the top 25 startups in the country, and continues to drive growth and innovation within the company and in the face recognition space. Brian leads the senior management team in establishing the company’s strategic direction, while engaging directly with customers and investors from around the globe. Prior to founding Kairos, Brian served as a Senior Project Manager for Apple Inc., and before Apple he was a Senior Managing Consultant for IBM. In addition to his work at Kairos, Brian lectures extensively around the world on entrepreneurship, code, digital economy, AI and machine learning— and participates in mentorship programs for organizations like Girls Who Code, Black Girls Code and The School District of Miami.
Andrew Gillum
Saturday's Keynote Speaker
Mayor of Tallahassee and Nominee for Governor of Florida
Andrew Gillum is a Democratic nominee for Governor of Florida. Andrew was born in Miami where his mother drove a school bus and his father was a construction worker. He was the first in his family to graduate college and he went on to become the youngest person in history elected to the Tallahassee City Commission, before later becoming Mayor. He has a proud record of 15 years in public service.
As Mayor, Andrew developed a thriving innovation economy, beat the gun lobby in court to protect commonsense reform and stood up to President Trump and Governor Rick Scott to defend immigrants.
Under Andrew’s leadership, Tallahassee advanced workforce training programs for underrepresented workers as one of only 50 cities in the nation included in President Obama’s TechHire program. Andrew also helped lower violent crime in the City by more than 8 percent through increased investments in law enforcement, community policing, re-entry programs, and an expansion of social service funding.
Mayor Gillum is now running for Governor for the State of Florida. He lives with his wife R. Jai and their three children in Tallahassee, Florida.”
Alfred Edmond, Jr
Saturday's Keynote Speaker
Senior Vice President and Editor-at-Large of BLACK ENTERPRISE
Alfred Edmond Jr. is senior vice president/Editor-at-Large of BLACK ENTERPRISE. He is a content leader, brand representative and expert resource for all of the media platforms under the BLACK ENTERPRISE brand. Edmond is responsible for helping to set and enforce quality standards for the editorial content of BlackEnterprise.com; and the Our World with Black Enterprise and Women of Power television shows.
From 2008 through 2010, Edmond held the position of senior vice president/editor-in-chief of BlackEnterprise.com, responsible for the development of the Website’s content, as well as the hiring and overall supervision of the editorial staff. In this position, Edmond played an important leadership role in the transition of BLACK ENTERPRISE from print magazine publisher to a digital-first multimedia content company.
Summit Speakers
Well known industry leaders and emerging talents
Summit Schedule
Full schedule of keynotes, sessions & workshops
8:30AMMAIN HALL
Registration
Welcome to the 2018 Black Professionals Network's Summit (#BPNSummit18). Pick up your name badge and enjoy continental breakfast, registration and explore the vendor fair or take your professional headshot on the 2nd floor.
9:30AM2nd FLOOR
Kenasha Paul
Founder and Chair
Opening Remarks
Enter the conference main room, session includes conference overview and introduction of Opening Keynote Speaker.
10:00am2nd FLOOR
Opening Keynote
Brian Brackeen founded Kairos in 2012 to remove the complexity of building and using facial recognition software, enabling businesses and governments to detect faces, recognize people, and analyze behaviors on security cameras and mobile, web, and desktop applications with 99% accuracy.
Brian is the perfect mix of technology wiz and HR guru. He grew up in Philadelphia, and despite never attending college, used his computer capabilities to secure a job at IBM, and later Apple. Brian left in 2011 and developed Kairos as a time-clock app that employees logged into in order to check in and out of work. However, he discovered people were cheating the system. This led him to further pursue the idea of facial recognition. Along with his team he tested several approaches, but realized that current facial recognition products were not user friendly. Along with his former boss, Brain re-focused the company to provide a facial recognition product.10:45AMFirst Floor
Workshops I
Pick your passion, we know it will be so hard to do but enjoy workshops by leading professionals around these topics:
- Recipe for Success with South Florida's Foodpreneurs sponsored by FIU StartUP Food
- At the Center Law: Understanding Its Relationship to Business, Government, and Industry
- Working with South Florida Media to Tell Your Story
- The Hustler's Mindset to Success
11:45AM2nd FLOOR
Economics of Politics and Business Panel
The Economics of Politics and Business panel features an open-discussion with elected officials and business leaders that breakdown the role and impact government has on business and reshaping a community. Learn how to make your business a viable strategic partner and how to leverage government to further your goals.
- Jean Monestime, Miami-Dade County Commissioner of District 2
- Torey Alston, Economic Equity & Diversity Compliance Officer at Miami-Dade Public Schools
- Yolanda Cash Jackson, Esq - Government Lawyer and Partner at Becker & Poliakoff
- Raynard Jackson, Chairman for Black Americans for a Better Future
1:00PM2nd FLOOR
Luncheon
Enjoy a one-of-a-kind luncheon experience with soul food from all parts of the region. What better combo where we feed your development and your food soul! Buffet lunch provided by Ernisha Randolph, CEO of Juanita's Kitchen, Shuckin and Jivin, and Sweet Butter Pop-Up Restaurant.
1:30PM2nd Floor
Luncheon Keynote Speaker
The 2018 Black Professionals Summit theme is "Disruptions: Creating a Culture of Progress and Elevating the Narrative" This year touches on the importance for career and business professionals to be takers of opportunities and resources. Shaping a path to progress not despite of but in spite -- disrupting social norms and reaching professional and personal success.
Hear from this year's luncheon keynote Ashley D. Bell, Esq, Regional Administrator of U.S. Small Business Administrator. Ashley was appointed on February 21, 2018 by the White House to serve as Regional Administrator for the U.S. Small Business Administration for Region IV; serving nine districts located in the 8 Southeastern States of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee. Regional Administrator Bell has oversight of over $5 billion in SBA-backed lending, the Counseling arm of the SBA, which counseled over 225,000 entrepreneurs last year in Region IV, and the contracting programs for small business, which account for over 23% of all federal contracts awarded.2:15PM1st Floor
Workshops II
Pick your passion, we know it will be so hard to do but enjoy workshops by leading professionals around these topics:
- Stages of Securing Funding
- How to Leverage My Credit to Scale My Business
- Before You Entrepreneur
- Using Events to Drive Leads
2:00PM2nd Floor
Special Remarks
Ron DeSantis is the former U.S. Representative for Florida’s Sixth District and the Republican nominee for Governor of Florida. He was endorsed early in the Republican primary by President Donald J. Trump.
While in Congress, he led efforts to impose term limits on members of Congress, cut taxes, repeal ObamaCare, and relocate the U.S. Embassy in Israel to Jerusalem. He’s worked to expedite the completion of the reservoir south of Lake Okeechobee in order to stop toxic discharges to the east and west, assist veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress, combat radical Islamic terrorism, stop illegal immigration and defund sanctuary cities.
A native Floridian with blue collar roots, Ron worked his way through Yale University, where he graduated with honors and was the captain of the varsity baseball team. He also graduated with honors from Harvard Law School. While at Harvard, he earned a commission in the US Navy as a JAG officer. During his active duty service, he supported operations at the terrorist detention center at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba and deployed to Iraq as an adviser to a U.S. Navy SEAL commander in support of the SEAL mission in Fallujah, Ramadi and the rest of Al Anbar province.
His military decorations include the bronze star medal for meritorious service and the Iraq campaign medal. He has also served as a federal and military prosecutor.
He is married to Casey DeSantis, an Emmy award winning television host. Together, they’re the proud parents of their daughter, Madison and their son, Mason3:15PM2nd Floor
Scaling Up: Capital and Business Innovation Panel
Learn from business and industry professionals on what opportunities and resources are available in South Florida to raise capital and tap into the latest trends in business innovation. Crunch the numbers and data around South Florida's thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem and learn what infrastructures are in place to propel the South Florida business forward.
- Beatrice Louissaint, President & CEO at Florida Minority Supplier Development Council
- Sheri Colas-Gervais, Vice President, Economic Development & Urban Initiatives at Beacon Council
- Dr. Pandwe Gibson, Executive Director at EcoTech Visions, Inc.
4:30PM2nd Floor
Closing Annoucments
You've made it through Day 1. Stay around to get updates for networking reception and other activities before we reconvene tomorrow!
5:30PM to 8:30PMBayview Terrace
Tastes from the Diaspora
Tastes from the Diaspora
VIP Reception from 5:30PM to 8:30PM includes open bar and multi-ethnic cuisines while networking with our special guests and South Florida's leaders in business, government, and industry.
8:30AMMain Hall
Registration and Exhibitor Fair
Welcome to the 2018 Black Professionals Network's Summit (#BPNSummit18). Pick up your name badge and enjoy continental breakfast, registration and explore the vendor fair or take your professional headshot on the 2nd floor.
9:30AM2nd Floor
Kenasha Paul
Founder and Chair
Opening Remarks
Learn more about the Black Professionals Network and the Summit. Overview of schedule and introduction of Opening Keynote Speaker.
10:00AM2nd Floor
Opening Keynote
Andrew Gillum is running for Governor to rebuild Florida into a state that works for all of us. He knows everyone deserves good-paying jobs so they can support their families. He wants to protect and expand Floridians’ access to quality, affordable healthcare, especially people with pre-existing conditions. He knows we need to strengthen our public schools and end the culture of high-stakes testing.
As Governor, he will fight against the special interests that are standing in the way of taking real action on climate change, and he will always ensure Florida is a welcoming and safe place for everyone, no matter where they come from, who they love or how they identify.
Andrew was born in Miami where his mother drove a school bus and his father was a construction worker. He was the first in his family to graduate college and he went on to become the youngest person in history elected to the Tallahassee City Commission, before later becoming Mayor. He has a proud record of 15 years in public service.
As Mayor, Andrew developed a thriving innovation economy, beat the gun lobby in court to protect commonsense reform and stood up to President Trump and Governor Rick Scott to defend immigrants.
Under Andrew’s leadership, Tallahassee advanced workforce training programs for underrepresented workers as one of only 50 cities in the nation included in President Obama’s TechHire program. Andrew also helped lower violent crime in the City by more than 8 percent through increased investments in law enforcement, community policing, re-entry programs, and an expansion of social service funding.
Mayor Gillum is now running for Governor because we need a fresh approach to solving the problems of our state and get our government back on track. He lives with his wife R. Jai and their three children in Tallahassee, Florida.
11:15AM1st Floor
Workshops I
Pick your passion, we know it will be so hard to do but enjoy workshops by leading professionals around these topics:
- Behind the Title: Conversations with Organizational Leaders
- Legacy Building Strategies for Successful Family Business Planning
- Day Job to Dream Job
- Shoot Your Shot in Your Professional Arena, Pt. II
12:15PM2nd Floor
Economics of Politics and Advocacy Panel
The Economics of Politics and Advocacy panel features an open-discussion with elected officials and community leaders that address issues and solutions for professionals to become more civically engaged and advocate for their communities. Political apathy is costly and affects our everyday lives more than people embrace. Learn how to break the cycles and contribute to solutions for a more well-meaning life for your career and family.
Moderator: Karen Andre, Senior Advisor for Andrew Gillum Campaign
- Kionne McGhee, FL House of Representative, D-117
- Dottie Joseph, FL State Representative, D-108
- Matthew Pigatt, City Commissioner of Opa-Locka
- Andreana Jackson, Councilwoman of North Bay Village
- Dwight Bullard, New Florida Majority
1:00PM2nd Floor
Luncheon
Enjoy a one-of-a-kind luncheon experience with soul food from all parts of the region. What better combo where we feed your development and your food soul! Buffet lunch provided by Ernisha Randolph, CEO of Juanita's Kitchen, Shuckin and Jivin, and Sweet Butter Pop-Up Restaurant.
1:30PM2nd Floor
Luncheon Keynote Speaker
Alfred Edmond Jr. is senior vice president/Editor-at-Large of BLACK ENTERPRISE. He is a content leader, brand representative and expert resource for all of the media platforms under the BLACK ENTERPRISE brand. Edmond is responsible for helping to set and enforce quality standards for the editorial content of BlackEnterprise.com; and the Our World with Black Enterprise and Women of Power television shows.
From 2008 through 2010, Edmond held the position of senior vice president/editor-in-chief of BlackEnterprise.com, responsible for the development of the Website’s content, as well as the hiring and overall supervision of the editorial staff. In this position, Edmond played an important leadership role in the transition of BLACK ENTERPRISE from print magazine publisher to a digital-first multimedia content company.2:15PM1st Floor
Workshops II
Pick your passion, we know it will be so hard to do but enjoy workshops by leading professionals around these topics:
- I’m Black & Prayed Up, I Don’t Need Therapy
- Power of Technology: Developing Your Skills Into a High Paying Career in Cloud Technology
- Branding Your Passion
- The Makings of a Leader
3:15PM2nd Floor
Building Wakanda – The Urban Revitalization of Our Communities
During this panel explore the housing opportunities within South Florida. Engage in an in-depth and frank conversation surrounding rebuilding communities, working with developers, and community redevelopment agencies to take ownership and control of our communities.
Moderator: Phillip Calloway
- Mayor Wayne Messam, City of Miramar
- David Wilson, CEO of Real Estate Resource Group, Inc.
- Chad Musgrove, Vice President at Hunt Companies
- Sandy Dorsainvil, Community Liaison at Magic City Studios
4:15PM2nd Floor
Power Up Panel
The path to success isn’t ‘0 to 100’, hear these ‘on the cusp’ stories so often missing from the discussion about reaching success. Here from South Florida's young professional leaders who are growing and thriving their brand, company, and families in this ecosystem. Get insights on how to build a successful; career, business, and life in South Florida.
Hear from our emerging leaders:
Moderated by Jill Tracey, Radio Host of Hot 105
- Ernisha Randolph, CEO of Juanita's Kitchen
- Matthew Beatty, Senior Director of Communications at The Miami Foundation
- Keon Williams, Urban Philanthropies
- Chris Caines, the Executive Director at the FIU Miami Urban Future Initiative
5:00PM1st FLOOR
Closing Toast
A conference tradition, the closing toast committing ourselves to excellence, professionalism, and success.7PM to Midnight
Closing Reception
Get to know fellow attendees over appetizers and open bar in the beautiful Magic City Center.
Magic City Studios - Photopia 363 NE 61st Miami, FL 33138
*All attendees must be 21+.
Grab tickets: https://closingbpnsummit.eventbrite.com
Sponsored by Hennessy and Magic City Studios
Opening Reception
Join us at Lique Miami as we kick-off the 2018 Black Professionals Summit
Thursday, September 27, 2018 from 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM (EDT)
Lique Miami Waterfront Restaurant and Lounge
3957 Northeast 163rd Street | North Miami Beach, FL 33160
Conference Tickets
Save 25% off on prices when you purchase your tickets before August 29th. Conference tickets include exhibitor fair, professional headshot, luncheon, and conference materials.
Need additional pricing info? Get in touch for custom and high-volume pricing.
Tastes from the Diaspora
VIP Reception at 2018 Black Professionals Summit
Friday, September 28, 2018 from 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM (EDT)
Enjoy multi-ethnic cuisines from among South Florida’s premier chefs. Menu will take you on an exploratory journey through the soul of Black America, the islands of Haiti and Jamaica, the black Spanish plains of Cuba and Suriname and the west regions of Africa landing in Nigeria. No passport required!
Enjoy black-owned wines from the exclusive collection of Dunns-Josephine Hotel.
If you would like to attend, please email info@bpsummit.org.
Closing Reception
Join us at Magic City Studios as we close the 2018 Black Professionals Summit!
Saturday, September 29, 2018 from 7PM to Midnight (EDT)
Magic City Studios – Photopia
363 NE 61 St | Miami, FL 33138
Join Our Exhibitor Floor
Promotional and Marketing Opportunities
Whether you are recruiting for new hires or looking to generate leads, #BPNSummit gives your company a unique opportunity to gain exposure with a ready to engage audience at rates that maximizes your investment. Contact us for our packaging and promotional opportunities. Contact us today!
Exhibitor Booth
$200
- Staff the right company ambassador to interact with attendees, recruit new talent or generate a high ROI leads Submit Form
Super!
Marketing Bundle
$500
- Exhibitor Booth
- 2 Admission Tickets
- Half-Page Advertisement
- Custom E-Flyer Designed
- 1 Social Media Blast
- 1 E-mail Promotional Blast
- Receive custom discount code for 15% off tickets for employees Submit Form
Program Book
$200
- Put your company’s services and special promotions in the full color official quick reference guide given to all attendees. Submit Form
Non-Profit and Professional Association rates available, email us for pricing.
Sponsors & Partners
A huge thanks to all our amazing partners. We couldn’t have a conference without you!
Interested in becoming a sponsor?
If your company is interested in sponsoring the Black Professionals Summit this year, we’d love to hear from you. Send us a quick email and we’ll get right back to you with some more information and our sponsorship brochure
What are you waiting for?!
Lock in the lowest price for the conference by purchasing tickets before August 29th. Make the low-cost investment to energize your goals and propel your career forward. For group pricing discounts and custom packages e-mail us.
What people have said about the conference
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It was exciting to see black professionals from all walks of life in a room with the common goal to achieve career success together.
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The conference is a need in our community. It allows for professionals to have a platform to share their knowledge and create meaningful connections
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It provides great value to all who participate whether as an attendee or supporter. It reinforces our collective mission at the Miami-Dade Chamber of Commerce to advocate for economic empowerment
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Anytime we can come together and exchange our knowledge and reaffirm ourselves amongst our peers - success!
Latest News
Press Release and Media Features
Black professionals mentor students
South Florida Black Professionals Summit aims to address economic injustice
Miami Herald SEPTEMBER 14, 2016 12:42 PM Coming near the tail end of a year that has further raised questions about injustice to African Americans, this year’s Black Professionals Summit in South Florida aims to provide answers. Injustice — political, economic or otherwise — will take center stage at the Sept. 23 to 24 summit, […]
Read more... A professionals meet up set for Blacks Sept. 12th
Miami Times September 2nd, 2015 The second annual Black Professional Summit takes place Saturday, Sept. 12, from 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. at Florida International University – Biscayne Bay Campus, Wolfe University Center, located at 3000 NE 151 St., North Miami. Students, young professionals and entrepreneurs will hear an array of professionals voices from the […]
Read more...Conference Venue
Location that you'll be looking for
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Venue
Roz and Cal Kovens Conference Center
3000 NE 151ST North Miami, Florida 33181
Transport
The Roz and Cal Kovens Center is located in the beautiful city of North Miami and minutes away from Aventura and Sunny Isles Beach. Utilize UBER or LYFT to get to and from.Parking
There is plenty of parking available. Your best option is to use the ParkMobile. Make sure you ask staff at the conference venue for a discount card before you leave at the end of the day.
Places To Stay
Make the most of your visit and stay the night. If you want to be super near the conference venue then you can’t get any closer than Courtyard Miami Aventura Mall. Or you could find a unique experience via AirBnB.
Additional Details
If you are having any issues please e-mail us at info@bpsummit.org or call us at (305) 999-5362.
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