Register and enjoy the conference free September 29-30

There isn’t enough black representation in advertising, and the result is often embarrassing gaffes that could have been offset by the right people in the room. To help that, a conference appropriately named “Where Are All The Black People” (WAATBP) is bringing HBCU students and others an immersive way to enter and thrive in the industry. Filled with panels, workshops, virtual recruiting and more, the 2021 WAATBP Conference can help you reach new heights in your professional career. On Wednesday September 29 and Thursday September 30,  you can learn lessons about creating conscious content, becoming a black executive, finding financial success and more. Plus, you can hear from over 30 engaging executives at Capital One, Disney+, and other partnering agencies.

Credit: Virginia Sherwood/Peacock

The people behind this conference are the real gems. Emmy Award-winning host, writer, and performer Amber Ruffin will be hosting for the entire two days! She will keep things going beginning Wednesday September 29 at 11am EST, opening up about how to thrive as a creative, and more gems like lessons she’s learned along the way in her career. Among the speakers are HBCU Buzz founder & CEO Luke Lawal Jr.; Jerome Frederick, the Associate Creative Director at Capital One; Jayanta K. Jenkins, the EVP and Head of Content Marketing at Disney +; Danielle Lee, the President of Warner Music Artist & Fan Experiences; Michael Refuerzo, the Global Head of Production at Beats by Dre/Apple Inc. and more.

A glimpse into the conference’s schedule emphasizes why you’ll truly be missing out if you don’t come.  Across both days, participants will be offered the unique opportunity of portfolio reviews, where students, recent grads, and more can get the feedback they need to put their best foot forward. Another gem is virtual recruiting, where conference partner agencies will share a glimpse into their companies and their current openings!

The first discussion on day 1 will give viewers insight in getting paid what you’re worth and finding financial success. Other discussions include becoming a black executive, creating conscious content, and healing racial trauma in the workplace. HBCU students will especially enjoy Day 2, which will feature a discussion with Bowie State University graduate and HBCU Buzz’s own Luke Lawal Jr., plus Hampton University graduate and Danny Robinson, who is the Chief Creative Officer at The Martin Agency. Participants will learn about the professional journeys of the two executives, and then will be tasked with crafting a short pitch presentation for a viral homecoming at a hypothetical HBCU.  In addition to learning about Danny and Luke’s journey, participants will be tasked with developing a campaign to draw attendees, alumni, and supporters for a virtual homecoming at a hypothetical HBCU.  Other discussions for the day will address elevating black women in leadership, plus how to create a space for innovative leadership from the many heads in the marketing and advertising industry. 

An exciting new addition to the 2021 conference is the HBCU Workshop and Virtual After Party. Launched especially for HBCU students, the HBCU workshop is a space where participants will be able to work on a creative campaign and win prizes. The virtual after party will be filled with reflection and the best R&B music you can find.Get more information about the 2021 WAATBP Conference and make sure you register when you click here.