FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 5, 2023
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Jack Willingham, jack.willingham@cincinnati-oh.gov, (513) 833-3155
Eileen Osborne, eosborne@visitcincy.com, (513) 632-5369
Vanessa Misoon, vanessa@lightship.foundation, (615) 522-1841
CINCINNATI – Today, City and Community leaders announced the future of Black Tech Week in Cincinnati. After an extensive nationwide search, the organization has decided to stay in Cincinnati for its highly anticipated annual event.
“We are thrilled to continue hosting Black Tech Week in Cincinnati, where we were founded and remain headquartered. The city has always been a great partner and champion of our work, and recently presented a compelling proposal including plans for the forthcoming convention center district in addition to access to the Aronoff Center, which will serve as an incredible venue for Black Tech Week as the event continues to expand,” said Candice Matthews Brackeen, founder and CEO of Lightship Foundation. “We are thankful to the City of Cincinnati and all of the organizations who pitched in to make us feel so welcome and supported, and we look forward to growing together in the direction of making Cincy the kind of city Black innovators want to call home.”
Black Tech Week serves as a platform for networking, education, and empowerment within the Black tech community. The event will feature keynote speakers, workshops, panel discussions, and networking opportunities aimed at promoting diversity, inclusion, and advancement within the tech ecosystem.
“After only two years in Cincinnati, Black Tech Week has become a cultural cornerstone and a gem for our city,” said Mayor Aftab Pureval. “As one of the nation’s preeminent conferences for Black creators and innovators, it creates an undeniable and irreplaceable impact on our community. We couldn’t be more excited to join with Lightship Foundation and partners around the region to build on Black Tech Week’s growth in the years to come.”
"Black Tech Week will continue to contribute to our city's reputation as a tech-forward destination,” said Julie Calvert, President and CEO of Visit Cincy. “This event brings together some of the brightest minds in the industry and emphasizes the importance of diversity and equity in shaping the future of technology. We are excited to see the lasting impact this event will have on our community and the broader tech landscape."
"Black Tech Week is a premier event that supports entrepreneurs, innovators, and business owners, and I'm excited that it will remain in Cincinnati for the next three years," said Kimm Lauterbach, president and CEO of REDI Cincinnati. "Coupled with our region's vibrant startup scene and centers like the Cincinnati Innovation District® and 1819 Innovation Hub, Black Tech Week’s decision to call our region home further enhances our flourishing ecosystem of innovation.”
“Lightship Foundation successfully brought Black Tech Week to Ohio several years ago and we’ve experienced what this powerful gathering of the tech community can do to ignite passion and inspire the future of the tech industry,” said JobsOhio President and CEO J.P. Nauseef. “The collaboration of our network partners, REDI Cincinnati, the City of Cincinnati and Visit Cincinnati to expand this important event and keep it in Cincinnati will continue to position Ohio as a leading state for black tech professionals and entrepreneurs.”
“Black Tech Week is a nationally recognized event that's an important part of our community,” said Gary Lindgren, President of the Cincinnati Business Committee. “Our corporate leaders have invested heavily in the region's growing startup ecosystem, and we are excited that Black Tech Week will continue to be a valuable partner in that work.”
For more information about Black Tech Week and to register for the event, please visit www.blacktechweek.com.
About Black Tech Week
Black Tech Week is a culture driven experience empowered by community and corporate collaboration. BTW connects investors, entrepreneurs, tech professionals and creatives across several days of curated content, social events and incredible energy. Connect with Black Tech Week on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram, and visit the Black Tech Week website for more information.
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