Tenth anniversary conference convened entrepreneurs, executives, investors, creators and innovators for five days of programming focused on AI, healthcare, entrepreneurship, policy, and the future of business
LOS ANGELES, Nov. 10, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- AfroTech Conference 2026, held November 2–6 in Houston, drew 35,000 citywide attendees for its 10th anniversary, bringing together entrepreneurs, executives, investors, technology professionals, creators, and industry leaders to explore the ideas, technologies and partnerships shaping the future of business.
Under this year's theme, "Build What's Next," AfroTech's milestone conference featured 300+ speakers, 15 tracks, and 11 stages, with programming spanning artificial intelligence, healthcare innovation, entrepreneurship, policy, smart cities, cybersecurity, marketing, and the creator economy. The conference also created opportunities for attendees to connect with companies, investors, founders, and potential business partners across industries.
At-a-Glance
- Attendance: 35,000 attendees citywide
- HealthStack: 650 attendees at the inaugural HealthStack Conference
- Programming: 300+ speakers, 15 tracks, and 11 stages
- Partners: 17 strategic partners
- Media: 45+ credentialed media representatives; 1.9 million social media impressions
- Business participation: 160 Tech companies, exhibitors, sponsors or participating organizations
Program Highlights & Outcomes
- Policy, smart cities and technology's broader impact: Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley addressed AI governance during "Accountability and the AI Economy." The Executive Policy Breakfast convened Congressman Christian Menefee, elected officials and business leaders to discuss technology and public leadership.
- AI and the future of work: Dr. Timnit Gebru and Andrew Yang examined responsible AI and the changing workforce. The AI Edge Training Summit and Microsoft's House of Black TechXcellence offered hands-on learning, while Vic Mensa and Simone Tyler explored AI-generated music and creative ownership.
- HealthStack brings healthcare innovation into focus: Presented by Sanofi, the inaugural HealthStack Conference welcomed 650 attendees for programming on clinical AI, digital health and patient care. "Bad Data Is Costing Black Lives" explored medical data biases and disparities in patient outcomes.
- Entrepreneurship, business and investment: Blavity CEO Morgan DeBaun joined Earn Your Leisure co-founders Rashad Bilal and Troy Millings for "State of Black Business," exploring Black entrepreneurship. Idea Hour sessions with Rachel Rodgers and Arlan Hamilton offered entrepreneurs live pitch feedback.
- Creator economy and culture-driven innovation: The Creators Summit explored monetization, while the AfroTech Authors Pavilion featured Roy Wood Jr., Robin Givhan and Ariane Simone. The Blavity House Party Block Party returned to Discovery Green, and a Legacy Dinner with Black Enterprise honored the Future 50.
- Houston community and local engagement: AfroTech's citywide activations and local vendor partnerships supported Houston's hospitality industry, businesses and economic growth.
Quotes
"Reaching AfroTech's 10-year milestone is a powerful reflection of how far this community has come and the opportunities still ahead," said Morgan DeBaun, Founder and CEO of Blavity Inc. "What began as a platform to bring people together around technology and innovation has grown into a dynamic ecosystem where entrepreneurs, executives, investors and companies can connect, exchange ideas and build what's next."
"AfroTech is about more than the conversations happening onstage, it's about the connections and opportunities that take shape throughout the conference," said Jeff Nelson, Co-Founder and COO of Blavity Inc. "As we look ahead, we're focused on continuing to expand AfroTech's impact as a place where meaningful business relationships are built and innovation moves forward."
Looking Ahead
As AfroTech marks its 10th anniversary, the conference remains a platform for technology, entrepreneurship and innovation. AfroTech Conference 2027 will return to Houston, Texas, November 1–5, 2027. For more information, visit afrotechconference.com.
Media Assets & Interviews
High-resolution photos from AfroTech 2026 are available for editorial use. Select speakers and spokespeople are available for interviews upon request.
ABOUT BLAVITY INC.
Founded in 2014, Blavity Inc. is the leading media and technology company serving Black millennials and Gen Z. Its portfolio includes AfroTech, 21Ninety, Home & Texture, Travel Noire, Blavity House Party and Talent Infusion, reaching over 100 million people monthly. Please visit blavityinc.com.
ABOUT AFROTECH CONFERENCE
AfroTech is the global hub for Black tech, innovation and entrepreneurship. The AfroTech community convenes over 75,000 professionals and 150+ global companies a year and hosts its flagship AfroTech Conference for a week of keynotes, panels, networking and culture-driven tech programming. Please visit afrotechconference.com.
MEDIA CONTACT
5W Public Relations
afrotech@5wpr.com
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SOURCE AfroTech
