EVENT SCHEDULE

CONFERENCE DAY 1

Friday, September 19

PLC Detroit | Icon Building | 200 Walker Street, Detroit

8:15 AM – Breakfast & Registration

9:00 AM – Welcome

Speakers: D’Wayne Edwards | Portia Blunt

9:15 AM – Introduction of Theme: Own Your Power. Define the Future

Speaker: Jacques Slade

9:30 AM – DEI | ONE YEAR LATER…. Wait… Wait… Wait… WHAT?

Speakers: D’Wayne Edwards | Jarvis Sam | Brandice Daniels

10:00 AM – Black Genius – HERstory by Harlem Fashion Row x Sisters In Sole

This fireside chat brings together two visionary leaders who are redefining what it means to build brands that blend cultural influence, storytelling, and business excellence in the worlds of fashion and footwear. Portia Blunt, Founder of Bee Blunt, sits down with Brandice Daniel, Founder of Harlem’s Fashion Row, for an intimate and inspiring conversation about charting new paths, breaking systemic barriers, and leading with purpose in an ever-changing global industry.

Speakers: Brandice Daniels | Portia Blunt

10:30 AM – Preserving the Culture: Always & Forever by StockX

Protect the culture at all costs. We know its value… where it comes from, how it moves, and why it matters. But even with its undeniable power, it’s constantly at risk of being diluted, misappropriated, or erased. This conversation brings together visionary creators and cultural stewards who’ve made it their life’s work to defend, preserve, and elevate the culture - always and forever. From tough decisions across entrepreneurship, brand collabs, and creative direction to keeping circles tight and navigating tech’s growing influence, panelists will unpack their past wins and lessons, current energy, and views on bold moves shaping what’s next.

Speakers: Damien Hooper- Campbell | Daniel de Jesus Krueger | Michael Graham | Bobby Joseph

11:15 AM – Networking Break

11:30 AM – Breakout Sessions

Laced for Legacy: Women Owning Their Space in the Game by Skechers

This session explores how brands can better meet the needs of women athletes, amplify their voices, and innovate through storytelling and partnerships. It will also address barriers such as fit, performance, visibility, and respect—while highlighting how women are reshaping the industry by launching brands, forging partnerships, and reclaiming influence.

Speakers: Rickea Jackson | Ashlie Hallman | Shacari Sanchez | Elan Hawkins

The Laws of the Game Part 1: Intellectual Property Fundamentals & Product Protection

A practical session on protecting your designs and brand—covering trade dress, patents, copyrights, trademarks, and real-world strategies to safeguard your work.

(BFF Institute Certificate Course)

Speaker: Kenneth Anand

Retail Fundamentals — Is Retail Right for Me? by Target Accelerator

This session will prepare the next generation of founders to understand the key considerations of retail. We’ll share what it takes to move a brand from idea to marketplace — covering financial readiness, production scalability, retail channel strategies, and common pitfalls. Whether you’re just starting your journey or planning ahead, you’ll leave with insights to guide your next steps in retail.

(BFF Institute Certificate Course)
Speakers: Reham Habib | Mimi Udezue

SHOP TALK by The Social Club x Nike Inc.

Speakers: Shaka Senghor | Larry Miller

How to Build a Successful Apparel Brand 1.0 by Foot Locker

The discussion includes the key elements and best practices for starting and scaling an apparel brand. Encouraging aspiring designers to bring samples of their current brand to the session, where brands will have an opportunity to show during the networking period of the session.

(BFF Institute Certificate Course)

Speakers: Jordan Dixon | Donald Dudley | Alan Baxter | Melanie Robins | Bam Leon

Black Soles 5 Decades OF Black Footwear Designers

On stage for the first time we celebrate 5-decades of Black Footwear Designers from the 1980’s, 1990's, 2000's, 2010's and 2020’s as they share how they entered the industry and the people that inspired them.

Speakers: Wilson Smith | Kim Shane | Jason Mayden | Ashley Comeaux | Ron Wright | Eliya Jackson

12:30 PM – Lunch

BackYARD BBQ by Target

(Food provided by Smokey G's, purchase lunch pass here)

2:00 PM – Breakout Sessions

United by the Sole: How We Move Culture Together by The Athlete's Foot

forward.Sneaker culture has always been bigger than shoes, it’s about people, stories, and the community that keeps it alive. United by the Sole brings together Atlanta retailers, brands, and influencers to talk about what really matters: building culture, not just chasing hype. From shaping the streets to shifting the industry, this conversation uncovers how collaboration fuels authenticity, connects communities, and keeps the culture moving forward.

,Speakers: Jamiersen Green | TJ Bennet | Tiona Deniece | K.O. | Julia Everidge | Darius Billings

Global Threads: The Policy That Powers Product with FDRA

Gain new strategic footwear insights critical to your job and business. FDRA explains how tariffs are significantly impacting the shoe industry, forcing shoe design changes, supply chain shifts and consumer behaviors.

(BFF Institute Certificate Course)

Speakers: Andy Polk | Hyma Moore

Humble Negro Printer

A Printing Legend Amos Paul Kennedy Jr., was working a corporate job when at nearly forty, he discovered the art of letterpress printing and decided to devote himself to the craft. He is internationally recognized for his type-driven messages of social justice and Black power, emblazoned in rhythmically layered and boldly inked prints. NBA Legend Kevin Johnson and owner of FIXINS Soul Food kitchen will moderate a 1 on 1 conversation.

Speakers: Amos Paul Kennedy Jr. | Kevin Johnson

Butterfly Effect: Women, Culture & Creative Resilience

This transformative breakout session will explore women, culture, and the ways we transform and “butterfly” in our creative worlds, while navigating the realities and resistance we face. Bringing together multiple generations, we’ll invite both panelists and participants to pose questions, share stories, and exchange strategies.

Speakers: April Walker | Mila Lynn | Ameera Haynes | Sydney Jameses

WE OUTSIDE by Merrell

Outside is more than a place, it’s a mindset. It’s stepping away from the monotony and a return to clarity. For too long, the outdoor industry has centered a narrow view of who belongs, and how far you must go to find it. We’re here to share the simple power of being outside with everyone. Inspiring and expanding access, catalyzing the culture that comes from stepping beyond four walls.

Speakers: Kareem Day | David Gibson | Tiawanna Ezell | Holly Young

Frame by Frame

This conversation explores the transformative power of film as a tool for world designing, with a special focus on the pivotal contributions of Black filmmakers from Frederick Douglass and Oscar Micheaux to contemporary creatives like Romeo Okura and Kashira Downridge. Tailored for designers across industries, the session highlights how Black picture-makers have shaped cultural narratives, advanced authentic representation, and elevated brands through their unique storytelling perspectives. Featuring guest speakers and examples, the conversation invites attendees to reimagine the role of film in crafting inclusive worlds and compelling brand identities.

Speakers: Joe Reilley | Kashira Downridge

Short Cuts Networking Lounge by The Social Club x Nike Inc.

3:00 PM – Networking Break

3:30 PM – From Concepts to Collabs by Saucony

How do you move from idea to creative collaboration? Jae Tips and Jason Faustino share their collaborative process and talk all things inspiration, design, fashion, music, and footwear. They will drop their gems on not just getting into the industry but also growing and expanding creative expression.

Speakers: Jae Tips | Jason Faustino | Holly Young

4:00 PM – Blacklight Awards

4:30 PM – Sisters In Sole: Queens Building Bridges with Kings

Roxanne Shanté × April Walker: Two Queens. Two Legends. One unforgettable conversation. Join Hip-hop icon Roxanne Shanté and streetwear pioneer April Walker in a raw talk on breaking barriers, making your mark in male-dominated industries, building legacies, and paving the way for the next generation.

Speakers: Roxanne Shante | April Walker

Roxane Shante and April Walker

5:30 PM – Joe Freshgoods x Aged Well Documentary

To mark Joe’s 5-year milestone, he’s created a powerful documentary exploring entrepreneurship, brand building, and cultural legacy. Joe's chosen to debut the screening exclusively with the BFF audience first. Short Q+A to follow.

Speaker: Joe Freshgoods

6:30 PM – SKETCHBATTLE by Nike Inc.

7:00 PM – VIZCOM: The Art of 3D

Join Vizcom Product Expert Ali Moosavi during the Sketch Battle for an inside look at how AI is reshaping footwear design workflows. This interactive session will feature live demos of Vizcom in action, with Ali walking through real design processes and answering your questions on the spot. Come see how today’s designers are pushing creativity forward with AI, and explore what the future of footwear design can look like. Please register through our app or attendee hub.

(BFF Institute Certificate Course)

7:00 PM – Designing in 3D: Footwear Workflows with Adobe Substance

Join Anna Violette for an inside look at how Adobe Substance 3D is shaping the future of footwear design. This session will show how designers bring materials, textures, and finishes to life in 3D, with live examples of how Substance fits into real workflows. Whether you’re new to 3D or looking to expand your process, you’ll leave with fresh ideas and inspiration for what’s possible in footwear design.

(BFF Institute Certificate Course)

Speaker: Anna Violette