EVENT SCHEDULE

CONFERENCE DAY 2

Saturday, September 20

PLC Detroit | Icon Building | 200 Walker Street, Detroit

8:15 AM – Breakfast & Registration

9:00 AM – Welcome

Speaker: Jacques Slade

9:15 AM – Work Place Wellness and Resilience

Speaker: Nicole Lauria

9:45 AM – SHOP TALK by The Social Club x Nike Inc.

Speakers: Jason Mayden | D’Wayne Edwards | Sebastian Jackson

10:15 AM – Detroit Basketball to the World – Diving into the Intersection of Fashion, Culture and Sport and How the Pistons Brand Views the Future of the Global Game by Detroit Pistons

Speakers: Tamar Davis | Tianna Rosser | Jordan Hibbet | Michael Conley | Aaron Smith

10:45 AM – Turning Passion Into Power:

Lessons in Leadership, Legacy, and Lasting Impact by adidas

Speakers: Ashley Ahwah | Shaira Reyes | Jimmy Manley | Ben Lee | Aaron Seabron

11:15 AM – Breakout Sessions

Pitch Pefect by Target Accelerators

This session is all about helping you tell your story in a way that sticks. We’ll break down how to create a personal pitch that feels natural, highlights what makes you unique, and grabs attention that you can adjust and use at networking events, interviews, or just meeting someone new.

(BFF Institute Certificate Course)

Speakers: Reham Habib | Mimi Udezue

SHOP TALK by The Social Club x Nike Inc.

This ShopTalk features Garlin Gilchrist II, the youngest and first Black lieutenant governor in Michigan’s history. The conversation explores how civic leadership, technology, and design intersect to shape policy, expand opportunity, and build stronger communities.

Speakers: Sebastian Jackson | Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II

All About the Benjamins: Principles for Navigating The Modern Business of Culture and The Art of Commerce by Ally

An interactive module and candid discussion covering the basic principles for creating, commercializing,

and growing a valuable consumer brand in the modern era.

Speakers: Jason Brown | Richie Cruz | Kristina Francis

How to Build a Successful Apparel Brand 2.0 by Foot Locker

A Brand Building breakout session that includes key elements of the THREADED accelerator open application 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

AI × Design × Tech – Now Vibe-Centered, Culture-Rooted by Black Tech Saturday

We’re exploring how AI is transforming creativity—where vibes meet visuals and innovation meets intuition. From generative AI as a co-creator and vibe-driven coding to ethical design, immersive futures, and a shift toward “design-as-editing,” we’re redefining what it means to create in the age of AI

(BFF Institute Certificate Course)

Speakers: Caleb “Slikk Money” Conely | Alyse Brown | Brandon Cooper | Nadia Boone

12:15 PM – Lunch

BackYARD BBQ by Target

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

1:45 PM – Breakout Sessions

The Laws of the Game Part 2: How to Negotiate Sneaker Deals

Explore the ins and outs of sneaker collaborations, NIL agreements, and smart deal structures—plus when to enforce your rights without sacrificing community goodwill.

(BFF Institute Certificate Course)

Speaker: Kenneth Anand

Investing in US: How Supporting Black-Owned Brands defines our Future

Black-owned brands and retailers are driving culture and results but too often face shallow support and short-term initiatives. In today’s turbulent socio-economic landscape, where social inequities threaten to stall progress, meaningful support becomes more urgent than ever. The panel unpacks what effective support looks like across capital access, wholesale and retail placement, and storytelling that converts. Discussion will touch on how to move from performative gestures to tangible, resilient action building capacity that sustains Black businesses.

Speakers: Kevin Johnson | Reham Habib | Sydney James | Jenee Osterheldt

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

Guarding Your Genius: Creative Protection in the AI Era by Black Tech Saturday

In the AI era, protecting your genius is non-negotiable. As algorithms remix, regenerate, and replicate at lightning speed, how do we make sure our visions, voices, and vibes stay ours? This evening session brings together legal minds, community leaders, and creative innovators to break down the strategies that matter most.

(BFF Institute Certificate Course)

Speakers: Lauren Uddyback | Karissa Wallace | Jerome Crawford

Conversations Amongst Us with Joe Freshgoods by New Balance

Conversations Amongst Us was created to tackle the lack of diversity in the creative industry- an issue rooted in limited dialogue, awareness, access, and representation. The program connects Joe Freshgoods and New Balance’s ARG Black Soles to communities at the intersection of sport and culture, sparking honest conversations that inspire and create opportunities. Over the years, CAU has also evolved into an interview series where Joe sits down with brand athletes and ambassadors for real, meaningful discussions.

Speakers: Joe Freshgoods

Athlete to Architect: The Shai x Converse Journey by Nike Inc.

This fireside chat will explore the creative and collaborative process behind working with a signature athlete. Attendees will gain behind-the-scenes insight into how an athlete’s vision and interpretation are translated into product reality. The discussion will trace the evolution of the Shai x Converse partnership – from the early days of Shai’s involvement with the brand to his role as Creative Director of Converse Basketball, and the journey to bring the SHAI 001 to life.

Speakers: Broderick Foster | Adrian Stelly | Dr. D’Wayne Edwards

2:30 PM – Networking Break

3:00 PM – In Her Shoes: Stories of Women Shaping the Footwear Industry by Nike Inc.

In this dynamic conversation, NIKE executives come together to share the stories behind their career journeys, the lessons they’ve learned and the wins that matter most. Gain candid insights into navigating non-linear career paths, leading with authenticy and building an industry where diverse voices are heard and celebrated.
Speakers: Domonique Debnam | Kizmet Mills | Brandis Russell

3:30 PM – Blacklight Awards

4:00 PM – FREE GAME by Social Status

Speakers: James Whitner | Melanie Harris | Aria Hughes

6:30 PM – Closing Night Party