Gear Up for IAmBlack Conference 2025
APRIL 14th, 2025 | 9:00AM - 4:15PM
CONNECTING BLACK TALENT WITH EMPLOYER BRANDS
Following the success of its groundbreaking inaugural event, which brought together over 500 delegates, 30 employer brands, and more than 20 speakers, this year promises to be even bigger and better!
The IAmBlack (IAB) Conference 2025 is back for its second edition. Following the success of its groundbreaking inaugural event, which brought together over 500 delegates, 30 employer brands, and more than 20 speakers, this year promises to be even bigger and better! On 14th April 2025, the IAB Conference will unite 30 leading employer brands, 20+ inspiring speakers, and 600+ delegates. Attendees can look forward to a full day of thought-provoking keynotes, dynamic panel discussions, transformative masterclasses, and invaluable networking opportunities, all designed to strengthen connections between Black and other ethnic minority talents, and employer brands across Scotland.
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Technology and Innovation
Centre (TIC)
99 George St, Glasgow G1 1RD, UK
30 EMPLOYERS
20+ SPEAKERS
600+ DELEGATES
20+ INSIGHTFUL SESSIONS
KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM 2024
Insights & Trends
Gained insights into current trends and challenges in attracting and retaining Black talent across various industries.
Strategies
Gained strategies and best practices for building strong employer brands that resonate with Black professionals, students, and business owners.
Connections
Forged valuable connections and built lasting relationships within the Black community, fostering a supportive network for career growth.
Proposed Schedule
Exhibition Centre
- Arrival & Registration
- Networking
Main Conference Room
- Opening Keynote: Unleashing Black Excellence
- Mentorship Magic: Building Strong Relationships
- Panel Discussion: Breaking Barriers: Inspiring Stories of Black Excellence
- Closing Plenary: Vision for the Future
- Future Leaders: Youth in Business
- Career Transitions: Making Your Move
Conference Room 1
- Breaking Barriers: Navigating Corporate Climates
- Breaking into Finance: Success Stories
- Health & Wellness: A Holistic Approach
- Diversity in STEM: Opportunities and Challenges
Conference Room 2
- From Passion to Profit: Black Entrepreneurship
- The Creative Economy: Arts & Culture
- Navigating Startups: From Idea to Launch
- Building Global Networks: Connecting Diasporas
Conference Room 3
- Cultivating Resilience: Mental Health Strategies
- Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
- Women in Leadership: Empowering Black Women
- Mastering Public Speaking
Conference Room 4
- Tech Titans: Black Innovators in Technology
- Networking Mastery: Building Your Brand
- Workshop: Developing Your Personal Brand for Success
- Breaking News: Media and Journalism
Entrepreneurs Pitch Competition
Black Talent: Hiring & Retention
CV Review, Interview Prep, Careers Guidance, Mentorship Sign Up
Entrepreneurship: Where To Begin
Let Us Talk About Immigration
DEI Best Practice
Entrepreneurship: Where To Begin
DEI & HR Professionals
Sponsors
Meet our 2025 Conference Sponsors
Strategic Sponsors
Gold Sponsors
concluded schedule
9:00AM – 10:00AM
DELEGATES ARRIVAL & REGISTRATION
EXHIBITION CENTRE
Arrival, registration and breakfast with an opportunity to visit exhibition stands and meet employer brands.
10:00AM – 11:00AM
MORNING PLENARY SESSION
MAIN CONFERENCE HALL
The opening plenary session will set the context for the day.
11:00AM – 12:00PM
AI AND THE FUTURE OF WORK
MAIN CONFERENCE HALL
Our speaker will take us into the future of work powered by AI. This is an opportunity to gain knowledge about future careers and to assess your role in the future world of work.
10:00AM – 11:00AM
BLACK TALENT: HIRING & RETENTION
BREAKOUT HALL 1
Join us for an enlightening session led by one of the foremost experts in talent development as we delve into the critical topic of “Black Talent: Hiring and Retention Strategies.” In this dynamic talk, our esteemed speaker will navigate the complexities and opportunities of fostering a truly inclusive workplace environment.
11:00AM – 12:00PM
CV REVIEW, INTERVIEW PREP, CAREERS GUIDANCE, MENTORSHIP SIGN UP
BREAKOUT HALL 3
Do you want to boost your career prospects and get expert advice? Join this event and sign up for CV review, interview prep and careers guidance from seasoned professionals. Don’t miss this chance to grow your network and skills.
11:00AM – 12:00PM
MASTERCLASS: PUBLIC SPEAKING
BREAKOUT HALL 2
Learn public speaking tips from a coach and peers in this 60-minute Masterclass. Craft, deliver, and practice your speech with confidence and impact.
10:00AM – 11:00AM
ENTREPRENEURS PITCH COMPETITION
BREAKOUT HALL 4
Do you have a brilliant business idea or product? Join the Entrepreneurs Pitch Competition and present it to a panel of experts for a chance to win funding, feedback, and exposure. Don’t miss this opportunity to showcase your innovation and network with potential supporters.
12:00NOON – 12:45PM
FIRESIDE CHAT: SUCCEEDING IN YOUR CAREER WITH IKEM ODIKANEKWU
MAIN CONFERENCE HALL
An intimate chat with Ikem Odikanekwu, a first-generation immigrant who is now a Director at BlackRock, the largest asset manager in the world. He will share his insights and tips on how to achieve your career goals. Join this fireside chat and get inspired by his story!
12:00NOON – 12:45PM
CV REVIEW, INTERVIEW PREP, CAREERS GUIDANCE, MENTORSHIP SIGN UP
BREAKOUT HALL 3
Do you want to boost your career prospects and get expert advice? Join this event and sign up for CV review, interview prep and careers guidance from seasoned professionals. Don’t miss this chance to grow your network and skills.
12:00NOON – 12:45PM
ENTREPRENEURS PITCH COMPETITION
BREAKOUT HALL 4
Do you have a brilliant business idea or product? Join the Entrepreneurs Pitch Competition and present it to a panel of experts for a chance to win funding, feedback, and exposure. Don’t miss this opportunity to showcase your innovation and network with potential supporters.
12:45PM – 1:30PM
TIME FOR LUNCH
CONCOURSE
Grab lunch, visit exhibition stands and network.
1:30PM – 2:15PM
AFTERNOON PLENARY SESSION
MAIN CONFERENCE HALL
This session will set the context for the afternoon. We will be hearing from our Headline Sponsor’s Keynote Speaker, Teddy Nyahasha, as well as Councillor Susan Aitken and a representative from Scottish Enterprise, Maya Rousen.
2:15PM – 3:00PM
HOW TO NEGOTIATE A SALARY
MAIN CONFERENCE HALL
Salary negotiation needn’t be daunting. Learn how to negotiate a salary like a pro at this session. Discover the best strategies, tips, and techniques to get the pay you deserve. Come along to boost your confidence and income.
2:15PM – 3:00PM
PANEL DISCUSSION: DEI BEST PRACTICE
BREAKOUT HALL 2
Hear from a panel of experts and practitioners on how to implement DEI best practices in your organisation. Learn from their experiences, challenges, and successes. Ask questions and join the discussion!
11:00AM – 12:00PM
PERSONAL BRANDING FOR GROWTH
BREAKOUT HALL 2
Join us in an exclusive conversation with Teddy Nyahasha, the dynamic IP&I Finance Director at Lloyds Banking Group. Get ready to uncover insider insights and pose your burning questions. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights at this fireside chat and Q&A session.
1:30PM – 2:15PM
CV REVIEW, INTERVIEW PREP, CAREERS GUIDANCE, MENTORSHIP SIGN UP
BREAKOUT HALL 3
Do you want to boost your career prospects and get expert advice? Join this event and sign up for CV review, interview prep and careers guidance from seasoned professionals. Don’t miss this chance to grow your network and skills.
2:15PM – 3:00PM
ENTREPRENEURS PITCH COMPETITION
BREAKOUT HALL 4
Do you have a brilliant business idea or product? Join the Entrepreneurs Pitch Competition and present it to a panel of experts for a chance to win funding, feedback, and exposure. Don’t miss this opportunity to showcase your innovation and network with potential supporters.
3:00PM – 4:00PM
ARE YOU READY FOR LEADERSHIP?
MAIN CONFERENCE HALL
Do you aspire to become a leader in your field? Have you found yourself in a leadership role? Join this event and learn what leadership is, why it matters, and how to develop your leadership skills. Join this session to unleash the leader within.
3:00PM – 4:00PM
DEI & HR PROFESSIONALS: PEER LEARNING & NETWORKING
BREAKOUT HALL 4
Join this open conversation session where you can connect with other hiring managers, DEI and People professionals. Share best practices, and learn from peers in the field. Don’t miss this opportunity to grow your network and skills!
3:00PM – 4:00PM
ENTREPRENEURSHIP: WHERE TO BEGIN
MAIN CONFERENCE HALL
Are you interested in starting your own business? Join this session and learn the basics of entrepreneurship, from finding your idea to launching and growing your venture.
3:00PM – 4:00PM
CV REVIEW, INTERVIEW PREP, CAREERS GUIDANCE, MENTORSHIP SIGN UP
BREAKOUT HALL 3
Do you want to boost your career prospects and get expert advice? Join this event and sign up for CV review, interview prep and careers guidance from seasoned professionals. Don’t miss this chance to grow your network and skills.
3:00PM – 4:00PM
RESERVED FOR WELLNESS BREAK
BREAKOUT HALL 4
Conferences can sometimes be full-on! Don’t forget to take a break here and catch up on emails, connect with family, or simply close your eyes and take a breather.
4:00PM – 4:05PM
ENTREPRENEURS PITCH COMPETITION - WINNER'S PRIZE PRESENTATION
MAIN CONFERENCE HALL
Join us as we celebrate the winner of the IAmBlack Conference’s Entrepreneurs Pitch Competition. Witness the presentation of the grand prize to the most innovative and impactful business idea.
4:05PM – 4:15PM
CLOSING SESSION
MAIN CONFERENCE HALL
This is the final session to reflect on the day, appreciate everyone who has played a part and share some points around the legacy of I Am Black Conference 2024.