CONNECTING BLACK TALENT WITH EMPLOYER BRANDS
The IAmBlack Conference was a groundbreaking event focused on Unleashing the Power of Black Talent and Employer Brands. The conference brought...
The IAmBlack Conference was a groundbreaking event focused on Unleashing the Power of Black Talent and Employer Brands. The conference brought together employer brands and Black talents from across multiple industries. The target audience includes Black Students, Professionals and Business Owners, with an expected attendance of 500 delegates.
With the participation of about 30 employer brands and 10 speakers spanning Finance, Tech, Engineering, Legal, Healthcare, Arts, Education, Public Sector, and more, brands engaged with delegates, learnt about the changing trends within a diverse talent pool, discovered strategies for attracting and retaining them, and buillt lasting relationships within the Black community in Scotland.
The conference featured a full-day program of inspiring keynotes, insightful panel discussions, game-changing masterclasses and networking opportunities.
Glasgow
- University of Strathclyde
The Technology and Innovation Centre, G1 1RD
Gear Up for 2025
30 EMPLOYERS
28 SPEAKERS
500 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 build lasting relationships within the Black community, fostering a supportive network for career growth.
Sponsors
Thank you to our 2024 Sponsors
Headline
Strategic Supporters
Thank you to our 2024 Speakers
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.