AfroTech 2024: Great for Some, But Not Everybody
A lot of people don’t know how to make the most of in-person events like AfroTech.
Conferences like AfroTech can be transformational for some—but not everybody. Why? Because success at events like this doesn’t come from just being in the room—it comes from knowing how to navigate it.
Here are 10 lessons and tips to help future attendees maximize their time, build relationships and avoid the pitfalls that hold so many back.
1. Wear Something Recognizable
At AfroTech, I wore my Morgan State swag, and it was a game-changer. Alumni I didn’t know approached me, and even people who didn’t go to Morgan started conversations because they had connections to the area.
One guy said, “Hey, I didn’t go to Morgan, but I’m from that area!” Another person mentioned, “My cousin went to Morgan!” It made starting conversations effortless and gave people an easy reason to approach me.
Pro Tip: Wear something that represents your alma mater, personal brand, or anything that sparks recognition. It makes you approachable and memorable.
2. Go Deep, Be Genuine, and Smile
Go beyond surface-level conversations. When I’m talking to someone, I have two goals:
- Learn something genuinely interesting about them.
- See if we have anything in common.
For example, I met a guy who works at a large enterprise software company, and I found out we’ve both lived in three of the same cities. We even realized we were both in LA at the same time, hanging out at the Standard Hotel’s rooftop bar.
These connections happen when you ask specific questions like:
- “Do you specialize in a specific vertical or industry?”
- “How did you get into this role?”
Also, don’t underestimate the power of a smile. People often tell me, “You seem nice to talk to,” just because I smiled when I said hello. Smiling makes people feel good and opens the door for conversations.
3. Don’t Be Afraid to Compliment People
Compliments are underrated as networking tools. If someone has on fly shoes, let them know! Compliments can break the ice and lead to conversations you never expected.
At one event, I noticed a panel moderator who was killing it. He was funny, sharp, and had an incredible ability to manage the panel’s responses. After the session, I walked up to him and said:
- “Man, you’re pretty funny! How’d you get so good at hosting and moderating events?”
He smiled and said:
- “I’ve been practicing for 13 years before I even started.”
Naturally, I had to ask:
- “13 years? Doing what?”
He laughed and said:
- “I was a bartender in San Jose for 13 years. Every night was like managing a panel—getting people to talk, keeping the energy up, and navigating personalities.”
That simple compliment led to a long conversation, and I walked away with a deeper appreciation for his journey and skills.
Pro Tip: Compliments open doors. They’re disarming and make people more likely to engage with you. Start with something genuine, and you never know where the conversation might lead.
4. Use Simple Phrases to Break the Ice
Breaking the ice doesn’t have to be complicated. One of my favorite lines is:
- “Hey, do you mind if I sit next to you?”
You can use this when resting after a long day or during lunch. Most people won’t sit for 15-20 minutes without saying something, so it’s an easy way to start a conversation.
Pro Tip: If you’re attending with friends, sure, have lunch with them—but don’t do that every day. Use some lunches to meet new people. Just like in high school, the lunch table can be a place to have casual conversations that lead to great connections.
5. Go Alone and Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help
A lot of people don’t like attending events alone, but honestly, going solo is one of the best ways to make meaningful connections. When you’re by yourself, you’re more approachable, and people aren’t as intimidated to strike up a conversation with you as they might be if you’re in a group.
If you feel nervous about being alone, don’t overthink it—just ask for help. Say something like:
- “Hey, I’m new to this event and don’t know what to expect. Do you have any tips or recommendations?”
- “This is my first time here. Have you been before? What should I check out?”
Large events like AfroTech can feel overwhelming, but people are usually happy to help if you’re honest and open. In fact, being vulnerable and asking for advice can even lead to meaningful connections with people who might feel the same way.
Pro Tip: Going solo and asking for help creates opportunities to meet people and learn from their experiences. It’s all about being approachable and genuine.
6. Build Relationships by Giving First
Relationship building isn’t about what you can take—it’s about what you can give. I like asking questions like:
- “What are your goals?”
- “What are you working on in the next 6-12 months?”
Helping someone achieve their goals feels great and builds trust. Try not to take anything; focus on giving. People remember that.
7. Support People You Know
Networking isn’t just about meeting new people—it’s also about showing up for the ones you already know. A classmate from college told me he was speaking on a panel, so I made it a point to attend. Not only did I support him, but I also invited someone I had just met to come along. He was excited to do something off the agenda, and we attended the panel together. My classmate appreciated the support, and it was a great way to strengthen an existing relationship while making a new connection.
On top of that, events like these are an opportunity to learn from the best. Watching people you know shine can be just as inspiring as hearing from big-name speakers. For example, seeing Jonathan White , a Morgan State University alum, on the CrowdStrike panel was a major highlight for me. He shared his entrepreneurial and corporate experience at Blavity where he partnered with roughly 200 corporate sponsors, and generated millions of dollars for AFROTECH. Watching someone from my HBCU shine like that was both inspiring and motivating.
Pro Tip: Show up for people you know first—it strengthens your existing relationships and gives you chances to connect with new people. And don’t overlook the opportunity to be inspired by those already excelling in their field.
8. Plan Ahead, Stay Until the End, and Prepare for Long Days
AfroTech is a marathon, not a sprint. To make the most of it, plan ahead and be prepared. Research the sessions and events you want to attend, RSVP early, and map out your schedule. Knowing where to go and what’s happening will save you time and stress.
Stick around until the end. By Saturday, many attendees had left, and the smaller crowds gave me more opportunities for relaxed, meaningful conversations without the rush. I connected with people I might’ve missed earlier in the week, simply because I stayed.
Also, prepare for the long days. AfroTech days were 16-17 hours long, so arriving early, staying late, and wearing comfortable shoes made all the difference. Trust me, by mid-afternoon, your feet will thank you.
If you’re local, don’t forget to engage with out-of-towners. Show visitors around and help them experience your city beyond the conference. Houston has incredible food that goes beyond the food trucks outside the convention center, and I had a great time sharing those with attendees who were new to the area.
9. Take Notes and Share (But Keep It Professional!)
I’m a huge believer in taking notes during sessions. If someone misses a session, offer to share your notes—it’s an easy way to add value and start a conversation. I’ve even said, “Hey, I took notes on this session you couldn’t make. Want me to send them to you?”
But do this, and don’t be a creep. Sharing notes is not a strategy to get someone’s number or make things weird. Please be genuine in your intentions and use this to build meaningful, professional connections—not to hit on someone you have a crush on!
Pro Tip: Be helpful, not awkward. Notes are a great way to add value to someone’s day, and being genuine in your approach will always go further than ulterior motives.
10.Take Advantage of Free Perks (and Bring Home the Swag!)
There were about 5 or 6 companies providing free professional headshots. I waited until the last day to take mine, but my friend had the brilliant idea of taking a headshot every single day in a different outfit. Now he has multiple professional photos to use for different occasions.
And let’s talk about the swag. I got so much cool stuff, including portable chargers for my iPhone, Pokemom Cards, Massage Guns, Laptop Bags and more. But, what do I look like being gone all day and coming home empty-handed?
Even better, I scored major brownie points with my wife by bringing home free makeup and cosmetic samples. Companies like L’Oréal and Estée Lauder handed out tons of free products. My wife loves the beauty and cosmetic industry, so those gifts were a hit!
If you’re planning to attend AfroTech in the future, keep these tips in mind. They might just help you make the most of your experience!