3 top takeaways from AfroTech 2023

Every year, AfroTech—the largest Black tech conference—attracts tens of thousands of people who want to increase Black representation in the tech industry. The 2023 conference, held in Austin, Texas, proved to be a blend of innovation, inspiration, and connection.

The event showcased cutting-edge technology and revealed key trends that are shaping the industry. I approached my second year at AfroTech with a seasoned readiness. The idea of sharing space with influential celebrities like Issa Rae and Marsai Martin—two Black women who are at the top of their careers and trailblazing the way—excited me most.

Having transitioned from marketing to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) at ServiceNow this year, I was ready to forge connections within this evolving community and experience the conference with fresh eyes.

Here are my three top takeaways from AfroTech 2023.

1. Generative AI doesn’t have to be confusing

A booming interest in and growing awareness of generative AI (GenAI) echoed through the conference halls. GenAI, which involves machines generating content based on prompts, is gaining attention for its potential to help the world work. From content creation and design to workflow automation and travel planning, GenAI capabilities are far-reaching.

AfroTech featured engaging GenAI sessions and workshops led by industry experts. Attendees were able to glean insights about the technology’s capabilities, ethical standards, and real-life applications.

From sessions on how companies’ DEI departments can help make AI more equitable and responsible to conversations about “if AI ruled the world” (imagine that), the conference aimed to promote a broader understanding of AI and GenAI.

One Learning Lab session, led by Darice Brown, senior director of DEI at ServiceNow, explored the ongoing significance of GenAI, particularly in empowering workforces. McKinsey predicts 30% of work hours will be automated by 2030, with GenAI a contributing factor.

The session also emphasized the need to focus on the impact of GenAI on Black communities to better shape an inclusive AI future. “Now is the opportunity for us to get in, for us to hear our voice,” implored Karen Pavlin, chief equity and inclusion officer at ServiceNow, at the session. “We need to be represented.”

2. Barriers to tech are crumbling

AfroTech served as a testament to the growing allure of the tech industry. The conference attracted both seasoned professionals and newcomers eager to explore the dynamic world of technology. This sense of curiosity and enthusiasm lingered throughout the week.

The traditional obstacles that have prevented some from breaking into the tech industry appear to be crumbling, replaced by a promise of inclusivity and accessibility.

AfroTech offered an experience for people from widely varied backgrounds to engage with tech in meaningful ways: through interactive workshops, mentorship programs, and insightful panel discussions. The conference created a welcoming environment for everyone, regardless of their level of expertise or professional experience.

“This is your moment right now,” announced John Castelly, chief ethics and compliance officer at ServiceNow, at his session. “This is your crossroads between innovation and energy and intelligence.”

This growing interest in tech represents a collective realization that there's room at the top for Black people in the industry. AfroTech marked a significant step toward breaking down stereotypes and empowering people from underrepresented communities to explore and contribute to this surging industry.

3. Authentic networking can be reality

When it comes to networking, Black professionals often struggle between code switching—adjusting how they communicate to appear “normal”—and being authentic. Instead of the traditional corporate networking environments that unwittingly perpetuate code switching, AfroTech had a more natural approach to building connections.

Attendees weren’t expected to have their elevator pitches perfected or resumes up to par. Instead, we were encouraged to open ourselves up to advice. The conference provided plenty of moments for attendees to connect on a personal level, promoting an atmosphere where business relationships felt less transactional and more rooted in shared experiences and passions.

Although I missed out on a seat for actress/writer/producer Issa Rae's session, the bustling, shoulder-to-shoulder crowd in the hallway provided an unexpected opportunity to have meaningful conversations. Amid the mob eagerly hoping to catch a glimpse of our shared muse, I met an interesting mix of people, including a Texan entrepreneur who plans to establish the first all-Black tiny-home community in his city.

From casual historically Black college and university (HBCU) alumni meetups to entrepreneurial workshops and events, AfroTech illustrated an ascension from the cliché, encouraging people to bring their authentic selves to the forefront. The typical corporate dress code was replaced by Jordan sneakers, Telfar handbags, and many other Black-owned fashion brands.

“AfroTech is the best place to network among so many underrepresented people—especially Black people,” says Jaylin Turner, a senior people partner at ServiceNow, who attended the event.

This shift in networking culture is influencing tech companies to build more inclusive and supportive communities. AfroTech proved that fostering genuine connections is necessary for individual growth and is the secret to cultivating a vibrant and collaborative environment within tech.

The rise of GenAI, an expanding interest in tech, and a new paradigm of networking paint a picture of a dynamic and inclusive industry on the edge of a renaissance. The tech sector is becoming more accessible, diverse, and authentically connected than ever before.

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