The landscape of sports is changing faster than ever. This is reshaping the influence, opportunity, and pressures of athletes as both brands and businesses, especially as live sports surges ahead in the media landscape on and off the field. As the industry of the game transforms, athletes need to be more proactive in their brand-building and business-building than ever. What does the world around the next generation of athletes look like, and how do they get ready for it today?

Join former NBA #1 pick Greg Oden, Larry Hall, a seven-year veteran in Global Brand Communications at adidas, and Andre Gray, Chief Creative Officer, as they explore the evolving business of sports and the future of athletes as brands and business networks.

We are living in the most polarizing time in modern history, where it seems like we are in a perpetual political cycle, where campaign narratives are focused on division not unification. In this 45 minute fireside chat moderated by Arturo Nuñez, Senatorial candidate Hill Harper will discuss the current state of democracy, the challenges with the democratic party, how diversity impacts election results, and how being in a perpetual political cycle will continue to be a challenge in unifying our country.

In a sport that has long been associated with exclusivity, Eastside Golf is bringing a fresh, modern approach that reflects the spirit of Black culture. The founders, Olajuwon Ajanaku and Earl Cooper, have successfully merged golf with street culture, creating a lifestyle brand that resonates with a new generation of golfers. This panel will examine the broader impact of Black culture on the sport, from fashion and media representation to grassroots efforts aimed at increasing accessibility. The conversation will also touch on how cultural movements can create lasting change in traditionally exclusive spaces, highlighting the role that Black entrepreneurs play in reinventing industries.

Experience crisp lines from BEVEL, the first and only head to toe grooming brand designed for sensitive skin and coarse hair. Our expert Barbers and Grooming Specialists Candice Villafane Ryan and Jomo Kenyatta will be available from 9am to 5pm on Wednesday, October 16th, and Thursday, October 17th.

No need to book—just roll through to get a touch up while enjoying real conversation on our BEVEL Talks stage. Join in on candid discussions led by our expert host about honoring BIPOC men, navigating the world and the weights they carry, supporting their tribes, and normalizing mental health and wellness. Each conversation ties back to economic inclusion and leveling the playing field. Don’t miss this unique blend of grooming services alongside meaningful dialogue!

It is a rare leader who makes it to the ranks of CEO. It is even rarer when that leader is Black. Join CEOs Amber Guild and Danny Robinson for an intimate conversation where they’ll spill the tea on their trailblazing paths in the ad world, the personal stories that shaped them, and some wisdom for all up-and-comers eager to make moves.

Let’s face it, everybody wants to win awards and be recognized for the work they do. However, the awards culture in advertising has a lot more implications than just acknowledging great work. Brands use your agency’s award history as way of determining your value. Executives want to work for agencies that have won, and they want to receive the type of briefs that allow them to create award-winning-worthy work. While this doesn’t sound bad at all, how does this affect diverse owned agencies, and executives who are fighting to get an opportunity to compete on a level where they can reap the awards of a Cannes Lion or an Effie? Is the awards industry inherently biased, does it inadvertently perpetuate bias, and how can it make itself more equitable? In this panel, Simon Cooke, CEO of Cannes Lion, will talk about the awards industry and the work he is doing to make awards work for everyone!

*This lunch for Premier Registrants is proudly sponsored by Omnicom | OPRG, located within the Premier Lounge.

Lunch curated by 8it, NYC’s app for food pop-ups, drops and industry recos. 8it’s bringing Black culinary magic to Blackweek; today featuring Chef Brittney “Stikxz” Williams, a renowned NYC chef of Jamaican descent serving us a dish that celebrates the Jamaican diaspora, blending tradition with innovation. Download 8it, the simplest way to find the best food.

Herbed Quinoa Salad (chicken & veggie):
Spiced chickpea, fried shallots, goat cheese & coconut masala dressing

This lunch is proudly sponsored by KUAMP, an award-winning, independent, Black-owned pioneering creative production studio at the intersection of culture and innovation. Visit kuamp.com to learn more.

*NOTE: this lunch is for Premier Registrants only located within the Omnicom | OPRG Premier Lounge.

Lunch curated by 8it, NYC’s app for food pop-ups, drops and industry recos. 8it’s bringing Black culinary magic to Blackweek; today featuring Chef Chris Martin from Cmarty’s Jerk, known for a modern take on Caribbean cuisine. Download 8it to find where CMarty’s Jerk is poppin’ up next.

Jerk Chicken Sandwich:
Jerk Chicken, Lettuce, Tomato, Mayo, on 6-inch roll.

Caribbean Veggie Sandwich:
Cabbage, Carrot, Mixed Peppers, Jerk Scallion Cream Cheese spread, Tomato Lettuce on a 6-inch roll.