• EVENT SCHEDULE

    PLC DETROIT | Thursday – Sunday, September 26 – 29, 2024

    VIEW FULL LINEUP OF SPEAKERS

    PRE-CONFERENCE EVENTS

    Wednesday, September 25

    6:00 – 9:00 PM — Art On Canvas Contest and Mixer Hosted by Martk'd

    The Godfrey Detroit | 1401 Michigan Ave, Detroit

     

    Thursday, September 26

    6:30 – 9:00 PM — Welcome Mixer by Detroit Pistons

    Henry Ford Health Pistons Performance Center | 6201 2nd Ave, Detroit

     

    CONFERENCE DAY 1

    Friday, September 27

    Pensole Lewis College of Business and Design | PLC Icon Building | 200 Walker Street, Detroit

     

    PROGRAM HOST: JENEE OSTERHELDT

     

    8:00 AM — Breakfast & Registration

     

    9:00 AM — Welcome & Remarks

    • Akua Hill, Director of Arts and Culture, Gilbert Family Foundation
    • Dr. D'Wayne Edwards, President, PLC Detroit
    • Portia Blunt, SVP Global Product, Creative Direction & Social Impact at Reebok; Black Footwear Forum Chairwoman

    9:15 AM — Introduction of 2024 Theme

    • Jeneé Osterheldt, Deputy Managing Editor for Culture, Talent, and Development, Boston Globe

    9:25 AM — The "Unstate" of DE&I — Exploration of the current state and undoing of diversity, equity, and inclusion. What does this mean for our industry and the future of access to opportunities?

    10:00 AM — More Than an Athlete

    10:30 AM — The Business is Personal: Cultivating Beauty in the Face of Challenges — A focus on PR & Communications in the Black footwear community

    • Moderator: Jeneé Osterheldt, Deputy Managing Editor for Culture, Talent, and Development, Boston Globe
    • Les Green, Strategic Advisor for FCTRY LAb
    • Jasmin Francis, Global Marketing Manager | Collaborations & Energy
    • Ricky Shoebio, Creative Director, Photographer, & Founder of KYD 
    • Ludlow Dawes, Senior Brand Manager, BACARDÍ Rums

    11:15 AM — BREAKOUT SESSION: Reset to Rejuvenate, a BEAM Moment powered by lululemon — Enjoy a moment of rest that includes a guided meditation and healing sound bath - a holistic health practice that uses the combination of mindful presence, sound, and meditation to effect positive changes in one's mind, body and spirit. We will use crystal sound bowls to create vibrational harmony that helps balance the brain, lower stress levels, and reduce tension in the body.

    11:15 AM — BREAKOUT SESSION: Legacy – Past, Present, and Future with Wilson Smith — A one-on-one with design legend Wilson Smith.

    Location: Wilson Smith Studio

    • Wilson Smith, Footwear Design Director, Nike

    11:15 AM — BREAKOUT SESSION: More than a Collaboration, a BEAM Moment powered by StockX and the Detroit Pistons—Understanding how brand partnerships bridge the gaps between community, culture and education.   

    12:00 PM — Lunch & Networking Break

    *Lunch will be available for purchase from a variety of local and top-rated food trucks 

     

    12:00 PM — The Law Lab with Kenneth Anand - attorney and Sneaker Law author Kenneth Anand will be giving free legal consultations and advice, courtesy of Jayaram Law - Lawyers for Innovators™️. Consultations will be first come, first served, and limited to 10 minutes.

     

    1:30 PM — BREAKOUT SESSION: How the 'Wrong' Path Led to the Paris Olympics, a BEAM Moment powered by Brooks Running — Join Pensole Alum Jon Guisbert, Footwear Designer for Elite Athletes at Brooks Running, as he dives into his career journey from being an accountant to designing footwear for world class athletes at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Jon will be joined by Brooks professional athlete and Olympian, Brandon Miller, to discuss his own journey as a professional athlete, his dream, and the obstacles he navigated to get to the Paris 2024 Olympics, and how the intersection of their stories led to the creation of the footwear that supported Brandon’s success.

    1:30 PM — BREAKOUT SESSION: Better Together —  When Black women come together with a common goal, they make things happen down to the detail. In this panel, women will discuss their wants, their needs, and how they're fostering collaboration among one another, crushing tokenism, and taking the stigma away from those who work in the same fields or hold the same roles.

    1:30 PM — BREAKOUT SESSION: But Are You Good At It? — 'But, are you good at it?' is more than a question—it's a challenge. Join us as we help beginners and professionals find their superpowers, sharpen their skills, and own their value.

    1:30 PM — BREAKOUT SESSION: When Dreams Come True But Look Different Than You Imagined.... , a BEAM Moment powered by ROCK and PLC — D'Wayne Edwards and Allen Largin share how their encounter 14 years ago led to the creation of the 1st Design focused HBCU and a new creative career that did not exist. Learn insights on how to follow your dreams, how to dream bigger and be open to your vision for success being better than you dreamed.

    • Dr. D'Wayne Edwards, President, PLC Detroit
    • Allen Largin, Creative & Innovation Director of ROCK 

    2:30 PM — The Black Standard —This panel will unpack the complexities of the 'Black Standard' in products and services, questioning whether being labeled 'Black-owned' is a benefit or a limitation. Throughout the discussion, we'll spotlight Black-owned footwear and apparel brands, amplifying their stories and brands as we navigate the nuances of being a black-owned business.

    3:15 PM — Threaded — Raw conversation with entrepreneurs who started their brand and made it into the doors of Foot Locker. Explore the real challenges of launching your brand and the strategic roadmap for scaling your business. From navigating initial hurdles to devising actionable growth plans, entrepreneurs share their insights and missteps.

    3:45 PM — Afternoon Session powered by Reebok

     

    4:10 PM — Blacklight Awards

     

    4:30 PM — Amplifying Black Brilliance: Culture, Community, and Design, powered by PepsiCo

     

    EXPLORE DETROIT – This year we encourage attendees to get out and explore Detroit on Friday night. Check out our suggestions here and support local Detroit businesses.

     

    CONFERENCE DAY 2

    Saturday, September 28

    Pensole Lewis College of Business and Design | PLC Icon Building | 200 Walker Street, Detroit 

     

    PROGRAM HOST: JENEE OSTERHELDT

     

    8:00 AM — Breakfast & Registration

     

    9:00 AM — Opening Session

    • Jenee Osterheldt, Deputy Managing Editor for Culture, Talent, and Development, Boston Globe 

    9:15 AM — Women.IN — A spotlight on the women who move and lead the industry forward.

    9:45 AM —Research, Role Models, and References powered by New Balance — Exploring the relationship between confidence, style, and continuity - showing up consistently for what you want in life. Delve into the significance of openly acknowledging and embracing role models while creatively referencing the people and projects that paved the way before us.

    10:30 AM — Black Genius Talk Powered by adidas — Providing practical insights and strategies for achieving professional excellence while maintaining personal well-being and fostering a sustainable approach to career success.

    • Moderator: Jessica Smith, CEO & Founder, i.e. and Co-Founder, adidas S.E.E.D.
    • Felecia Hatcher, CEO, Black Ambition and Co-founder, Black Tech Week
    • Alli Simon, Founder and Executive Director, Black Being
    • Daziah Green, Assistant Footwear Designer, adidas Basketball 

    11:00 AM — BREAKOUT SESSION: Beyond the Surface: Deepening Relationships to Real DEI, a BEAM Moment powered by Steve Madden — The heart of every successful initiative is the strength of its relationships. This session will delve into the relationships that power the Steve Madden and Howard University partnership. We’ll explore the essential connections that drive DEI work, particularly for Black professionals navigating the industry. From fostering internal relationships that champion and sustain these initiatives to building authentic partnerships with HBCUs, this session uncovers how these relationships profoundly impact students, shaping their experiences with corporations, their peers, and their academic leaders.

    • Gregg Meyer, Chief Sustainability Officer, Steve Madden
    • April Dinwoodie, DEIB Lead, Steve Madden
    • Fezeka Barnes, Howard University Student
    • Cathy House, BRAG President and Professor, Howard University  

    11:00 AM — BREAKOUT SESSION: The Six Secrets of a Successful Collab — Discover the six secrets to creating impactful collaborations with The COLLAB Framework by Bimma, a proven method that helps brands, creatives, and marketers craft cultural moments that resonate and succeed.

    12:00 PM — Lunch & Networking Break

    *Lunch will be available for purchase from a variety of local and top-rated food trucks 

     

    12:00 PM — The Law Lab with Kenneth Anand - attorney and Sneaker Law author Kenneth Anand will be giving free legal consultations and advice, courtesy of Jayaram Law - Lawyers for Innovators™️. Consultations will be first come, first served, and limited to 10 minutes.

     

    1:15 PM — BREAKOUT SESSION: Legacy – Past, Present, and Future with April Walker— A one-on-one with the iconic and trailblazing April Walker.

    Location: April Walker Apparel Design STU/DEO

    1:15 PM — BREAKOUT SESSION: TappedIn — Exploring various career pathways and how to tap into transferable skills.

    1:15 PM — BREAKOUT SESSION: Take it this Far — Introspective conversation with experts who have mastered their skills and transformed their fields into something new and transferable. Our panelists will reflect on their journeys, exploring how they evolved categories that didn't previously exist or seemed unrelated.

    2:15 PM — Black Genius Talk, powered by Converse

    2:45 PM — Free Game: No Complaints, All Solutions

    • Moderator: James Whitner, Owner & Founder, The Whitaker Group: A MA Maniere, Social Status & APB
    • Matt Tomamichel, Owner of Corporate & Co-Founder of Bigger Than Sneakers
    • Jennifer Ford, Founder & Owner, Premium Goods
    • Ro Spit, Owner, Burn Rubber & Two 18 

    3:45 PM — Blacklight Awards

     

    4:15 PM — Black Genius Talk: Betting on Yourself – The Power of Self-Belief and Resilience, powered by Puma

    • Moderator: James Whitner, Owner & Founder, The Whitaker Group: A MA Maniere, Social Status & APB
    • Emory Jones, Co-Founder and CMO, Paper Planes 

    5:15 PM — Networking Mixer

     

    CONFERENCE DAY 3

    Sunday, September 29 — Soleful Sunday

    Pensole Lewis College of Business and Design | PLC Icon Building | 200 Walker Street, Detroit  

     

    10:30 AM - 1:30 PM — Sisters in Sole Brunch

     

    10:00 AM - 12:00 PM — Men's Retreat- "I'M GOOD" Workshop

    As Black Men we often use the phrase "I'M GOOD" when we really are not. The session will explore the what and why we use this statement + offer tools for participants to be ok with being vulnerable, asking for help and owning the power of curating your own definition of what it is to be a Black Man. Speakers:

    • Dion Walcott, Founder of MARTK'D and Director of Partnerships, PLC Detroit
    • Cori Williams, award-winning author and Founder of Quintessential Wellness Solutions LLC 

     

    1:30 PM - 3:30PM — Be Well. Be You. A wellness Workshop for industry professionals by adidas, i.e., and Black Being

    Ever wondered how to instill balance between professional pursuits and personal wellbeing? This workshop, designed and led by Alli Simon, meditation, yoga, and community care facilitator based in South Los Angeles and Executive Director of Black Being, will help demystify wellness, spark deeper connections with peers, and create access to practices that center wellbeing in a safe, community setting. *For women and non-binary people only* 

  • SUPPORTED BY

    THANK YOU TO OUR 2024 EVENT SPONSORS

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