Event Schedule

Our sessions for the event are now LIVE. Subject to Changes. All Event times are in Central Standard Time. Check this page for more session announcements.
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  • Day 1

    August 18, 2024

  • Happy Hours & Parties
    Where
    2nd Floor - Ball Room of the Americas @ The Hilton Americas Houston

  • Day 2

    August 19, 2024


  • Exploring the vital connection between Computer Science and the Black community, this discussion highlights the field's transformative impact on daily life and the economy. By embracing Computer Science, the Black community can unlock innovation, empowerment, and social mobility, fostering a deeper love and understanding of technology's limitless possibilities.
    The Future of Tech & Culture

  • Where
    The Black Is Tech Expo

  • Startups, Founders & Entrepreneurship
    Where
    Founders Stage

  • The Future of Tech & Culture
    Where
    Breakout Room 1

  • CSR. SSG. SSR. ISR. These acronyms may seem similar, but they represent different rendering methods for React applications. In the past, we had to commit to a single rendering approach for the entire app, but with Next.js, we have the flexibility to choose the optimal rendering type for each page. This hybrid approach aligns closely with the unique needs of our applications. Imagine a landing page with static content that updates only when the code changes, a universally consistent page that undergoes frequent changes, and a personalized logged-in page with content tailored to each user—all rendered differently within a single application. This session is designed for React developers of all backgrounds. We'll explore the various types of rendering methods and deep dive into how Next.js empowers us to leverage them effectively. By the end of this talk, you'll not only gain a comprehensive understanding of these different rendering methods but also have the confidence to make informed decisions that maximize the potential of your React applications.
    Engineering
    Where
    Software Engineering Stage

  • Join this powerful session as Antonio explores the vast potential of quantum computing in advancing various fields, including medical research, material science, telecommunications, AI development, battery technology, weather forecasting, and cybersecurity. He will discuss how quantum computing can solve complex mathematical problems, enable new discoveries, and revolutionize industries. Additionally, Antonio will address the ethical and security challenges posed by quantum computing and highlight the need for new quantum-resistant encryption methods to ensure secure data protection.
    Engineering
    The Future of Tech & Culture
    Where
    Main Stage

  • When developing internal applications, engineers often juggle multiple responsibilities and face pressure to prioritize speed and efficiency. This can result in products that are functional but do not fully meet user needs. Rather than solely focusing on rapid development, what if we prioritized creating internal solutions that are just as effective and valuable as our external products? This talk examines how putting the user first and embracing a design thinking mindset can result in the creation of robust internal tools characterized by their reliability and user satisfaction.
    Engineering
    Where
    Software Engineering Stage

  • Startups, Founders & Entrepreneurship
    Where
    Founders Stage

  • Delve into the capabilities of Amazon Bedrock, a powerful platform for building and deploying generative AI applications. We will explore its core components, including all the foundation models from top model providers available, and all its capabilities. With live coding demonstration, attendees will gain insights into the latest techniques and best practices for leveraging generative AI, such as prompt engineering, RAG, fine-tuning , and ensuring responsible and ethical Generative AI development.
    All Things AI
    Engineering
    Where
    Breakout Room 2

  • Many machine learning tasks resemble 0 to 1 challenges, where commencing without high-quality data proves arduous. You can employ various tools to kickstart model development, and synthetic data serves as an effective starting point. With multiple types of synthetic data available, leveraging it correctly can influence the success of your machine learning model.
    All Things AI
    Engineering
    Where
    Breakout Room 1

  • In our 6th installment of the Black Women X Tech Series, we delve into the future of Black Women in Tech with a keen focus on Venture Capital. Join us for an insightful panel discussion featuring trailblazing Black women in Venture Capital who are reshaping the investment landscape for promising tech startups. They'll address triumphs, hurdles, and how their experiences shape investment decisions. We'll examine the current state of investments in Black founded startups and the importance of fostering opportunities within these communities.
    Startups, Founders & Entrepreneurship
    The Future of Tech & Culture
    Where
    Main Stage

  • Engineering
    Where
    Software Engineering Stage

  • Career Development
    Where
    Breakout Room 2

  • In an era where cyber threats are increasingly sophisticated, ensuring a robust cloud security posture is paramount for every organization. This talk will introduce the top five essential tools/services that organizations should implement to protect their AWS cloud environments. Attendees will leave with a clear understanding of how these tools can strengthen their cloud environments against evolving cyber threats and ensure compliance with regulatory standards.
    Engineering
    Where
    Breakout Room 1

  • All Things AI
    The Future of Tech & Culture
    Where
    Main Stage

  • Engineering
    Where
    Software Engineering Stage

  • Research & Design
    Where
    Breakout Room 1

  • Career Development
    Where
    Breakout Room 2

  • Did you know that about 15% of the population is considered neurodivergent? This difference in the way your users learn and retain information, socialize, and communicate can make web apps difficult to use if they are not taken into consideration. When developing the front end of an application, it’s important to consider how transitions like those scrolling animations and image carousels can overwhelm an Autistic user or that the moving background is too distracting to a user with ADHD. In this talk, we will discuss techniques for enhancing accessibility for neurodivergent users. These techniques will be considerate to conditions that affect those users, but ultimately provide a benefit and great digital experience to all.
    All Things AI
    The Future of Tech & Culture
    Where
    Breakout Room 1

  • Join the energy revolution! Energy 2.0 is transforming the way we generate, consume, and interact with energy. Discover the latest innovations and technologies driving this shift, from renewable energy sources and smart grids to energy storage and electric transportation. Learn how decentralized, sustainable, and digital energy solutions are creating a more resilient, efficient, and connected energy future, and explore the opportunities and challenges of this transformative era.
    The Future of Tech & Culture
    Where
    Main Stage

  • Research & Design
    The Future of Tech & Culture
    Where
    Breakout Room 2

  • Engineering
    Where
    Software Engineering Stage

  • The Future of Tech & Culture
    Where
    Main Stage

  • Career Development
    Where
    Breakout Room 1

  • Product & Project Management
    Where
    Breakout Room 2

  • All Things AI
    Engineering
    Where
    Software Engineering Stage

  • Happy Hours & Parties
    Where
    Venue (TBA)

  • Happy Hours & Parties
    Where
    Venue (TBA to Invited Guests)

  • Happy Hours & Parties
    Where
    Chapman & Kirby - 2118 Lamar St. #100, Houston, TX 77003

  • Day 3

    August 20, 2024


  • All Things AI
    Career Development
    Engineering
    Where
    Breakout Room 2

  • All Things AI
    Where
    Breakout Room 1

  • Where
    The Black Is Tech Expo

  • Engineering
    Where
    Software Engineering Stage

  • The Future of Tech & Culture
    Where
    Main Stage

  • Career Development
    Where
    Breakout Room 2

  • All Things AI
    Engineering
    Where
    Breakout Room 1

  • In the past two years, we’ve witnessed a whirlwind of generative AI innovation. And today, Generative AI is powering high-value experiences for customers in nearly every industry. Yet the pace of AI innovation continues to accelerate, with new AI breakthroughs nearly every day. To keep up, we need to grasp what's emerging in the latest Generative AI research. In this talk, we will dive into the latest trends in Generative AI, from retrieval-augmented generation (RAG), to LLM-powered agents, on-device AI, and beyond. We'll discuss use cases, challenges, and resources to dive deeper.
    All Things AI
    Engineering
    Where
    Software Engineering Stage

  • Startups, Founders & Entrepreneurship
    Where
    Founders Stage

  • All Things AI
    Engineering
    Where
    Software Engineering Stage

  • Research & Design
    Where
    Breakout Room 1

  • All Things AI
    Product & Project Management
    The Future of Tech & Culture
    Where
    Main Stage

  • Startups, Founders & Entrepreneurship
    The Future of Tech & Culture
    Where
    Founders Stage

  • All Things AI
    Career Development
    The Future of Tech & Culture
    Where
    Breakout Room 1

  • It's traditional to think of building a web app beginning with front end technologies such at HTML, CSS, and Javascript. The Vaadin platform flips that idea on it's head and offers solutions built around Java, a backend language. In this session featuring live-coded examples, we'll dive into how Vaadin's web frameworks, Flow and Hilla, can help developers build feature-rich web apps. We'll explore how these frameworks put the power in Java developer's hands by either building web apps purely in Java, or by combining Spring Boot and React in a single full-stack project. We'll show how to use Vaadin's web components as the building blocks to build awesome UIs.
    Engineering
    Where
    Software Engineering Stage

  • A spotlight session on entrepreneurial spirit in the AI sector. The session focuses on self-sustained funding through strategic value creation and dynamic storytelling. Reddick will show how AI can build a financially autonomous and impactful business, beyond its technical capabilities. Participants will learn how to identify opportunities for AI to solve real-world problems, create value, and craft compelling stories to captivate stakeholders. The session is ideal for entrepreneurs, investors, and business leaders looking to integrate AI into their startups and support pioneering ventures in the AI space.
    All Things AI
    Startups, Founders & Entrepreneurship
    Where
    Founders Stage

  • All Things AI
    Where
    Breakout Room 2

  • Engineering
    The Future of Tech & Culture
    Where
    Main Stage

  • The Future of Tech & Culture
    Where
    Breakout Room 1

  • All Things AI
    Engineering
    Where
    Software Engineering Stage

  • Product & Project Management
    Where
    Breakout Room 2

  • Research & Design
    Where
    Breakout Room 1

  • Career Development
    Where
    Breakout Room 2

  • Career Development
    Where
    Breakout Room 1

  • Happy Hours & Parties
    Where
    Venue (TBA to Invited Guests)

  • Happy Hours & Parties
    Where
    Chapman & Kirby - 2118 Lamar St. #100, Houston, TX 77003

  • Day 4 (Workshop Day)

    August 21, 2024

  • Join IBM and Sanicle for a Fireside Chat and Innovation Session presented by IBM. Connect with Investors, Founders, Business Leaders, and Innovators for a powerful Fireside Chat with industry leaders and changemakers in the Health Tech space from IBM, Sanicle, IBTK Foundation, and Prolific Pillars Consulting. Then join IBM for a hands-on Innovation Session with IBM Build Labs for an engaging session focused on strategic value creation, where you will learn how to identify opportunities for AI to solve real-world problems. Featuring experts like IBM Ecosystem’s Sancia Matthyssen, IBM Research’s Jenna Ritten, IBTK Foundation’s Hawa Diallo, and Prolific Pillars Consulting’s Jeffrey Gyan, this event will provide valuable insights into VC funding, social impact, tools and assets available to startups, and networking opportunities for Black professionals in tech and healthcare.
    Where
    IBM Office - 315 Capital St, Unit #205, Houston, TX

  • 1. Real-World Applications and Case Studies: ◦ Present real-world examples and success stories from Credera’s AI projects. ◦ Share insights from proof of concepts that highlight the practical benefits and scalability of AI solutions. 2. Understanding AI’s Role in Modern Society: ◦ Explore how artificial intelligence is transforming various industries and its potential to address societal challenges. ◦ Discuss the importance of inclusive AI development to ensure equitable benefits across all communities. 3. Transformative Impact of AI on the Future Workforce: ◦ Familiarize yourself with cutting-edge tools like ChatGPT, Claude, and Copilot to enhance productivity, streamline workflows, and drive innovation across various sectors. Takeaways: • Gain a comprehensive understanding of AI's real-world applications through concrete examples and success stories. • Learn about AI’s transformative role in modern society and its potential to address key challenges. • Discover how inclusive AI development can ensure equitable benefits for all communities. • Understand the revolutionary impact of AI on the future workforce and how tools like ChatGPT, Claude, and Copilot can be leveraged to boost productivity and innovation.
    All Things AI
    Where
    Marriott Marquis Houston - 2nd Floor - Houston Ballroom 1

  • In the ever-evolving landscape of app development, creating consistent and high-quality user interfaces across multiple platforms has become increasingly important. Compose Multiplatform, a powerful toolkit from JetBrains, allows developers to write UI code once and deploy it across Android, iOS, desktop, and web platforms seamlessly. This session will dive deep into the capabilities of Compose Multiplatform, showcasing how it leverages Kotlin Multiplatform to provide a unified approach to UI development. Attendees will learn how to set up a Compose Multiplatform project, share UI components across platforms, and tailor the user experience to specific platform requirements. We will explore the architecture, key features, and best practices for achieving efficiency and consistency in UI design while reducing development time and effort. Whether you are an experienced developer or new to Kotlin and Compose, this session will equip you with the knowledge and tools to create modern, cross-platform applications that deliver a native feel on every device.
    Engineering
    Research & Design
    Where
    Marriott Marquis Houston - 2nd Floor - Houston Ballroom 2

  • Delivering consistent omnichannel order fulfillment is challenging with complex supply chain operations. This presentation will explore cutting-edge AI and analytics techniques to optimize omnichannel order flows. The presenter will discuss innovative solutions he designed, including AI-powered automated warehouse picking systems and machine learning algorithms to predict optimal sourcing and inventory allocation across channels. He will outline real-world implementations of these technologies for major retailers that increased omnichannel efficiency over 20%. Attendees will learn how advanced analytics and AI can enable intelligent omnichannel order orchestration and fulfillment. The presenter will discuss in detail: - Building a central inventory visibility system using AI and predictive algorithms. - Using machine learning to optimize order sourcing and routing. - Predictive analytics to allocate omni-channel inventory dynamically. - Reinforcement learning to optimize allocation across fulfillment centers.
    Where
    Marriott Marquis Houston - 2nd Floor - Houston Ballroom 2

  • Happy Hours & Parties
    Where
    Jolie Houston - 506 Main Street, Houston, TX 77002