After years of promoting The Creative Collective NYC and CultureCon from the sidelines—giving away tickets, partnering on events, and following it closely on social media—I finally had the opportunity to attend the event this year.
My schedule never aligned with the event, despite the hype and excitement I’d seen every year from creators I admire. This year, I was determined not to miss out, and I can honestly say that CultureCon exceeded my expectations in every way.
Held over two vibrant days at the Duggal Greenhouse in Brooklyn, New York, CultureCon is more than just a conference; it’s an immersive experience for Black creative entrepreneurs, innovators and culture shapers. Its mission is to uplift and inspire the next generation of diverse creatives by offering networking opportunities, insightful panels and hands-on workshops and it did just that!
The Vibe: A Creative Ecosystem
The atmosphere at CultureCon reminded me of my time at the American Black Film Festival in Miami—there’s something magical about being surrounded by people who are in the same boat as you. Whether they are just building their “boat,” already sailing it, or have sold it off and moved on to something new, everyone is on their own journey of growth, discovery and innovation.
On day one, I was primarily taking it all in, soaking up the energy. From the moment I stepped inside, I was surrounded by creative energy. People of all backgrounds—primarily Black and Brown creatives—came together to connect, collaborate and vibe in an environment that celebrated individuality and community.
It felt so refreshing to be in a space where everyone was not only open to connection but excited to share their journeys and insights. Whether you were chatting with someone at an activation or attending a panel, there was a sense of unity and mutual respect. From everyone’s personal style to the interesting conversations, we all felt the creative freedom that CultureCon embodies.
Panel Conversations and Workshops
The panel discussions I attended at the event were deeply impactful. One standout was the panel featuring the cast of Hulu’s “Reasonable Doubt.” Morris Chestnut, McKinley Freeman, and Emayatzy Corinealdi shared their experiences working on the show.
Chestnut notably commented, “It was one of the best sets that I’ve ever been on. I haven’t been on a set with so much color ever in my whole career.
It’s encouraging to see that the push for better representation in the industry is making progress, though it’s clear there’s still much more work to be done.
Another standout panel featured Tyler James Williams, and I’d honestly listen to him speak on any platform. He’s incredibly intentional in how he communicates his experiences, and the depth of his self-awareness is striking. Whether it’s his age or his years in Hollywood, he seems deeply committed to self-preservation and living with purpose.
One of the biggest takeaways from his conversation was his perspective on the present moment.
“You’re gonna miss this time. Everybody romanticizes getting to the place, but the one thing that everyone ends up saying when they get there is they miss this time right here,” Williams shared with the crowd.
As an entrepreneur myself, that really hit home. We often get so focused on what’s next that we forget to appreciate what we’ve already accomplished. Hearing Williams share that reminder was truly a gem.
By day two, I was more intentional about attending workshops that would directly impact my work. I attended sessions that discussed funding for creative businesses, which gave me actionable insights into how to scale my own projects.
One particular session was hosted by Kensington Grey, where the panel discussed the world of agents and influencers, and what kinds of talent are currently missing in the industry—a goldmine of information for anyone looking to break into new creative spaces.
Why Entrepreneurs and Creatives Should Attend
CultureCon is not just a conference—it’s a lifeline for entrepreneurs and creatives. Sometimes as creatives, we need a cultural reset!
The road of entrepreneurship can be isolating, and many times, the people around us don’t understand the unique challenges we face. That’s why being in a space like CultureCon is so essential. You’re surrounded by people who not only get it but are also willing to share their experiences and lift each other up.
The real beauty of CultureCon is that it reminds you we’re all on this journey together. We’re all trying to live out our dreams. And whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been at it for years, this conference offers the inspiration, connections and insights to keep pushing forward. The key takeaways? Don’t give up, stay open to new opportunities, and don’t get so attached to one version of your dream that you miss out on what’s next.
CultureCon was an eye-opener, and I’m already looking forward to attending again next year.
