Industry
Panels 

Today, every generation of leadership, from Gen Z to Baby Boomers, now faces issues of social justice that mimic the times of Jim Crow. It feels like we have stepped back in time as if the clock has rolled back. Whether the solution is an old-school march or a viral social media campaign, leaders today are coming together to fight extreme injustices. Join us for an electric dialog from a community of our brightest minds.

​

Panelist: 

Dr. Ricardo Guthrie, William Green, Nikki L. Tolliver, Davie Tucker Jr.

​

Wednesday, September 27⋅11:00am – 12:30pm

Location : Jubilee Hall Appleton Rm. at

Fisk University

Lyrical bravado, bomb-ass beats, dope samples, freestyle battles, coastal beefs, DJ’s, collabos, dance and we of course can’t forget the gear. Hip Hop is the musical genre that has  swept through the halls of just about every industry, every culture,  it encountered, on a global scale. It is a  movement that has carried the story of injustice. The power of its clarion call still resonates through generations long after its inception. It is a living and breathing cultural icon. Join us as we pay homage to 50 years of Hip Hop and its undeniable influence. 

​

Panelist: 

Kurtis Blow, Eric Holt, Sean (The BlackSon) Smith

​

Who Should Attend:

Producers,  Directors, Actors, Musicians,  Artists, Influencers, Photographers, Designers, Marketers.  All Industries. Open to the Public.

​

Wednesday, September 27⋅4:30pm – 6:00pm

Location : Jubilee Hall Appleton Rm. at Fisk University

The stigma of mental health is so adverse, that it causes those that suffer too often hide in the shadows. Creativity and intellectuality may be on display for the world to see, but the pain from enduring another reality may play out behind the scenes.  Join us for this critical conversation as medical, mental health, and industry professionals dispel myths around mental health needs and explore caring solutions.

​

Panelist: 

Dr. Terrence Schofield, PhD, Ron Johnson, Charessa Sawyer

​

Thursday, September 28⋅1:00pm – 2:30pm

Location:  Looby Community Center Theater 

The distribution landscape with studios and streamers as we know it may be up for one of its most significant overhauls in decades. With impending strikes still in force, content creators in the film and TV industries may need to strategize on how to best navigate a new era of getting a deal. Join top industry executives as they share insider perspectives on where the industry is going and tips on how to re-tool your strategy.

​

Panelist: 

Brett Dismuke, Eric Tomosunas, Ricky Burchell

 

Who Should Attend:

Filmmakers, Producers,  Directors, Actors, Musicians,  Artists, Influencers, Photographers, Designers, Marketers.  All Industries. Open to the Public.

​

Friday, September 29⋅4:00pm – 5:20pm

Location:  R. Milton and Denice Johnson Center at Belmont University 

Youth activism has led to a major shift in social, political, and economic awareness. Young activists have taken an unprecedented interest in advocacy and now lead the charge in addressing social justice issues. Different from generations before, technology has become the backbone of many of these modern youth movements allowing them to connect with like-minded young people from around the globe.  Join us as we hear from brilliant minds on the power of young people's activism.

​

Panelist: 

Michael Eric Dyson, Lea Bryant

​

Saturday, September 30⋅10:00am – 11:30am

Location:  Looby Community Center Theater 

Good, bad, or indifferent, whether on stage or on your favorite social media platform, entertainers, politicians, activists and influencers are able to exert their personal beliefs onto an audience of tens of thousands to millions. However, when social justice issues such as race and civil rights are embedded in the message, it tends to strike a chord that causes a viral flare-up like no other topic. Join us for a powerful forum as we give context to the issues and discuss how we can be proactive in our solutions.

​

Corrin J. Breeding, Russ Adcox, Owen K. Woodard, Juli Beck, Dr. Ricardo Guthrie

​

Wednesday, September 27⋅2:00pm – 3:30pm

Location : Jubilee Hall Appleton Rm. at Fisk University

The phrase “It takes a village”, rings true when working to build a strong and plugged in community. We often view a successful project as one that only generates big profits. But keeping that level of success over a period of time requires something more, building community around your project, your business. Creating a collective space, whether digital or in person, for your supporters to engage with you, your brand and each other, fosters long term loyalty and passion within your audience  base. Join us for this lively discussion with top influencers, business owners, and industry executives on how building community,  builds your bottom line.

​

Panelist: 

Darius McDonald, Javvon Jones, Whitney Davis

​

Thursday, September 28⋅5:00pm – 6:15pm

Location:  Jubilee Hall Appleton Rm. at Fisk University

Mention the words “artificial intelligence” and you will most assuredly get a mixed reaction depending on the room you are in.  Ai has already had a disruptive impact worldwide, virtually changing how humankind works and lives. And now this controversial tech has moved aggressively into the Film, TV, and Music industries.  With its uncanny, sometimes invasive ability to reshape how we experience entertainment, the industry is grappling with the ethical use and legal concerns of this powerful tech. Join us for the hot-button topic, discussing Ai’s true capabilities and its place in the industry.

 

Panelist: 

Kent Wallace, Nadine Shillingford, David Lockett, Tanner Grandstaff

​

Who Should Attend:

Tech Professionals, Producers,  Directors, Actors, Musicians, Artists, Influencers, Photographers, Designers, Marketers.  All Industries. Open to the Public.

​

​

Friday, September 29⋅10:00am – 11:30am

Location:  R. Milton and Denice Johnson Center at Belmont University 

You’ve got a script you’re proud of, and now you want to bring it to life! But first: what should your crowdfunding goal be?

In this workshop, Seed&Spark’s Emily Best will teach you how to build your first budget, utilize loans to make up your budget (conceptually as well as literally), navigate the ask, break down your script, and cut costs without sacrificing your vision. Make that dollar stretch!

​

Panelist: 

Emily Best

 

Who Should Attend:

Filmmakers, Producers,  Directors, Actors, Musicians,  Artists, Influencers, Photographers, Designers, Marketers.  All Industries. Open to the Public.

​

​

Saturday, September 30⋅10:00am – 11:30am

Location:  R. Milton and Denice Johnson Center at Belmont University 

Join us for a special conversation on the business of filmmaking through the lens of the producers of the highly anticipated thriller, "The Geechee Witch". Coming to theaters in 2024. 

​

​

Panelist: 

Ti-Shea Meadows, Phoenix Higgins, J. Craig Gordon

 

Saturday, September 30⋅4:20p

Location:  R. Milton and Denise Johnson Center at Belmont Univ. // Small theater.