Black Economic Alliance Solution Summit
The 2026 Black Economic Alliance Solutions Summit brought together a powerful coalition of leaders from the public, private and philanthropic sectors at a pivotal point in time. The invitation-only gathering was rooted in a shared commitment to advancing bold, actionable strategies that drive lasting Black economic progress and strengthen the foundation of national prosperity.
Over 250 influential guests engaged in a thoughtfully curated program with some of the nation’s most influential decision makers including Samantha Tweedy, CEO of the Black Economic Alliance, Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, Former Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick, Congressman Steven Horsford, Founding Partner of Integrum, Chairwoman of Teneo & Retired Chairman and CEO of Xerox Corporation and VEON, Ltd Ursula M. Burns, Co-Host, "The Weekend" on MS NOW, Jonathan Capehart, Voting Rights Activist and co-founder of Black Voters Matter, Latosha Brown, and Senior Partner at The Vistria Group, Margaret Anadu. Together, they envisioned what actions we must take now to shape the next 250 years of Black economic progress.
From a welcome breakfast, conversations, expert panel discussions to a moving video from the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture and closing reception, they all sparked meaningful dialogue and authentic connection to reimagine a new era of Black economic power.
Our team led the stage design and screen content production, crafting a unified and immersive environment that elevated conversation and ignited momentum with Black executive leaders across sectors. The result was a powerful platform for collaboration, one that inspired bold thinking, strengthened partnerships, and set the stage for enduring, forward-looking impact.
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Guests received their first taste of technological innovation at registration, where they were welcomed by name on a reactive LED screen installation covering the full width of the entry wall. A large lunch café was created with a décor scheme that incorporated custom-built, ceiling-high steel LED frames draped with foliage to create smaller, intimate restaurant-style spaces that displayed both technology and nature.
A series of breakout sessions presented content targeted to attendees’ varied interests, while imagery displayed throughout the venue showcased real-life applications of how products designed to empower developers help to unleash the power of data and reimagine possibilities that will improve our world.
Every element of Microsoft Connect(); from registration, breakfast and keynote, to lunch and evening cocktails, were custom-designed to communicate exacting brand messaging and to deliver a high-touch guest experience to this important audience. The keynote and breakout sessions were livestreamed through an onsite studio built for this purpose and content was watched online by millions around the world.
Empire is proud to collaborate with Microsoft on this annual, top-tier business communication event.
To view excerpts of Connect(); 2017, please visit https://www.microsoft.com/connectevent
