This article originally appeared on The Life Currency.
Summer is a fun time to go to the beach and cookouts, travel, hang with friends and do things you normally can’t do because of the weather. While it is great to have fun, don’t forget about your professional goals and growing your network. The Life Currency has researched some of the best conferences to attend as a millennial this summer that will help you grow your network and leave you feeling inspired. Some of these conferences cost a pretty penny, but you can apply to scholarships or ask to be sponsored. It’s so worth investing in yourself!
American Black Film Festival, Miami Beach, FL. June 14- 18
You want to be at the nation’s largest gathering of Black film and TV enthusiasts showcasing extraordinary films by and about people of African descent. Along with being entertained by black creatives, you can look forward to exciting events and networking activities designed to help you advance your career and have an excuse to go to Miami for the weekend. Past participants have included Denzel Washington, Halle Berry and Taraji P. Henson!
The Great Girlfriends—What Women Want Conference, NYC, June 15-17
Get your girlfriends together and join the “What Women Want” experience. This weekend conference is about uniting women with power talks, workshops, dance sessions and beauty tips! The conference helps you get to the next level in your personal and professional life. General Admission is under $200 so get your ticket soon!
#BlogHer17, Orlando, FL, June 22-24, 2017
Are you a blogger or content creator? BlogHer is the largest conference and community for female content creators in the world. You will learn how to monetize and personalize your blog. You can look forward to meeting inspiring women turning their passions into content. You should attend if you want to be inspired and connect with other boss female creators and brands. Joy Reid will be the lead keynote conversation speaker!
ColorComm Fellows Program, Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne, Miami, July 26 – 28, 2017
If you’re a woman of color focused in media, then this conference is for you. ColorComm just launched the ColorComm Fellows Program to cultivate the next generation of young leaders in communications, marketing, media and advertising. This means that you have a chance to attend for free! The program will provide mentorship, training, access and opportunity to a select group of women ages 21-26 with one to four years professional experience, who can demonstrate how they would like to make an impact in the industry and how they currently contribute to their community. Whoopi Goldberg will be the keynote speaker and there will be many executives in attendance! Some of the sponsors and partners include DigitasLBi, ESSENCE and CBS Entertainment Diversity.
NABJ Annual Convention & Career Fair, New Orleans, LA, August 9-13, 2017
The National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) is the largest organization for journalists of color in the nation. The organization has worked to bring a career fair and convention for young professionals. The theme of this year’s convention and career fair is “Power Up and Break Through.” Many people leave this conference inspired and with a handful of new contacts in the media industry!
Don’t let the summer go by without attending a conference to nurture your professional growth. If you aren’t able to attend any summer conferences, take advantage of professional development workshops that fit into your budget as some online courses are offered for under $100! If you’re still a college student, your university may have an annual leadership conference you could try to attend.
