ACTIVATIONS
Business Summit
July 2nd - Invite Only
The Business Summit brings together leaders across industries for dynamic conversations, strategic partnerships, and bold visions of collective prosperity. Together, we are reshaping markets, building power, and creating pathways for lasting change.
GBEF Public Convention
July 3rd-5th
Located in the Great Hall in 60,000 SF, GBEF HQ is the physical activation for the Future of Work, Wealth, Health and our Democracy. The space features a stage, physical activations and resources focused on building awareness and catalyzing action.
Queer Space
July 4th - Invite Only
An event dedicated to the Black queer community. First held in 2023, it has been coined "the best event of festival weekend."
QualifyHER 5k
Walk/Run
July 4th
The QualifyHER 5K Walk and Run, celebrates the journeys, power, and potential of women everywhere. Designed to uplift and affirm that women are already qualified to lead in every space they choose, this event served as a catalyst for connection, opportunity, and progress.
Future of Health
Dinner
July 2nd - Invite Only
The annual Future of Health dinner is an invite-only activation that unites 100 of the most influential health leaders in the industry. The gathering served as a celebration of leaders in health and a catalyst for meaningful dialogue.
Future of Health Neighborhood
July 3rd-5th
An activation and immersive visualization experience with the Global Black Economic Forum at the Essence Festival of Culture to inspire and engage communities in designing and owning the future of health
ACTIVATIONS
Business Summit
July 2nd - Invite Only
The Business Summit brings together leaders across industries for dynamic conversations, strategic partnerships, and bold visions of collective prosperity. Together, we are reshaping markets, building power, and creating pathways for lasting change.
GBEF Public Convention
July 3rd-5th
Located in the Great Hall in 60,000 SF, GBEF HQ is the physical activation for the Future of Work, Wealth, Health and our Democracy. The space features a stage, physical activations and resources focused on building awareness and catalyzing action.
Queer Space
July 4th - Invite Only
An event dedicated to the Black queer community. First held in 2023, it has been coined "the best event of festival weekend."
QualifyHER 5k
Walk/Run
July 4th
The QualifyHER 5K Walk and Run, celebrates the journeys, power, and potential of women everywhere. Designed to uplift and affirm that women are already qualified to lead in every space they choose, this event served as a catalyst for connection, opportunity, and progress.
Future of Health
Dinner
July 2nd - Invite Only
The annual Future of Health dinner is an invite-only activation that unites 100 of the most influential health leaders in the industry. The gathering served as a celebration of leaders in health and a catalyst for meaningful dialogue.
Future of Health Neighborhood
July 3rd-5th
An activation and immersive visualization experience with the Global Black Economic Forum at the Essence Festival of Culture to inspire and engage communities in designing and owning the future of health.
Schedule
OUR FOCUS
OUR FOCUS
PAST SPEAKERS
KAMALA HARRIS
vice president of the united states
ELLEN JOHNSON SIRLEAF
FORMER PRESIDENT OF LIBERIA
FRANCIA MÁRQUEZ
vice president of COLOMBIA
JUSTICE KETANJI BROWN JACKSON
U.S. SUPREME COURT JUSTICE
LINDA THOMAS-GREENFIELD
US AMBASSADOR TO THE UNITED NATIONS
GOVERNOR WES MOORE
State OF MARYLAND
GOVERNOR JB PRITZKER
state OF ILLINOIS
HAKEEM JEFFRIES
DEMOCRATIC LEADER, U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
ROBERT F. SMITH
FOUNDER, CHAIRMAN & CEO, VISTA EQUITY PARTNERS
THASUNDA BROWN DUCKETT
president & CEO, TIAA
DANIEL O'DAY
CEO, GILEAD SCIENCES
STACEY ABRAMS
POLITICal leader, LAWYER & AUTHOR
PAST SPEAKERS
KAMALA HARRIS
vice president of the united states of america
MADAME PRESIDENT
ELLEN JOHNSON SIRLEAF
FORMER PRESIDENT OF LIBERIA
FRANCIA MÁRQUEZ
vice president of COLOMBIA
JUSTICE KETANJI BROWN JACKSON
SUPREME COURT JUSTICE
LINDA THOMAS-GREENFIELD
US AMBASSADOR TO THE UNITED STATES
GOVERNOR WES MOORE
GOVERNOR OF MARYLAND
GOVERNOR JB PRITZKER
GOVERNOR OF ILLINOIS
HAKEEM JEFFRIES
DEMOCRATIC LEADER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
ROBERT SMITH
FOUNDER, CHAIRMAN & CEO OF VISTA EQUITY PARTNERS
THASUNDA BROWN DUCKETT
president & CEO OF TIAA
DANIEL O'DAY
CEO OF GILEAD SCIENCES
STACEY ABRAMS
US POLITICIAN, LAWYER, VOTING RIGHTS ACTIVIST & AUTHOR
Sponsors & Partners
The Global Black Economic Forum extends our sincere gratitude to our current and past sponsors and partners for their continued dedication and impactful contributions. Your support helps ignite discovery, foster meaningful connections, and enrich the experience for the entire Global Black Economic community at the Essence Festival of Culture.
We invite organizations and companies interested in joining this dynamic network to complete the form below to learn more about 2026 sponsorship opportunities.
Sponsors &
Partners
The Global Black Economic Forum extends our sincere gratitude to our current and past sponsors and partners for their continued dedication and impactful contributions. Your support helps ignite discovery, foster meaningful connections, and enrich the experience for the entire Global Black Economic community at the Essence Festival of Culture.
We invite organizations and companies interested in joining this dynamic network to complete the form below to learn more about 2026 sponsorship opportunities.
ADDITIONAL
ACTIVATIONS
GBEF Public Convention
Located in the Great Hall in 60,000 SF, GBEF HQ is the physical activation for the Future of Work, Wealth, Health and our Democracy. The space features a stage, physical activations and resources focused on building awareness and catalyzing action.
Queer Space
An event dedicated to the Black queer community. First held in 2023, it has been coined "the best event of festival weekend."
QualifyHER 5k Walk/Run
The Global Black Economic Forum QualifyHER 5K Walk and Run, presented by ENDA, celebrated the journeys, power, and potential of women everywhere. Designed to uplift and affirm that women are already qualified to lead in every space they choose, this event served as a catalyst for connection, opportunity, and progress.
Future of Health Convening Dinner
The annual Future of Health Convening dinner is an invite-only activation that unites 100 of the most influential health leaders in the industry. The gathering served as a celebration of leaders in health and a catalyst for meaningful dialogue.
Join Us In Action
Become part of our global community working to make economic justice a reality for all.
© 2025 Global Black Economic Forum. All Rights Reserved.
Join Us In Action
Become part of our global community working to make economic justice a reality for all.
© 2025 Global Black Economic Forum.
All Rights Reserved.