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The Global Black Economic Forum Business Summit

July 2, 2026 | New Orleans, LA

The Global Black Economic Forum Business Summit returns on July 2, 2026, in New Orleans, Louisiana, during the 2026 ESSENCE Festival of Culture.

The Global Black Economic Forum focuses on advancing the economic interests of marginalized communities worldwide through global summits, workplace training and leadership development, policy advocacy, and thought leadership. Our summits and conferences convene and unite heads of state, world leaders, business executives, policymakers, advocates, and activists committed to identifying and advancing economic opportunities worldwide in an increasingly complex economy and environment. Prioritizing the future of work, wealth, health, and democracy, our summit delves into bold solutions, transformative partnerships, and the leadership required to develop the necessary solutions to maintain our progress and advance economic opportunity.

Our summits go beyond conversation, they are blueprints for transformation. Together, we build pathways for economic power, health equity, educational opportunity, and justice. Each gathering serves as a trusted space for collaboration and a catalyst for lasting impact. Attendees leave with the insight, strategy, and partnerships to drive meaningful change where it matters most.

In 2026, our impact deepens. The world is watching how we lead, invest, innovate, and engage civically. Join us to chart a path forward for you and us.

The Global Black Economic Forum Business Summit

July 2, 2026 | New Orleans, LA

The Global Black Economic Forum Business Summit returns on July 2, 2026, in New Orleans, Louisiana, during the 2026 ESSENCE Festival of Culture. The Global Black Economic Forum focuses on advancing the economic interests of marginalized communities worldwide through global summits, workplace training and leadership development, policy advocacy, and thought leadership. Our summits and conferences convene and unite heads of state, world leaders, business executives, policymakers, advocates, and activists committed to identifying and advancing economic opportunities worldwide in an increasingly complex economy and environment. Prioritizing the future of work, wealth, health, and democracy, our summit delves into bold solutions, transformative partnerships, and the leadership required to develop the necessary solutions to maintain our progress and advance economic opportunity.

Our summits are the blueprints for transformation. Together, we build pathways for economic power, health equity, educational opportunity, and justice. Each gathering serves as a trusted space for collaboration and a catalyst for lasting impact—equipping leaders with the insight, strategy, and partnerships to drive meaningful change where it matters most.

In 2026, the conversation deepens. The world is watching how we lead, invest, and innovate—and this summit is where the next decade of progress takes shape.

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

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.

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