AFROTECH™ Conference: The Tech Executive Networking Hub

Imagine a place where connecting with industry leaders feels not just possible, but effortless. That’s the experience at the AFROTECH™ Conference, a premier destination for executives in the technology sector. It’s more than just an event; it’s a launchpad for careers, a hub for innovation, and a vital space for professional growth.

Recruitment and Connection: Attentive’s Experience

Jamell Watson, director of office operations at Attentive, a leading SMS and email marketing platform, shared his insights from attending the AFROTECH™ Conference 2025. As a founding member of the company’s Black union employee resource group, Watson saw the conference as a prime opportunity for recruitment and learning. “We thought we would [be] boots on the ground and talk to students and people looking for jobs for recruitment purposes,” Watson told AFROTECH™.

With custom shirts and the distinguished Executive badge, the Attentive team made their presence known. Watson emphasized that the badge signaled their purpose: “I’m not looking for a job. I’m here for a purpose.” Their primary goals were to recruit for sales and engineering roles and to provide learning opportunities for their Black union members.

Breaking Down Barriers and Building Relationships

Watson strategically planned their arrival for Monday, when sessions and activations were geared towards students. His personal mission was to connect with at least five attendees, aiming to show students that non-technical roles in tech are very much attainable. As a proud graduate of Florida A&M University, Watson understood the intimidation students can feel when approaching representatives from large corporations.

“I wanted us to break that barrier down and approach the students, have a human connection with them, talk to them, put them at ease, and really show them that … we are a big company and a thriving company, and have a place here for you,” he explained. The positive feedback from students highlighted the success of this approach.

The Power of the Executive Pass

Beyond recruitment, the Attentive team leveraged the conference to expand their market knowledge. The Executive pass, in particular, offered exclusive access to sessions and activations. Watson highlighted an executive brunch co-sponsored by Airbnb and Twilio, and a panel featuring former BET CEO Debra Lee as personal highlights.

• Higher level of access to exclusive sessions and speaking engagements.
• Opportunities for executive-level networking and insights.
• Demonstrates company investment in employee learning and development.
• Facilitates easier identification and conversation with industry peers.

“The Executive pass puts you in a different class… It gives you a higher level of access,” Watson noted. This elevated access allowed his team to engage with content not available to student or Premier pass holders, reinforcing Attentive’s commitment to their employees’ growth.

Looking Ahead

Watson found that attending with an Executive pass made it simpler to connect with peers from institutions like Howard University and Prairie View A&M University. “I was able to break that ice a little bit better,” he shared. Given the invaluable experience, Watson is already considering a return to the AFROTECH™ Conference, which is set to return to Houston from November 2-6, 2026. Early bird tickets for 2026 are now available!