NBMBAA 47th Annual Conference Schedule
For 2025 All sessions are open to registered participants, with the exception of the NBMBAA Leadership Institute®, which requires a separate ticket purchase when registering.
Wednesday, September 24, 2025
Time |
Event |
Location |
|---|---|---|
| 7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. | Registration Bring your ID to pick up your Conference badge. Please note: Badges are required for access to all Conference events. |
GRBCC – Concourse |
| 8:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. | NBMBAA Leadership Institute® *Additional ticket required |
GRBCC – Ballroom |
| 8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. | Mental Wellness Link Up The Wellness Link Up is more than just a break—it’s a chance to reset your mind, body, and spirit while networking with like-minded professionals. |
GRBCC – Pre-Function |
| 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. | Morning Session: The Story Way: How to Impact, Influence, and Inspire More through your Lore Speaker: Olu Burrell |
GRBCC – Ballroom |
| 11:00 a.m. – Noon | Wellness Break Take a moment to step away, recharge, and prioritize you! The Wellness Break is your chance to reset your energy, refocus your mind, and reconnect with your well-being—all while engaging in an uplifting and interactive experience. |
GRBCC – Ballroom |
| Noon – 2:00 p.m. | NBMBAA Leadership Institute® Luncheon: Fireside Chat with Ashley Etienne |
GRBCC – Ballroom |
| 2:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. | Wellness Break | GRBCC – Pre-Function |
| 2:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. | Afternoon Session: Unleashing Your Leadership Power: 5 Questions to Build Your Platform for Success Speaker: Galen Bingham |
GRBCC – Ballroom |
| 4:00 p.m. – 4:45 p.m. | C-Suite Fireside Chat | GRBCC – Ballroom |
| 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. | NBMBAA Leadership Institute® Reception Presented by Diageo |
GRBCC – 3rd Floor |
| 10:00 a.m. – 4:45 p.m. | Meet the Experts Sessions This session is a unique opportunity to engage directly with industry leaders and subject matter experts across various fields. Attendees will gain exclusive insights, practical strategies, and personalized advice to tackle real-world challenges and advance their goals. |
GRBCC – 3rd Floor |
| 10:00 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. | TBD: Meet the Experts | Room 320 |
| 11:00 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. | ADP | Room 320 |
| Noon – 12:45 p.m. | AstraZeneca: Meet the Experts | Room 320 |
| 1:00 p.m. – 1:45 p.m. | Capital One: Meet the Experts | Room 320 |
| 2:00 p.m. – 2:45 p.m. | Healthcare Means Business: Executive Insights on Business Careers in Healthcare Presented by Sutter Health Join Sutter Health executives for a dynamic conversation at the intersection of business and healthcare. Discover how strategic thinking, innovation, and inclusive leadership are shaping the future of this $4 trillion industry. Whether you’re a finance guru, marketing expert, tech innovator, or operations leader – there’s a place for you in healthcare. Learn how your MBA can make an impact where it matters most. |
Room 320 |
| 3:00 p.m. – 3:45 p.m. | Nationwide: Meet the Experts | Room 320 |
| 4:00 p.m. – 4:45 p.m. | Merck: Meet the Experts | Room 320 |
| Noon – 5:00 p.m. | NBMBAA Career Success Network® Center On-site resume review and interview prep sessions. No appointment required. |
GRBCC |
| 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. | NBMBAA® State of the Association and Membership Meeting Open to NBMBAA® Members This plenary session serves as a key moment for members to engage with leadership and gain insights into the current state and future direction of the association. Attendees will receive important updates on strategic initiatives, organizational achievements, financial health, and upcoming programs. Leadership will also address challenges, opportunities, and the association’s ongoing commitment to serving its members. This interactive session provides a platform for members to ask questions, share feedback, and actively participate in shaping the future of the organization. |
GRBCC – 3rd Floor |
| 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. | Registration – Extended for Welcome Reception Express registration will be open for evening attendees. Bring your barcode to scan. |
GRBCC – Concourse |
| 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. | NBMBAA® Welcome Reception Welcoming you to Houston with an epic street party on the Avenida de las Americas. Join us for an evening of music, food and fun under the Texas sky. Dress: Casual |
GRBCC – Avenida |
Thursday, September 25, 2025
Time |
Event |
Location |
|---|---|---|
| 7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. | Registration Bring your ID to pick up your Conference badge. Please note: Badges are required for access to all Conference events. |
GRBCC – Concourse |
| 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. | NBMBAA® Employment Network (Interviews) On-Site interviews, by appointment only. Ensure your resume is up to date in the NBMBAA Job Board for Conference Job Match to pre-schedule your interviews. |
GRBCC – Hall E |
| 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. | NBMBAA Career Success Network® Center On-site interview prep and resume review. No appointment necessary. |
GRBCC |
| 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. | NBMBAA® Career Expo The NBMBAA Career Expo is the premier networking and recruitment event designed to connect top professionals, with leading companies and organizations. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with recruiters, explore career opportunities across various industries, and participate in on-the-spot interviews. |
GRBCC- Halls C & D |
| 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. | NBMBAA® Member Lounge Join us for special pop ups, member merch, conversation and more in the annual membership lounge. |
GRBCC- Hall C |
| 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. | Thursday Plenary – Future Forward: Navigating the Tech-Driven Business Landscape Join us for Future Forward, where industry experts and trailblazers will explore how emerging technologies are transforming industries, redefining leadership, and creating new opportunities for innovation. Discover strategies to leverage technology for growth, stay agile in a digital-first world, and future-proof your career or business. |
GRBCC – Ballroom |
| Noon – 3:00 p.m. | Breakout Sessions Engaging, practical learning experiences that provide actionable insights and skill-building opportunities. |
GRBCC – 3rd Floor |
| Noon – 12:45 p.m. | The Growth Audit: Identifying & Addressing Blind Spots Every leader and professional has areas of opportunity they may not see—blind spots that can hinder growth, impact performance, or stall advancement. This session will guide participants through a “growth audit,” helping them uncover hidden barriers, unexamined habits, and overlooked development areas. Attendees will leave with tools to gain greater self-awareness, invite meaningful feedback, and take actionable steps toward intentional personal and professional growth. Speaker: Ranieka Weston |
Room 320 |
| Noon – 1:00 p.m. | The Merger of Business & Purpose from the NBA to the Boardroom | GRBCC – Ballroom |
| 1:15 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. | Unlocking Access: Tech as a Catalyst for Career Advancement This session will equip you with practical insights and actionable steps to harness the power of tech and break down barriers in your professional development. Speaker: Adrion Porter |
Room 320 |
| 1:15 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. | Unlocking Access: Tech as a Catalyst for Career Advancement This session will equip you with practical insights and actionable steps to harness the power of tech and break down barriers in your professional development. Speaker: Adrion Porter |
Room 320 |
| 2:15 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. | The Creator Economy: Turning Content into Currency Whether you’re an influencer, entrepreneur, or industry professional, understanding how to turn content into income is key to success in the digital age. In this session business leaders will share strategies, insights, and real-world success stories on how to transform content into a thriving business. |
Room 320 |
| Noon – 5:00 p.m. | Share Sessions and Meet Ups Curated peer-to-peer connections that go beyond networking, fostering authentic conversations and collaborative opportunities. |
GRBCC – 3rd Floor |
| Noon – 1:00 p.m. | Share: AI Hacks & Hustle: Share Efficiency Secrets Work smarter, not harder. Master the AI advantage. In today’s fast-paced world, staying ahead means leveraging the right tools to maximize efficiency and impact. Enter AI Hacks & Hustle – work with your peers to break down the smartest AI-driven strategies, automation tricks, and productivity hacks to help you work faster, smarter, and with less stress. |
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| 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. | Share: The Digital Wallet: Peer Insights on Fintech Innovation In this interactive Share Session, participants will exchange real-world insights, challenges, and opportunities around digital wallets, peer-to-peer payment platforms, cryptocurrency, embedded banking, and more. From personal finance to entrepreneurial applications, we’ll explore how fintech is reshaping financial access and literacy in our communities.Whether you’re a tech-savvy early adopter or just beginning to explore the digital finance landscape, this session offers a space to learn from peers, share experiences, and uncover how fintech can fuel personal and collective wealth-building. |
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| 2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. | Meet Up: Mid-Career Professionals This interactive meet-up is a chance for mid-career professionals to come together, exchange insights, and tackle the issues that matter most at this stage of the journey. |
|
| 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. | Meet Up: Young Professionals Come connect with other young professionals and start to build your networks with your peers. |
|
| 1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. | Scale Up Pitch Challenge Finals Three outstanding past winners of the Scale Up Pitch Challenge will take center stage once again to battle for the ultimate grand prize of $50,000. These accomplished entrepreneurs, who previously captivated judges and audiences with their innovative ideas and potential for growth, now return to showcase how they’ve taken their businesses to new heights. This special competition not only highlights their remarkable journeys but also underscores the transformative power of perseverance, strategy, and vision. |
GRBCC – Room 310 |
| 3:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. | NBMBAA® Town Hall – The State of the Black Professional: The Impact of 2025 The national dialogue around equity is shifting – so where does that leave Black professionals?In this interactive town hall, we’ll unpack the current realities and future outlook for Black professionals amid widespread changes to DEI policies and corporate culture. Together with a cross-sector panel of leaders, we’ll explore how these shifts are reshaping the workplace experience, access to leadership, and the expectations placed on Black talent. |
GRBCC – Ballroom |
| 6:00 p.m. – Midnight | Corporate Hospitality Receptions A unique opportunity for attendees to engage with top companies in a more intimate and relaxed setting. These exclusive events allow corporate partners to showcase their company culture, connect with high-caliber talent, and build meaningful relationships with attendees. |
MM & HA |
Friday, September 26, 2025
Time |
Event |
Location |
|---|---|---|
| 7:00 a.m. – Noon
|
Registration Bring your ID to pick up your Conference badge. Please note: Badges are required for access to all Conference events. |
GRBCC – Concourse |
| 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. | NBMBAA® Employment Network (Interviews) On-Site interviews, by appointment only. Ensure your resume is up to date in the NBMBAA Job Board for Conference Job Match to pre-schedule your interviews. |
GRBCC – Hall E |
| 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. | NBMBAA Career Success Network® Center On-site interview prep and resume review. No appointment necessary. |
GRBCC |
| 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. | NBMBAA® Career Expo The NBMBAA Career Expo is the premier networking and recruitment event designed to connect top professionals, with leading companies and organizations. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with recruiters, explore career opportunities across various industries, and participate in on-the-spot interviews. |
GRBCC- Halls C & D |
| 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. | NBMBAA® Member Lounge Join us for special pop ups, member merch, conversation and more in the annual membership lounge. |
GRBCC- Hall C |
| 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. | Friday Plenary – The Black Economic Renaissance: Leading the Next Era of Influence A new era is unfolding—one defined by rising economic power, cultural capital, and strategic influence within the Black community. This session explores the momentum behind today’s Black Economic Renaissance and the visionary leadership driving it forward. Speakers: Fireside Chat with Killer Mike and Frank Holland, CNBC |
GRBCC – Ballroom |
| 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. | Wealth Moves: The Pivot, from Corporate America to Private Equity A discussion with Don Thompson & Orlando Ashford |
GRBCC – Ballroom |
| Noon – 3:00 p.m. |
Breakout Sessions Engaging, practical learning experiences that provide actionable insights and skill-building opportunities. |
GRBCC – 3rd Floor |
| 1:00 p.m. – 1:45 p.m. | Building Empires: From Side Hustle to Generational Wealth It’s time to Transform your hustle into a lasting legacy! This empowering session at the NBMBAA Conference will provide the blueprint for turning passion projects and side businesses into thriving, wealth-building enterprises. Industry experts, successful entrepreneurs, and financial strategists will share key insights on scaling businesses, securing funding, and creating sustainable revenue streams that can be passed down for generations. |
Room 320 |
| 1:00 p.m. – 1:45 p.m. | Building Empires: From Side Hustle to Generational Wealth It’s time to Transform your hustle into a lasting legacy! This empowering session at the NBMBAA Conference will provide the blueprint for turning passion projects and side businesses into thriving, wealth-building enterprises. Industry experts, successful entrepreneurs, and financial strategists will share key insights on scaling businesses, securing funding, and creating sustainable revenue streams that can be passed down for generations. |
Room 320 |
| 2:00 p.m. – 2:45 p.m. | From Challenge to Change: Transforming Setbacks into Success Life is full of unexpected twists and turns, and sometimes, our well-laid plans don’t pan out as expected. In this empowering and insightful session, we will explore the art of turning obstacles into opportunities. Whether you’ve faced a career setback or a personal challenge, this session will equip you with valuable strategies and a positive mindset to navigate adversity and emerge stronger than ever. Speaker: Andre Thornton |
Room 320 |
| Noon – 4:00 p.m. | Share Sessions and Meet Ups Curated peer-to-peer connections that go beyond networking, fostering authentic conversations and collaborative opportunities. |
GRBCC – 3rd Floor |
| Noon – 1:00 p.m. | The Power of Partnerships: Effective Corporate and Community Collaboration The Power of Partnerships: Effective Corporate and Community Collaboration, co-led with Attorney Phillip Yates, CEO Yates Law Firm, founder of Equiliberty and Equiliberty Community Impact Foundation. In this session, Cheri and Phillip Yates will focus on building wealth through education and entrepreneurship – Cheri & Phillip will also discuss how his entrepreneurial journey led him to start Equiliberty and LEW/BEW and his successful partnership with Chase. |
Room 320 |
| 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. | Share: The Wealth Accelerator: Peer-Driven Strategies for 401(k)s and Stock Options Unlock peer-driven strategies to maximize your 401(k), stock options, and other wealth-building opportunities. Learn from financial experts and fellow professionals who have successfully leveraged these tools to accelerate their wealth. Discover how to optimize employer benefits, make informed investment decisions, and avoid common pitfalls. Whether you’re early in your career or looking to fine-tune your financial strategy, this session will empower you with actionable insights to take control of your financial growth. Don’t just save—accelerate your wealth! |
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| 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. | Real Talk with Chase Home Lending: Join the Conversation on. Homeownership and Building Generational Wealth Join us for an engaging conversation with Chase Home Lending’s senior sales leaders. This session will provide a platform to hear from and engage with our senior sales leaders about the homebuying process, including information about our products, programs, and services. We’ll debunk common myths and offer practical tips to guide you on your journey to homeownership and building generational wealth. |
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| 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m | Share: The Investing Circle: Building Wealth Together Whether you’re a seasoned investor or just getting started, this is your space to connect, learn, and grow with a community focused on building lasting wealth. |
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| 2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. | Meet Up: Mentoring Match Up It’s time to Transform your career with the power of mentorship! The Mentoring Match Up session offers a unique opportunity to connect with experienced professionals who can guide your journey. Whether you’re seeking career advice, business insights, or leadership strategies, this interactive event pairs you with mentors who are committed to helping you thrive. Engage in one-on-one or group discussions, share your goals, and learn from the experiences of those who have successfully navigated the path you’re on. This session is designed to empower you with the knowledge, tools, and connections to accelerate your growth. Don’t just dream –transform your aspirations into achievements with the right guidance and support! |
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| 4:00 p.m. – 4;30 p.m. | The Finale As the Conference comes to a close, the exit event provides an inspiring finale, celebrating the transformative journey attendees have embarked on over the course of the gathering. This thoughtfully curated experience leaves a lasting impression and energizes participants to apply their newfound insights, connections, and aspirations in meaningful ways. |
GRBCC – Concourse |
Interested in Attending?
Stay Tuned for Updates Regarding Conference Registration!