Forget the usual conference setting – CultureCon 2024 took attendees on a journey to ‘camp,’ transforming Brooklyn’s Duggal Greenhouse into a vibrant gathering space for Black creative professionals and entrepreneurs. This year’s camp-themed event, which attracted 22,000 attendees, was all about connection, learning, and building together.
The star-studded lineup of speakers, like Cynthia Erivo, Yara Shahidi, and Law Roach, served as the ultimate camp counselors, guiding attendees through insightful discussions on topics ranging from using their platform to drive change and building a sustainable creator career to finding balance and overcoming burnout.
Five camp rules were established to set the tone: make a friend, stay curious, spread love, take care, and be brave. “This is the first year we’ve ever had a theme and I feel like it grounds the conference,” CultureCon founder Imani Ellis told Vogue. “Camp is all about resting and play, and as you enter adulthood it’s a lot of work and stress; we tuck away our inner child. I feel like it’s refreshing to pause because being creative has a lot to do with joy and being happy.”
The camp spirit was undeniably present, not just in the workshops and discussions, but also in the captivating street-style looks and bold beauty trends that attendees embraced. From denim and cargo fits with subtle twists to come-as-you-are ensembles, individuality and self-expression were celebrated in all their glory.
CultureCon 2024 was a powerful reminder of the importance of community, creativity, and embracing joy. It was a chance for Black creatives to connect, learn, and inspire each other, all while expressing their unique selves in a vibrant and welcoming environment.
