Black Enterprise and Film Life, producers of the American Black Film Festival, have joined forces to help innovators of technology and the arts with the Plunge Culture & Creativity Conference. Taking place Nov. 6-8, 2014, at the Eden Roc Resert in Miami Beach, Plunge works to bring together a multicultural array of people from numerous industries with the goal of empowerment, creativity, and taking innovation to the next level. “Black Enterprise’s involvement with Plunge is part of our expanding partnership with Film Life and the American Black Film Festival, made necessary by our desire to engage people in innovative and creative industries for whom our credo of wealth creation and business opportunities resonate,†says Alfred A. Edmond Jr., senior vice president and chief content officer at Black Enterprise. Plunge presents a  a great opportunity to add momentum to the drive and creativity which have become the backbone of our highly socialized, content-driven economy–what I call the creative economy. I am excited by the prospect of creating an event with the impact of a SXSW, one that is especially attractive and helpful to inventors, entrepreneurs, and innovators of color.â€
The first conference of its kind focused on multicultural innovators and creation, Plunge continues the successful Film Life and Black Enterprise partnership that began with the 2014 American Black Film Festival. “Black Enterprise is an innovative brand. It has championed excellence in many areas beyond its business focal point, including education, personal wealth, etc., setting high standards and providing tools and resources to help empower men and women of color,†says Jeff Friday, founder and CEO of Film Life. “The idea [for Plunge] was an organic one. I was often being asked to connect various people to one another and thought it would be great if I could gather them all in one place. I envisioned this as a think tank for highly creative people and game changers, as well as a place where those who want to be inspired by people doing extraordinary things could come and do exactly that.â€
Plunge will feature networking, panels, and various events for a mix of business people in search of new and improved ways to use creativity and technology to achieve business goals. Speakers already confirmed include green living expert and author Danny SEO, and Frans Johansson, author of The Medici Effect. Writer and director Gina Prince-Bythewood will also speak and premiere her upcoming film Beyond the Lights.
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While on Nov. 7, Black Enterprise will host the Innovation Slam — an inventor’s showcase to highlight the next creative invention — hosted by senior vice president and editor-in-chief, print content of Black Enterprise Derek T. Dingle. “Black Enterprise believes that creativity is at the core of all elements of business innovation, including product and service creation, marketing, and talent development. We also find that inclusion and partnership, whether it is at the corporate or entrepreneurial levels, will make American industry more competitive,†says Dingle. “Plunge represents the extension of Black Enterprise’s partnership with Film Life/ABFF, using our hosting of the Innovation Slam as a means to showcase diverse talent and provide a platform for feedback for leaders across disciplines as well as to facilitate high-level networking. Plunge offers that opportunity.”
Plunge is looking for applicants with an idea. The deadline for Innovation Slam applicants is Oct. 15. Sign up here to be a part. Finished products are not necessary.