Chris's dynamic background as the founder of Shazam, a groundbreaking app that changed how people discover music, aligns with SlossTech's focus on driving forward-thinking ideas and creative solutions.

Here’s why Chris is a great choice:

1. Innovation Expertise: Chris’s journey with Shazam exemplifies the power of leveraging cutting-edge technology to solve real-world problems. His story about overcoming technical challenges and building a product that seemed impossible at the time resonates deeply with the innovators and entrepreneurs who attend Sloss Tech.
2. Inspiring and Actionable Takeaways: Known for his engaging and motivational style, Chris connects with audiences by sharing valuable insights on how to cultivate creativity, embrace risk, and think differently to achieve groundbreaking results. This message aligns perfectly with Sloss Tech’s mission to inspire attendees to push boundaries.
3. Future-Focused: With a passion for discussing topics like AI, creativity, and entrepreneurship, Chris can tailor his keynote to spark thought-provoking conversations about the future of technology, aligning with Sloss Tech's role as a hub for thought leadership.
4. Broad Appeal: Whether the audience includes startups, established tech professionals, or aspiring innovators, Chris’s story and insights are universal, ensuring he connects meaningfully with diverse attendees.

By featuring Chris Barton, Sloss Tech would not only provide a powerful and memorable experience for its audience but also reinforce its reputation as a premier event that showcases the most compelling voices in technology and innovation.

Topics

• Bring Impossible Ideas to Life
• Overcome Obstacles with Imagination
• Eliminate Effort to Unlock Explosive Growth
• Build the Vision You See [But Other's Don't]

Johnny Earle, known as Johnny Cupcakes, would be an exceptional keynote speaker for Sloss Tech, bringing a unique blend of creativity, entrepreneurship, and storytelling to the event. His journey from selling T-shirts out of the trunk of his car to building a global, cult-like brand offers inspiring lessons that align perfectly with Sloss Tech’s mission to ignite innovation and celebrate unconventional thinking in technology and business.

Here’s why Johnny Cupcakes is a fantastic fit for Sloss Tech:

1. Creative Brand Building: Johnny’s ability to turn a simple idea into a globally recognized and highly sought-after brand resonates with the entrepreneurial spirit of Sloss Tech attendees. His approach to business emphasizes thinking outside the box, fostering innovation, and creating memorable customer experiences—key themes for a tech-driven audience.
2. Entrepreneurial Lessons: As a self-made entrepreneur, Johnny shares actionable insights on overcoming obstacles, leveraging creativity, and building strong communities around ideas, which are invaluable for startups and innovators seeking inspiration.
3. Engaging and Memorable Storytelling: Known for his entertaining and high-energy speaking style, Johnny captivates audiences with anecdotes, humor, and passion, ensuring an unforgettable experience that will leave Sloss Tech attendees inspired to think differently.
4. Focus on Culture and Innovation: Johnny’s expertise extends beyond branding to fostering company culture and creating sustainable innovation, topics that resonate with both tech professionals and creative entrepreneurs.
5. Relatable and Inspiring: His message appeals to a wide range of audiences, from budding entrepreneurs to seasoned professionals, making him a versatile choice for Sloss Tech’s diverse attendee base.

Bringing Johnny Cupcakes to Sloss Tech would infuse the event with creativity, energy, and a fresh perspective, empowering attendees to embrace innovation in their own ventures. His story and strategies perfectly complement Sloss Tech’s mission to celebrate the intersection of technology, creativity, and entrepreneurship.

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Asali DeVan Ecclesiastes would be an outstanding keynote speaker for Sloss Tech, particularly given the event’s location in Birmingham, Alabama—a city with a profound history of social justice, civil rights, and cultural innovation. As a celebrated cultural leader, artist, and advocate, Asali brings a powerful perspective on the intersections of community, creativity, and social transformation, deeply resonating with Birmingham’s legacy as a hub for progress and resilience.

Here’s why Asali DeVan Ecclesiastes is a perfect fit for Sloss Tech:

1. Deep Connection to Social Justice: Asali’s lifelong work as an advocate for equity and human rights aligns with Birmingham’s history as a cornerstone of the Civil Rights Movement. Her experiences in addressing systemic inequalities through art and community engagement provide invaluable lessons for fostering lasting change.
2. Celebrating African American Culture: Asali’s leadership in preserving and promoting the cultural heritage of African American communities echoes the rich traditions of Birmingham. Her insights emphasize the power of storytelling, music, and art in shaping collective identity and inspiring future generations.
3. Transforming Communities through Creativity: Asali has a proven track record of using cultural programming to revitalize communities and empower marginalized voices. Her approach demonstrates how the arts can be a catalyst for healing and growth in historically significant places like Birmingham.
4. A Voice for Empowerment: Known for her powerful and poetic storytelling, Asali connects deeply with audiences, weaving narratives that honor the past while envisioning a more inclusive and equitable future. Her ability to connect historical context with contemporary challenges would resonate strongly with attendees in Birmingham.
5. Birmingham’s Legacy as a Backdrop: With its rich civil rights history and vibrant African American culture, Birmingham provides the perfect setting for Asali’s message. Her keynote would celebrate the city’s legacy while inspiring attendees to continue building on its foundation of progress and resilience.

By featuring Asali DeVan Ecclesiastes, Sloss Tech would offer a keynote that honors Birmingham’s history while charting a path forward. Her unique perspective on the power of art, culture, and community would leave attendees inspired to embrace their role in creating a more just and vibrant world.

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Dr. Ruha Benjamin would be a powerful and thought-provoking addition to Sloss Tech, bringing a unique perspective that bridges technology, innovation, and social impact. As a renowned scholar, speaker, and author, her work explores how science and technology intersect with society, particularly focusing on equity, justice, and ethics.

Here’s why Dr. Ruha Benjamin is an outstanding fit for Sloss Tech:

1. Insight into Ethical Innovation: Dr. Benjamin’s expertise in examining the social implications of technology aligns with Sloss Tech’s commitment to forward-thinking innovation. She challenges audiences to consider how technological advancements can be designed and implemented to create a more equitable and inclusive future.
2. Future-Focused Themes: With topics ranging from AI ethics to the societal impacts of emerging technologies, Dr. Benjamin sparks vital conversations about how innovation can shape the future in meaningful and responsible ways.
3. Inspiring and Actionable: Known for her engaging and dynamic speaking style, Dr. Benjamin provides audiences with both thought-provoking insights and practical steps to incorporate ethical considerations into their work, fostering a culture of responsible innovation.
4. Empowering Diversity and Inclusion: As Sloss Tech seeks to inspire and connect a diverse audience, Dr. Benjamin’s focus on equity and justice in technology resonates deeply with attendees looking to build inclusive and impactful solutions.
5. Broad Appeal: Whether addressing seasoned tech leaders or aspiring entrepreneurs, her message challenges conventional thinking and inspires audiences to view technology as a tool for societal transformation.

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Dedren Snead-August would be a powerful and innovative addition to the keynote lineup at Sloss Tech, offering a fresh perspective on the intersection of technology, storytelling, and culture. As the founder of Subsumé Studios and a thought leader in immersive storytelling, Dedren uses cutting-edge technologies like augmented reality, blockchain, and AI to craft narratives that inspire, educate, and empower.

Here’s why Dedren Snead-August is an exceptional fit for Sloss Tech:

1. Future of Immersive Storytelling: Dedren’s expertise in combining technology with narrative design positions him as a leader in the rapidly growing field of immersive storytelling. His insights into how tools like AR and blockchain are transforming storytelling and user engagement would captivate the tech-forward audience at Sloss Tech.
2. Championing Innovation with Purpose: Dedren’s projects explore the role of technology in addressing global challenges and amplifying underrepresented voices. His commitment to innovation with a social impact aligns with Sloss Tech’s focus on fostering bold ideas and meaningful progress.
3. Bridging Technology and Culture: Through Subsumé Studios, Dedren integrates African diasporic culture with technology, creating narratives that celebrate diversity and push creative boundaries. His work showcases how tech can be a vehicle for cultural preservation and new forms of artistic expression.
4. Engaging and Visionary Thought Leader: Dedren’s dynamic speaking style and ability to distill complex technologies into relatable and inspiring ideas make him an ideal keynote speaker. He motivates audiences to embrace the potential of technology to transform industries and communities alike.
5. Relevant to Tech Innovators and Creatives: Whether attendees are developers, designers, or entrepreneurs, Dedren’s work at the intersection of technology and storytelling provides actionable insights and fresh inspiration for leveraging innovation in their own projects.

By featuring Dedren Snead-August, Sloss Tech would provide attendees with a visionary look at the future of technology-driven storytelling. His keynote would challenge the audience to think differently about how tech can be used not only to build the future but also to connect with and inspire people on a deeply human level.

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Sinead Bovell would be an exceptional keynote speaker for Sloss Tech, offering a forward-thinking perspective at the intersection of technology, innovation, and the future of work. As a futurist and founder of WAYE, she is dedicated to bridging the gap between cutting-edge technologies and the people they impact, particularly younger generations and diverse communities.

Here’s why Sinead Bovell is a perfect fit for Sloss Tech:

1. Expert on the Future of Technology: Sinead’s expertise in emerging technologies, such as AI, blockchain, and Web3, aligns seamlessly with Sloss Tech’s focus on innovation. Her insights help demystify complex concepts, empowering attendees to embrace the technological advancements shaping the future.
2. Focus on Accessibility and Inclusion: With her passion for making technology accessible to underrepresented communities, Sinead embodies the values of equity and inclusivity that Sloss Tech champions. Her message resonates with attendees looking to create solutions that benefit everyone.
3. Actionable Insights: Known for delivering clear and practical advice, Sinead provides audiences with tools to navigate and leverage new technologies in their personal and professional lives, making her message both inspiring and actionable.
4. Engaging and Visionary Storytelling: Sinead captivates audiences with her ability to connect global trends in technology to everyday life, delivering a message that is relatable, engaging, and deeply relevant to innovators and entrepreneurs.
5. Youthful and Fresh Perspective: As a millennial thought leader, Sinead brings a fresh perspective to the stage, appealing to the diverse and tech-savvy audience of Sloss Tech. Her emphasis on preparing for the future of work ensures her talk is both timely and impactful.

Bringing Sinead Bovell to Sloss Tech would inspire attendees to think boldly about the role of technology in society and equip them with the tools and mindset to drive meaningful innovation. Her unique blend of futurism, accessibility, and actionable insights makes her a standout choice for the event.

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Eniola Abioye would be a dynamic and inspiring keynote speaker for Sloss Tech, offering a unique perspective at the intersection of design, technology, and user experience. As a design leader and founder of UX Out Loud, she is passionate about creating human-centered solutions that foster innovation and inclusivity in the tech space.

Here’s why Eniola Abioye is an excellent fit for Sloss Tech:

1. Human-Centered Innovation: Eniola’s expertise in user experience design emphasizes the importance of building technology that truly serves people. Her insights help bridge the gap between cutting-edge tech and real-world user needs, a message that resonates deeply with Sloss Tech’s focus on innovation.
2. Champion of Diversity and Inclusion: With a mission to amplify diverse voices in the design and tech industries, Eniola embodies the inclusive ethos of Sloss Tech. Her approach inspires attendees to consider equity and representation in their own work.
3. Actionable Takeaways: Known for her practical advice and engaging delivery, Eniola equips audiences with tools and strategies to improve user experiences and create impactful, accessible products. Her message is both inspiring and immediately applicable.
4. Creative Storytelling: Eniola’s journey as a design professional and advocate for diversity brings a fresh and relatable perspective to the stage. Her ability to connect her personal experiences with broader industry trends ensures a compelling and memorable keynote.
5. Appeal to Innovators and Designers: Whether attendees are entrepreneurs, product developers, or tech leaders, Eniola’s focus on user-centric design offers invaluable insights for anyone looking to build technology that drives meaningful change.

By featuring Eniola Abioye, Sloss Tech would spotlight the critical role of design in innovation, inspiring attendees to create technology that is not only innovative but also inclusive and impactful. Her keynote would leave a lasting impression, motivating attendees to prioritize the human element in their work.

Speaking Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RQUPr-yPLvQ

Speaking Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D0MvT82bLPg

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Southern Renaissance: Catalyzing Black Innovation and Economic Equity

Over 56% of African Americans live in the US South, which has accounted for 94% of the nation’s Black population growth since 2020. It remains the only region to see a net increase in Black residents since the start of the 21st century, marking a new “Reverse Migration” that carries transformative potential.

This talk offers insights into how the South is becoming a hub for advancements in fields such as healthcare technology, agribusiness, food technology, advanced manufacturing, and sustainable mobility. Kimberly Bryant, founder of Black Girls CODE, draws from her personal experience growing up in Memphis and her recent return to launch the Black Innovation Lab.

Through compelling storytelling, Kimberly connects the history of post-Reconstruction economic exclusion with today’s opportunities for Black business and educational innovation in what some call the "Digital Delta.” She also highlights the importance of closing the racial wealth gap through business ownership, which drives economic mobility by creating jobs and building community wealth.

As the South experiences this economic and demographic revival, regional hubs are not only driving innovation but also increasing voter representation and economic mobility. Learn from Kimberly how this movement is creating a fertile environment for growth, laying the foundation for a new era of racial wealth equity and inclusive entrepreneurship. Actionable takeaways include learning how to build inclusive ecosystems, gaining a better understanding of the importance of equity-centered innovation, how to access venture capital, and what business ownership can do as a path to long-term wealth as well what this could mean for other communities looking to establish greater economic outcomes for their populations.

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Artificial Intelligence: A Revolution for All

Imagine a future where technology holds the key to a transformation so profound that it touches every aspect of our lives. This future is our reality, driven by the inexorable force of artificial intelligence, the fourth wave of innovation. It brings with it the promise of increased efficiency, improved healthcare, and boundless opportunities. However, as we embrace this revolution, we are met with a grave responsibility: to ensure that its fruits are not exclusive but are shared by all, particularly those in marginalized communities. This talk will:

-Explore how AI regulations may help prevent exploitation, protect privacy, and ensure equal opportunities for marginalized communities in AI-related jobs.

-Explore how we might leverage AI to address social issues like poverty, unemployment, or education gaps in marginalized communities ensuring equitable benefits of AI tools.

-Educate communities on AI basics and implications, making technology accessible, understandable, and usable, fostering a sense of ownership and empowerment.

-Encourage diversity in AI development to ensure a wide range of perspectives and inclusion to prevent the creation of systems that inadvertently harm marginalized communities.