2026 A.G. Gaston Conference
February 18, 2026 | Red Mountain Theatre – Birmingham, AL
2026 A.G. Gaston Conference
Legacy, Leverage, and Liberation:
Accumulating Assets that lead to Wealth
Arthur George Gaston’s legacy reminds us that wealth is not just about money—it’s about empowerment, ownership, and creating opportunities that transform communities.
In this spirit, the 2026 A.G. Gaston Conference explores how today’s business owners and leaders can leverage their talents, networks, and resources to build generational wealth. Together, we’ll celebrate the achievements of African American entrepreneurs and examine the strategies that turn ideas into assets and assets into liberation.
What this Conference Stands For
The A.G. Gaston Conference is more than an event—it’s a movement.
A Platform
Leaders, visionaries, and business owners take the stage to share powerful stories, hard-won lessons, and bold ideas that spark inspiration and action.An Environment
Energy fills the room as celebration meets challenge—creating an environment that empowers everyone to grow, connect, and push beyond limits.A Place
This is a place to learn from one another, exchange fresh perspectives, and build the skills and confidence that turn goals into achievements.An Opportunity
Every encounter is an opportunity to uplift and inspire the next generation—carrying forward the spirit of A.G. Gaston through courage, creativity, and community.Venue | Birmingham, Alabama
Red Mountain Theatre
This year’s conference will be hosted at the Red Mountain Theatre in Birmingham’s Parkside District. The venue’s blend of modern comfort and artistic character provides an inspiring backdrop for meaningful conversation and collaboration.
Experience Birmingham — a city rich in culture, history, and innovation. From its pivotal role in the civil rights movement to its vibrant entrepreneurial community, Birmingham stands as a testament to resilience and progress—values that mirror the legacy of A.G. Gaston himself.
The Potential:
Exploring the Benefits and Risks of Investing in Foreign Startups
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• Introduction to Foreign Startup Investing;
• Market Research and Due Diligence;
• Legal and Regulatory Considerations;
• Effective risk management strategies ;
• Building a Global Investment Portfolio;
• Cross-Cultural Communication and Relationship Building.
Featured Speakers
Hear from some of the nation’s most accomplished leaders, innovators, and business professionals who are shaping the future of Black enterprise.
Michael V. Roberts
Chairman, The Roberts Companies
The Roberts Companies is a family-owned, diversified business empire headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri – one of the nation’s largest African-American-owned and managed businesses.
Cheryl McKissack
President & CEO, McKissack & McKissack
McKissack & McKissack is the oldest Black-owned architecture and construction company in the U.S., founded 1905 in Nashville, Tennessee.
Roy Wood, Jr.
Stephen Glaude
President & CEO, The Coalition
In addition to his role at The Coalition, Steve serves as the board chair of The Community Opportunity Alliance, and as a board member of the National Community Reinvestment Coalition.
Michael V. Roberts
Sienna Gould
Kian Collier
Laura Norris
Daniel Butler
Our 2024 Discussing
Navigating the Unknown: Mitigating Risks in Foreign Startup Investments
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“Investing in startups based in foreign countries presents a unique opportunity to tap into untapped markets and unlock the potential for exponential growth. By diversifying our investment portfolio across borders, we gain access to a wealth of innovative ideas”
John Wallsh
Vice President, Learning and Developing NF Com
opportunities
The Power of Due Diligence and Investment Evaluation on the global market
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Knowledge hub:
Crowdfunding tips & expert advices masterclasses
Seed funding
Secure funding in the range $150k – $250k
Early fundings
Secure funding in the range $150k – $250k
Growth funding
Secure funding in the range $150k – $250k
Early birds
ends at 11:59 PM on June 12, 2024
$200
- Full Conference Pass for 5 days
- Conference materials and resources
- Choose a seat place
- Exam CQAP participation option
Regular rates
ends at 11:59 PM on June 12, 2024
$400
- Full Conference Pass for 5 days
- Conference materials and resources
- Choose a seat place
- Exam CQAP participation option
Late registration
from September 25, 2024
$800
- Full Conference Pass for 5 days
- Conference materials and resources
- Choose a seat place
- Exam CQAP participation option
Membership to our Funded Club
As an exclusive bonus, all seminar attendees will receive a complimentary membership to our Funded Club providing access to a curated network of foreign startups seeking investment. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to connect with promising ventures and unlock the potential for high returns.
Our 2025 Sponsors
The A.G. Gaston Conference is made possible through the generous support of community partners, corporations, and organizations dedicated to empowering African American businesses and leadership.
Gaston Level
Sponsors
Innovator Level
Sponsors
Contributors
Meet the Hosts
Bob Dickerson
Bob Dickerson
Bob Dickerson has been a leader in the Birmingham community for over 40 years as an advocate for economic justice.
He is passionate about helping people of color, small business owners and members of underserved communities to improve their standing in society. Bob founded the Birmingham Business Resource Center (BBRC) in 1996 after realizing there was no program in Birmingham that combined loan programs with capacity building and advocacy – three things every business needs to succeed. Today the BBRC is an organization that has become a “one-stop-shop” for small business financing and technical assistance. Learn more
Gaynelle Adams Jackson
Gaynelle Adams Jackson is the Founder and Administrative Member of Advanced Planning Services, LLC (APS). APS is a family-owned full-service company specializing in meeting & event management, program planning and small business development and event planning training.
Gaynelle has more than twenty-five years of meeting and event management experience and more than ten years of experience in program development and training. She has established a strong network of business and community resources and has built a reputation as an advocate for African American and microbusinesses.
When Gaynelle is not planning meetings and events she is advocating for micro and small businesses, as the President of the Alabama MicroEnterprise Network (AMEN). AMEN is a 501c(3) organization that speaks with one voice to serve, educate and empower Alabama’s microbusiness development organizations and the entrepreneurs they represent.
Gaynelle Adams Jackson
