A Platform
where accomplished leaders, orators
and business owners share their expertise
An Environment
of celebration, challenge and empowerment
A Place
for learning and developing better business practices
An Opportunity
to inspire the next generation
2022 A.G. Gaston Conference
2021 Conference Sessions Are Available On-Demand
2021 A.G. Gaston Virtual Conference
9:00 – 11:30am CT
Sessions Are Now Available
On-Demand
2022 A.G. Gaston Conference
2021 Sessions Are Available On-Demand
2022 A.G. Gaston Conference
Please note that registration will be limited, and we will follow recommended COVID protocols.
Annual Conference
The A.G. Gaston Conference is the place to connect business owners, community leaders and all who believe in African American empowerment. Join us for two days filled with information that will empower and inspire you to change your future.
World-Class Speakers
Business experts share their experiences, provide valuable advice and challenge others to further success.
Honoring Business Heroes
Local business leaders who exemplify the ideals of A.G. Gaston are recognized by peers.
Empowering African American Businesses
The A.G. Gaston Conference is a two-day event for business owners, educators, community leaders, elected officials, and anyone passionate about African American economic empowerment. Since 2004, the annual conference has provided an environment to strengthen entrepreneurs and address concerns. From world-class speakers to vendors to business-to-business networking, the conference is an iconic event named after A.G. Gaston - the "Entrepreneur of the Century" who elevated Birmingham's black business community.
2022 A.G. Gaston Conference
2022 Speakers
Dr. Andre M. Perry
Autumn Kyles
Cheryl McKissack Daniel
2022 A.G. Gaston Conference Sponsors
2022 A.G. Gaston Conference
2021 Speakers
Maggie Anderson
Dedrick Asante-Muhammad
Shelly Bell
Marc Morial
2022 A.G. Gaston Conference Sponsors
Highlights from the 2020 Conference
Featured Speakers
Maggie Anderson
Shelly Bell
Dr. George Fraser
Michael A. Graves
Dr. Anthony Hood
Carmen Mays
Eugene Mitchell
Debra Nelson
A.G. Gaston Award Recipient
Dr. Anthony Hood
Anthony C. Hood, Ph.D., director of Civic Innovation at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, was awarded the 2020 A.G. Gaston Award for his innovative approach to providing quality educational opportunities to students. Dr. Hood exemplifies Gaston's advice to "find a need and fill it" by pushing UAB students to be leading entrepreneurs and business leaders of the next generation.
People's Choice Award Recipient
Kathy Boswell
Kathy Boswell, VP of Community Engagement for the World Games 2022, was nominated by the local business community and awarded the 2020 People's Choice Award. Ms. Boswell's innovative approach to providing quality, community-focused healthcare initiatives has created a model that will surely be replicated.
2021 Conference Sponsors
Become a Sponsor
Interested in becoming a conference sponsor and getting access to top business owners?
