Inc. Networking Café

Preparing for Take Off

Saturday, October 4, 2025. Duggal Greenhouse. Flushing Ave, Brooklyn — This year’s CultureCon 2025, powered by The Creative Collective NYC and presented by Chase, Inc. I-N-K, invited attendees to boldly “Take Up Space.” Set against a vibrant NASA-inspired backdrop, the conference reimagined creatives as space travelers embarking on a mission to elevate their voices, expand their resources, and amplify their impact. From the moment guests arrived, they were guided through an intentional journey: grounding themselves in purpose, igniting at the Culture Stage headquarters, orbiting the Training Center for workshops and activations, and ultimately achieving liftoff—equipped with fresh tools, knowledge, and community to power their creative frontiers.

Venue & Atmosphere

CultureCon once again found its home in Brooklyn, filling the borough with the unmistakable energy of Black and brown creatives who showed up in fearless style. From beards adorned with roses to golden braids cascading down to the ankles, from platform heels and stiletto nails to diamond-studded grills and feather earrings, the atmosphere pulsed with expression and individuality. The venue itself became an ecosystem of ten themed activations that blended learning, leisure, and inspiration.

The Culture Stage anchored the event with mission-branded merchandise and marquee conversations, while the Chase, Inc. Networking Café fueled introductions over coffee. At the Creator Stage, attendees sharpened their skills through hands-on summits, while Activation Alley buzzed with immersive brand partnerships from HBO Max, YouTube, Pinterest, Spotify, and more. Black-owned entrepreneurs shined at the Chase, Inc. Small Business Market, while the YouTube VIP Lounge gave premium ticket holders an exclusive space to connect. The Creative Career Lounge drew ambitious professionals eager for on-site interviews, and the Mission Control Courtyard provided a relaxed hub for networking, complete with a Lucid Motors showcase. Culinary explorers flocked to the Taste Terminal for locally sourced Black-owned cuisine, while the Relief Zone and Discovery Dock offered moments of rest and reflection before diving back into the action.

Guest Speakers & Conversations

The conference opened Saturday, October 4th, with music, community energy, and a breathtaking performance by ballerina Ingrid Silva. Devi Brown followed with a grounding meditation, helping attendees set intentions for the day ahead. Soon after, Emmy Award-winner Cheryl Lee Ralph and her son, filmmaker Entienne Maurice, shared a moving dialogue on legacy, purpose, and the power of advocacy through art.

CultureCon Founder & Visionary Imani Ellis and multidisciplinary artist Ike Slimster offered a behind-the-scenes look at the conference during CultureCon Uncut Live, while Chase, Ink. presented a Founder Summit with strategies for scaling creative businesses. Afternoon highlights included reflections from Michael Ealy on his versatile career, an inspiring session with Taraji P. Henson, and a candid conversation with Ciara on pivoting from performer to entrepreneur. The day closed with Morris Chestnut, who spoke powerfully about reinvention, longevity, and protecting creative vision in Hollywood.

Activations & Experiences

Beyond the main stage, Activation Alley was alive with opportunities to engage, network, and explore. The Chase, Inc. Marketplace spotlighted Black-owned small businesses, while AbbVie’s “Beyond a Gut Feeling” installation transformed restroom row into a thought-provoking art-meets-wellness experience. Career-driven guests flocked to the 160over90 Career Lounge and HBO Max Career Lounge, where they networked, interviewed, and learned from industry leaders. Exclusive Creative Collective NYC masterclasses gave VIP ticket holders advanced training in marketing, storytelling, and entrepreneurship.

Other standout activations included the Cricket Lounge and Spirit Cruiser, the Crown Excel Sports hub, and Pinterest’s Goddess Complex, which tapped into trend forecasts with styling sessions, hair accessories, and content-ready photo studios. Together, these experiences embodied CultureCon’s mission to create space for learning, healing, and building community.

Day One Wrap-Up

By the close of Day One, the atmosphere was nothing short of electric. Guests left with notebooks full of ideas, pockets filled with new connections, and hearts uplifted by a renewed sense of belonging. CultureCon was more than panels and activations—it was a living canvas of fashion, culture, and community. Attendees were fed creatively, professionally, and spiritually, while entrepreneurs found resources, professionals unlocked opportunities, and friendships blossomed. More than a conference, CultureCon felt like a cultural homecoming—an affirmation that the future of creativity is collaborative, diverse, and unstoppable. With spirits recharged and visions expanded, guests departed ready to return for Day Two, carrying with them the inspiration and tools to boldly “take up space.”