NEW ORLEANS (press release) – Live Nation Urban announced a partnership with the Culture Creators Foundation to launch Lil’ WeezyCon, a new addition to the Lil’ WeezyAna Fest in New Orleans. Lil WeezyCon will occur on Nov. 2 at The Fillmore from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Lil’ WeezyCon offers a platform for thought leaders, creators, artists and young professionals to come together for a day of panels, networking and community engagement.
In an effort to uplift the local community, Lil’ WeezyCon is set to actively engage college students, local community organizations and high school seniors. The organizers state the initiative aims to provide young people with valuable opportunities to connect with top industry professionals and learn about career paths in entertainment and entrepreneurship. Students from Dillard University will help produce the event, while volunteers from LSU, Xavier University, and other local schools will contribute their skills and support.
Tickets to Lil’ WeezyCon are free, making the event accessible to the general public. Additionally, college students with valid student IDs will receive VIP access, offering them exclusive opportunities to network with speakers and industry professionals throughout the day.
Registration is available at www.lilweezyanafest.com.
“We knew we wanted to do something special with this year’s festival, and tapping the Culture Creators Foundation to help us create Lil’ WeezyCon felt like the perfect way to engage the community and bring college students into the mix,” said Brandon Pankey, vice president of Live Nation Urban, in a press release about the event. “This partnership allows us to expand beyond music and create an experience that leaves a lasting impact on young professionals and emerging creators.”
Lil’ WeezyCon will feature a lineup of speakers, artists, and thought leaders from across the entertainment and creative industries, including:
● Adie von Gontard, Founder and CEO of YMAPAA Sports
● Amira Virgil aka XMiraMira, Gaming Content Creator | Community Manager
● Andrew Sanchez, Co-founder Udio.ai
● April Showers, Founder and CEO, Afro Unicorn
● Aulston Taylor, CEO and President, St. Augustine High School
● Blake Walker-Richardson, Chief Legal Officer, Gala Games
● Brandon Pankey VP, Business Development and Operations, LiveNation Urban
● Candace Rodney, Executive Vice President, Content & President, Studios, EBONY
● Chafie Fields, Executive Vice President of Team Sports, Wasserman
● Curtis D. Jackson III, Director, Public Relations, Wasserman
● Danielle Matthews, CEO, Railynne Consulting Services, LLC
● Dante Simpson, Co-Founder ESPAT TV | Co-Founder SPAT MEDIA
● Dr. Rose Collins, Vice President, NFL Alumni Association
● HaSizzle, Artist, King of bounce
● Hellion “Boog” Knight , of YMAPPA Sports
● Jesseca “Judy” Harris-Dupart, Founder + CEO, Kaleidoscope
● Joi Brown, Founder & CEO, Culture Creators and The Culture Creators Foundation
● Kourtney Haynes, Sr Security Industry Specialist at AWS
● Megan “Meme” Kelly, Owner, of Silk Me Kids
● Meredith Aleandri, Partner/Manager at MidCitizen Entertainment
● Nathaniel Cameron Jr, Co-Founder/President of glbl wrmng and Them People Productions
● Phylicia Fant, Head of Music Industry Cultural Collaborations at Amazon Music
● Raven Steward, Founder of Purty Bonnets
● Reid Martin, Artist Manager and Co-Founder, MidCitizen
● Ryan Johnson, CEO of The Cxmmunity Foundation
● Sean Glover, Director, Industry Relations, SoundExchange
● Sierra Lever, Head of HipHop/R&B Rotation at Amazon Music
● Sonny Digital, Artist and Producer
● Tarionna “Tank” Ball, lead vocalist of Grammy-nominated band Tank and The Bangas
● Tavia Osbey, Artist Manager/Co-Founder of MidCitizen Entertainment
● Vanessa Williams, Black Audience Strategy Lead, Prime Video
● Yaz Castillo, Creative marketing and strategic partnerships lead, UDIO.ai
These speakers will engage in panel discussions, workshops and networking sessions designed to inspire and empower attendees. Topics range from music industry trends and creative entrepreneurship to media representation and social impact.
“We’re thrilled to collaborate with LiveNation Urban to create Lil’ WeezyCon, where we can bring together the brightest minds and most influential voices from across the industry to inspire and uplift future generations,” said Joi Brown, founder and CEO of Culture Creators Foundation. “This is an incredible opportunity for our community to connect, share knowledge, and build meaningful relationships while celebrating the culture that drives us all.”
The weekend kicks off with a pre-party on Friday, Nov. 1, at 7 p.m. at The Fillmore New Orleans with special guests.
On Saturday, Nov. 2, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at The Fillmore New Orleans, join in for Lil’ WeezyCon.
The weekend wraps up with the Lil’ Weezyana Fest Thank You Brunch on Sunday, Nov. 3, at 10 a.m. at the House of Blues New Orleans. Hosted by the legendary Cita and Reginae with special guest Rude Jude, it’s the perfect finale to an unforgettable weekend.
Secure your spot now by purchasing tickets at www.lilweezyanafest.com for a weekend filled with music, culture and unforgettable moments in the vibrant city of New Orleans.
