SPARK A CONVO
SPARK-A-CONVO 2025: Rules & Info
Where Are All The Black People is back for 2025—and in this moment, it matters more than ever. As industry support for equity-focused programs continues to shift, the need for spaces that center our voices, celebrate our creativity, and strengthen our community is critical. That’s why this year’s conference, taking place virtually on Thursday, October 16 and in-person on Friday, October 17 in NYC, is grounded in collective power—and built by the people who believe in it most: you.
We’re bringing back Spark-A-Convo, the community-driven initiative where you shape the conversations on the stage.
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU
This year’s theme is “The Power of Us”—highlighting how community fuels creativity, sustains resilience, and helps us build something greater together. We’re calling for panels that reflect that spirit: bold, collaborative, forward-thinking, and rooted in purpose. In past years, your submissions sparked some of our most powerful discussions, including:
- F*ck That Job: Co-Creating Healthy Work Environments for Current & Future Marketers of Color
- Challenging the Status Quo: Marketing to Black Consumers
- Finding Your People: Seeking Strength and Solidarity in Employee Resource Groups (ERGs)
- Pass the Mic: Making Space for Black Women in Leadership Roles
As we continue to protect and grow the creative spaces we’ve built, we want to know: What conversations do you want to hear this year?
Who do you want to hear from?
Submit your panel idea and speaker(s) using the form below—and help us keep this movement alive.
RULES
The ideal panel should:
- Cover something new, relevant, or under-discussed in advertising, creativity, and culture
- Tie into topics like: AI/Tech, The Current State of The Industry, DEI’s Dismantling, Wellness, Strategists’ Role, Creator Economy, Entrepreneurship, Navigating a Challenging Job Marketing, The Multi Hyphenate, and more
- Offer tangible takeaways and leave attendees feeling empowered
- Celebrate underrepresented voices—never diminish them
NOTE: Only individual submissions (not company pitches) will be accepted. If your company wants to sponsor a panel, email one-id@oneclub.org for partnership opportunities.
Of the three Spark-A-Convo sessions, one will be virtual (Oct 16) and two will take place in NYC on Friday, October 17.
KEY DATES FOR 2025
- Launch: Wednesday, July 2
- Submission Deadline: Tuesday, August 5
- Community Voting: Friday, Aug 15 — Friday, August 29
- Winners Announced: Thursday, September 4
Selected finalists will be announced publicly for voting after an internal review process narrows down the submissions to 10 semifinalists. If your panel is selected as a winner, be prepared to submit headshots and bios for your co-panelists and moderator within 1-2 weeks after notification.
By submitting, you give The One Club permission to use your submitted panel title, description, or artwork in promotional materials (online or in print), with proper credit. You retain full rights to your work and can republish elsewhere.
2024 WINNING PANELS
F*ck That Job: Co-Creating Healthy Work Environments for Current & Future Marketers of Color
Finding Your People: Seeking Strength and Solidarity in Employee Resource Groups (ERGs)
