“Where are all the Black people?” That was the joking-but-not-joking question that fell from the lips of a guest at a party hosted by renowned advertising agency Goodby Silverstein & Partners party in the 1990s. This question lingered on the mind of agency co-founder Jeff Goodby, without finding an answer for it. Another industry luminary attempted to answer it while on a conference panel with Goodby in the new millennium — "I don't know where to find any."

Yes, with that remark, it became crystal clear that the advertising industry had a diversity problem, especially as it related to Black employees and leaders.

To address and combat the problem, Goodby and acclaimed creative director Jimmy Smith teamed with us at The One Club for Creativity in 2011 to present a discussion panel named after that very same question: “Where Are All The Black People?” Later that year, that panel became a conference that grew in popularity and in scope with each passing year. Where were all the Black people? They were at this conference, demanding to be seen, to be respected, to have their seat at the table. From inspirational keynotes to portfolio reviews to recruiting booths, the conference brought agencies and brands together with rising stars, industry veterans, and aspiring talent.

The advertising community has made some strides, particularly on the heels of a tumultuous 2020 that left the industry and its clients with no choice but to act upon the question that is our conference's name. And yet, there is still much introspection and action to be done, to evolve beyond hollow platitudes and performative motions, to address and correct our imperfections. There has never been a better time to answer that question with a bold "right here."