The National BDPA Conference is returning to Indianapolis this summer, bringing together technology professionals, students and industry leaders from across the country for four days of networking, mentorship and innovation-focused programming.
The Indianapolis Recorder is a proud sponsor of the conference, which will be hosted at the Hyatt Regency Indianapolis from July 15-18.
Founded in 1975, BDPA — formerly known as Black Data Processing Associates — was created to address the underrepresentation of minority professionals in technology. More than 50 years later, the organization continues to focus on helping students and professionals advance “from the classroom to the boardroom,” according to BDPA National President Stephanie Gloster.
“I would say it’s because it’s rooted in over 50 years of purpose,” Gloster said. “BDPA was founded in 1975 to address the under-representation of minority professionals in technology, and the National Conference has remained tied to that mission of advancing careers from the classroom to the boardroom.”
The conference combines professional development, student programming, mentorship, recruiting opportunities and leadership development in one place each year. Organizers say attendees can expect sessions centered around artificial intelligence, business strategy, leadership development and emerging technologies.
“Our theme is innovation in motion, keeping pace with emerging trends,” Gloster said. “We’re going to have sessions designed to connect them to current technology, leadership insight, and career opportunities.”
In addition to professional programming, the conference also serves as the culmination of BDPA’s national student competitions and youth initiatives. Students participating in coding competitions and technology programs from around the country will gather in Indianapolis for the final rounds and awards gala.
According to conference co-chair Rupal Thanawala, bringing the conference to Indianapolis was intentional and rooted in both workforce development and community impact.
“We wanted to make sure that we are bringing highly talented professionals and future leaders to Indiana,” Thanawala said. “At the same time, give opportunity for our local leaders and young students to expose them to the tech innovation and what is the future of the workforce look like.”
Indianapolis previously hosted the conference in 2014, which organizers described as one of the organization’s most successful events. Gloster said the city’s expanding technology ecosystem and strong university presence made it a natural choice for the conference’s return.
“The city has a growing tech ecosystem,” Gloster said. “There’s a lot of rising tech talent, strong university connections, and an active local conversation about expanding opportunity in tech.”
One of the major highlights of this year’s conference is a new initiative offering free admission to 100 local students. Thanawala said organizers wanted to ensure local young people could directly benefit from exposure to conversations about innovation, artificial intelligence and future workforce trends.
“One of the things, which is a highlight of this conference, is that we are going to give free admission to local 100 students,” Thanawala said. “How we are creating opportunities for our young people to be part of it and they do not even have to pay for the conference.”
BDPA’s broader mission focuses on creating pathways into technology careers at multiple levels, beginning with students and extending into executive leadership opportunities. Programs include coding competitions, youth technology camps, scholarships, mentorship and career development initiatives.
Gloster said despite progress in the technology industry, significant barriers remain for Black and diverse professionals entering and advancing in the field.
“I would say the barriers are both structural and cultural,” Gloster said. “There’s uneven access to STEM preparation. There could be financial constraints, weaker professional networks, and a mentorship gap.”
Conference organizers also emphasized the importance of partnerships with sponsors and community organizations in supporting the conference and BDPA’s long-term mission. This year, organizers are working alongside Indiana Black Expo on collaborative opportunities connecting students and professionals to additional programming and networking events.
“We look at them as co-builders of opportunities,” Gloster said of sponsors and partners. “They help us with recruiting, employment, employee development, mentorship, and long-term talent investment.”
Professional registration for the conference is $300, college student registration is $250 and student registration is $200. Organizers said tickets will remain available until the day before the conference begins.
More information about the conference and registration is available at bdpa.org/bdpacon26/
Contact Health & Environmental Reporter Hanna Rauworth at 317-762-7854 or follow her on Instagram at @hanna.rauworth.
Hanna Rauworth is the Health & Environmental Reporter for the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper, where she covers topics at the intersection of public health, environmental issues, and community impact. With a commitment to storytelling that informs and empowers, she strives to highlight the challenges and solutions shaping the well-being of Indianapolis residents.
