Frequently Asked Questions

Last update to the FAQs - Oct 03, 2024

Obsidi Tech Talk - FAQ

  • 1. What are Obsidi® Tech Talks?
    Obsidi® Tech Talks is an event series designed to provide insights, knowledge, and networking opportunities for Black tech professionals. These talks feature industry experts discussing topics relevant to tech careers, industry trends, and professional development.
  • 2. Who can attend Obsidi® Tech Talks?
    Obsidi® Tech Talks are open to all professionals, students, and enthusiasts interested in the tech industry. While the primary focus is empowering Black professionals, everyone is welcome to join and benefit from the valuable information and networking opportunities.
  • 3. How can I register for an Obsidi® Tech Talk event?
    You can freely register for an Obsidi® Tech Talk event by visiting our events page and selecting the event you are interested in. Follow the registration instructions provided on the event page.
  • 4. Are Obsidi® Tech Talks free to attend?
    Yes, Obsidi® Tech Talks are free to attend. 
  • 5. Can I access past webinar recordings of Obsidi® Tech Talks?
    Yes, recordings of past Obsidi® Tech Talks are available to registered members on our website. Visit the recordings section to access and watch previous sessions at your convenience.
  • 6. What topics are covered in Obsidi® Tech Talks?
    Obsidi® Tech Talks cover various topics, including emerging technologies, career development, industry insights, entrepreneurship, and diversity and inclusion in tech. Each event focuses on themes relevant to the tech industry and professional growth.
  • 7. How often are Obsidi® Tech Talks held?
    Obsidi® Tech Talks are held seasonally between February and August and equally during November. We recommend subscribing to our Obsidi® or following us on social media to stay updated on upcoming events and topics, as sometimes new events can occur outside of this period. 
  • 8. Can I suggest a topic for an Obsidi® Tech Talk?
    Absolutely! We welcome topic suggestions via the 2-minute post-event survey distributed to attendees after each Obsidi® Tech Talk. Please complete the survey at the end of each event to share your ideas, and our team will review and consider them for future events.
  • 9. How can I become a volunteer speaker at an Obsidi® Tech Talk?
    If you want to become a volunteer speaker at an Obsidi® Tech Talk, please complete the speaker application form. Our team will review your submission and only contact you if your expertise and experience match an upcoming event theme that members have requested. 
  • 10. What benefits can I gain from attending Obsidi® Tech Talks?
    By attending Obsidi® Tech Talks, you can gain valuable industry insights, expand your professional network, discover new career opportunities, and enhance your knowledge and skills in various tech-related areas. These events are designed to support your career growth and connect you with a community of like-minded professionals.
  • 11. How can I deliver a workshop or event in collaboration with Obsidi®?
    Please complete the partnership form, and a team member will reach out if there is alignment between your initiative and our business objectives. In addition, no further email probing or follow-up call ought to be sent to any staff member, email inbox or other communication channels. We will only reach out by email to individuals or organizations of interest and do not possess the capacity to send an email to officially decline or further address all communications which didn't align with our strategic objectives at the time in which they were received. Thank you for your understanding.
  • 12. How are Obsidi Tech Talk speakers selected?
    All Obsidi® Tech Talk speakers are chosen based on their tech industry expertise, educational background, life experience, and public speaking abilities. Speakers either work within a tech organization, accomplish technology-related functions or are self-employed tech founders or professionals with a portfolio of tech business-related activities. 
  • 13. Do you have to be an Obsidi® member to access our Obsidi® Tech Talk?
    Yes, all Obsidi® Tech Talks are freely available to Obsidi® members. Registering to become a member of Obsidi® is entirely free and can be done in minutes.
  • 14. How do I connect with the recruiters and hiring managers present at each Obisdi® Tech Talk event?
    Wether you’re attending an Obsidi® Tech Talk in-person or online, hiring managers, tech recruiters and prospective employers are always present either in the chat or in-person.  We highly recommend that you engage in the chat and share your Obsidi® profile to foster new connections. In addition, during our live Obsidi® Tech Talks, the recruiters and hiring managers are easily identifiable and eager to share insights and connect you to new opportunities therefore, don’t be shy and network your way to next rewarding career opportunity! 
  • 15. What’s expected of Obsidi® Tech Talk speakers?
    Each speaker is expected to complete the following elements as part of each event campaign:
    • Attend a 30-minute dry-run meeting to complete a technical check
    • Attend the live event from start to end,
    • Complete the Obisdi® Tech Talk application form
  • 16. Are Obisdi® Tech Talk speakers compensated for participating in an event?
    No, speakers at Obsidi® Tech Talks are not compensated. These events are free for all participants and driven by a volunteer initiative. By sharing their knowledge and expertise, speakers contribute to a supportive community, fostering growth and development among upcoming and senior professionals. This free exchange of insights helps to build more robust networks, promote professional development, and empower Black professionals to achieve tremendous career success. Through this initiative, speakers enrich community ties and uplift others in their professional journeys.
  • 17. What are the benefits of attending Obsidi® Tech Talks?

    Benefit #1: Connect with Tech Recruiters & Hiring Managers

    Did you know that tech recruiters and hiring managers are present at each of our Obsidi® Tech Talks? They are actively looking to hire Black professionals like you and offer direct access to potential job opportunities and career advancements.

    Benefit #2: Learn New Skills & Enrich Your Network

    With a growing network of 100K+ Black tech professionals, Obsidi® Tech Talks allows you to connect with individuals across various fields and industries. This provides the knowledge and insights needed to advance your career. You can learn new skills, gain industry-specific knowledge, and enrich your professional network by attending.

    Benefit #3: Access Jobs & Untapped Opportunities

    Each Obsidi® Tech Talk connects you with seasoned professionals who can help you discover untapped opportunities in the tech industry. This access to insider knowledge and exclusive job openings can significantly enhance your career prospects.
  • 18. Will Obsidi® provide speakers with member data points, event recordings, or business endorsements for participating in Obsidi® Tech Talks?
    No, Obsidi® does not provide volunteer speakers with member data points, event recordings, or any form of business endorsement as part of participating in an Obsidi® Tech Talk. Our focus is on creating a platform for knowledge sharing and community building. While we deeply appreciate the contributions of our speakers, we maintain a policy of confidentiality and impartiality regarding member data and business endorsements.
  • 19. How can I get a tech job through Obsidi® Tech Talks?
    Obsidi® Tech Talks are a valuable product connecting members with tech recruiters, hiring managers, and experienced professionals who can help open doors to various job opportunities. We curate an environment that fosters networking and engagement, providing numerous chances to connect with industry leaders and explore potential career paths. However, members need to pursue these opportunities actively. We encourage you to follow up with the guest speakers, apply for the positions discussed during the talks, and make the most of the connections you establish. Additionally, consult our job board, which features various job postings from companies actively seeking skilled talent. This resource is regularly updated with new opportunities tailored to Black tech professionals. Taking advantage of the job board and the connections made through Tech Talks will significantly enhance your chances of securing a tech job.
  • 20. How does Obsidi® Tech Talk keep me informed about the latest tech innovations?
    Obsidi® Tech Talk informs you about the latest tech innovations by connecting you with professionals at the forefront of cutting-edge technology. Our speakers are experts in various innovative tech fields, working on solutions to some of the world’s most pressing problems and shaping the future of how we live. Attending our events gives you firsthand insights into the latest developments, trends, and breakthroughs in the tech industry. This exposure keeps you updated, inspires, and equips you with the knowledge to participate in these transformative changes.
  • 21. What criteria influence the speaker selection process?
    **All speaker selection criteria maybe subject to change and speakers chosen can be made at the discretion of Obsidi® due to alternate business reasons. The following information and roles aren't a a fixed set of criteria or all inclusive in nature but provide a sample of select points considered by the planning team.**

    Successful Obsidi® Tech Talk speakers selected ought to possess the following criteria:
    • LinkedIn account
    • Black professionals or allies working in the tech industry or employed at a non-tech organization but fulfilling some related technical function or role, whether technical or not, designed to achieve the organization's end goals.

    Examples: 

    1. Occupation samples occupying a non-technical role working within tech organizations:
      1. Public Relations or communications professionals
      2. Recruiter or HR Managers
      3. Sales professionals
      4. Accountants 
      5. Lawers 
      6. Marketers

    2. Occupation samples occupying a technical role working within tech organizations:
      1. Data Scientists
      2. DevOps Engineers
      3. Cloud Architects
      4. Cybersecurity Analysts
      5. AI/ML Engineers
      6. UX/UI Designers
      7. Full Stack Developers
      8. Quality Assurance Engineers
      9. Systems Administrators
      10. Blockchain Developers

    • Resident living in North America - Canada and USA only
    • Complete the speaker intake form.
    • Information submitted in the speaker intake form aligns with a chosen subject matter or topic of future events.
  • 22. Do I need previous public speaking experience to become a speaker?
    Thank you for your interest in becoming a speaker! We emphasize that previous public speaking experience is not a requirement. We are especially interested in hearing from professionals who may not have had the chance to speak publicly before. Outstanding life experiences, careers, and unique perspectives make a talk impactful, and these qualities don't always come from speaking experience alone. We're committed to spotlighting diverse voices and stories, and we'd love for you to share yours with our community. Therefore, don’t hesitate to apply to become a speaker today! 
  • 23. Which Obsidi® Tech Talks are available for speaker participation?
    Any Obsidi® Tech Talk in 2024, non-partner-related, that doesn’t currently possess identified speakers on the registration page may be available for speaker participation. However, the bulk of new speakers will be offered a speaking opportunity for the 2025 season. 
  • 24. How to Prepare for a Successful Networking Experience at an Obsidi® Tech Talk?
    1. Update Your OBSIDI® Profile to 100%: Ensure your profile is complete so recruiters can better understand your skills, experience, and job fit. This also helps align your interests with other attendees for more meaningful connections.
    2. Research Participating Partners: Before the event, visit partner websites to explore their company culture and open job opportunities. Knowing their values and hiring needs will help you engage meaningfully with recruiters.
    3. Engage with Speakers and Attendees on Social Media: Connect with speakers, recruiters and attendees before the event to introduce yourself and continue conversations by sharing key takeaways afterward.
    4. Prepare to Network Strategically:
      • Bring business cards or digital contact info to exchange with new connections.
      • Prepare thoughtful questions for recruiters or hiring managers.
      • Set clear networking goals—whether finding job leads, exploring specific roles, or expanding your industry knowledge.
    5. Show Up Professionally and Stay Open to Learning: Present yourself professionally by dressing appropriately, showing genuine curiosity, and being open to meeting new people. Take notes and be proactive in conversations.
    6. Follow Up After the Event: Reach out to new contacts with personalized messages on social media and OBSIDI®, referencing your conversation during the event. Apply for relevant jobs discussed during the event and express continued interest to recruiters.