Afrotech Conference Draws Crowds to Houston
The 12th annual tech gathering at the George R. Brown Convention Center featured a Disney presence and a space for students from historically Black colleges.
Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Job Fairs
Thousands of people attended the 12th annual Afrotech Conference at the George R. Brown Convention Center in downtown Houston. The Walt Disney Company partnered with Howard University to host Disney on the Yard, a space for students from Howard and other historically Black colleges and universities.
Why it matters
The conference brings together technology professionals, students and others for networking in Houston, marking the second consecutive year the event has been held in the city. Corporate sponsorship of student access to industry professionals offers Houston-area attendees direct exposure to potential career pathways in technology.
The conference is in its 12th annual edition and its second consecutive year in Houston, while Disney has sponsored Howard students for the past three years. Exact attendance totals and participation counts for the Disney on the Yard space were not provided.
The players
Walt Disney Company
A global entertainment conglomerate known for its theme parks, film studios and streaming services, which sent executives and cast members to recruit and engage students at the conference.
Howard University
A historically Black private research university in Washington, D.C., which partnered with Disney to host the Disney on the Yard space for students.
The details
Disney on the Yard allowed students from Howard and other historically Black colleges to mingle with tech industry professionals and Disney cast members. Drum Major Mickey made guest appearances, posing for photos, and Disney executives spoke with students about opportunities at the company.
Timeline
2025: Earlier Afrotech Conference held in Houston, the first of two consecutive years in the city.
Past three years: Disney sponsored Howard University students.
Past couple of months: Howard and Disney developed the Disney on the Yard concept.
This week (November 2026): The 12th annual Afrotech Conference was held in Houston.
Big Picture
Disney's sponsorship of Howard students over three years extends a broader pattern of corporations partnering with historically Black colleges and universities to widen their technology talent pipelines. The Afrotech Conference's Houston stop reflects that pattern moving into a major Texas convention setting.
Students attending HBCUs gained direct access to tech professionals and Disney recruiters during the conference. Houston-area job seekers and students can use such events to make contacts and learn about company opportunities.
The takeaway
Direct contact with recruiters and executives can help students from historically Black colleges understand career opportunities in technology. Attendees interested in similar events can look for conferences that offer networking space alongside industry sessions.
Further reading
For more on career recruiting events, explore Job Fairs in Houston.
Source note: This article includes information reported by abc13 News.
