“Brandweek Lift” connects brands with minority-owned solution providers.

Adweek recently announced the launch of Brandweek Lift, an incentive designed to connect minority-owned solution providers with brand marketers at its tentpole event, Brandweek Masters Live. Adweek, the industry leader in coverage of the advertising and brand marketing ecosystem, is inviting companies owned by people of color, women, LGBTQ+ founders, and people with disabilities to attend the live virtual summit free of charge and participate in a special program with brands seeking to diversify their supply chain.

Brandweek Masters Live, taking place September 14–17, is the latest incarnation of Adweek’s popular Brandweek event, now in its third year. Reimagined as a live virtual experience like no other, Brandweek will assemble the foremost brand marketers to share insights, address unprecedented challenges, and work to shape the future of the industry.

Over the past few months, Adweek has collaborated with DEI-focused groups and with leading brand executives (via its DEI Council) discussing positive steps that can be taken to increase diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). The executives, many of whom represent multinational brands, expressed a need to broaden their partner networks, to diversify not just their workforces but also their supply chains, including the advertising and marketing firms that help sell their products.

Through increased diversity, equity and inclusion editorial coverage, Adweek has become acquainted with a vibrant community of business leaders from underrepresented groups and Brandweek Lift will give these leaders an opportunity to expand their businesses. Senior leaders of MBEs interested in taking advantage of the opportunity are invited to apply on the Adweek site. All applicants will be verified to ensure that they meet the qualifications of a minority-owned enterprise and will be notified prior to September 14. Limited Brandweek Lift passes are available.

“Adweek has a responsibility to the industry we cover,” said Adweek CEO Jeffrey Litvack. “Not just to report on DEI efforts across brands and agencies, but to drive change by fostering conversations and meaningful connections. By providing a forum, at Brandweek, for minority-owned businesses to interact with senior leaders in the brand marketing space, we hope to make our industry better.”