Jay Roecker
It was such an honor to speak this past weekend on the panel discussion on behalf of iHeartMedia and Pride Radio with such respected leaders in the industry about tactics to engage and market to the LGBTQ+ Community, including the DallasVoice, Pink Media, the Advocate and equalpride at the Unleashed LGBTQ conference in Dallas produced by Wesley Smoot. We definitely uncovered the most prudent marketing to reach your core consumer is a 360 approach integrating local, regional and national; wherever the audience is during their day's journey. This was such a fun event with amazing thought leaders in business, marketing, tv, film, music, politics and more. Plus it was a great opportunity to learn and meet industry professionals. I had so much fun and look forward to next year's event.
-Jay Roecker (he/him)
Senior Director of Business Developments/iHeartMedia
Jessica Dawson
My first visit to Dallas, Texas, was for the Unleashed LGBTQ+ event, as I was on a business trip. I was thrilled to attend based on the recommendations of a few friends. We arrived early to set up the booth for the speaking friend, and that’s when I had the pleasure of meeting Wesley Smoot. If you haven’t had the chance to meet him, he has a warm smile and genuinely cares about others, which was evident in his interactions. I was impressed from the very beginning.
The event spanned three days and featured speakers from various backgrounds and walks of life. Building my network is something I prioritize, and I knew I would have the opportunity to meet fascinating individuals based on the lineup. Upon arriving, I started connecting with remarkable leaders. I thoroughly enjoy listening to people’s stories and sharing my own, and I can only imagine the effort it took to bring together individuals from all over the country. I want to express my gratitude to Wesley for his unwavering commitment to excellence.
If diversity were what you sought, you would not be disappointed. I had the chance to interact with individuals running for Congress, business coaches, life coaches, actors, influencers, financial experts, and entrepreneurs from all corners of the United States. Our community spans from coast to coast and beyond, and this event brought us together to exchange stories, dreams, and our shared commitment to improving the lives of all individuals. The energy was intoxicating. The personal connections I made and the expansion of my network would not have been possible without attending this exceptional event. I eagerly await the email from Wesley and his team next year so I can mark off the dates on my calendar. I hope to see all of you at next year’s Unleashed LGBTQ+ event.
-Jessica Dawson (she/they)
CEO/55TH Degree
Apollo Bakopoulous
Unleashed is an investment you can make in yourself. It was something that was much needed, something missing, something essential. It provided an opportunity for networking, connections, and meaningful relationships. It was a powerful and impactful experience that left me with an open heart and inspired me to create. The event was very well-organized, and the level of professionalism was top-level. Also, the caring part; it was a high-quality industry event.
I felt that I was among people who are all about empowerment, vision, and contribution, coming from a place of personal responsibility to give back to the community and make a difference, whether they were actors, speakers, artists, or entrepreneurs. It provides a platform that brings together various arts and people contributing in their own ways from diverse backgrounds. All the speakers were very impactful and inspiring. The level of training and the quality of the speakers and organizers were cutting-edge.
I used to attend leadership conferences, and the artistic element was missing, especially in the context of LGBTQ leadership. Unleashed combines everything, and I feel that it's the beginning of a place where people can meet, create a community, and be empowered to make a real impact. I'm more than honored to be a part of it with my movie. As a filmmaker, I felt I was exactly in the right place. Thank you, Unleashed, for providing a space where our community can thrive.
-Apollo Bakopoulos (he/him)
Producer | Director | Screenwriter
Tyra Johnson
Unleashed hit me at a time when I felt I really needed to hear some of the messages from the speakers and panelists. I’m a creative, and the speakers really gave me some ideas about how to restructure things in my business.. but we also danced, laughed, and connected. The energy was always great. I am really looking forward to next year and everything Unleashed has to offer.
-Tyra Johnson (she/her)
Sculpture Artist
Nick Atkinson
As the annaugral event, I am so thrilled with what Wesley has created; I’ve lived in Sydney, New York, Los Angeles, and I’ve never seen anything like this. I was here with the film, ‘Aligned’, seeing an event like this that celebrates all the aspects of our culture… filmmaking, corporate world, hearing about everyone’s individual experiences, transgender experience, it made me realize how aligned we are as a community. I am so grateful I was able to be here with our film because I met so many new incredible friends and a wonderful experience in Dallas. I was a little scared to come here, I’m not gonna lie. I thought it could be hostile for a queer person. I’m so excited to come to Dallas and find such an embracing community that celebrates the different aspects we are as people, because we are everywhere! And just wait for the next event! I’m sure it will be even better. Thank you for having me!
-Nick Atkinson (he/him)
Actor
Graham Nolan
"The inaugural Unleashed LGBTQ+ experience was an exciting, unprecedented space calling in those people who are actively changing the world – and the people who are ready to support each others' queer excellence as we innovate business and culture. I was grateful to be on stage and see engaged, enthusiastic, diverse faces of change-makers and supporters; I was equally grateful in the audience, hearing everything from career progression advice to business analysis to heartfelt stories of inspiration. The momentum will only intensify from here, reflective of the outsized impact our community has on the changing world."
-Graham Nolan (he/him)
Co-Chair, Storytelling and Partnerships/Do The Werk