Wes Smoot 2/21/23 Wes Smoot 2/21/23

Unleashed LGBTQ is Coming Out of the Virtual Closet for the First National LGBTQ+ Business & Entertainment Festival!

After a successful pandemic virtual launch, Unleashed LGBTQ hosts its first in-person LGBTQ conference and festival for LGBTQ+ professionals in Dallas, September 2023.

Gilley’s Dallas 1135 Botham Jean Blvd Dallas, TX 75215

LOS ANGELES, CA (February 13th, 2023) - Wesley Smoot, in partnership with iHeart Radio, equalpride (Out, The Advocate, Advocate Channel, Pride, Plus, Out Traveler), Dallas Voice, and Kelly Ann Winget announce their Unleashed LGBTQ conference and festival in Dallas, Texas, on September 22nd - 24th, 2023. This trailblazing event will bring LGBTQ+ professionals from across the country to connect in a fun and interactive environment with top talent, brands, and industry leaders across Business, Entertainment, Fashion, Travel, and Technology sectors. Attendees will be introduced to the latest products, services, and campaigns entering the LGBTQ market through keynotes, panels, workshops, screenings, and live performances from some of the biggest names in LGBTQ culture. For announcements about speakers and entertainers, visit the link here.

“You’ll love what these guys are doing... They’re basically creating a “gay SXSW.” – Matt Skallerud of Pink Media

Following a successful virtual launch during the pandemic, this three-day in-person event arrives at Gilley’s Dallas – one of the most sought-after and beautiful conference venues in Texas, with 92,000 square feet across seven unique rooms, multiple stages, and rooftop views of the Dallas skyline – and the neighboring Cedars Alamo Drafthouse Cinema, an upscale theater and dining complex where film and television screenings and panels from popular streaming services, studios, and networks will take place.

Each day begins with educational topics (e.g., Effective Advertising, Financial Planning, Entrepreneurship, DEI, LGBTQ+ Representation in Media & Politics) and high-tech and experiential brand marketing installments and transitions to entertainment (e.g., music, drag, and comedy performances, panels from film and television). There will be ample opportunities for professional networking using the Unleashed LGBTQ event app (developed by WebEx/Cisco) and at specialized events and unique branded activations through the award-winning Freeman event services.

Speakers and Entertainers for LGBTQ Unleashed 2023 will be announced in groups leading up to the event date. Last year’s virtual events included a diverse slate of speakers and performers, including Comedian Matteo Lane (Netflix, Comedy Central), drag diva Carmen Carrera (RuPaul’s Drag Race, Victoria’s Secret fashion show), Brian Sims (Pennsylvania State Representative), Stacey Chosed (CEO, League at AT&T), Michael Sam (first openly gay NFL draftee), Gravity Balmain (HBO Max’s Legendary), comedian Daniel Webb (Apple TV, Comedy Central), and trans activist Celia Sandhya Daniels (Trans Can Work nonprofit), to name a few.

Unleashed LGBTQ is currently taking submissions for additional speakers, panelists, artists, brands, and project premiers. For more information about registration, participation, or ticket sales, visit: https://www.unleashedlgbtq.com/

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Unleashed LGBTQ will have designated areas for press to connect with talent and other industry professionals. Bloggers, journalists, and influencers can request information about press credentials by emailing press@unleashedlgbtq.com.

Unleashed LGBTQ, LLC is proud to receive support, endorsements, and/or grants from the following organizations: DTPID (Dallas Tourism Public Improvement District), Visit Dallas, North Texas LGBT Chamber of Commerce, NLGCC (National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce), & IGLTA (International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association).

Media Contact

Amanda Samoyloff│Samoyloff PR amanda@samoyloffpr.com

Unleashed LGBTQ Founder/CEO, Wesley Smoot

Wes Smoot 1/24/21 Wes Smoot 1/24/21

Unleashed LGBTQ Virtual Line-Up Expands with PA Rep. Brian Sims, Carmen Carrera, Matteo Lane, & Michael Sam

BY WESLEY SMOOT

Announcing Democratic Pennsylvania Rep. and activist Brian Sims- along with more featured speakers across entertainment, culture, and business for Unleashed LGBTQ Virtual, a premier digital experience March 25-27, 2021.

“I’ve always loved State Rep Brian Sims. He always brings a fresh and fearless take, it’s evident especially, in his Twitter posts. (Follow him!) He is vocal about issues he cares about, I applaud him for speaking openly about Planned Parenthood, I can’t wait to hear him at Unleashed LGBTQ Virtual.”

-Joseph Wayne Henry Love, Director of Operations- Unleashed LGBTQ

Congressman Brian Sims will discuss with Pink Media, LGBTQ marketing expert and host of #ILoveGayToday, Matt Skallerud how the LGBTQ community has effectively used their voice and their vote to change history for the better in the 2020 presidential election..

“Big change looks A lot like smaller efforts, performed consistently, with history and morality on their side.”

-Congressman Brian Sims

Other speakers, performers, and brands confirmed for Unleashed LGBTQ ViRtual include activist, actresses, model- Carmen Carrera, who will be discussing her latest business venture CC3 Entertainment, a talent agency where Carmen aims to change the entertainment industry one booking at a time.

“I’m excited to support and work with all the iconic talent within CC3 Entertainment. We are a family. I want all of our talent to use their minds and their voices to go after all their dreams and goals. I believe in all of our talent and we will change the world in a great way.”

-Carmen Carrera Founder of CC3 Entertainment

Matteo Lane will seduce our virtual attendees with a sultry yet hilarious rendition of Barbara Steisand’s famous jazz set at Bon Soir with his own updated stylings. Award winning director and composer Henry Koperski Accompanies Matteo on piano, together flooding Audiences with musical magic from the 1960’s.

“She was wacky, brilliant, and beautiful. She had a musical sensibility that was far too advanced for someone her age. Thankfully one of her shows was recorded and lives on as Barbara Streisand, Live at the Bon Soir.”

-Matteo Lane

Additional line-up confirmed for Unleashed LGBTQ Virtual includes:

LGBTQ Sports Icon Michael Sam
Award-winning Documentary Filmmaker Wadooah Wali
League at AT&T CEO Stacey Chosed

Find current line-up at www.unleashedlgbtq.com/lineup

Registry is open to public at no cost until January 29, 2021. Prior to closing registration, access code will be required and provided exclusively to individuals working in specific industries.

Unleashed LGBTQ creates a space for brands, entertainers, and LGBTQ professionals to connect. Attendees can see the latest products, services, and campaigns, entering the LGBTQ market including apps, fashions, non-profits, travel/destination, and more. Unleashed LGBTQ will host keynotes, panels, and performances from some of the biggest names in LGBTQ film, television, and music.