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

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