Bull City Summit Returns: A Week of Innovation and Creativity
The Bull City Summit (BCS), a new U.S. showcase festival and business conference, is set to return to Durham, North Carolina, from September 18-24, 2023. This year, BCS extends to a full week, featuring a business conference alongside a stellar lineup of keynotes, panels, and concerts. Events will take place at The Durham Armory and across downtown Durham, including co-working spaces, live music venues, craft breweries, and more.
Get Your Tickets: BCS Business PRO and Individual Event Access
Bull City Summit (BCS) Business PRO industry badges are now available. These badges provide access to all panels, speeches, concerts, exhibitions, and events. Individual concert and event tickets are also on sale at bullcitysummit.com.
Exciting Kickoff: Opening Night with Lee Fields
BCS kicks off on Monday, September 18, with an opening night benefit concert at Motorco Music Hall in downtown Durham. The concert will feature North Carolina soul icon Lee Fields and is presented by Love, Tito’s. This event supports Families and Communities Rising (FCR), a Durham-based organization.
Keynotes and Panels: Insights from Industry Leaders
On Tuesday, September 19, BCS will host Harvey Mason Jr., CEO of The Recording Academy and the GRAMMYs, as the Music Keynote. Mason will discuss the impact of artificial intelligence and machine learning on the music industry, focusing on recent changes at the Academy aimed at addressing these challenges for the GRAMMY Awards.
Later that day, Mark Yusko, Managing Director of Morgan Creek Digital, will present the Science & Technology Keynote. Yusko will explore the current state of cryptocurrencies, blockchain, web3, and his predictions for a new crypto bull market in late 2023.
Arts, Humanities, and Culture: Keynotes and Thought Leadership
On Wednesday, September 20, the Arts, Humanities, and Culture programming begins with a keynote presentation from Dabney Hailey, Founder and CEO of The Hailey Group. Hailey will deliver an interactive speech on the cognitive impact of art on behavioral growth.
Throughout the week, over 30 additional thought leaders will join panels covering a diverse range of topics. These include live music, esports, mental health, entrepreneurship, LGBTQ+ rights, and cannabis.
Join Us: Be Part of the Innovation and Creativity
Don’t miss out on this exciting week of innovation and creativity at Bull City Summit. With a wide range of sessions, performances, and networking opportunities, BCS promises to be a landmark event in Durham.
Exciting Music Lineup for BCS 2023
Beyond North Carolina’s own Lee Fields, the BCS 2023 music lineup promises to be extraordinary. On Tuesday, September 19, catch New Orleans Americana legend Anders Osborne. Then, on Thursday, September 21, DJ Z-Trip will headline a 50th Anniversary of Hip-Hop Celebration. This event will also showcase emerging North Carolina artists.
More Musical Highlights: From Experimental to Electro-Rock
On the fifth night of BCS, Brooklyn noise experimentalists A Place To Bury Strangers will take the stage alongside Raleigh native rocker Emily Wolfe. The week wraps up on Saturday, September 23, with a performance by Canadian electro-rock duo Death From Above 1979. In addition, BCS will feature over 50 showcasing musicians and artists from North Carolina, the Southeast, and beyond.
Community Impact: Families and Communities Rising
Families and Communities Rising (FCR) has a 50+ year legacy of transforming lives through evidence-based frameworks and practices. Throughout the week, FCR and other local non-profits like The Triangle Blues Society and WUNC North Carolina Public Radio will participate in BCS events, including conferences, happy hours, concerts, and community gatherings.
Statements from Key Figures
Parag Bhandari, Founder and Executive Producer of Bull City Summit (BCS), highlighted the event’s significance: “Bull City Summit brings together global thought leaders, local businesses, artists, and innovators. We aim to support the culture and communities of the Triangle and North Carolina region. Durham is a hub of creativity, and we are proud to showcase our diverse, purpose-driven programming.”
Terry David, President & CEO of Families and Communities Rising, added: “We are excited about partnering with Bull City Summit. This collaboration amplifies our impact in the Durham community and helps us fund and support local organizations and innovative individuals. Our mission is to educate and empower through unique educational and supportive services. We look forward to presenting inclusive BCS panel programming that addresses rapid regional growth and its impact on marginalized communities.”
BCS: A Successful Start and Bright Future
BCS launched in 2022 with a successful pilot event blending music, art, technology, and entrepreneurship. Highlights included a keynote from activist and New York Times bestselling author Reshma Saujani and a music showcase headlined by A-Trak. Serving as a key area within the world-renowned Research Triangle Park (RTP), Durham boasts over 170 high-tech companies and a vibrant entrepreneurial and artistic community.
Durham: A Hub of Innovation and Culture
Durham, located midway between New York City and Miami, benefits from easy access to major interstate highways I-95 and I-40. Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) is highly rated and offers 400+ daily flights with 10 major airlines. The area features over 25 museums, 65 art galleries, and nearly 50 performing arts centers and theaters.