Can you remember the first time you learned about WAATBP?

Chandra Guinn: I became acquainted with WAATBP in 2021 when I came into this industry. It was one of several events I became aware of early on that went to the top of my list of things I must experience. It was an urgent question I was asking myself at the time, “Where Are All of The Black People in advertising, and how do we attract more into our agency and this industry.”

Zach Canfield: Jeff Goodby founded the idea along with Jimmy Smith. As part of the founders of the idea, we’ve obviously been huge fans. So we’ve been involved since day one. 

Randi White: We first became acquainted with WAATBP as it was building momentum in the 2020s as one of the most powerful gatherings in our industry — one that put diverse talent and creativity at the center of the conversation. Too often, conversations about equity in creative fields happen behind closed doors. WAATBP brought those conversations to the main stage and celebrated the incredible depth of talent in our community.

“Too often, conversations about equity in creative fields happen behind closed doors. WAATBP brought those conversations to the main stage and celebrated the incredible depth of talent in our community.”

Trevor Guthrie: What I love about WAATBP is how accessible it feels — for talent and agencies alike. It’s not just about recruiting, it’s about building relationships that last well beyond the event. Some of the best people we’ve met have come from those chain reactions of introductions that start at WAATBP.

How would you describe WAATBP to someone who has never been?

Chandra Guinn: It is one of the most content rich, the most affordable and thus accessible experiences of its kind in the industry, chock full of energy and something for everyone. Doug E. Fresh’s keynote address in 2022 – at the start I was not sure about the “fit” for the audience but by the end of his presentation I was completely sold. It was a powerful offering about what it means to connect to purpose that set the tone for the rest of the day.

I loved the hybrid panel in 2021, that featured the HBCU alums that were working at W+K (I believe). They were so poised and wise to be early career professionals, they made me even more excited about the possibilities that exist(ed) for folks in this industry. Adrienne Lucas’ smile from start to finish, year over year! She appears incredibly attentive to every detail and also able to enjoy the experience and be in the moment which is a beautiful model.

Zach Canfield: We’ve attended every year since the inception. The raw energy and excitement in those early years were unforgettable. You could feel the excitement in the rooms. One of the most meaningful moments for us was sponsoring tuition for students to attend portfolio school. Announcing those winners, and seeing how it changed the trajectory of their careers, are memories I’ll never forget.

Randi White: In 2023, Day One Agency became a sponsor. Experiencing it live, you immediately feel the difference – the energy, the representation, and the sense of possibility in the room. We were inspired by how WAATBP creates space for authentic conversations, builds meaningful relationships, and showcases the brilliance of Black creative talent across roles and disciplines. That’s why we continued our sponsorship in 2024 and are proud to renew again in 2025. One of the most memorable moments has been watching students and early-career talent connect with established leaders — seeing doors of opportunity open and the future of our industry being shaped in real time.

The industry — and the world at large — has made some big pendulum swings in recent years, rushing to support diversity initiatives in 2020, and running away from them in 2025. Why do you think these swings have happened?

Chandra Guinn: In 2020, folks were captive and the telegenic presentation of social unrest and the precipitating causes were compelling and soul crushing. If you had the capacity to do something, you did, or at least tried to respond in some meaningful way to the outcries of humanity. Because of the visual images and the repeated sharing of stories of state sanctioned violence, if you wanted to demonstrate your opposition to such heinous acts, you needed to support initiatives that sought to protect freedom, expand rights, and provide opportunities.

In 2025, those who were not genuinely committed to change have been able to back away from it. If they had a knee-jerk reaction in 2020 because “all the cool kids were tapping in,” because of the change in political leadership folks have been given cover and allowed to tap out. 2025 has revealed the trust deficit that exists in this country because of fear and ignorance. It reflects a society devoid of courageous leadership and rather one that operates out of a scarcity mindset that causes folks to look to the inequities of the past for salvation, rather than to what could be an abundant future.

 “It reflects a society devoid of courageous leadership and rather one that operates out of a scarcity mindset that causes folks to look to the inequities of the past for salvation, rather than to what could be an abundant future.”

Zach Canfield: I can only speak for us, but I don’t see us running away from diversity initiatives in 2025. The entire industry is under pressure. Budgets are shrinking, and time and resources feel like they’re at an all-time low. When that happens, things like mentorship and training, and anything not directly tied to immediate profit often take the hardest hits. That doesn’t mean the need for diversity has gone away. If anything, it makes the work more important, because it’s easy to lose sight of long-term health when everyone is focused on short-term survival.

Randi White: In 2020, there was a cultural reckoning — people couldn’t look away from systemic inequities anymore. Companies rushed to act, often from a place of urgency and performative allyship rather than sustained strategy. By 2025, we’ve seen backlash – political pushback and in some cases, companies retreating because they measured DEIB as a trend rather than a long-term business and cultural imperative. These swings show us that support cannot be reactive — it has to be built into the DNA of how we work and create. Real change requires commitment and consistency, even when it’s not in headlines.

This year marks a new chapter. In 2025, we’re going beyond sponsorship and leaning into thought leadership by bringing our Employee Impact Group panel to WAATBP. It’s our way of sharing what we’ve learned, highlighting the power of employee groups to drive change, and reinforcing the importance of staying steadfast in DEIB efforts — even in a climate where others may be pulling back. For us, WAATBP is about more than showing up once a year – it’s about demonstrating long-term commitment to the creative community and investing in the people who will shape the future of our industry.

In spite of industry changes, you and your company are ready to support WAATBP 2025. Why is this support important to you?

Chandra Guinn: As an architect of access and opportunity, I seek to support all of the efforts in this industry that help connect people to their promise and possibilities. WAATBP is one of those very important opportunities powered by the support of people who want to answer the title question with a resounding, “Here we are.” The support demonstrates our agency’s continued commitment to evolution and desire to make connections with the talent that can and will make a difference.

Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging are business imperatives that should be considered by all those in this industry who are preparing for the future. The demographic changes and ever-increasing buying power of communities of color demand the attention of folks serious about cultivating relationships with communities to capitalize on their spending and talents. I am excited for the keynote, the other content, and what I hope will be a bustling career fair!

Zach Canfield: For us, WAATBP has never been a “nice to have,” it’s been a must. It’s about creating access and opportunity in an industry that, for too long, didn’t. The health of our industry depends on talent, and the best ideas come from diverse perspectives. Supporting WAATBP is one way we keep that pipeline open. This year, I’m excited about seeing how the next generation of talent shows up—what inspires them, how they challenge the rest of us, and what ideas they’ll bring forward. Every time we attend, we leave with renewed excitement.

 “For us, WAATBP has never been a “nice to have,” it’s been a must. It’s about creating access and opportunity in an industry that, for too long, didn’t.”

Randi White: At Day One Agency, we don’t see DEIB as a side initiative — we see it as central to creativity, culture, and growth. Supporting WAATBP aligns with our belief that diverse voices make the work stronger and the industry more relevant. This support is about building pipelines for underrepresented talent, strengthening our creative community, and showing up in spaces where representation matters most.

For the health of the industry, WAATBP is a reminder that progress doesn’t happen by accident — it happens when we create platforms for connection, storytelling, and opportunity. This year, we’re especially excited to share our evolution from Employee Resource Groups to Employee Impact Groups, and to learn from peers about how they’re driving meaningful change.

Trevor Guthrie: Diverse teams aren’t optional — they’re essential if we want to create work that truly reflects the world around us. Supporting WAATBP isn’t just about recruitment — it’s about the long-term health, creativity, and relevance of advertising.

“Diverse teams aren’t optional — they’re essential if we want to create work that truly reflects the world around us.”

What would you tell other agencies and brands that have been unsure of what to do these days?

Chandra Guinn: I would tell them to look within to identify the reason(s) for being “unsure.” If your values have not changed, then neither should your commitment. These are indeed uncertain times and even tough financial times, but as true as this is for the agencies and brands, it is all the more true for the people who will attend this conference. They should support efforts like WAATBP that do an optimal job of connecting them with talent, showcasing the talent that exists in this industry, and helping WAATBP to continue to be truly accessible to a wide array of folks.

I would tell them about the success we have had interviewing and hiring attendees at WAATBP, the benefit of using the experience at WAATBP to build their talent pipeline, and the importance of attendance at events like this to encourage the spirits of current employees who make priceless connections.

Zach Canfield: I’d tell them, “Don’t overthink it. Show up. Support. Listen.” You don’t have to have a perfect plan to get behind WAATBP. You just have to recognize that this event is about talent and the future of our industry. Getting behind WAATBP is really about investing in ideas and people who will keep this industry relevant. If we want to build work that connects with culture, then we have to build an industry that reflects culture. That’s what WAATBP is about. The inspiration comes from remembering why we all got into this business in the first place — to be surprised, to hear new voices, to make work that matters. If agencies and brands prioritize events like WAATBP, they’ll not only strengthen the industry, they’ll strengthen their own work, too.

 “If we want to build work that connects with culture, then we have to build an industry that reflects culture.”

Randi White: We’d say, don’t mistake the current backlash or uncertainty as a reason to step back. Now is the time to lean in. WAATBP is not just about representation — it’s about fueling the future of our industry by investing in talent, creativity, and community. Supporting events like WAATBP signals to employees, clients, and partners that you’re serious about equity and innovation. For agencies wondering how to inspire action, it starts with showing up consistently, sharing the mic, and backing your words with resources. We believe that if you’re serious about building work that resonates with culture, you need to support the communities that drive it. WAATBP is one of those rare spaces where that investment is visible, immediate, and deeply impactful.

 “For agencies wondering how to inspire action, it starts with showing up consistently, sharing the mic, and backing your words with resources.”

Trevor Guthrie: It’s important that agency leaders talk to one another, support each other’s efforts, and share resources ongoing. Which organizations are we supporting? What new recruiting pools are we hiring from? How are we nurturing new and tenured talent? Organizations like WAATBP give us the space to work together on these questions, share resources, and make the talent pipeline bigger for everyone.