ABOUT
EVOLVE THE LAND
FutureLAND is a movement building towards a vision of a thriving Cleveland economy and world class city, centered on the intersection of entrepreneurship, equity & inclusion, and culture. FutureLAND aligns public, private, and philanthropic resources to support diverse startup tech entrepreneurs, existing small businesses, innovators, and creatives throughout Northeast Ohio to celebrate and grow a diverse technology and small business economy and ecosystem.
FutureLAND hosts an annual two-day conference to celebrate and amplify diversity in tech, small business, art and culture in Northeast Ohio. As an emerging tech hub, it’s essential to highlight and support diverse BIPOC founders, thought leaders and creatives in the region. The conference is empowered by City of Cleveland, Mayor Justin M. Bibb, along with organizational and ecosystem leaders, JumpStart, and the United Black Fund of Greater Cleveland.
Aligned through a common interest in ensuring Cleveland can compete economically and that all communities can equitably thrive, the FutureLAND movement is fueled by the ideas, energy and leadership of local diverse entrepreneurs co-powering and co-building the emerging entrepreneurial ecosystem in Cleveland.
FutureLAND provides an opportunity for Cleveland to build an interconnected and diverse tech, investing and creative community. We can showcase and celebrate the creatives, techies and innovators already residing in Cleveland as well as demonstrate the city’s potential to attract new companies and talent.
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Aaron Marks
Co-Founder
With over a decade of experience in FinTech and Payments, Aaron is always thinking about how technology will impact people's lives. He recently left American Express to be on the forefront of digital payments and help build out the enterprise function at Circle, a leading provider of blockchain payments and treasury infrastructure for businesses.
Aaron is deeply passionate and active in the behavioral health community. Aaron is the President of the Board of Directors at Stella Maris, a transformational addiction and mental health treatment center that has been serving the people of Northeast Ohio since 1948.
Kumar Arora
Co-Founder, Director of Marketing
Kumar Arora is an entrepreneur, investor, & consultant behind many startups and emerging brands. Some of his brands locally include Rogue Eyewear, ILTHY®, and Sora Sushi.
Kumar is a man with many plans. Consistently pushing the envelope on design and innovation, much of his work centers on the idea of creating novel products and brands. His concentration lies in a variety of industries including fashion, e-commerce, nano-science, entertainment, CPG, marketing, and design.
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Camille Genise
Co-Founder
Visionary leader and beauty enthusiast from Cleveland, OH. Camille unites her passion for beauty, creative thinking, and research background to pave a way for innovation and change in the beauty industry through her startup FELOH, an inclusive social community and marketplace uplifting beauty lovers of color.
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Musa Hakim Jr.
Co-Founder
A Cleveland native, Musa oversees the interjection of Web3.0 into the FutureLAND efforts. Musa’s educational journey has taken him from Cleveland to Santa Barbara, California to attend Cate school back to Cleveland for a Bachelors Degree from Case Western Reserve University. He aims to bring the new generation of internet technologies to the city of Cleveland by being one of the first to fuse the internet with the culture of Cleveland.
Alysha Ellis
Co-Founder
Alysha L. Ellis, MBA is a serial entrepreneur, ecosystem builder, author, and creator. An award-winning business leader and innovator. Creator & Founder of Mas LaRae, a multimedia platform aiming to share, connect and inspire through storytelling, uplifting underrepresented voices, and intentional relationship building. Lead Visionary of IGNITE With Light, a social venture network collaborating with entrepreneurs, creators, and innovators to build equitable opportunities and sustainability.
Charron Leeper
Co-Founder, Creative Director
Charron Leeper is a multi-disciplinary creative, Entrepreneur, experienced Wardrobe Stylist, Model and Creative Director. She owns and operates Perfect Pineapple® a luxury Head wrap and hair accessory brand founded in 2018 and is the Co-Founder of Tastemakers United, a non-profit organization focused on building community for BIPOC and Afro-American innovators and creatives in the city of Cleveland.
FAQ
Where should I stay?
There are no official accommodations for SmartCon 2022, but there are hotels available throughout New York City and many options on the Lower East Side.
Below is a list of suggested hotels in the vicinity of SmartCon2022. Rooms at these hotels are subject to availability.
When should I plan to arrive?
SmartCon 2022 will begin on Wednesday, September 28, 2022, at 8:00AM ET.Skip the lines! Attendees can pick up their badges and swag from 12PM ET to 4:00PM ET on Tuesday, September 27 to avoid long lines on Wednesday.
What is the cancellation policy?
If you need to cancel, tickets to SmartCon 2022 are refundable through August 31 subject to a $150 processing fee. As of September 1, registrations are no longer refundable.
How do I register for a press pass?
Please reach out to press@chain.link for a press pass.
What are the ticket types?
There are two types of tickets:General admission tickets (including the Community & Builder Pass) give you full access to the conference, including social events, networking, workshops, swag, and more.The Virtual Pass gives you access to the main keynote and a limited collection of presentations from the conference following SmartCon week.
Are there any special rates on tickets?
Yes, there are three special rates.
Community & Builder Pass — Chainlink and Web3 community members, researchers, builders, and researchers who have meaningfully contributed to the advancement and global adoption of blockchain technology can apply for a special rate to attend the complete SmartCon experience Applications are processed on a first come, first served basis. Seats for the Community & Builder pass are limited.
Early-Bird Tickets — those who purchase a ticket before August 7th receive a special early-bird rate.
Preferred Tickets — those who purchase a ticket after August 7th, but before September 4th, receive preferred pricing.
FUTURELAND 2024 WILL BE HELD AT PLAYHOUSE SQUARE IN CLEVELAND, OHIO ON OCTOBER 10TH THROUGH OCTOBER 12TH.
