This year’s conference will highlight topics such as emotional intelligence, embodied power, resilience, mentoring, civic engagement, and interpersonal communication. Key issues addressed at this conference will include the rise in divisive political rhetoric, hate crimes, and economic and social inequities. Join us for our keynote presentation, academic paper presentations, workshops, forum discussions, recruitment fair and our undergraduate, graduate and doctoral poster session.

Registration prices range from $75 - $150.  Early bird prices end Feb 29 2020.

The Black Doctoral Network is leading the next generation of Black scholars to reach new heights. Encouraging intellectual curiosity and transformative research, the Black Doctoral Network is a bridge leader, creating paths between scholars, disciplines, and academic universities all while its serves as an invaluable connection between higher education and the community at large.

Conference Information:

The BDN Western Regional Conference welcomes scholars to come together to create  a space of intellectual exchange and develop collaborations. We are excited to partner with Loyola Marymount University, California State University, San Bernardino and California State University, Stanislaus.

Keynote Speaker:

Dr. Kris Marsh received her PhD from the University of Southern California in 2005. She was a Postdoctoral Scholar at the Carolina Population Center at the University of North Carolina before joining the faculty of Maryland where she has been tenured since 2014. Currently, Professor Marsh is writing a book for Cambridge University Press on the wealth, health, residential choices and dating practices of an emerging Black middle class that is single and living alone. 

BDN Networking Social:

The BDN Networking Social is something you do not want to miss! It is an opportunity to be yourself while networking with others over dinner. The Social will take place the night before the conference on Friday, April 3, 2020 at 7pm at the host hotel, Courtyard by Marriott. Transportation will NOT be provided so please arrange that on your own. Cost is $25 per person. Guests are open to attend with the purchase of a ticket.

Registration & Membership Information: 

REGISTER TODAY! You don't want to miss the early-bird special! We offer member and non-member pricing so JOIN TODAY before registering to get the member discount!

Breakfast, Lunch and snack will be provided to all attendees!

No refunds will be granted starting March 1, 2020. For group submissions, registration fees are NON-REFUNDABLE, however, if a co-panelist withdraws, the group members can add in a substitute at no additional charge.

Presenter Information: 

All group submissions require at least 3 presenters. Presenters may not take part in more than one panel presentation; presenters may give one and only one paper at the conference.

Hotel Accommodations: 

The Black Doctoral Network Inc. has negotiated a sleeping room rate of $169/night (doubles & singles) for all Regional Conference guests at the Courtyard by Marriott Los Angeles LAX/Century Boulevard Hotel for Friday and Saturday night and surrounding dates.  Reservations can be made online at https://bit.ly/2YaYjU0. To receive the discounted rate of $169/night, you must tell the hotel that you are part of the Black Doctoral Network. Reservation Deadline: March 23, 2020

Transportation will be provided for all conference guests staying at the Courtyard by Marriott hotel. The hotel shuttle will offer two pick up and drop off. The shuttle will pick up at the hotel at 7:30am and 8:00am and take guests to Loyola Marymount University's (LMU) University Hall. The shuttle will also pick up at LMU after the conference concludes at 6:00pm and 6:20pm to take guests back to the hotel. Please arrive 5-10 minutes prior to ensure you get on. These times are subject to change.

Partner Institutions:

For questions contact: Deandra Taylor at dtaylor@blackphdnetwork.com or 610-400-9014