The third annual Unleashed LGBTQ+ Conference & Festival, the first-ever live queer business conference and festival, will return to Dallas, Texas, from September 19-21, 2025. Taking place in the heart of Oaklawn, one of the city’s most iconic LGBTQ+ districts, the event promises to be a gathering of some of the biggest names across the LGBTQ+ spectrum in film, television, music, business, and technology.
This year, Unleashed LGBTQ+ is once again inviting submissions from potential panelists, speakers, and performers who wish to be part of the action. Submissions are open to the public at www.unleashedlgbtq.com/submit, with the opportunity to showcase new projects, business ventures, nonprofit efforts, and artistic work.
“We are excited to continue building a space for LGBTQ+ business professionals, creatives, and entertainers to come together and discuss the latest trends,” said Wesley Smoot, founder of Unleashed LGBTQ+. “The festival provides a unique platform for people to showcase their work, whether it’s a new book, film, album, or business idea, and reach a diverse, engaged audience in a safe and inclusive environment.”
A Growing Legacy of Excellence
Previous editions of the Unleashed LGBTQ+ Conference & Festival have seen an impressive array of celebrity honorees and talented individuals from all walks of life. Past recipients of the LGBTQ+ Allyship Appreciation Award include Mark Cuban, and Melissa Grove received the Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of her decades of advocacy and service. Other notable honorees and participants include actor Billy Eichner (Bros), Indya Moore (Pose), Antoni Porowski (Queer Eye), Daniel Franzese (Mean Girls), Dyllón Burnside (Pose), and Nico Tortorella (City on Fire).
In addition to celebrity involvement, Unleashed LGBTQ+ regularly features industry experts and thought leaders who speak on topics such as marketing, finance, diversity, equity, inclusion (DEI), nonprofit work, and the media landscape. Last year’s event saw major partnerships with organizations such as The Trevor Project, Adobe, HRC, Black Tie Dinner, Dallas Voice, equalpride, Gilead Sciences, Virgin Hotels, and iHeart Media, to name just a few.
The upcoming 2025 conference will continue its tradition of bringing together LGBTQ+ trailblazers to offer not only educational content but also entertainment that connects attendees to current trends and future opportunities.
Event Highlights and Opportunities
This year, Unleashed LGBTQ+ will once again take place during Pride in Dallas weekend, ensuring a robust audience and an exciting atmosphere for all attendees. The event will feature a combination of keynote speeches, educational panels, live performances, and live podcasts, giving a dynamic and immersive experience for participants.
Event organizers are also calling on members of the media, including journalists, bloggers, and influencers, to cover the festivities. Press credentials will be available, offering access to events and exclusive interview opportunities with talent and speakers. Media partnership opportunities will also be available, with media personalities encouraged to apply as moderators for live one-on-one interviews and panel discussions.
“We are thrilled to have the continued support of the media and are excited to bring even more engaging content to our attendees,” Smoot added. “This year, we’ll be announcing our headliners in the spring, and attendees can expect surprise appearances from well-known guests.”
Submissions and Media Opportunities
The submission period for panelists, speakers, and performers is now open, with individuals from all industries encouraged to participate. The conference aims to provide a platform where speakers and performers can reach new audiences and connect with others in the LGBTQ+ community and beyond. Those interested in applying can do so online at www.unleashedlgbtq.com/submit.
For media members looking to attend the event and receive press credentials, or those interested in learning more about media partnership opportunities, please contact the Unleashed LGBTQ+ press team at [email protected].
About Unleashed LGBTQ+
Unleashed LGBTQ+ is the leading conference and festival celebrating the achievements and contributions of LGBTQ+ professionals, entrepreneurs, and creators in the fields of entertainment, business, and technology. Founded with the mission to amplify queer voices and foster collaboration within the LGBTQ+ community, the conference serves as a dynamic platform for networking, education, and entertainment.
Through a mix of informative panels, keynote addresses, live performances, and interactive experiences, Unleashed LGBTQ+ brings together some of the brightest minds and most influential figures in LGBTQ+ culture. Held annually in Dallas, Texas, the event continues to champion visibility, inclusivity, and professional opportunities for the LGBTQ+ community and its allies.
For more information about the conference or to submit an application, visit www.unleashedlgbtq.com.
