2025 DC Summit
Connect with industry leaders at conferences, panels, webinars, and networking events
BESLA is proud to recognize the outstanding achievements of our esteemed honorees. Jonathan “Lil Jon” Smith will be presented with the Beacon of Industry Award, while Matt Bartnes will be honored with the Power Player Award.
Conference Honorees
Beacon of Industry Award
Jonathan "Lil Jon" Smith
Artist, Music Producer & Music Executive
Power Player Award
Matt Barnes
Retired NBA Champion & Entrepreneur
BESLA is proud to recognize the outstanding achievements of our esteemed honorees. Jonathan “Lil Jon” Smith will be presented with the Beacon of Industry Award, while Matt Bartnes will be honored with the Power Player Award.
Fireside Chats
Panelists
Matt Barnes
Retired NBA Champion & Entrepreneur
Jonathan "Lil Jon" Smith
Artist, Music Producer & Music Executive
Facilitators
Vincent Phillips, Esq.
Founding Partner, Arrington and Phillips, LLP
Uwonda Carter, Esq.
Partner, Carter & Woodard
BESLA is proud to recognize the outstanding achievements of our esteemed honorees. Jonathan “Lil Jon” Smith will be presented with the Beacon of Industry Award, while Matt Bartnes will be honored with the Power Player Award.
Morning Workshops
Bar Exam Writing Workshop for Law Students
Brandy O. Domengeaux, Esq.
The Bar Writing Coach, Senior Lecturer of Law, Georgia State Univ. College of Law
TV Writing Masterclass Workshop
Maggie Bush
Creative Executive, Tyler Perry Studios, Writer on Sistas, Zatima, and Netflix Movie - Christmas with a Kiss
Actors Masterclass Workshop
Chantal Maurice
Series Regular on All Blk's Wicked City, Seen in Grey's Anatomy, Them & P-Valley
Celebrity Endorsement Deals Workshop (CLE credit eligible)
Jordan Thompson, Esq.
Counsel, Davis+Gilbert LLP
BESLA is proud to recognize the outstanding achievements of our esteemed honorees. Jonathan “Lil Jon” Smith will be presented with the Beacon of Industry Award, while Matt Bartnes will be honored with the Power Player Award.
Afternoon Panels
House vs NCAA: Shaping the Future of Student Athletes' Rights Crisis Management
Speaker
Donald Woodard, Esq.
Partner, Carter+Woodard
Facilitator
Traci Bransford, Esq.
Partner, Parker Poe
Moderator
Darrell Thompson, Esq.
Principal, The Law Office of Darrell Thompson
Challenges and Protections for Child Performers
Presented by the BESLA Young Lawyers Division
Moderator
Janine Morris-Meggett, Esq.
Principal Attorney, JAM Law P.C.
Speakers
Aziza A. Bowser, Esq.
Senior Counsel, Paramount Global
Roy Turner, Esq.
Partner, The Rouse Firm
Tristan "Mack" Wilds
Actor & Grammy-Nominated Musician
Breaking Barriers: Diversity in Country Music
Moderator
Moraima "Mo" Ivory, Esq.
Professor of Practice, Georgia State Univ.
Speakers
J.R. Harris
Music Executive
Alicia Ferriabough, Esq.
Partner, Law Offices of Robert A. Celestin
Naima Cochrane
Co-Founder & President, Black Music Action Coalition
YLD Power Breakfast Fireside Chat: Looking Back to Look Forward
Facilitator
Vincent Phillips, Esq.
Founding Partner, Arrington and Phillips, LLP
Speakers
Shirley Franklin
Mayor Emeritus, City of Atlanta
Louise C. West, Esq.
Mays Law Group, BESLA Co-Founder
Michael Ashburne, Esq.
Law Office of Michael Ashburne, BESLA Co-Founder
BESLA is proud to recognize the outstanding achievements of our esteemed honorees. Jonathan “Lil Jon” Smith will be presented with the Beacon of Industry Award, while Matt Bartnes will be honored with the Power Player Award.
Planning Committee
Allison Hobbs, Esq.
Senior Counsel, PMI Global Brands Inc.
Chiquita Woolfolk Banks, Esq.
Principal, Bankable Consulting, Inc
Chris Wellington, Esq.
Counsel, Law Offices of Robert A. Celestin
Dan Adams
Award Winning Screenplay Writer & Director
Jamaal Castang, Esq.
The Law Offices of Jamaal A. Castang, PLLC
Korey J. Turner, Esq.
MBA, Legal and Business Executive
Maya Day, Esq.
Counsel, BET Media Group (Paramount Global)
Sheina P. Waddell
Business Operations Consultant, Waddell Entertainment Consultants (WEC), LLC