Speaker Guidelines

We want to ensure a seamless experience for all speakers and attendees. Please review the following key details to prepare for your participation:

2025 Zora Neale Hurston Summit Program, click to view.

ZNH Summit Preliminary Barnard Campus Guide

Arrival and Preparation

• Arrival Time: All speakers are required to arrive on campus at least 30 minutes before their session. This will allow sufficient time for check-in, preparation, and addressing any last-minute needs.

• Location:

  • Venue: Barnard College

  • Address: 3009 Broadway, New York, NY 10027

Check In

• Entering Campus: All speakers must enter to through the main gates on Broadway. There will be a special speaker and VIP line to help you move through quickly.

• Confirm arrival: Send a message to Yona Deshommes, our day-of event planner to let her know you have arrived.

• Head to the location of your session: We will share a document with location assignments at least one week before the summit.

Additional Information for All Speakers

• Session Timing: Please adhere strictly to the allotted time for your session to maintain the event schedule.

• Flexibility & Patience: As this is our first Zora Neale Hurston Summit, we deeply appreciate your flexibility as we navigate the logistics of hosting this event. Your understanding is invaluable.

Breakout Session Presenters & Facilitators

We understand the importance of a smooth setup process for breakout sessions. To support you:

• A/V Support: Dedicated Barnard staff and skilled volunteers ("floaters") will be on hand to assist with audiovisual needs, room setup, and other logistical requirements.

• Room Access: You will have access to your assigned room in advance of your session for setup and preparation.

Media Format

• photos are best in .jpg

• music can be .mp3 or .mp4

• videos should be .mp4 (.mov is ok but not preferred)

• presentations are best in PowerPoint

Shipping Details

Mailing Address for Materials:

Please send all shipments to the following address:

Barnard College
[Your Organization Name]

ATTN: Zora Neale Hurston Summit
Milbank 115, DEI
3009 Broadway
New York, NY 10027

Barnard College and the Zora Neale Hurston Summit organizers are not responsible for lost or damaged items. Please ensure your shipments are properly insured.

Size & Weight Limitations:

• Packages must not exceed 50 lbs per item.

• Dimensional size limit: 48 inches x 36 inches x 24 inches.

If your materials exceed these limitations, please contact our team in advance at abryson@barnard.edu to coordinate special arrangements.

Shipping Dates:

• Early Arrival: Packages must arrive no earlier than January 27, 2025.

• Early Arrival: Packages must arrive no later than January 30, 2025.

Performer Needs:

In order, to streamline communication we have created this spreadsheet with a tab for each of you. You will be able to add specific questions and get responses directly from Barnard’s Event Planning Team. You will also be able to view other performer’s questions.

Our team will need to share all prerecorded contributions by January 20, 2025.

VIP Lounge

Located on the second floor of the Diana Center, our speakers, sponsors, and team will have access to a VIP Lounge which will be outfitted with beverages & refreshments each day. A continental breakfast will be provided on Saturday and lunch will be provided each day. For additional food options, there will be paid dining options on campus as well.

Contact Us

For questions or assistance, please contact our Barnard Coordinator with Rae Chesny cc’ed at rae@zoranealehurston.com:
Name: Arun Bryson
Email: abryson@barnard.edu
Phone: (212)853-4755

We are thrilled to have your voice as part of this historic event and look forward to an inspiring and successful summit.

For Day-of support, contact COMING SOON.

Let’s Celebrate

We have all worked so hard to make our inaugural Zora Neale Hurston Summit a success and it would not have been possible without you, so let’s celebrate. Find the details for our private VIP events below!