Register for the pre-conference summit Building Bridges for Vibrant Communities here!

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About the Conference

The Saving Ourselves Symposium (SOS) is an annual conference designed to educate and empower the Black LGBTQ+ community in the South. In 2019, Southern AIDS Coalition became home to SOS. Established in 2013 by founder Marvell L. Terry II and the Red Door Foundation, SOS is a one-of-a-kind conference that provides first-hand information to individuals and organizations with an emphasis on HIV to the Black LGBTQ+ community. 

About this Year's Theme

Vibrance: The Kaleidoscope Effect speaks to the different experiences, approaches, voices, and diverse beauty of our communities to create the freedom and liberation we seek. The conference will celebrate the vibrancy of individual and collective strength, and how that manifests through advocacy, artistic expression, and more. SOS 2024 will amplify the resonance of sound the community creates when we come together in unity and strength.

About the Sessions

Sessions provide cutting-edge research, share promising health practices and strategies, and celebrate the culture and creativity of the Black LGBTQ+ community. This convening takes a dual approach of not only prioritizing those who provide services but also those who identify as LGBTQ+. It is a unique and intentional space for the community to share with, learn from, and celebrate one another.

SOS 2024 Program at a Glance

Renaissance Waverly Hotel & Convention Center
2450 Galleria Parkway Atlanta, GA 30339
** Agenda Subject to Change**

Thursday, August 15

8:00am-5:00pm
Registration Open

10:00am-3:00pm

Exhibit Hall Set-Up

10:00am-3:00pm

Pre-Conference

5:00pm-6:00pm

Welcome/Networking Reception

6:00pm-8:00pm

Fireside Chat

8:30pm-11:00pm

The Normal Anomaly Presents: BQAF Media Tour

Friday, August 16

8:00am-5:00pm
Registration Open
8:00am-5:00pm

Exhibit Hall Open (closed during plenaries)

8:30am-10:15am

Morning Plenary

10:45am-12:00pm

Morning Breakout Sessions

12:15pm-1:45pm

Afternoon Plenary

2:15pm-3:30pm

Afternoon Breakout Sessions

3:45pm-5:15pm

Welcome to Atlanta Celebration

6:00pm-8:00pm

Affinity Sessions

10:00pm-12:00am

Late Night Social (Offsite)

Saturday, August 17

8:30am-1:00pm

Registration Open

9:00am-2:00pm

Exhibit Hall Open

8:30am-10:15am

Morning Plenary

10:45am-12:00pm

Morning Sessions

12:15pm-1:45pm

Lunch Plenary

2:00pm-4:30pm

R&R (Rest & Resistance/Self-Care Activities)

6:30pm-7:15pm

Red Carpet Gala Reception

7:15pm-10:00pm

SOS Gala

Sunday, August 18

11:00am-1:00pm

Queer Soul Brunch and Conference Closing 

Let's Vibe Together!

Register to Attend

Registration for this year’s SOS Conference in Atlanta is officially live! We’re looking forward to another great year of education, empowerment, and community.

Become a Sponsor

By sponsoring the 2024 SOS Conference you’re helping us on our mission to advocate and empower the Black LGBTQIA+ community.

Become an Exhibitor

Increase awareness, visibility, and familiarity of your products or services among conference attendees.

Interested in a Scholarship to attend SOS Conference?

Hotel Vibes!

We’re excited to announce that we’ve partnered with the Renaissance Atlanta Waverly Hotel & Convention Center for SOS. Nightly conference rates are $174 through August 12, 2024 – August 19, 2024. Book by July 26, 2024 to secure the conference group rate! 

Renaissance Atlanta Waverly Hotel & Convention Center​

2450 Galleria Parkway

Atlanta, GA 30339

tel: 770-953-4500

Our Sponsors

For the Culture: Presenting Sponsor

Gilead Logo

Black is Beautiful

Pride & Power

Say It Loud

The Blackprint

Champion