The Big Dipper Innovation Summit kicked off today, and if you’re not here yet, well, you’re already behind. This isn’t your run-of-the-mill business event—it’s where culture and business smash together in ways that actually mean something. Skeptical? We get it. But when these worlds collide, the opportunities are real. This is the spot to start looking for yours.
Richmond, VA is evolving fast. People are moving here for the culture, the entrepreneurial energy, and now, tech investment is accelerating everything. It’s a city on the rise, where art, business, and tech are all fueling each other. And it’s happening right now.
Over the next few days, the conversation will focus on how to blend those forces together while staying true to what makes this place unique. It’s not about chasing trends or keeping up—it’s about understanding how to shape the future on your terms.
If you’re looking to make a change, to build something better for yourself and your family, this is the time. This isn’t about promises of overnight success—it’s about meeting the people who’ve taken their shot, started businesses, made bold moves, and are finding their way. There are a million ideas out there, but getting connected to the right people is where it all starts.
The Big Dipper Innovation Summit isn’t a quick fix, but it could be the beginning of something bigger. It’s not the end-all, but it could be the start of the next chapter in your life. All it takes is being in the right room. The question is: are you ready to show up?
Here’s what we’re most excited to check out but this is not the full list. For full details and to grab your Extended Play pass, head over to the Big Dipper Innovation Summit HERE
Tuesday, April 22, 2025 | Main Street Station & Various Richmond Venues
The Big Dipper Innovation Summit is your ticket to future-proofing your career, tapping into investment opportunities, and hearing from the folks shaping tomorrow. Miss it? Trust us, you’ll regret it.
A Conversation with Tom Barkin: Macro & Micro Economic Forces Shaping Our Future
2:30 PM – 3:30 PM | Main Street Station
Tom Barkin, the Federal Reserve’s chief, is here to give you the real story behind national economic policy and its messy impacts on your business, your life, and your wallet. From inflation to labor markets to the future of digital payments, this is how macro trends play out at ground level.
What You’ll Gain
- The lowdown on economic trends that’ll shape your world
- A peek into digital currencies and the future of money
- A new understanding of financial inclusion and its game-changing implications
- A fresh perspective on Richmond’s own economic outlook
Real Angels Invest: How Women VCs Are Shaping Capital
3:45 PM – 4:45 PM | Main Street Station
Forget the old boys’ club. Women in venture capital aren’t just participating—they’re flipping the script. This session gives you insider access to the women reshaping how wealth is built. Whether you’re a seasoned investor or just getting started, this is how the game is changing.
What You’ll Gain
- What women investors are really looking for
- How to get in on angel investing, even if you’re new
- The power of women-led investment strategies
- Access to a network of investors who are redefining the game
Wednesday, April 23, 2025 | Main Street Station & Various Richmond Venues
Think Bigger: Unlocking Innovation with Dr. Sheena Iyengar
9:15 AM – 10:15 AM | Main Street Station
Dr. Sheena Iyengar is a global authority on choice and innovation. With her groundbreaking Jam Study and best-selling book The Art of Choosing, she’s going to teach you how to think bigger and get stuff done. This session is for the dreamers who want to turn ideas into real-world breakthroughs.
What You’ll Gain
- A practical guide to creative thinking
- How to break through decision fatigue and focus on what matters
- The tools to organize chaos and turn ideas into action
- Strategies for applying innovation to your leadership
Innovation Showcase: Startups Reinventing Tomorrow (Round 1)
10:30 AM – 11:30 AM | Main Street Station
Here’s your front-row seat to the future. Five emerging founders get 10 minutes each to show off how they’re scaling bold ideas at lightning speed. From rapid prototyping to lean growth strategies, witness the next wave of entrepreneurs who are rewriting the rules.
What You’ll Gain
- Fast-paced interviews with the top startup founders
- Insights into the disruptive innovations that are changing the game
- How these entrepreneurs are navigating momentum to scale faster
- A look at the next generation of high-growth ventures
Capital Catalysts: Pathways to Funding Growth
Wednesday, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM | Main Street Station
So you’ve got the idea, but do you have the cash to back it up? Investors aren’t playing it safe anymore. Diversity in venture capital isn’t some buzzword—they’re putting their money where their mouths are. This session will break down how today’s investors are making decisions, and how to pitch your startup to the new breed of game-changers.
What You’ll Gain:
- How investors are getting bolder—and smarter—with their bets
- The real story behind alternative funding options
- No-nonsense advice on how to make your pitch stick
Candid Conversation with Scott Van Pelt: The Business Transformation of Sports Media
2:15 PM – 3:15 PM | Main Street Station
Scott Van Pelt, ESPN’s Senior SportsCenter anchor, is breaking down the evolution of sports media. From NIL to ESPN’s content strategy, this is how athletes are monetizing their brand in ways that go beyond the game—and why you should be paying attention.
What You’ll Gain
- Inside the changing business of sports media
- Why NIL is rewriting athlete branding
- Why ESPN is ahead of the curve in this content revolution
How Does She Do It? Women Founders Maintaining, Innovating, and Scaling
3:30 PM – 4:30 PM | Main Street Station
Building a successful company is tough—keeping it fresh and innovative as you scale is even tougher. This all-women panel of founders who’ve turned their startups into industry players will show you how they’ve kept creativity alive while managing the grind. They’ll share their strategies for reinventing business models, staying ahead of market shifts, and balancing the day-to-day with a bigger vision. These entrepreneurs aren’t just surviving—they’re disrupting their own businesses before anyone else has the chance.
What You’ll Gain:
- Real-world methods for keeping innovation alive through growth
- How to disrupt your own business and stay ahead of the curve
- Balancing the need for performance with creative freedom
- Unique insights on the challenges and opportunities women face while scaling businesses
Shaping Culture, Inspiring Legacy: A Conversation with Larenz Tate
7:00 PM | The Hippodrome Theater
Larenz Tate is one of those actors you’ve seen in everything—from Menace II Society to Power. But Tate’s impact goes beyond the screen. This intimate fireside chat, hosted by Shakia Gullette Warren, will dive into Tate’s journey from breakout roles to becoming a cultural icon. Along the way, he’s worked to make sure future generations have access to the tools they need to succeed, through youth education and philanthropy.
If you’ve ever wondered what it means to shape culture, inspire change, and leave a lasting legacy, don’t miss this. It’s more than just a conversation about acting—it’s about the power of storytelling to shift narratives, and how to build a sustainable career when the world is always changing.
What You’ll Gain:
- A behind-the-scenes look at entertainment industry evolution
- How to keep your creative integrity while navigating disruption
- New opportunities for diverse voices in the entertainment space
- Entrepreneurial advice for creating a lasting career in the arts
Thursday, April 24, 2025 | Main Street Station & Various Richmond Venues
The RVA Advantage: Strategic Growth in a Dynamic Region
8:00 AM – 9:00 AM | Main Street Station
Forget waiting for discovery—Richmond is leading the charge. This is a conversation about how the region is stepping into its power with tech corridors, workforce strategies, and public-private partnerships. If you want to understand how RVA is rewriting its narrative, this is the session to be in.
What You’ll Gain
- Real-world examples of how RVA is reshaping its future
- A look at the talent and innovation shaping the region
- Insight into building high-growth, inclusive ecosystems
- A front-row view of RVA’s evolution—grab a seat for the ride
Innovation Showcase: Culture Meets Commerce (Round 2)
9:15 AM – 10:15 AM | Main Street Station
We’re not just making art anymore. We’re making money off it. How do you build a sustainable business model around creative work? Entrepreneurs are here to break it down, showing you how culture and commerce don’t just mix—they amplify.
What You’ll Gain
- How creative industries are building profitable business models
- Lessons from creators who balance profit with purpose
- Insights into navigating the cultural-commercial crossover
The Art of Innovation: From Creative Disruption to Brand Relevance
12:30 PM – 1:30 PM | Main Street Station
In a world where the rules of creativity are always changing, what does it take to stay relevant? This panel is packed with creative leaders who are using innovation to drive brand relevance. Hear how brand-building and artistic disruption are leading the way.
What You’ll Gain
- Fresh takes on creativity and brand relevance
- Real examples of boundary-pushing collaborations
- Perspectives on maintaining creative identity while embracing new tools
Beyond the Gig: Hustle Your Dream with the Hosts of Earn Your Leisure
1:45 PM – 2:45 PM | Main Street Station
Troy Millings and Rashad Bilal turned their side hustle into an empire. In this session, they’ll share their blueprint for building sustainable wealth from your passion. Stop living gig to gig, and start building the empire you’ve been dreaming of.
What You’ll Gain
- How to turn your hustle into a sustainable business
- Strategies from successful entrepreneur-creators
- A mindset shift from surviving to thriving
The Obsolescence of Culture: Can Authenticity Survive the Tech Revolution?
6:00 PM – 9:00 PM | Common House Richmond
Is tech erasing authenticity? Our panel, which you can read more about HERE, dives into how AI, algorithms, and tech are changing cultural narratives. Moderated by RVA Magazine’s Landon Shroder, this session features Mad Skillz, Robert Milazzo, and Jason Vest, who will share insights on how industry leaders are navigating the digital transformation.
What You’ll Gain
- A candid conversation about tech and cultural identity
- Insights from experts in music, storytelling, and tech
- A deep dive into how authenticity is shifting in the digital age
The clock’s ticking. If you’re serious about the future of business, culture, and innovation, get yourself to the Big Dipper Innovation Summit before it’s too late. Whether you’re here for the insights, the connections, or just to be part of the next wave, don’t wait. Grab your spot and let’s get to work.
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