BIG DIPPER INNOVATION SUMMIT™

What’s Next Already Started

3 Days

of Programming

80+

Speakers, Panelists & Performers

30+

Sessions & Experiences

Founders, creatives, investors, and business leaders came together to explore what comes next in energy, capital, tech, culture and media, and health and wellness. The conversation did not stop when they left.

WHAT’S NEXT

The Summit Returns Spring 2027

Richmond, Virginia. Dates announced soon.

The Big Dipper Innovation Summit brings together founders, creatives, investors, and business leaders across five tracks, energy, capital, tech, culture and media, and health and wellness.

It is built so people leave with more than they came with. Not just inspired, but equipped. Not just connected, but clear on what to do next.

ABOUT THE SUMMIT

More About the Summit

2026 Featured Guests

Founders and builders. Investors and operators. Creatives and business leaders. Policy makers and institutional voices. BDIS brings together people who don’t usually sit in the same room, but when they do, things happen.

Abigail Spanberger

Governor, The Commonwealth
of Virginia — **Abigail Spanberger**
Governor, The Commonwealth of Virginia

Thomas “Tom” Gayner

Chief Executive Officer,
Markel Group — **Thomas “Tom” Gayner**
Chief Executive Officer, Markel Group

Erin Harkless Moore

VP & Managing Director,
Investments, Pivotal Ventures — **Erin Harkless Moore**
VP & Managing Director, Investments, Pivotal Ventures

Everette Taylor

CEO, Kickstarter — **Everette Taylor**
CEO, Kickstarter

Kevin Roose

Technology Columnist, The New York Times — **Kevin Roose**
Technology Columnist, The New York Times

Dhani Jones

Chairman, Qey Capital Partners — **Dhani Jones**
Chairman, Qey Capital Partners

Edward H. Baine

President, Dominion Energy Virginia — **Edward H. Baine**
President, Dominion Energy Virginia

EXTENDED PLAY

After Hours, On Purpose

Extended Play is the cultural program of the Summit. Live music, artist talks, receptions, and dinners, built into the schedule rather than added to the end of it. It is where the day keeps going and where a good share of the real connecting happens.