BIG DIPPER INNOVATION SUMMIT™ 2026
EXPLORE WHAT’S NEXT
The Big Dipper Innovation Summit brings founders, creatives, investors, and innovators together to explore the ideas, technologies, and cultural shifts shaping what comes next. Over three days, the energy builds, perspectives expand, and momentum takes hold.
May 12-14, 2026 • Richmond, VA
Registration Coming Soon!
OUR MISSION
To manifest an environment where creativity, connection, inspiration, and innovation thrive.
What Happens At BDIS
BDIS is designed to convene a high-caliber, diverse community across three days of programming, bringing together thousands of attendees, world-class speakers, and immersive sessions that move ideas from conversation to action.
This is where curiosity turns into commitment.
2,000+
Attendees Across 3 Days
80+
Speakers, Panelists & Performers
30+
Sessions & Experiences
THREE DAYS OF IMPACT
The Arc of BDIS 2026
The Summit is intentionally designed as a progression from inspiration to understanding, to action.
TUESDAY, MAY 12
THE SPARK
12:00pm - 5:30pm | Half Day + Extended Play
The Spark is where ideas ignite. New perspectives emerge. Creativity unlocks. Assumptions are challenged and doors open to what’s possible.
This is where momentum begins.
We don't start. We ignite.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 13
THE ENVIRONMENT
9:00am - 5:00pm | Full Day + Extended Play
The Environment is everything around us and everything we’re building.
Markets shift. Teams evolve. Technology accelerates. The pace of change demands attention.
Participants examine the environments they operate within and the ones they are creating.
Momentum is everything.
THURSDAY, MAY 14
THE SHIFT
9:00am - 4:00pm + Block Party
The Shift is where insight becomes intention.
Perspectives change. Decisions sharpen. Direction becomes clear.
Attendees leave ready to pivot, scale, and accelerate what’s next.You don’t just attend…You leave different.
Your cup is full.
PROGRAMMING PILLARS
Designed for Impact.
The
Vibe
Culture, creativity, and energy shape how organizations attract talent and sustain momentum. Your vibe, inside and out, is a strategic advantage.
The
Players
People make innovation real. Leadership and team dynamics determine how potential turns into progress.
The
Tech
AI, data, and emerging technology transforming industries. The infrastructure of what's next. This is reshaping everything, whether you're ready or not.
The
Dream
Founders, builders, and emerging ventures. The playbook for turning vision into reality at scale. This is where bold ideas become real companies.
The
Capital
Investment, wealth-building, and ownership. Where ideas meet the bag that makes them real. This is about getting to the table and staying there.
When the main stage goes dark, the city lights up. Extended Play is Big Dipper Innovation Summit™ after-hours programming, spreading attendees across Richmond's creative ecosystem each evening for curated experiences at intimate satellite venues.
These aren't afterparties. They're where the real conversations happen. Live performances and vinyl sessions. Chef collaborations and tastings. Gallery activations and fashion showcases. Startup demos and investor mixers. Smaller rooms, real talk, lasting relationships.
Three evenings. Multiple venues. Culture meets commerce after dark.
Extended Play
