BIG DIPPER INNOVATION SUMMIT™ 2026

Explore What’s Next

3 Days

of Programming

80+

Speakers, Panelists & Performers

30+

Sessions & Experiences

Where innovators come to think, build, and lead.

The Big Dipper Innovation Summit brings founders, creatives, investors, and business leaders together to explore the ideas, technologies, and cultural shifts that shape what comes next.

May 12-14, 2026 • Richmond, VA

Register Now

Group registration

Our 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

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.

Extended Play is where the real conversations happen. Smaller rooms, real talk, lasting relationships. Three evenings. Multiple venues. Culture meets commerce after dark.