Cultural Renaissance

Thursday, April 24

Doors open at 7:30 AM

7:30 AM - 8:00 AM

Bold Brew & Books

Main Street Station – Main Lobby

Networking

There's no better way to energize yourself for a day celebrating the intersection of culture, creativity, and commerce than with our innovative coffee experience! Kickstart the final day of the Summit with our morning caffeine ritual that showcases Richmond's evolving coffee heritage amid its vibrant cultural renaissance. This isn't just coffee – it's a high-octane ideas exchange where Richmond's boldest brews fuel conversations that bridge industries, spark innovative collaborations, and drive cultural transformation. Connect with visionaries from business, arts, technology, and community development, exchange insights with that changemaker you've been wanting to meet and cement the relationships that will continue to propel Richmond's cultural renaissance long after the Summit ends.

What You'll Gain:

  • Final opportunity to build connections across industries before the Summit's grand finale

  • Creative inspiration and energy boost to maximize your contribution to Richmond's evolving cultural landscape

  • Opportunity to exchange contact information with innovative thinkers who are shaping the city's renaissance

  • Last sip of Richmond's distinctive coffee craftsmanship that embodies the city's creative revival and economic resurgence

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

The RVA Advantage: Strategic Growth in a Dynamic Region

Main Street Station – Main Lobby

Panel Discussion

Richmond isn’t waiting to be discovered – it’s stepping fully into its power. The region is rewriting the narrative of what it means to be a modern, inclusive, innovation-ready city. This conversation brings together key players driving that transformation—regional leaders, economic developers, and visionaries building momentum across sectors. From growing tech corridors to future-focused workforce strategies and bold public-private partnerships, this is Richmond with the volume turned up.

And while we continue to work on our challenges, we’re doing so with intention, collaboration, and the belief that our best days are being built right now. We’ll talk about how the region is shedding the old story and writing a new one – a story of resilience, reinvention, and real opportunity. If you want to understand what’s fueling RVA’s rise, this is the place to be.

What You'll Gain:

  • Real-world examples of how Richmond is turning strategy into measurable impact

  • A fresh look at the talent and innovation pipelines shaping the region’s future

  • Ideas for creating inclusive, high-growth ecosystems in your own community

  • A front-row seat to how RVA is embracing what’s next – and inviting others to grow with it

9:00 AM - 9:15 AM – Break

9:15 AM - 10:15 AM

Innovation Showcase: Culture Meets Commerce (Round 2)

Main Street Station – The Shed

Lightning Round Interviews

The entrepreneurial journey continues as a fresh lineup of visionaries demonstrates how bold ideas become market-ready solutions. This second showcase features founders who are bridging the gap between culture and commerce, leveraging technology to transform creative industries. You'll witness pitches that challenge conventional business models, discover how today's entrepreneurs are flexing the purpose in their DNA, and hear firsthand accounts of navigating today's complex funding landscape. Prepare to be inspired by the ingenuity and determination driving the next wave of business innovation.

What You'll Gain:

  • A front-row look at visionary founders reshaping the intersection of culture and commerce

  • Insights into innovative business models that are transforming creative industries

  • Lessons from entrepreneurs embedding purpose and impact into their startups from day one

  • A glimpse at the funding strategies and creative approaches fueling the next wave of innovation

Hosted by:

Lighthouse Labs

10:15 AM - 10:30 AM – Break

10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

The New Financial Stack: Fintech Innovations Transforming Markets and Industries

Main Street Station – The Shed

Panel Discussion

Beneath the surface of visible fintech applications lies a sophisticated new financial stack that's fundamentally rewiring how money moves through markets and industries. This technically focused session examines the critical infrastructure layers enabling this transformation: instant payment networks processing trillions in transactions, API-driven banking services embedding financial capabilities into non-financial platforms, and advanced security protocols safeguarding the digital financial ecosystem. Industry experts will analyze how these technologies are creating new business models across sectors while navigating evolving regulatory frameworks – including open banking standards, Financial Data Exchange protocols, and the regulatory developments around stablecoins and digital currencies. Join us for a substantive exploration of the technological architecture powering financial innovation beyond the headlines.

What You'll Gain:

  • Deep technical understanding of the layered infrastructure enabling modern financial services

  • Strategic insights into how these technologies are reshaping business models across industries

  • Practical knowledge of regulatory developments affecting financial innovation

  • Forward-looking perspective on the convergence of traditional finance and emerging technologies

11:30 AM - 12:15 PM

Savor It

Main Street Station – Outdoor Plaza

Lunch

Slow down, soak it in, and savor every bite. On the final day of the Summit, we’re moving the energy outside for another round of Richmond’s best culinary creativity. Savor It celebrates the deeper connections between food, culture, and community – with fresh flavors, soulful sounds, and stick-to-your-ribs conversations. Local chefs and food trucks return with new menus, so there’s even more to explore. This is your midday moment to connect, reflect, and refuel before the Summit’s final push. 

What You'll Gain:

  • New flavors and experiences from Richmond’s dynamic culinary scene 

  • A relaxed, music-filled space to recharge and reconnect with fellow attendees 

  • Conversations that go deeper – because great food brings people together 

  • A reminder that innovation lives in culture, community, and the joy of sharing a meal  

12:30 PM - 1:30 PM

The Art of Innovation: From Creative Disruption to Brand Relevance

Main Street Station – The Shed

Panel Discussion

What does it take to stay relevant when the rules of creativity keep changing? In this dynamic session, we’ll hear from brand builders, creative leaders, and cultural innovators who are shaping the future of storytelling, design, and artistic expression. From evolving brand identities and experiential campaigns to the way artists and marketers are collaborating to create culture, this conversation explores how creative work can lead innovation – not just respond to it. Richmond’s creative energy will be on full display as panelists share how they’re blending instinct with insight, and imagination with intention.  

What You'll Gain:

  • Fresh takes on how creativity fuels brand relevance in a fast-moving world 

  • Real examples of artist–brand collaborations that push boundaries and break molds 

  • Perspectives on preserving creative identity while embracing new tools 

  • Inspiration from Richmond’s creative community – where innovation starts with imagination 

1:30 PM - 1:45 PM – Break

1:45 PM - 2:45 PM

Beyond the Gig: Hustle Your Dream with the Hosts of Earn Your Leisure

Main Street Station – The Shed

In-Person Live Podcast with Troy Millings and Rashad Bilal 

The side hustle is dead. Long live the dream hustle! The Earn Your Leisure crew is dropping in to show you how to transform your passion into unstoppable economic power. This no-holds-barred session breaks down how today's smartest creators are building empires, not just content – creating multiple revenue streams that hit different while staying authentic to their vision. Whether you're building in Web3, creating physical products, or monetizing your unique perspective, this conversation draws the blueprint for turning your creativity into generational wealth. Come ready for the real talk that'll transform your approach to building in the new creator economy.

What You'll Gain:

  • Practical strategies for building multiple revenue streams from creative work

  • Insights on maintaining authenticity while maximizing economic potential

  • Real-world case studies of successful creator-entrepreneurs

  • Frameworks for turning short-term hustle into long-term wealth generation

2:45 PM - 3:00 PM – Break

3:00 PM - 4:00 PM

AI and Arts & Entertainment: The Good, The Bad, The Ugly

Main Street Station – The Shed

Panel Discussion

When AI meets art, where does human creativity stand? This provocative panel brings together digital pioneers, traditional artists, and industry executives navigating unprecedented disruption. We'll explore the ethical implications of AI-generated content, examine who really owns machine-made masterpieces, and dissect how algorithms are reshaping creative industries. From film to music to visual arts, get an unfiltered look at where creative expression is heading when humans and machines collaborate – or compete. This session goes beyond the hype to reveal the complex reality of creativity in the age of algorithms.

What You'll Gain:

  • Balanced perspective on AI's impact across various creative disciplines

  • Ethical frameworks for evaluating AI creative tools and outputs

  • Industry insights on how entertainment companies are adapting to AI

  • Vision of future creative careers that blend human artistry with AI capabilities

4:00 PM - 4:15 PM – Break

4:15 PM - 5:15 PM

Mental Wealth: Achieving Balance in a Fast-Paced World

Main Street Station – The Shed

Panel Discussion

Psychological well-being directly impacts professional performance, yet workplace mental health approaches often fail to address the complex reality of cognitive and emotional demands. This session brings together occupational psychologists, neuroscience researchers, and organizational behavior experts to examine evidence-based approaches that go beyond surface-level wellness programs. Panelists will discuss specific interventions demonstrating measurable outcomes: attention management protocols improving productivity for knowledge workers, stress regulation techniques with documented impacts on decision quality, and organizational frameworks that measurably reduce burnout indicators while improving retention. The discussion will differentiate between clinical mental health needs and performance-oriented cognitive optimization, addressing how organizations can support both appropriately while creating psychologically safer work environments that enhance both well-being and effectiveness. 

What You'll Gain:

  • Evidence-based mental fitness practices compatible with high-performance lifestyles

  • Emerging technologies for monitoring and optimizing mental wellbeing

  • Practical self-care routines that fit into busy professional schedules

  • Framework for building your personal mental wealth strategy

Time: TBA

Lead Investors Reception

New Market Pavilion (4th & Byrd Street)

Reception

Join Richmond's influential business leaders who are shaping our region's future. This exclusive gathering brings together ChamberRVA's Lead Investors - providing strategic direction for both the Chamber and Richmond area. Connect with key decision-makers while enjoying James River views. Registration required.

Host: 

Co-hosted by ChamberRVA and Venture Richmond

7:00 PM

Culmination: The Big Dipper Innovation Experience

Evening Event

The Summit concludes with an unforgettable fusion of concert, party, and celebration that brings together Richmond's innovative musical and artistic communities. Headlined with special guest performances, this immersive experience transforms traditional networking into a vibrant cultural showcase. Interactive art installations, curated food and beverage offerings, and surprise performances create a multi-sensory finale that embodies Richmond's unique blend of tradition and innovation, to cement connections that will last long after the Summit concludes.

What You'll Gain:

  • Unforgettable multi-sensory culmination of the Summit experience

  • Final opportunity to cement key relationships in a vibrant setting

  • Immersion in Richmond's celebrated music and arts culture

  • Connections with the broader creative community driving the city's renaissance

Extended Play: Richmond's Musical and Cultural Renaissance

Evening Entertainment

7:00 PM - 9:30 PM

Shockoe Records @ Vagabond

Lineup:

6:15 PM: Paulo from Los Hermanos Alacranes

6:45 PM: Kenneka Cook

7:15 PM: Night Idea

Blank Verse Records @ Quirk Rooftop

Lineup:

5:30 PM - 7:30 PM: DJ Markus Gold

RVAMAG Beats + Vinyl @ Common House

Theme: "Innovation in Practice"

7:00 PM - 10:00 PM  

VCU Jazz @ Richmond Marriott

6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

*All schedules, speakers, and lineups are subject to change.