Cultural Renaissance
Thursday, April 24
Doors open at 7:30 AM
7:30 AM - 8:00 AM
Bold Brew & Books
Main Street Station
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
Hosted By:
Metropolitan Business League and Chamber RVA
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
The RVA Advantage: Strategic Growth in a Dynamic Region
Main Street Station
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
Moderator:
Floyd Miller (President & CEO, Metropolitan Business League)
Panelists:
Jennifer Wakefield, APR (President and Chief Executive Officer, Greater Richmond Partnership)
Brian Anderson (President & CEO, ChamberRVA)
Ebonie Atkins (Managing Director, Henrico Economic Development Authority)
David Devan (Senior Vice President of Policy & Strategy, VEDP)
9:00 AM - 9:15 AM – Break
9:15 AM - 10:15 AM
Innovation Showcase: Culture Meets Commerce (Round 2)
Presented By Lighthouse Labs and Startup VA
Main Street Station
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
Moderator:
Kristin Richardson (Founder & CEO, Sherah)
Panelists:
Luke Rabin (Founder, DSCVRY)
Keya Wingfield (Owner, Keya & Co.)
Steve Van Dam (Founder/CEO, Light the Music)
Will Keck (Owner, theMSQshop)
Michell C. Clark (Author and Strategist)
10:05 AM – 11:00 AM (Offsite parallel programming)
Muse + Machine: Exploring the Intersection of AI and Human Creativity
Robinson Theater Community Arts Center
Panel Discussion
This conversation will challenge conventional perspectives, inspiring creatives to view AI’s future impact through a new lens. From enhancing expression to redefining workflows, experts will share insights on how innovation combined with imagination will thrive in the AI era.
Don’t miss this chance to prepare for the future of creativity!
Click to see the full event details
11:00 AM – 11:20 AM
Break & Networking
11:20 AM – 1:00 PM
Higher Consciousness and AI
This event is open to the public.
Hosted by our good friends at Cultureworks, Belltower Pictures, and Richmond International Film Festival.
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
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
Host:
Sarah Brooks (Director, Business and Financial Services, Virginia Economic Development Partnership)
Panelists:
Corey Harris (Founder & Managing Partner, Veritas Global Law)
Mike Lempner (Chief Technology Officer, Mission Lane)
Ryan Cannon (Chief Risk Officer & Co-founder, Thrive Capital)
Boomer Muth (President & Co-founder, Koalifi)
11:30 AM - 12:15 PM
Savor It
Main Street Station
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
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
Moderator:
Brian P. Brown, Ph.D. (Interim Dean, VCU School of Business )
Panelists:
Kristen Cavallo (Executive Director, The Branch Museum of Design)
Rita McClenny (President & CEO, Virginia Tourism Corporation)
Chris Mumford (Chief Marketing Officer, Marketplaces, CoStar Group)
Ron Carey (Founder/CEO, Tilt Creative + Production)
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
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
Speakers:
Rashad Bilal (Co-founder, Earn Your Leisure)
Troy Millings (Co-founder, Earn Your Leisure)
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
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
Moderator:
Twann Atkins (Leader, Solutions Architecture, Amazon Web Services)
Panelists:
Craig Martin (President, Belltower Pictures)
Heather Waters (Founder and Producer, Richmond International Film Festival)
James Francis (Founder, President & CEO, Paradigm Asset Management)
Joshua Barber (Internationally Shown Artist, Joshua Barber Fine Art)
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
Panel Discussion
Your mental state directly impacts your bottom line. This high-value session connects mental wellbeing with financial performance and career ROI. Our speakers will share battle-tested strategies that go beyond typical corporate wellness programs, focusing on approaches with measurable returns: attention management techniques that boost productivity, stress-reduction methods that improve investment decision quality, and practical frameworks used by top performers to prevent costly burnout while maximizing earning potential.
This power-packed conversation delivers immediately applicable techniques from professionals who've succeeded at the highest levels. You'll leave with specific mental tools to enhance your earning potential, investment decisions, and career trajectory while protecting your most valuable asset – your mind.
What You'll Gain:
Mental fitness techniques used by Wall Street traders to make better financial decisions under pressure
Practical tools to manage stress during high-stakes negotiations and investment decisions
A straightforward "mental wealth portfolio" plan that enhances both income and quality of life
Peak performance methods that deliver immediate ROI in your career and financial outcomes
Interviewer:
Heidi Nel (Chief Operating Officer, New Theory Ventures)
Speaker:
Lauren Simmons (Former NYSE Trader, "Wolfette of Wall Street")
5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
Lead Investors Reception
Presented by ChamberRVA and Venture Richmond
Overlooking Brown's Island
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.
Hosts:
ChamberRVA and Venture Richmond
Extended Play: Richmond's Musical and Cultural Renaissance
Evening Entertainment
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Shockoe Records @ Vagabond
Lineup:
6:15 PM: Paulo from Los Hermanos Alacranes (Musician)
6:45 PM: Kenneka Cook (Singer/Songwriter)
7:15 PM: Night Idea (Band)
Host:
Reese Williams (Founder, Shockoe Records)
Blank Verse Records @ Quirk Rooftop
Lineup:
5:30 PM - 7:30 PM: DJ Markus Gold (DJ & Producer)
Host:
DJ Markus Gold (DJ & Producer)
RVAMAG Beats + Vinyl @ Common House
Theme: "Innovation in Practice"
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Lineup:
Beat Flips (6p – 7p):
Ant The Symbol (Producer)
Fan Ran (Producer)
Panel (7p – 8p):
Obsolescence of Culture: Can Authenticity Survive the Tech Revolution?
Landon Shroder (Moderator, Publisher & Editor-in-Chief, RVA Magazine)
Mad Skillz (Rapper, DJ & Producer)
Jason Vest (Instructor, da Vinci Center)
Rob Milazzo (Founder, Modern School of Film)
Vinyl Battle (8p – 9p):
DJ NOBE (DJ)
Host:
Landon Shroder (Publisher & Editor-in-Chief, RVA Magazine)
VCU Jazz @ Richmond Marriott
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Host:
Chet Frierson (Director, VCU Jazz Studies)
*Extended Play is a free event. Space is limited.
*All schedules, speakers, and lineups are subject to change.