The Next Wave
Wednesday, April 23
Doors Open 7:30 AM
7:30 AM - 8:00 AM
Bold Brew & Books
Main Street Station
Networking
Fuel your Day Two with Richmond's finest coffee and the Summit's most electrifying conversations! Bold Brew & Books kicks your morning into high gear as you connect with fellow innovators over steaming cups of local craft coffee. Bounce ideas off industry leaders in a relaxed setting that turns casual chats into potential game-changers. Whether you're building on yesterday's insights or seeking fresh inspiration, this morning ritual sets the perfect tone for another day of breakthrough thinking.
What You'll Gain:
Fresh inspiration and energy to maximize Day Two of the Summit
Opportunity to deepen connections made on Tuesday
Access to industry leaders in an informal, approachable setting
Authentic taste of Richmond's renowned craft coffee culture
Hosted by:
VCU da Vinci Center
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
Energy Evolution: A Fireside Chat and Coffee with Bob Blue
Recognized as 2024 Business Person of the Year by Virginia Business Magazine
Main Street Station
Fireside Chat
The energy landscape is undergoing its most profound transformation in a century – and Virginia is at the forefront. Join Bob Blue, Chair, President, and CEO of Dominion Energy, as he explores how traditional utilities are reinventing themselves for a sustainable future, while maintaining the reliability businesses depend on. This candid conversation will address how energy producers are navigating the challenges of climate change, infrastructure modernization, and evolving customer expectations while driving economic development in our communities.
What You'll Gain:
Insider perspective on the energy transition from a major industry leader
Understanding of how infrastructure modernization impacts regional development
Preview of emerging technologies reshaping the future energy landscape
Moderator:
Ken Johnson (Founder & CEO, JMI)
Speaker:
Robert "Bob" Blue (President & CEO, Dominion Energy)
9:00 AM - 9:15 AM – Break
9:15 AM - 10:15 AM
Think Bigger: Unlocking Innovation with Dr. Sheena Iyengar
World-Renowned Expert on Choice & Innovation
Main Street Station
Fireside Chat
Renowned thought leader Dr. Sheena Iyengar has reshaped how the world thinks about decisions, innovation, and human potential. Her iconic Jam Study sparked a global shift in how businesses design experiences and how individuals navigate choice. Her best-selling book The Art of Choosing explored the psychology behind why we make the decisions we do. Now, with Think Bigger, she introduces a powerful new method for turning ideas into real-world breakthroughs.
In this keynote, Dr. Iyengar draws from decades of research to reveal how anyone – entrepreneurs, creatives, and leaders alike – can unlock bigger, bolder thinking. You’ll learn how to generate more original ideas, structure smarter decisions, and lead with clarity in moments of complexity.
What You'll Gain:
A practical method for thinking more creatively and generating bold ideas
Strategies to overcome decision fatigue and focus on what truly matters
Tools to organize choices in a way that inspires action and clarity
A deeper understanding of how to apply innovation frameworks in everyday work and leadership
Moderator:
Garret Westlake (Executive Director, da Vinci Center for Innovation, VCU)
Speaker:
Dr. Sheena Iyengar (S.T. Lee Professor of Business, Columbia Business School)
10:15 AM - 10:30 AM – Break
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Innovation Showcase: Startups Reinventing Tomorrow (Round 1)
Presented By Lighthouse Labs and Startup VA
Main Street Station
Lightning Round Interviews
Speed, timing, and momentum – the three forces that separate successful startups from the pack. In this high-energy session, five emerging founders will have 10 minutes each to showcase how they're turning bold ideas into scalable ventures at unprecedented speed. From rapid prototyping to lean growth strategies, these entrepreneurs are rewriting the playbook on how to build and scale meaningful businesses. Witness the future of entrepreneurship and gain practical insights that can accelerate innovation in organizations of any size.
What You'll Gain:
A front-row seat to rapid-fire interviews with top emerging founders shaping the future of business
Insights into the bold ideas and disruptive innovations being developed in the region
Lessons from startup leaders on navigating speed, timing, and momentum to scale successfully
A look at the next generation of high-growth ventures and what it takes to build the next unicorn
Host:
Debbie Irwin (Managing Director, Lighthouse Labs)
Founders:
Dr. Lauren Siff (SurgicalED VR)
Vincent Vu (Founder and CEO, Kinis.ai)
Jen Finn (Co-founder and CEO, HIO)
James Warren (Founder and CEO, Share More Stories)
Malique Middleton (Entrepreneur in Residence, VCU Health Hub at 25th)
11:30 AM - 12:00 PM – Break
12:00 PM - 12:45 PM
Taste It
Main Street Station
Lunch
Experience Richmond's vibrant culinary scene with this lively outdoor lunch festival! Featuring the city's most innovative food trucks and local chefs, this interactive dining experience celebrates the creativity and diversity driving our region's food renaissance. Enjoy live DJ sets and music while sampling everything from reimagined Southern classics to globally inspired cuisine. The festival atmosphere creates the perfect backdrop for casual networking and meaningful connections while supporting local food entrepreneurs who are pushing the boundaries of flavor.
What You'll Gain:
A taste of Richmond’s boldest Bites – from street food stars to next-gen chefs
Face time with the culinary creatives fueling the region’s food scene
Chill vibes and casual convos with fellow summit-goers over seriously good eats
Fresh ideas (and maybe a new favorite dish) that prove innovation isn't just for the boardroom
12:45 PM - 1:00 PM – Break
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Capital Catalysts: Pathways to Funding Growth
Main Street Station
Panel Discussion
Access to capital remains the critical fuel for innovation – but who receives that capital and how they access it is changing dramatically. Join investment luminaries as they share insider perspectives on emerging investment strategies and why diversity in venture capital is unlocking entirely new markets. This candid conversation will explore how entrepreneurs can successfully navigate today's funding landscape, what investors are really looking for, and why nontraditional paths to raising capital are creating breakthrough opportunities across industries.
What You'll Gain:
Inside look at how investor decision-making is evolving in today's market
Alternative capital-raising strategies beyond traditional venture funding
An understanding of how diversity is transforming investment opportunities
Practical guidance on crafting compelling pitches to modern investors
Moderator:
Jeff Beck (CEO and co-founder, AnswersNow)
Panelists:
Soo Kim (Managing Partner & Chief Investment Officer, Standard General)
Calvin Butts Jr. (General Partner, East Chop Capital)
Noelle James (Managing Director, Startup VA)
Aurelia Flores (Director, Virginia Invests)
2:00 PM - 2:15 PM – Break
2:15 PM - 3:15 PM
Candid Conversation: The Business Transformation of Sports with Scott Van Pelt
Main Street Station
Fireside Chat
The sports industry is experiencing unprecedented disruption in its business model across media rights, athlete marketing, and content distribution channels. Scott Van Pelt, who has covered this transformation for decades from inside ESPN, offers a unique perspective on how traditional valuation models are being rewritten. This conversation will examine significant economic shifts: the growing impact of NIL monetization on collegiate athletics, the substantial growth in women's sports media rights, and the fragmenting media landscape forcing rights holders to develop multi-platform distribution strategies. Van Pelt will share insights on how leagues, broadcasters, and digital platforms are recalibrating their business relationships and how these shifts are creating new economic opportunities throughout the sports ecosystem.
What You'll Gain:
Insider perspective on the dramatic business transformation in sports media
Strategic insights on the emerging economics of NIL and athlete branding
Analysis of women's sports as a major growth opportunity in the industry
Content strategy lessons from ESPN's adaptation to changing viewer habits
Moderator:
Dr. Makolah Abdullah (President, Virginia State University)
Speaker:
Scott Van Pelt (SportsCenter Senior Anchor, ESPN)
3:15 PM - 3:30 PM – Break
3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
How Does She Do It? Women Founders Maintaining, Innovating, and Scaling
Main Street Station
Panel Discussion
Building a successful company is hard – but sustaining a culture of innovation as you scale is even harder. Join this inspiring all-women panel of successful founders who've navigated the challenging transition from scrappy startup to industry leader without losing their innovative edge. These accomplished entrepreneurs will share their strategies for maintaining creativity within structured organizations, reinventing business models in response to market shifts, and balancing short-term performance with long-term vision. You'll gain practical insights into how successful women founders continue to disrupt their own companies – before someone else does it for them.
What You'll Gain:
Proven methods for maintaining innovation culture through organizational growth
Strategies for ongoing business model evolution and self-disruption
Insights on balancing operational excellence with creative experimentation
Perspective on unique challenges and opportunities for women who are scaling companies
Moderator:
Kenya Blake (Vice President and General Manager of Horizon Innovations, Altria)
Panelists:
Kristin Richardson (Founder & CEO, Sherah)
Meg Pryde (Founder & CEO, Brandefy)
5:00 PM-7:00 PM
Extended Play: Lights, Camera, Connect with Virginia Video Network
Reynolds Gallery
Evening Mixer
Grab a drink, press play, and step inside the world of visual storytelling with Virginia Video Network (VVN). This evening mixer at Reynolds Gallery is your all-access pass to how powerful video content comes to life - whether it’s boosting a brand, telling a compelling story, or spotlighting impact.
Expect a curated reel of standout client work and original VNN series, two gallery rooms with looping content, a live DJ, great vibes, wine, beer, apps, and a few surprises. Pose at the step-and-repeat, chat with the creators, and get inspired by what’s possible when storytelling meets strategy. Casual, creative, and full of opportunities to connect - this is where the camera meets the conversation.
What You'll Gain:
A behind-the-scenes look at how strategic video content drives brand impact
Inspiration from standout client work and original VVN series
Direct connections with content creators and visual storytellers
A relaxed, artful atmosphere perfect for creative conversation and collaboration
Host:
Virginia Video Network
This event is free of charge, but space is limited.
Extended Play: Wellness Wednesday
Presented by RVA Fashion Week
The Workshop by T&D
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
RVA Fashion Week isn’t just about what you wear—it’s about how you live. Wellness Wednesday invites the community to explore self-care and balance through a day of fitness sessions, wellness workshops, and mindful conversation—all hosted at The Workshop by T&D. The evening wraps with a community panel focused on wellness in the creative industries and how artists can thrive in their work and well-being.
Hosts:
RVA Fashion Week
This event is free, but RSVP is required.
Visit the RVA Fashion Week website to attend.
7:00 PM
Shaping Culture, Inspiring Legacy: A Conversation with Larenz Tate
Presented by Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia
The Hippodrome Theater
Fireside Chat
Join us for an intimate conversation featuring award-winning actor, producer, and philanthropist Larenz Tate, in conversation with Shakia Gullette Warren, Executive Director of the Black History Museum & Cultural Center of Virginia.
From his breakout roles in Menace II Society and Love Jones to his critically acclaimed performances in Power and beyond, Tate has solidified his place as a cultural icon. Beyond the screen, his commitment to empowering future generations through youth education and philanthropy has left a lasting impact. As co-founder of the Tate Bros. Foundation, he has worked tirelessly to provide resources and opportunities to ensure that education remains a pathway to success for all young people.
This engaging discussion will explore Tate’s career journey, his dedication to uplifting communities, and the power of storytelling in shaping culture and history. Don't miss this compelling dialogue on artistry, activism, and the legacy we build for the next generation.
What You'll Gain:
Insider perspective on entertainment industry transformation from a veteran performer
Strategies for maintaining creative integrity amid technological disruption
Understanding of emerging opportunities for diverse voices in a changing landscape
Insights on entrepreneurial approaches to building a sustainable creative career
Host:
Shakia Gullette Warren (Founder & CEO, Black History and Culture Museum of VA)
Featuring:
Larenz Tate (Actor, Producer & Director)
Extended Play: Richmond's Musical and Cultural Renaissance
Evening Entertainment
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Shockoe Records @ Vagabond
Lineup:
6:15 PM: Holy River (Band)
6:45 PM: Kenneka Cook (Singer/Songwriter)
7:15 PM: Radio B (Hip-hop Artist)
Host:
Reese Williams (Founder, Shockoe Records)
Blank Verse Records @ Quirk Hotel Loft 209
Lineup:
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Charles Owens & Friends (Jazz Ensemble)
Host:
VCU Jazz @ Downtown 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.