Gig East Summit 2024

Gig East Summit

10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Wilson Arts Center

Doors open at 9:45 am with a light breakfast, coffee and networking. Program begins at 10:00 a.m.

Welcome

Keynote Message: Chris Heivly

Chris Heivly is the cofounder of MapQuest, a serial entrepreneur, and early-stage investor with company-building experience from $0 to $25M. For the last decade, he has used his skills and experience as an entrepreneur, mentor, advisor, investor, startup community builder, speaker, coach and consultant to develop founders, startups and entrepreneurial ecosystems across the globe.

Sessions 1-2

During the first two “quick talks” sessions, you’ll hear entrepreneur pitches, watch art demonstrations, and hear insights on rural workforce development and Eastern NC agriculture.

Speakers:

• Shaniqua Corley-Moore- Head of Tech Talent Development, Center on Rural Innovation
• Keith Purvis- Project Manager, Eastern NC Food Commercialization Center

Art in Action:

• Brooke Farmer- Imagination Station
• Liam Godwin- Violinist

RIoT Accelerator Program Startup Pitches

Lunch

Lunch will be served on-site by Brewmasters. Lunch is included with registration. Please note on the registration form if you need vegetarian accommodations.

Session 3

During this session, you’ll hear from a panel of stakeholders that are cultivating Wilson’s newest cash crop- baseball. Then you’ll hear from Patrick Gouhin, CEO of Angel Capital Association, will discuss angel investing and how it impacts entrepreneurs.

Speakers:

• Rodger Lentz- Assistant City Manager, City of Wilson
• David Lawrence- General Manager of Business Development and Brand Marketing, Carolina Mudcats
• Andrew Holton- Principal, New South Ventures
• Patrick Gouhin- CEO, Angel Capital Association

RIoT Accelerator Program Startup Pitches

Session 4

During this session, you’ll learn how Wilson is becoming a testbed for smart ag, dive into Gig East initiatives, and get loose with a guided stretch session.

Speakers:

• Ashley Harris- Greenlight Education Coordinator, Greenlight Community Broadband/Gig East
• Judi Thurston- Director, United Way of Wilson
• Greg Dunko- Director of Strategy, RIoT

RIoT Accelerator Program Startup Pitches

Session 5

This session will discuss how entrepreneurship intersects with Wilson Community College. You’ll also hear the story of Whirlidogs, Wilson’s newest restaurant that built community into its business plan.

Speakers

• Jamie Woods- President, Wilson Community College

Art in Action:

• Wesley Trump- Whirlidogs

RIoT Accelerator Program Startup Pitches

Session 6

To wrap up the day, the final RAP participants will throw their hat into the ring of the pitch competition, Cathy Hardison will share what’s new with Wilson Arts, and you’ll learn how Vollis Simpson’s iconic Whirligigs are conserved and maintained.

Speakers:

• Cathy Hardison- Director, Wilson Arts
• Roy Palmer- Executive Director, Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park

RIoT Accelerator Program Startup Pitches

Happy Hour at the Gig East Exchange

After closing remarks, head down to the Gig East Exchange for time to network and connect.