Gig East Summit 2025
Gig East Summit 2025: Deep Roots, Limitless Growth
Date: June 5, 2025
Time: 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
RAP Pitch Competition + Happy Hour: 3:30 pm – 6:00 pm
Overview
Since 2016, the Gig East Summit has united entrepreneurs, creators, community partners, and thought leaders from Wilson and beyond to focus on how advancements in technology and innovation can transform our community. This
year’s event will focus on how growth has taken root in Wilson and what it means for your growth as a professional.
Throughout the day, we’ll explore Wilson’s growing innovation ecosystem and discover the latest advancements in entrepreneurship, art, science, and technology that are transforming the region. At the Summit, you’ll hear from visionary speakers about how these initiatives are creating new opportunities for businesses and communities and how you can take advantage of it.
Don’t miss this opportunity to take a step into our region’s future. Registration is free and open to the public. Lunch will be provided.
2025 Sponsors
Now Accepting Sponsors!
To secure your sponsorship, email info@gigeast.com.
Presenting Sponsor- $12,000
Help strengthen Eastern NC’s innovation economy by supporting the Gig East
Summit. This sponsorship showcases your organization’s commitment to rural
growth with the following benefits:
- Branding & recognition for the entire event
- Exhibit booth
- Prominent logo placement on all advertising materials
- Reserved table for your organization
- Meeting room naming privileges at the Gig East Exchange
Lunch Sponsor- $10,000
Provide lunch for the Summit and engage with 100+ attendees. This includes:
- Branding and recognition at lunch area
- Exhibit booth
- Logo placement on advertising material
- Social media recognition
Networking Sponsor- $5,000
Create a memorable end to the Summit by sponsoring the Investor Networking Party. This includes:
- Branding and recognition on beverage cups
- Exhibit booth
- Logo placement on advertising material
- Social media recognition.
Stage Sponsor- $1,000
Help bring the Summit to life! All eyes will be on your organization with these benefits:
- Branding and recognition in front of stage
- Logo placement on advertising material
- Social media recognition
Table Sponsor- $500
Be front and center for the entire event. This sponsorship includes:
- Reserved table for your organization
- Logo placement on advertising material
- Social media recognition
Summit Supporter- $250
Highlight your commitment to Gig East with the following perks:
- Logo placement on advertising material
- Social media recognition
2025 Summit Agenda
Thursday, June 5
Gig East Summit
10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Frank L. Eagles Center, Wilson Community College
Doors open at 9:45 am with a light breakfast, coffee and networking. Program begins at 10:00 a.m.
10:00 AM
Welcome Message
10:20 am –
11:00 am
Keynote
11:00 am –
12:00 pm
Quick Talk Session 1
During the first three “quick talks” sessions, you’ll learn about Wilson Community College’s emerging agribusiness program, hear about how Wilson’s geothermal heat pumps are helping the city become more energy-efficient, and will listen to a fireside chat from local and regional entrepreneurs.
12:00 pm –
1:00 pm
Lunch
Lunch is included with registration and will be served on-site. Please note on the registration form if you require dietary accommodations.
During lunch, VisionCraft will share their startup story and discuss how they are using Wilson, NC to launch their U.S. operations.
1:00 pm –
2:00 pm
Quick Talk Session 2
During this session, you’ll see a robot demonstration from Wilson County Schools’ FIRSTRobotics team, Whirlybots, hear how ECU students are creating thermal environments in greenhouses, and learn how utilize AI to brand yourself and your business.
2:00 pm –
3:00 pm
Quick Talk Session 3
To close out the final learning session of the day, NC State engineering students will share how they’ve used technology to help preserve Vollis Simpson’s Whirligigs, artist Rick Harrison will give insights on his creative process, and the newly-formed Gig East Alliance will hold a panel discussion to discuss how the Alliance will help professionals identify the resource providers they need to succeed.
3:30 pm –
6:00 pm
RIoT Pitch Competition & Happy Hour
Gig East Exchange
After closing remarks, the fun continues! Head down to the Gig East Exchange to watch up-and-coming startup leaders from RIoT’s RAP XX cohort pitch their ideas to the crowd. Then, YOU get to decide who you think should win first prize. This is part happy hour, part networking, and part battle!
6:00 pm –
Gig In the Park
Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park
Wrap up your day in Wilson by relaxing at Gig In the Park. During this installment of the spring concert series, Camel City Yacht Club will bring good tunes and good vibes. Be sure to stop by the Gig East tent and show your Summit registration for a special prize!
