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GIG EAST IS A DRIVING FORCE FOR ECONOMIC GROWTH AND INNOVATION, EMPOWERING ENTREPRENEURS, CREATIVES AND PROFESSIONALS ACROSS EASTERN NORTH CAROLINA.
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Gig East Summit 2025

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 and our region.

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Join us for Gig East Summit 2025:
Deep Roots, Limitless Growth.

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DATE

June 5, 2025

View Full Agenda

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TIME

Summit

10:00am – 3:00pm

Happy Hour & RIoT Pitch Night

3:30pm – 6:00pm

Register Now

Summit Overview

Whether you’re a startup founder, business leader, creative, tech enthusiast, or community member, the Gig East Summit is your opportunity to connect, learn, and take action. You’ll build valuable relationships with entrepreneurs, industry experts, and forward-thinking professionals, sparking new partnerships and fresh opportunities for your growth needs.

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.

Summit Sponsors

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Become a Sponsor

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Now Accepting Sponsors!

To secure your sponsorship, email info@gigeast.com.

2025 Summit Agenda

Gig East Summit

Thursday, June 5
10:00am – 3:00pm
Frank L. Eagles Center, Wilson Community College

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

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Welcome Message

10:00am

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Keynote

10:20am – 11:00am

Dr. Rachel (Ray) Levy- Director of Data Science and AI Academy, NC State University

“Data, AI, and You”

Dr. Rachel (Ray) Levy is an award-winning writer, researcher, and educator who has dedicated her career to making mathematical modeling, data science, and AI belong to everyone. She is the inaugural executive director of the NC State Data Science and AI Academy and Professor of Mathematics.

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Quick Talk Session 1

11:00am – 12:00pm

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.

Speakers

  • Jill Murphy- Agribusiness Technology Program Coordinator, Wilson Community College
  • Noah Parsons- Assistant Director of Public Works, City of Wilson
  • “The Entrepreneur’s Path: Turning Ideas into Impact” Fireside Chat
    • Moderator: Jen Morgan- Community Development Director, RIoT
    • Morgan Grady- Founder, Honey B. Fit
    • Payten Glover- Owner, Cordiform Coffee
    • Catie McVey- Founder, CowTech Analytics
    • Austin Overton- Founder, Aero Revive
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Lunch

12:00am – 1:00pm

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.

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Quick Talk Session 2

1:00pm – 2:00pm

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 to utilize AI to brand yourself and your business.

Speakers

  • Christine Mitchel, Kevin Bosso, & Team Whirlybots- Wilson County Public Schools
  • Katie Daugherty- Strategy Lead, Capitol B Creative Studios
  • ECU Student Team
  • Morgan Grady- Founder, Honey B. Fit
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Quick Talk Session 3

2:00pm – 3:00pm

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.

Speakers

  • NCSU Student Engineering Team
  • Roy Palmer- Executive Director, Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park
  • Rick Harrison- Director of Apprenticeships & Customized Training, Wilson Community College
  • “Meet the Gig East Alliance” Panel Discussion
    • Moderator: Emily Wells- Marketing & Communications Coordinator, Greenlight Community Broadband and Gig East
    • Moira Buschow- Employer Concierge, Wilson Economic Development Council
    • Shaniqua Corley-Moore- Head of Tech Talent Development, Center on Rural Innovation
    • Ryan Simons- President, Wilson Chamber of Commerce
    • Dr. Jami Woods- President, Wilson Community College
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RIoT Pitch Competition & Happy Hour

Gig East Exchange

3:30pm – 6:00pm

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!

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Gig In the Park

Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park

6:00pm

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!

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Register Today for the Gig East Summit 2025

Register Now
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