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Programming/Meetups

GiG East

Gig East is Wilson’s home for technology and innovation networking. Our events focus around gigs – whether its conversation around our gigabit network, Greenlight, or creative conversations inspired by the Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park. We bring eastern North Carolina together to explore next generation technology.

The history of Gig East traces back to 2016. In November, 2016, Greenlight sponsored its first Gig East thought-leadership event, featuring Blair Levin, known for serving at the FCC as Executive Director of the country’s first national broadband plan. His speech was titled “Make American Great — With Great Broadband.” In November 2017, Greenlight sponsored its second annual Gig East event featuring WRAL and Harvard Law professor Susan Crawford, who spoke on “Why Fiber?” In November 2018, Greenlight sponsored its third Gig East event, “The Future of Work Outside the Metro” featuring world renowned Gary Bolles, who is Chair for the Future of Work for Singularity University.

You can join us for our Quarterly meet ups and our annual technology summit, held in early May. Sign up for our digital newsletters to learn more about upcoming meetups.

RIoT Accelerator Program (RAP)

RIoT, the North Carolina-based economic development nonprofit, is working with early stage startups into their fourth cohort of the RIoT Accelerator Program (RAP), launching in Wilson, NC on February 2020.

Up and coming ventures from Eastern NC and beyond participate in a 12-week intensive business program where RAP heavily coaches’ companies through market validation, product development, and go to market strategy, and connects them to more than 75 business and technology advisors. The culminating RAP Wilson Pitch Night, where startups present their businesses on stage, will take place on May 7 as part of the Gig East Summit.

LEARN MORE »

Apply to Speak at Gig East

Have an idea to share? Apply to speak at a Gig East event.
All topics need to be related to the E.A.S.T. formula – Entrepreneurship, Art, Science, or Technology. We have three available opportunities for you to reach our members and the Wilson community.

  1. Gig East Gab: evening, quarterly, open mic TEDx style, speak for 3 min. Q&A for 2 min.
  2. Lunch and Learns: BYOL, speak on topic of choice for up to 30 min w/ Q&A for 10 min., quarterly
  3. Morning Coffee: potentially members only, Casual conversation for networking, share topic with members, no presentation necessary, quarterly

Before submitting please note available speaking opportunities are on a first-come, first-served basis. Each submission will be reviewed thoroughly. A Gig East representative will contact you with further information.

Name(Required)
Proposed Event you’d like to speak at

Events in October 2024

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday
September 30, 2024
October 1, 2024
October 2, 2024
October 3, 2024
October 4, 2024
October 5, 2024
October 6, 2024
October 7, 2024
October 8, 2024
October 9, 2024
October 10, 2024
October 11, 2024
October 12, 2024
October 13, 2024
October 14, 2024
October 15, 2024(1 event)

Lunch & Learn: Facing Your Financial Scaries

Date: October 15, 2024

Time: 12:00 pm 1:00 pm

Location: Gig East Exchange

Sorting out your business's finances doesn't have to be so scary! Join us for lunch as our friends at PNC Bank break down the facts about credit. You'll learn:

  • How Businesses Obtain Credit - In this workshop, business owners will learn the value of creditworthiness and how to maintain a good business credit score. They’ll also discover the documents necessary to make a successful application for a business loan.
  • How Businesses Use Credit - In this workshop, business owners will learn the types of credit available to a small business owner such as lines of credit, credit cards, and term loans, as well as financing options from the Small Business Administration.

This event is limited to 15 participants, so secure your spot today! Lunch will be provided. Sign up here.

October 16, 2024
October 17, 2024
October 18, 2024
October 19, 2024
October 20, 2024
October 21, 2024
October 22, 2024
October 23, 2024
October 24, 2024(1 event)

Pumpkin Palooza

Date: October 24, 2024

Time: 3:00 pm 5:00 pm

Location: Gig East Exchange

 

Join us for Pumpkin Palooza, our annual fall social for Gig East Exchange members and partners! This fun-filled event is a community favorite where creativity, networking, and fall vibes come together. Participants will paint pumpkins with their organization's logo, mingle with fellow members and partners, and enjoy festive fall snacks and beverages.

Whether you're here to show off your artistic skills or connect with the Gig East community, Pumpkin Palooza is a fun time for all. The branded pumpkins will be proudly displayed throughout the fall in the Exchange, showcasing the businesses that call Gig East home.

October 25, 2024
October 26, 2024
October 27, 2024
October 28, 2024
October 29, 2024
October 30, 2024(2 events)

Greenlight Ed.

Date: October 30, 2024

Time: 10:00 am 11:00 am

Location: Gig East Exchange

Join us to learn the ins and outs of your Greenlight service directly from our team members! Class topics include basic internet skills, Greenlight TV, the Greenlight Wi-Fi app, and more.

Greenlight Ed.

Date: October 30, 2024

Time: 6:00 pm 7:00 pm

Location:

Join us to learn the ins and outs of your Greenlight service directly from our team members! Class topics include basic internet skills, Greenlight TV, the Greenlight Wi-Fi app, and more.

October 31, 2024
November 1, 2024
November 2, 2024
November 3, 2024

Events in October 2024

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday
September 30, 2024
October 1, 2024
October 2, 2024
October 3, 2024
October 4, 2024
October 5, 2024
October 6, 2024
October 7, 2024
October 8, 2024
October 9, 2024
October 10, 2024
October 11, 2024
October 12, 2024
October 13, 2024
October 14, 2024

12:00 pm: Lunch & Learn: Facing Your Financial Scaries

Lunch & Learn: Facing Your Financial Scaries

Date: October 15, 2024

Time: 12:00 pm 1:00 pm

Location: Gig East Exchange

Sorting out your business's finances doesn't have to be so scary! Join us for lunch as our friends at PNC Bank break down the facts about credit. You'll learn:

  • How Businesses Obtain Credit - In this workshop, business owners will learn the value of creditworthiness and how to maintain a good business credit score. They’ll also discover the documents necessary to make a successful application for a business loan.
  • How Businesses Use Credit - In this workshop, business owners will learn the types of credit available to a small business owner such as lines of credit, credit cards, and term loans, as well as financing options from the Small Business Administration.

This event is limited to 15 participants, so secure your spot today! Lunch will be provided. Sign up here.

October 16, 2024
October 17, 2024
October 18, 2024
October 19, 2024
October 20, 2024
October 21, 2024
October 22, 2024
October 23, 2024

3:00 pm: Pumpkin Palooza

Pumpkin Palooza

Date: October 24, 2024

Time: 3:00 pm 5:00 pm

Location: Gig East Exchange

 

Join us for Pumpkin Palooza, our annual fall social for Gig East Exchange members and partners! This fun-filled event is a community favorite where creativity, networking, and fall vibes come together. Participants will paint pumpkins with their organization's logo, mingle with fellow members and partners, and enjoy festive fall snacks and beverages.

Whether you're here to show off your artistic skills or connect with the Gig East community, Pumpkin Palooza is a fun time for all. The branded pumpkins will be proudly displayed throughout the fall in the Exchange, showcasing the businesses that call Gig East home.

October 25, 2024
October 26, 2024
October 27, 2024
October 28, 2024
October 29, 2024

10:00 am: Greenlight Ed.

Greenlight Ed.

Date: October 30, 2024

Time: 10:00 am 11:00 am

Location: Gig East Exchange

Join us to learn the ins and outs of your Greenlight service directly from our team members! Class topics include basic internet skills, Greenlight TV, the Greenlight Wi-Fi app, and more.

6:00 pm: Greenlight Ed.

Greenlight Ed.

Date: October 30, 2024

Time: 6:00 pm 7:00 pm

Location:

Join us to learn the ins and outs of your Greenlight service directly from our team members! Class topics include basic internet skills, Greenlight TV, the Greenlight Wi-Fi app, and more.

October 31, 2024
November 1, 2024
November 2, 2024
November 3, 2024

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