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)
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.
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.
- Gig East Gab: evening, quarterly, open mic TEDx style, speak for 3 min. Q&A for 2 min.
- Lunch and Learns: BYOL, speak on topic of choice for up to 30 min w/ Q&A for 10 min., quarterly
- 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.
Events in June 2023
| MonMonday | TueTuesday | WedWednesday | ThuThursday | FriFriday | SatSaturday | SunSunday |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 29, 2023 | May 30, 2023 | May 31, 2023 | June 1, 2023 | June 2, 2023 | June 3, 2023 | June 4, 2023 |
| June 5, 2023 | June 6, 2023 | June 7, 2023 |
June 8, 2023(1 event)
9:15 am: Gig East Summit 2023Gig East Summit 2023Date: June 8, 2023 Time: 9:15 am – 3:30 pm Location: Wilson Arts Center Ready, Set, Evolve! Join us for the 2023 Gig East Summit in Historic Downtown Wilson! The Gig East Summit is an annual event that exists to bring together local entrepreneurs, business owners, community partners, and industry thought leaders from Wilson and the Triangle to focus on how advancements in technology and innovation can transform our community. Through panel discussions, interactive breakout sessions, and more, you’ll have a chance to gain insight into how the future of tech is evolving. Admission is free and lunch is included! Are you ready to take on the future with emerging technologies? Let’s evolve together at this year’s Gig East Summit. The spotlight is on ChatGPT and other AI-powered applications. Its machine-learning abilities enhance responses and enable natural-sounding conversations on an extensive range of topics. AI boasts endless possibilities from improving customer communications for business owners to streamlining daily tasks for professionals or simplifying meal planning for everyday use. Register today at https://www.gigeast.com/gig-east-summit-2023/ ! |
June 9, 2023 | June 10, 2023 | June 11, 2023 |
| June 12, 2023 | June 13, 2023 | June 14, 2023 | June 15, 2023 | June 16, 2023 | June 17, 2023 | June 18, 2023 |
| June 19, 2023 | June 20, 2023 | June 21, 2023 | June 22, 2023 | June 23, 2023 | June 24, 2023 | June 25, 2023 |
| June 26, 2023 | June 27, 2023 | June 28, 2023 | June 29, 2023 | June 30, 2023 | July 1, 2023 | July 2, 2023 |
Events in June 2023
| Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Saturday | Sunday |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 29, 2023 | May 30, 2023 | May 31, 2023 | June 1, 2023 | June 2, 2023 | June 3, 2023 | June 4, 2023 |
| June 5, 2023 | June 6, 2023 | June 7, 2023 |
June 8, 2023(1 event)9:15 am: Gig East Summit 2023Gig East Summit 2023Date: June 8, 2023 Time: 9:15 am – 3:30 pm Location: Wilson Arts Center Ready, Set, Evolve! Join us for the 2023 Gig East Summit in Historic Downtown Wilson! The Gig East Summit is an annual event that exists to bring together local entrepreneurs, business owners, community partners, and industry thought leaders from Wilson and the Triangle to focus on how advancements in technology and innovation can transform our community. Through panel discussions, interactive breakout sessions, and more, you’ll have a chance to gain insight into how the future of tech is evolving. Admission is free and lunch is included! Are you ready to take on the future with emerging technologies? Let’s evolve together at this year’s Gig East Summit. The spotlight is on ChatGPT and other AI-powered applications. Its machine-learning abilities enhance responses and enable natural-sounding conversations on an extensive range of topics. AI boasts endless possibilities from improving customer communications for business owners to streamlining daily tasks for professionals or simplifying meal planning for everyday use. Register today at https://www.gigeast.com/gig-east-summit-2023/ ! |
June 9, 2023 | June 10, 2023 | June 11, 2023 |
| June 12, 2023 | June 13, 2023 | June 14, 2023 | June 15, 2023 | June 16, 2023 | June 17, 2023 | June 18, 2023 |
| June 19, 2023 | June 20, 2023 | June 21, 2023 | June 22, 2023 | June 23, 2023 | June 24, 2023 | June 25, 2023 |
| June 26, 2023 | June 27, 2023 | June 28, 2023 | June 29, 2023 | June 30, 2023 | July 1, 2023 | July 2, 2023 |