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 April 2025
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March 31, 2025
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April 1, 2025
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April 2, 2025
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April 3, 2025(1 event)
3:00 pm: Networking Social & Supply Drive for The Maggie SocietyNetworking Social & Supply Drive for The Maggie SocietyDate: April 3, 2025 Time: 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm Location: Gig East Exchange Are you looking for a fun way to network, give back, and de-stress? 🐶 Join us at Gig East Exchange on Thursday, April 3, from 3–5 PM for a furry & fabulous networking social with The Maggie Society! At this event, you can meet and mingle with rescue pups and community members while also supporting The Maggie Society's work. We'll be collecting supplies from the community during the week of the event to give back to our Maggie Society friends. 🦴 We’ll be collecting: - Purina Dog & Puppy Chow You don't want to miss this paw-some event! Free and open to the public.
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April 16, 2025(1 event)
9:00 am: Coffee & Conversation- Meet the RAP XX Cohort!Coffee & Conversation- Meet the RAP XX Cohort!Date: April 16, 2025 Time: 9:00 am – 10:00 am Location: Gig East Exchange This is your chance to meet the entrepreneurs and innovators of this year’s Wilson-based cohort of the RIoT Accelerator Program (RAP)! Learn firsthand about the groundbreaking solutions they’re developing and discover how their products, services, or expertise could benefit your business. Whether you're looking for new technology solutions, potential partnerships, or insights on industry trends, this is an opportunity to connect with the minds shaping the future.
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April 17, 2025
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April 23, 2025
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April 24, 2025(1 event)
5:30 pm: Wilson Chamber of Commerce 4 Under 40 AwardsWilson Chamber of Commerce 4 Under 40 AwardsDate: April 24, 2025 Time: 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm Location: Gig East Exchange The Four Under Forty Awards program presented by Gig East symbolizes the Chamber's commitment to celebrating and recognizing young talent whose dedication, innovation, and leadership contribute immensely to the vitality and prosperity of our community. We will be recognizing one professional from each of the four categories: education, nonprofit, healthcare, and entrepreneur. We will be announcing the winner of each award category and recognizing all finalists at the 4 Under 40 Awards Reception. Beverages and light hors d'oeuvre will be served and the program will begin promptly at 6:00pm.
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April 25, 2025
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April 26, 2025
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April 27, 2025
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April 28, 2025
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April 29, 2025
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April 30, 2025
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May 1, 2025
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May 4, 2025
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Events in April 2025
| Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Saturday | Sunday |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
March 31, 2025
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April 1, 2025
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April 2, 2025
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3:00 pm: Networking Social & Supply Drive for The Maggie SocietyNetworking Social & Supply Drive for The Maggie SocietyDate: April 3, 2025 Time: 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm Location: Gig East Exchange Are you looking for a fun way to network, give back, and de-stress? 🐶 Join us at Gig East Exchange on Thursday, April 3, from 3–5 PM for a furry & fabulous networking social with The Maggie Society! At this event, you can meet and mingle with rescue pups and community members while also supporting The Maggie Society's work. We'll be collecting supplies from the community during the week of the event to give back to our Maggie Society friends. 🦴 We’ll be collecting: - Purina Dog & Puppy Chow You don't want to miss this paw-some event! Free and open to the public.
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April 4, 2025
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April 5, 2025
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April 6, 2025
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April 7, 2025
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April 8, 2025
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April 9, 2025
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April 10, 2025
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April 11, 2025
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April 12, 2025
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April 13, 2025
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April 14, 2025
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April 15, 2025
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9:00 am: Coffee & Conversation- Meet the RAP XX Cohort!Coffee & Conversation- Meet the RAP XX Cohort!Date: April 16, 2025 Time: 9:00 am – 10:00 am Location: Gig East Exchange This is your chance to meet the entrepreneurs and innovators of this year’s Wilson-based cohort of the RIoT Accelerator Program (RAP)! Learn firsthand about the groundbreaking solutions they’re developing and discover how their products, services, or expertise could benefit your business. Whether you're looking for new technology solutions, potential partnerships, or insights on industry trends, this is an opportunity to connect with the minds shaping the future.
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April 17, 2025
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April 18, 2025
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April 19, 2025
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April 20, 2025
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April 21, 2025
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April 22, 2025
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April 23, 2025
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5:30 pm: Wilson Chamber of Commerce 4 Under 40 AwardsWilson Chamber of Commerce 4 Under 40 AwardsDate: April 24, 2025 Time: 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm Location: Gig East Exchange The Four Under Forty Awards program presented by Gig East symbolizes the Chamber's commitment to celebrating and recognizing young talent whose dedication, innovation, and leadership contribute immensely to the vitality and prosperity of our community. We will be recognizing one professional from each of the four categories: education, nonprofit, healthcare, and entrepreneur. We will be announcing the winner of each award category and recognizing all finalists at the 4 Under 40 Awards Reception. Beverages and light hors d'oeuvre will be served and the program will begin promptly at 6:00pm.
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April 25, 2025
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April 26, 2025
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April 27, 2025
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April 28, 2025
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April 29, 2025
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April 30, 2025
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