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EXPERIENCE

THE SUMMIT

Visit the Big Dipper Innovation Summit

Our Flagship Gathering

Three days of high-impact exchange.

INSIDE THE SUMMIT

  • Keynotes, panels, and fireside chats

  • Facilitated workshops and creative labs

  • Arts, culture, and local experiences

  • Built-in time for reflection and networking

Each spring, the Big Dipper Innovation Summit brings together visionary leaders, artists, entrepreneurs, and changemakers for an immersive experience unlike any other.

Through bold programming, cross-sector dialogue, and curated connection, the Summit is designed to challenge assumptions, elevate voices, and ignite new collaborations.

Whether you're seeking insight, partnership, inspiration – or all three – you’ll find space here to think deeper, build smarter, and move forward with purpose.

Past Summits

A Look Back to See What’s Next

Each Summit builds on the last, shaped by the voices in the room and the energy of the moment. Explore past themes, speakers, and takeaways from recent years.

Large screen displaying 'Big Dipper Innovation Summit' with a starry background and 'Welcome' written underneath, stage with two people seated in conversation, audience seated facing the stage, decorated with potted plants.
Three men sitting on stage chairs during a panel discussion at the Big Dipper Innovation Summit, with a backdrop displaying the event logo.
Visit the Big Dipper Innovation Summit

  • The third annual Big Dipper Innovation Summit (BDIS), held in April 2025, expanded its role as a multi-day festival where creativity meets commerce.

    Building on the momentum of 2023 and 2024, the Summit convened national voices and local leaders to examine the future of innovation across business, culture, and community.

    Daytime programming featured high-impact conversations on entrepreneurship, talent, tech and capital, while evening Extended Play events transformed the Summit into a cultural experience with live music, fashion, and art.

    HIGHLIGHTS

    • Keynotes & Panels: Featured sessions such as Know Your Why with Tony Bennett, Think Bigger with Dr. Sheena Iyengar, Business Transformation of Sports with Scott Van Pelt and many more.

    • Sector Spotlights: Energy, life sciences, fintech, and talent explored innovation’s role in shaping industries.

    • Extended Play: Evening programming blurred the line between networking and celebration, showcasing performances and cultural experiences.

    • Community Spotlights: Entrepreneurs and creatives from across sectors shared stories of resilience, experimentation, and growth.

    • Sponsors & Partners: Backing from civic and corporate partners, including, presenting sponsor, Dominion Energy, reinforced the Summit’s role in fueling regional and national innovation.

  • Held January 11–12, 2024, at Virginia State University (VSU) in Petersburg, VA, by JMI and VSU. The theme was “From Insight to Impact: Innovation for All.”

    The two-day immersive Summit was aimed at creators, entrepreneurs, big dreamers, thinkers, makers, and curators. It focused on how innovators can move beyond ideas to lasting, community-oriented impact.

    HIGHLIGHTS

    • Panels & Discussions: Topics included Education Crossroads, Social Innovation, Visionary Leadership, Cultural Capital, Entrepreneurial Journeys, Symbolism in Architecture & Design.

    • Sessions on: Community Renewal Strategies; Navigating Economic Intersections; Artful Business; Healthcare Horizons; Emerging Tech Opportunities.

    • Featured Guests: Bakari Sellers; Jewel Burks Solomon; Dr. Nashlie H. Sephus, among other thought leaders.

    • Community & Institutional Presence: strong involvement of VSU (an HBCU) along with local leaders, artists, and culture makers.

  • The inaugural Summit, held January 12-14, 2023, at Virginia State University in Petersburg, VA, co-hosted by JMI and VSU.

    It was a three-day experience featuring keynote speakers, breakout sessions, entrepreneurship & cultural programming, with a focus on spotlighting leaders in tech, innovation, sustainability, entrepreneurship, music, and culture.

    HIGHLIGHTS

    • Kickoff & Feature Speakers: Charlamagne Tha God; Rev. Dr. Howard-John Wesley; Charis Jones; Chef Rodney Scott; Dr. Dietra Trent.

    • Sessions: Big Sky Vision (thinking beyond conventional boundaries); State of HBCUs; dialogues around policy via figures like Bakari Sellers; Featuring founders from creative, beauty, and wellness sectors.

    • Startup Pitch Competition: “Rising Star Pitch Competition” with prize etc.

    • Cultural & Social Programming: included food, travel, arts; also games like the Freedom Classic Festival (HBCU rivalry basketball) to connect culture, sport and community.

    • Themes: Innovation; Empowerment; Culture + Commerce; connection between creativity and community.