BIG DIPPER INNOVATION SUMMIT 2026
The Stage Is Open
Your perspective. Your format. Your moment.
The Big Dipper Innovation Summit brings founders, creatives, investors, and innovators together to explore the ideas, technologies, and cultural shifts shaping what comes next. Over three days – energy builds, perspectives expand, and momentum takes hold.
May 1May 12-14, 2026 • Richmond, VA
THE OPPORTUNITY
There's a Place for What You Do
The Big Dipper Innovation Summit is a three-day ecosystem of ideas, energy, and action. We're looking for speakers and panelists, workshop facilitators, exhibitors, and thought leaders who want to engage our audience in a real way. If you have something to offer the room, there's a place for you here.
OUR MISSION
To manifest an environment where creativity, connection, inspiration, and innovation thrive.
2,000+
Attendees Across 3 Days
80+
Speakers, Panelists & Performers
30+
Sessions & Experiences
THREE DAYS OF IMPACT
The Arc of BDIS 2026
TUESDAY, MAY 12
THE SPARK
12:00pm - 5:30pm | Half Day + Extended Play
The Spark is where ideas are ignited. New perspectives emerge. Creativity is unlocked. Assumptions are challenged and doors open wide to what’s possible.
This is where momentum begins.
We don't start. We ignite.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 13
THE ENVIRONMENT
9:00am - 5:00pm | Full Day + Extended Play
The Environment is everything around us –and everything we’re building. This day explores the forces shaping business, culture, and innovation: markets, teams, technology, and the pace of change.
Participants examine the environments they operate within, and the ones they are creating.
Momentum is everything.
THURSDAY, MAY 14
THE SHIFT
9:00am - 4:00pm + Block Party
The Shift is where insight becomes intention. Perspectives change. Decisions get sharper. Attendees leave ready to pivot, scale, and accelerate in response to what they’ve learned.
You don’t just attend BDIS. You leave different.
Leave different than you came.
PROGRAMMING PILLARS
Designed for Impact.
The
Vibe
Culture, creativity, and energy shape how organizations attract talent and sustain momentum. Your vibe, inside and out, is a strategic advantage.
The
Players
People make innovation real. Leadership and team dynamics determine how potential turns into progress.
The
Tech
AI, data, and emerging technology transforming industries. The infrastructure of what's next. This is reshaping everything, whether you're ready or not.
The
Dream
Founders, builders, and emerging ventures. The playbook for turning vision into reality at scale. This is where bold ideas become real companies.
The
Capital
Investment, wealth-building, and ownership. Where ideas meet the bag that makes them real. This is about getting to the table and staying there.
2026 Programming
2026 programming goes deeper with dedicated tracks in Energy, Capital, Tech, Health and Wellness, and Culture and Media, plus Extended Play experiences at venues across Richmond. Founder stories, creator insights, and leadership perspectives are woven throughout every track, exploring the ideas reshaping every industry.
ENERGY TRACK: Grid modernization, data centers, AI infrastructure
CAPITAL TRACK: Investment trends, wealth building, founder funding
TECH TRACK: AI, robotics, creativity meets technology
HEALTH + WELLNESS TRACK: Life sciences, care economy, longevity, mental health
CULTURE + MEDIA TRACK: Creator economy, sports and entertainment, creativity
THE VALUE
How You Can Participate
Speak and Lead
Keynotes, panels, fireside chats, and breakout sessions. Share your expertise, your story, and your perspective with 2,000+ attendees across three days.
Exhibit and Activate
ring your brand, product, or organization into the space. The Summit floor is a living marketplace of ideas and an opportunity to meet your next customer, partner, or collaborator face to face.
Facilitate and Workshop
Lead a hands-on session that goes deeper. Workshops and breakouts are where real skill-building and community happen. Come ready to work the room, not just address it.
Extended Play
Evening programming at venues across Richmond. Curate an experience, host a conversation, or activate in a more intimate setting. This is where relationships get built.
What We're Looking For
Stories, not just titles: We want the lessons learned, not the resume.
Diverse perspectives: Across industries, backgrounds, and viewpoints.
Honest conversations: What worked, what didn't, what's next.
Actionable insights: Ideas people can use Monday morning.
A reason to be in the room: Whether you're exhibiting, facilitating, or presenting, we want participants who are genuinely invested in the people they'll meet here. Show up to give, not just to get.
INVESTMENT LEVELS
Partnership Tiers
Flexible partnership opportunities designed to meet brands where they are – and help them go where they want to be.
Premium Tiers
TITLE PARTNER
Bespoke Partnership
Exclusive event naming | Opening keynote | Tailored VIP + GA admissions | Premier branding | BDI365 year-round | Lanyard & badge | Innovation acceleration | Custom activations
PRESENTING FOUNDING PARTNERS
Learn More
Title sponsor of track | Keynote or panel | Tailored VIP + GA admissions | Premier branding | BDI365 year-round | Content co-creation | Innovation acceleration | Video vignettes
INNOVATION PARTNER
Learn More
Session sponsorship | Speaking opportunity | Tailored VIP + GA admissions | Featured branding | BDI365 bi-annual | Content co-creation | Innovation acceleration | Video vignettes
Entry-Level Tiers
GROWTH PARTNER
$75K+
Activation co-sponsor | Welcome remarks | 10 VIP + 50 GA | Logo on signage | BDI365 quarterly | Networking access | VIP reception
CONSTELLATION PARTNER
$25K+
Breakout sponsorship | Panel participation | 8 VIP + 25 GA | Logo on materials | Digital program | Networking access | VIP reception
COMMUNITY PARTNER
$15K+
Logo recognition | Networking access | 6 VIP + 10 GA | Resource area | Social recognition | VIP reception | Connection opportunities
Customize your engagement thought onsite activation, pre-event media, post-event follow up, and data collection
ADD-ONS
A La Carte Activation Opportunities
FOOD & BEVERAGE
Bold Brew & Books
Coffee + book giveaway | $15K
Luncheon Sponsor
Branded lunch | $25K/day
Hydration Partner
Branded bottles | $10K
After Party
Evening event | $10K-$15K
ON-SITE BRANDING
Lanyard & Badge
Title Partner Exclusive
Swag Bag Partner
Item in all bags | $10K
Charging Station
Branded charging | $8K
WiFi Sponsor
Branded network | $12K
EXPO BOOTHS
Premium Booth (10x10)
$5,000
Standard Booth (8x8)
$3,000
Startup Showcase
$1,500
Custom/Immersive
Contact Us
EXPERIENCES
Talent Experience
Recruiting lounge | $25K
Extended Play Venue
Satellite sponsor | $10K-$15K
Photo Activation
Branded moment | $15K
Custom Activation
Your experience | Contact Us
1
CONNECT
Schedule a conversation to discuss your goals
WHAT’S NEXT
Partner With Us
2
CUSTOMIZE
We'll tailor a package to your priorities
3
PARTNER
Finalize agreement and begin activation
2026 CURRENT PARTNERS
Dominion Energy • Greater Richmond Partnership • VCU • Startup Virginia • PlanRVA • Henrico County • Richmond Times Dispatch • Lighthouse Network
KEY DATES
January 2026: Early partner commitments
February 2026: Agenda finalized
May 12-14, 2026: BDIS Summit
Let's Make It Happen
CONTACT
Brelan Hillman
bhillman@wearejmi.com | (804) 677-1694
Chauncey Jenkins (Extended Play)
shockoechance@gmail.com | (804) 335-5445