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 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
Bring 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
Genuine alignment, not just a logo. We want partners who see themselves in our mission, not just our audience.
Diverse perspectives. Across industries, backgrounds, and areas of expertise.
Real engagement. Not a booth to stand behind, but an opportunity to connect.
Value people can use. Whether it's a product, a service, or a conversation, bring something worth their time.
A reason to be in the room. Whether you're exhibiting, facilitating, or sponsoring, we want participants who are genuinely invested in the people they'll meet here. Show up to give, not just to get.
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
Let's Make It Happen
CONTACT
Brelan Hillman
bhillman@wearejmi.com | (804) 677-1694
Chauncey Jenkins (Extended Play)
shockoechance@gmail.com | (804) 335-5445