BIG DIPPER INNOVATION SUMMIT 2026
Join the Conversation
Your perspective. Our stage.
May 12-14, 2026 • Richmond, VA
Your Voice. Our Platform
Your perspective matters. We want you on our stage.
The Big Dipper Innovation Summit brings together founders, creatives, investors, and operators to explore the ideas, technologies, and cultural shifts shaping what comes next.
Over three days, energy builds, perspectives expand, and momentum takes hold. This is where curiosity turns into commitment.
2,000+
Attendees Across 3 Days
80+
Speakers, Panelists & Performers
30+
Sessions & Experiences
THREE DAYS OF IMPACT
The Arc of BDIS 2026
The Summit is intentionally designed as a progression from inspiration to understanding, to action.
TUESDAY, MAY 12
THE SPARK
12:00pm - 5:30pm | Half Day + Extended Play
The Spark is where ideas ignite. New perspectives emerge. Creativity unlocks. Assumptions are challenged and doors open 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.
Markets shift. Teams evolve. Technology accelerates. The pace of change demands attention.
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 sharpen. Direction becomes clear.
Attendees leave ready to pivot, scale, and accelerate what’s next.You don’t just attend…You leave different.
Your cup is full.
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
What's Coming
2026 programming goes deeper with dedicated tracks in Energy, Capital, Tech, Health + Wellness, and Culture + 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
What We're Looking For
SESSION FORMATS
Panels
3-4 voices exploring a topic together
Fireside Chats
Intimate one-on-one conversations
Breakout Sessions
Deep dives on focused topics
Extended Play
Evening conversations at satellite venues
WHAT WE VALUE
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
1
Share Your Availability
Confirm you're available May 12-14, 2026
WHAT’S NEXT
Let’s Make It Happen
2
Tell Us
Your Pillar
Which topic area fits your expertise?
3
Pick Your
Topic
What conversation do you want to lead?
CONTACT
Brelan Hillman
bhillman@wearejmi.com | (804) 677-1694
Chauncey Jenkins (Extended Play)
shockoechance@gmail.com | (804) 335-5445
SUMMIT DATES
May 12-14, 2026
Richmond, VA