The Big Dipper Innovation Summit will take place May 12–14, 2026.

Summit programming will take place across select venues throughout Richmond, Virginia. Additional venue details will be shared closer to the event.

Tickets can be purchased through our official registration page once they are released. Please visit our homepage for registration updates and ticket availability.

Yes. One-day passes will be available for purchase at the registration check-in table on the day of the event. Weekend passes must be purchased in advance.

The Summit operates as a cashless event. All major credit and debit cards are accepted. Service charges may apply to all transactions.

You can stay informed by:

• Subscribing to Summit updates

• Following Big Dipper Innovation on social media

• Joining the event mailing list for speaker announcements and programming releases

Speaker participation opportunities are announced periodically. Please visit our homepage or sign up for Summit updates for information about speaker applications and announcements.

The Summit offers a variety of partnership opportunities for organizations and brands interested in engaging with innovation, business, and cultural leaders. Please visit our homepage or contact our partnerships team for more information.

• Elevate brand visibility among innovation leaders

• Foster connections with decision-makers and influencers

• Showcase thought leadership through curated programming

• Create memorable, high-impact experiences

The Big Dipper Innovation Summit is committed to creating an inclusive, respectful environment where everyone feels welcome to participate. We do not tolerate harassment in any form and are dedicated to providing a positive experience for all attendees regardless of background or identity. All participants are expected to engage respectfully throughout the Summit experience.

We understand you're busy, so we've designed our partnership process to be as turnkey as possible:

• Dedicated Support: A personal Partnership Manager guides you through every step

• Ready-Made Content: We provide all social media posts, email content, and promotional materials

• Flexible Options: Choose involvement options that align with your existing resources and activities

• Clear Timeline: Transparent scheduling helps you plan your engagement efficiently

Our goal is to maximize your impact and visibility while minimizing the time investment required from your team.

We recognize that corporate and nonprofit organizations have different resources, needs, and objectives:

Corporate Partners typically engage through financial sponsorships, executive thought leadership, and visibility opportunities. Benefits focus on brand elevation, talent engagement, and positioning as innovation leaders.

Community & Nonprofit Partners often contribute through in-kind services, community connections, and specialized expertise. Benefits include mission advancement opportunities, community member registrations, and increased visibility for your cause.

Both partnership tracks receive tailored support designed to maximize your organization's unique impact.

We work with each partner to define success metrics aligned with your specific goals, which might include:

• Brand Impact: Impressions, engagement, and sentiment analysis

• Thought Leadership: Audience feedback, media mentions, and content engagement

• Community Impact: New connections, increased awareness, and positive outcomes

After the Summit, your Partnership Manager will provide a comprehensive impact report detailing these metrics and outcomes from your participation.

The Summit offers tailored partnership opportunities designed to elevate brand visibility, foster valuable connections, showcase thought leadership, and create memorable experiences.

Our team works closely with each partner to ensure your participation aligns with your organizational goals and creates meaningful impact for both your organization and the broader innovation community.