Tom Tom Festival 2025

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Note: This Conference session is ticketed.

Please purchase your tickets on Eventbrite. You will then receive an email from Sched with login information that allows you to make your personal schedule.

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A special thank you to our sponsors: The 13th Annual Tom Tom Festival is presented with the University of Virginia, UVA Innovates, Virginia Tourism, RL Beyer Custom Homes, and Ludwig Kuttner.

Registration and badge pickup takes place in the lobby of the Code Building. Check in and connect with other attendees before the sessions begin.

Complimentary coffee and tea provided by Grit Coffee in the Irving Theater lobby at Code.

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Note: This Conference session is ticketed.

Please purchase your tickets on Eventbrite. You will then receive an email from Sched with login information that allows you to make your personal schedule.

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A special thank you to our sponsors: The 13th Annual Tom Tom Festival is presented with the University of Virginia, UVA Innovates, Virginia Tourism, RL Beyer Custom Homes, and Ludwig Kuttner.

Welcome to Technology Day, where we celebrate how tech is evolving—not just for the sake of progress, but for the greater good. Get ready to embrace the changes, ask the hard questions, and maybe even find a way to use your gadgets to save the world (or at least make it a bit better).

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Note: This Conference session is ticketed.

Please purchase your tickets on Eventbrite. You will then receive an email from Sched with login information that allows you to make your personal schedule.

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A special thank you to our sponsors: The 13th Annual Tom Tom Festival is presented with the University of Virginia, UVA Innovates, Virginia Tourism, RL Beyer Custom Homes, and Ludwig Kuttner.

This session is presented proudly in partnership with The UVA Contemplative Sciences Center. 

As AI evolves, the real question isn’t just what it can do—but who we become alongside it. Dr. Julia Mossbridge, cognitive neuroscientist and futurist, explores the intersection of AI, consciousness, and human potential, enhancing leadership, challenging us to design technology that fosters compassion, self-transcendence, and great businesses. Instead of just making machines smarter, what if we created AI that helped us become wiser, kinder, and more deeply connected, and better leaders?  This keynote pushes beyond the usual AI hype to reimagine a future where technology amplifies our highest human qualities, not just our efficiency

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Note: This Conference session is ticketed.

Please purchase your tickets on Eventbrite. You will then receive an email from Sched with login information that allows you to make your personal schedule.

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A special thank you to our sponsors: The 13th Annual Tom Tom Festival is presented with the University of Virginia, UVA Innovates, Virginia Tourism, RL Beyer Custom Homes, and Ludwig Kuttner.

Innovation doesn’t just happen - it mutates, adapts, and evolves! Join us for an immersive, hands-on workshop where creativity meets strategy, and ideas turn into real possibilities. At this dynamic session, you’ll step into the shoes of an inventor, entrepreneur, and engineer to explore intellectual property (IP) as a catalyst for groundbreaking ventures.

Over the course of 60 minutes, you will work with a team to collaborate on a new product and build a company from the ground up - all through the lens of IP. This is not just another business workshop; it’s a face-paced, high-energy experience where you’ll get a crash course in patents and trademarks, work with real inventions, grow an understanding of your customers, develop your brand identity, and emerge with a pitch to the group. This is your chance to push boundaries, collaborate with fellow visionaries, and gain hands-on experience in turning ideas into action. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, a creative thinker, or simply someone who loves problem solving, this workshop is designed to challenge and inspire you. Let’s EVOLVE your creativity to better meet the changing needs of our community.

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Note: This Conference session is ticketed.

Please purchase your tickets on Eventbrite. You will then receive an email from Sched with login information that allows you to make your personal schedule.

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A special thank you to our sponsors: The 13th Annual Tom Tom Festival is presented with the University of Virginia, UVA Innovates, Virginia Tourism, RL Beyer Custom Homes, and Ludwig Kuttner.

This session is proudly presented in partnership with the Hampton Roads Biomedical Research Consortium (HRBRC). 

In a world hooked on speed, scale, and shiny new tools, what does it actually mean to build something that lasts—and matters? Join a sharp, diverse panel of thinkers and doers—Logan Selby, Maritza Johnson, Karim Ginena, George Kamid, and Ben Hallen—as we cut through the jargon and get real about what it takes to lead responsibly in today’s tech-driven, expectation-heavy business landscape.

From AI and algorithmic accountability to leadership habits, organizational design, and the realities of culture and capital, this conversation brings insight across sectors: startups, corporations, academia, and the spaces in between. Whether you're an entrepreneur, executive, team lead, or just trying to figure out how to build with brains and backbone, this panel is for you.

We’ll explore: how to create products and policies that reflect both innovation and integrity; the changing expectations around leadership and team-building in tech and beyond; why ethics and human-centered design are good business not just good PR; what smart use of AI actually looks like ( it’s not about replacing everyone); and how today’s professionals can rethink ambition, resilience, and long-term value. No buzzwords, no bandwagons, just a frank, forward-looking discussion for anyone who cares about building a better business future.

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Note: This Conference session is ticketed.

Please purchase your tickets on Eventbrite. You will then receive an email from Sched with login information that allows you to make your personal schedule.

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A special thank you to our sponsors: The 13th Annual Tom Tom Festival is presented with the University of Virginia, UVA Innovates, Virginia Tourism, RL Beyer Custom Homes, and Ludwig Kuttner.

Navigating the patent process in the world of medical devices is a bit like performing surgery with a blindfold on—except you’re the one wearing the blindfold. Join us for a candid session where medical device founders dish out the keys to creating intellectual property that not only survives but thrives in the unforgiving world of patents. We’ll explore best practices for kicking off and maneuvering through the patent application process, without getting lost in the legal weeds.

And because no one gets through this journey unscathed, expect a few war stories from patent combatants who’ve lived to tell the tale. Learn from their victories, defeats, and everything in between. Spoiler: It’s not all smooth sailing, but you might just leave with a battle plan of your own.

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Note: This Conference session is ticketed.

Please purchase your tickets on Eventbrite. You will then receive an email from Sched with login information that allows you to make your personal schedule.

************

A special thank you to our sponsors: The 13th Annual Tom Tom Festival is presented with the University of Virginia, UVA Innovates, Virginia Tourism, RL Beyer Custom Homes, and Ludwig Kuttner.

This showcase is proudly presented in partnership with the Virginia Innovative Partnership Corporation (VIPC).

Witness a whirlwind tour of Virginia’s most exciting startups, where the future is being built one game-changing innovation at a time. This isn’t your typical “buy my product” pitch session—this is about showcasing the raw, unfiltered brilliance of emerging technologies and the transformative potential they hold. In these lightning talks, you'll hear from entrepreneurs who are deep in the trenches and their insights that come from real innovation.

Once the minds behind these breakthroughs have had their moment in the spotlight, it’s time to mingle. Stick around for a networking session where you can chat with angel and institutional investors who are eager to hear about the next big thing (and maybe even fund it). Whether you’re looking to collaborate, invest, or just marvel at what’s next, this event will spark new connections and ideas in the ever-evolving world of tech.

Note: This conference session is a ticketed event. To create your event schedule here on Sched you must first purchase your tickets on Eventbrite. Click here to purchase your tickets. All Conference badges also have a Pay-What-You-Can Scholarship Option. This option is available for attendees in need of financial assistance to attend the conference.

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Note: This Conference session is ticketed.

Please purchase your tickets on Eventbrite. You will then receive an email from Sched with login information that allows you to make your personal schedule.

************

A special thank you to our sponsors: The 13th Annual Tom Tom Festival is presented with the University of Virginia, UVA Innovates, Virginia Tourism, RL Beyer Custom Homes, and Ludwig Kuttner.

AI and automation aren’t just buzzwords—they’re the keys to the future of work, whether you’re ready or not. This session will explore how businesses can tap into these powerful tools to streamline operations, boost collaboration, and maintain that elusive edge in an ever-evolving marketplace. From optimizing workflows to automating the mundane, we’ll cover the strategies that are making companies smarter, faster, and just a little less reliant on human error.

In this workshop, we’ll look at the real-world applications and tangible benefits of AI and automation, all while keeping a keen eye on how they can enhance human roles, not replace them. Whether you’re a startup looking to level up or a seasoned pro trying to keep pace, this session will give you the tools, tips, and insights to stay ahead in a world that’s changing faster than you can say “machine learning.”

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Note: This Conference session is ticketed.

Please purchase your tickets on Eventbrite. You will then receive an email from Sched with login information that allows you to make your personal schedule.

************

A special thank you to our sponsors: The 13th Annual Tom Tom Festival is presented with the University of Virginia, UVA Innovates, Virginia Tourism, RL Beyer Custom Homes, and Ludwig Kuttner.

This showcase is presented proudly in partnership with the Dominion Energy Innovation Center.

This showcase features the trailblazers who are reshaping the state’s energy landscape, one groundbreaking innovation at a time. In this session, clean energy startups will take you on a journey through their evolution as companies, highlighting the challenges, triumphs, and eureka moments that led to their game-changing solutions. These entrepreneurs will explain why they’re not just tinkering with energy—they’re pioneering innovations that could power Virginia’s economy for decades to come.

These startups are redefining what it means to “go green.” And no, it’s not all about saving the planet (though that’s a nice bonus). It’s about making clean energy accessible, affordable, and transformative for businesses and consumers alike. So, grab a seat, and get ready for some of Virginia’s brightest minds to show you why their innovations aren’t just evolutionary—they’re game-changing for the future of energy.

Note: This conference session is a ticketed event. To create your event schedule here on Sched you must first purchase your tickets on Eventbrite. Click here to purchase your tickets. All Conference badges also have a Pay-What-You-Can Scholarship Option. This option is available for attendees in need of financial assistance to attend the conference.

********

Note: This Conference session is ticketed.

Please purchase your tickets on Eventbrite. You will then receive an email from Sched with login information that allows you to make your personal schedule.

************

A special thank you to our sponsors: The 13th Annual Tom Tom Festival is presented with the University of Virginia, UVA Innovates, Virginia Tourism, RL Beyer Custom Homes, and Ludwig Kuttner.

Note: This conference session is a ticketed event. You can attend with a Patron or All-Access pass or a Thursday day pass OR purchase a ticket just for this event (please go to Eventbrite and purchase the Technology - WomenAdvancing ticket).

Thank you to our WomenAdvancing Founder sponsor Lighthouse Labs. 

1:15 - 2:15 pm - Invitational Only Executive Roundtable, curated by Citrine Angels and VIPC

1:30 - 2:00 pm - Arrival and Bingo Networking

2:00 - 2:45 pm - This session is presented proudly in partnership with Sherah - 
Welcome Remarks & Fireside Chat on “The Future of Work: Escaping the Cult of Busyness By Breaking Free from Overwork & Overwhelm”

We’ve been sold the myth that success means working harder, longer, and faster, but what if everything we believe about work is wrong? Brigid Schulte, bestselling author of Overwhelmed and Overwork, takes on the cult of busyness and lays out a smarter, saner vision for the future of work. From rethinking productivity to designing workplaces that actually work for humans, this keynote explores how we can ditch the burnout, reclaim time, and build a work culture that doesn’t require an escape plan.

• Brigid Schulte, Author, former Washington Post reporter
• Kate Byrne, Founder/Advisor, Podcast Host, WomenAdvancing
• Kristin Richardson, Founder, Sherah

2:45 - 3:30 pm - This session is proudly presented in partnership with 757 Collab - 
“Win Anyway: How to Succeed in Today’s Startup Environment”

With any new administration comes trickle-down changes, and this term is no different. Join us for an overview of current and impending regulatory, legislative, changes impacting the start-up ecosystem. Leading experts will provide guidance on how to navigate these challenges and find success in fundraising and scaling your business.

• Carmen Ortiz McGhee, COO, National Association of Investment Companies (NAIC), moderator
• Liz Doerr, Co-Founder & Partner, Sandbox
• Tina McRae, Principal, Kaleo Legal
• Rebecca Haydock, CEO, Venture Central

3:30 - 3:45 pm - Break

3:45 - 4:30 pm -  "Women Lifting Others: Examples in Climate and Sustainability"

Women excel at building networks and coalitions to support each other, and this work is more important today than ever. Our panelists are not only entrepreneurs in the climate and sustainability space themselves, but actively work to support other women in the sector and are connectors of people, projects, and funding. During this session, we will learn how we can translate what they're doing in one industry into others.

• Ali Rotatori, Strategy & Ecosystem Manager, Third Derivative (RMI) 
• Betsy Hnath, Deputy Executive Director, RISE Resilience Innovations
• Jade Garrett, Founder, Positive Deviancy
• Raye Elliott, Executive Director, FLIPP Inc

4:30 - 5:15 pm -  This session is proudly presented in partnership with Startup Virginia - 
"Money Moves: Funding Strategies for Women Entrepreneurs"

Women entrepreneurs receive significantly less funding than their male counterparts—but that doesn’t mean the money isn’t out there. This panel is all about understanding your funding options, overcoming systemic barriers, and making strategic moves to get the capital you need to grow. Our expert panelists—including lenders, investors, and successful founders—will share actionable insights on the funding gap, different funding avenues, and tips for crafting the perfect pitch.

• Chris Cain, Director of Capital Access, Bridging Virginia, moderator
• Aurelia Flores, Co-Founder, Citrine Angels, and Investment Director, VIPC
• Teira E. Farley, COO, Community Investment Collaborative (CIC)
• Tracey Greene, Executive Director, Charlottesville Business Innovation Council (CBIC) and Founding Executive Director, Charlottesville Angel Network (CAN)
• Yolunda Harrell, President & CEO, New Hill Development Corporation
  
  

5:15 - 6:00 pm - Networking and Closing Reception

Join us for a mixer pairing good conversation with even better snacks and drinks, all from Virginia-based, female-founded food & beverage producers. Whether you’re looking to make professional connections, discover new products, or just enjoy some tasty bites, this session promises a relaxed, enjoyable way to expand your network.

Savor delicious samples from:

• Absurd Snacks - allergen-free snack mixes
• Crunchy Hydration - zero-sugar functional sparkling water
• Eastwood Winery - local Charlottesville-produced wine
• I Kale Life - kale salad with Via Life dressing
• Keya's Snacks - Indian-inspired potato chips
• LillyBean - vegan and gluten-free mini cupcakes
• Mocktail Club - Pauline Idogho - non-alcoholic canned mocktails
• Navy Hill - Tequila Sodas
• OMG OCPs - oatmeal cream pies
• Peculiar Pantry - sweet and salty pecans, almonds, and toffee
• Taste Supply - an F&B marketplace for small producers featuring four brands: Birdie's Pimento Cheese, Capital Chips, Rainbow Trout Granola, and The Veganish Kitchen

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A special thank you to our sponsors: The 13th Annual Tom Tom Festival is presented with the University of Virginia, UVA Innovates, Virginia Tourism, RL Beyer Custom Homes, and Ludwig Kuttner.

This session is presented proudly in partnership with the Dominion Energy Innovation Center. 

Ever wonder what drives the people behind the clean energy revolution? This session goes beyond the technical jargon and corporate buzzwords to dive into the personal stories of the founders behind Virginia's Clean Energy Innovators Showcase. You'll hear about their journeys—what sparked their passion for climate innovation, the wild road they’ve traveled to get to where they are now, and the inevitable hurdles they had to jump over (or, let's be real, bulldoze through).

Moderated by Dominion Energy Innovation Center, this panel of founders will share the real behind-the-scenes moments that led them to turn their ideas into industry-shifting solutions. From sleepless nights to unexpected breakthroughs, get ready for an honest look at the human side of clean energy innovation. Whether you're inspired, entertained, or just curious about the people making waves in the green revolution, this session will leave you with a deeper appreciation for the passion and perseverance driving the future of our planet.

Note: This conference session is a ticketed event. To create your event schedule here on Sched you must first purchase your tickets on Eventbrite. Click here to purchase your tickets. All Conference badges also have a Pay-What-You-Can Scholarship Option. This option is available for attendees in need of financial assistance to attend the conference.

********

Note: This Conference session is ticketed.

Please purchase your tickets on Eventbrite. You will then receive an email from Sched with login information that allows you to make your personal schedule.

************

A special thank you to our sponsors: The 13th Annual Tom Tom Festival is presented with the University of Virginia, UVA Innovates, Virginia Tourism, RL Beyer Custom Homes, and Ludwig Kuttner.

This session is proudly presented in partnership with the Albemarle County office of Economic Development. 

How can cross-sector collaborations position our region as a premier destination for innovation? This discussion will explore the critical intersections of technology, research, workforce development, and investment that drive sustainable growth.

From major municipal projects like Rivanna Futures and the North Fork Discovery Park, to UVA’s flagship Manning Institute for Biotechnology, and the statewide efforts to foster a new Biotech Accelerator — there is a burgeoning innovation corridor developing on Route 29N.

Leaders will share strategies for cultivating an innovation ecosystem that fuels both startups and established industries. And as we look to the future, what kinds of coordination is necessary to align strategies and vision.

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Note: This Conference session is ticketed.

Please purchase your tickets on Eventbrite. You will then receive an email from Sched with login information that allows you to make your personal schedule.

************

A special thank you to our sponsors: The 13th Annual Tom Tom Festival is presented with the University of Virginia, UVA Innovates, Virginia Tourism, RL Beyer Custom Homes, and Ludwig Kuttner.

We’re living through the most disruptive period in human history—AI is rising faster than we can keep up, institutions are unraveling like old sweaters, and society seems to be cracking under the weight of its own contradictions. It feels like the world is coming apart at the seams, but what if it’s all connected? What if every crisis we’re facing is, at its core, a crisis of technology—how we build, govern, and make sense of the world?

In this talk and mini-panel, we’ll explore how to turn this moment of chaos into a chance for something more human-centered. From fire to writing, from printing to AI, every leap in technology has forced humanity to rethink its relationship with the world. Can we learn from those past shifts and make smarter decisions now? Forget the buzzwords, the knee-jerk reactions, and the polarizing opinions—we’re diving deep into a framework for understanding this cultural moment and how technology is shaping human experience. With real-world examples and insights from tech practitioners who aren’t just reacting, but reflecting, we’ll explore how to evolve into the next phase of our technological and social evolution. This isn’t about being passive; it’s about making sure our tech serves humanity’s highest vision, not just technology for its own sake. The question is: Will we be shaped by technology, or will we shape it? More details coming soon.

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Note: This Conference session is ticketed.

Please purchase your tickets on Eventbrite. You will then receive an email from Sched with login information that allows you to make your personal schedule.

************

A special thank you to our sponsors: The 13th Annual Tom Tom Festival is presented with the University of Virginia, UVA Innovates, Virginia Tourism, RL Beyer Custom Homes, and Ludwig Kuttner.

This session is presented proudly in partnership with CAV Angels. 

Between breakthroughs, ethical dilemmas, funding frenzies, and the occasional existential crisis, AI founders are navigating a constantly shifting landscape that sometimes feels like it's held together with duct tape. In this panel, we bring together the pioneers, problem-solvers, and maybe even a few accidental disruptors who are shaping AI's next frontier—because who else is brave (or crazy) enough to be building the future right now?

They’ll tackle everything you’ve been wondering (or pretending not to wonder): What are they actually building and why? What’s the difference between the AI hype and the harsh reality of starting up in 2025? What are investors getting wrong (and right) about AI? How do you scale responsibly without breaking the world, your budget, or both? And, of course, which AI myths need to be retired ASAP. Plus, hear from those who are actually putting their money where their mouth is about why they’re backing these game-changers. If you’re tired of speculating about the future and want to hear from the people actually building it, this is the conversation you don’t want to miss.

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Note: This Conference session is ticketed.

Please purchase your tickets on Eventbrite. You will then receive an email from Sched with login information that allows you to make your personal schedule.

************

A special thank you to our sponsors: The 13th Annual Tom Tom Festival is presented with the University of Virginia, UVA Innovates, Virginia Tourism, RL Beyer Custom Homes, and Ludwig Kuttner.

We’ve all heard the “save the planet” pitch, but here’s the real question: how do we actually pay for it? This panel will dive into the messy, high-stakes intersection of capital, policy, and technology—because solving the climate crisis requires more than just good intentions. We’ll explore how funding plays a pivotal role in scaling climate tech solutions, both here in the U.S. and globally, while navigating the inevitable bureaucratic hurdles and financial landmines that come with the territory. It’s not all sunshine and solar panels, but we’ll figure out how to make it work.

Expect to hear from experts who’ve wrestled with the complexities of turning big climate ideas into market-ready innovations. They’ll break down the crucial role investors play, why policy isn’t always the enemy, and how the right combination of capital and tech can actually shift the needle on large-scale solutions. If you’re looking to fund the next wave of climate innovation—or just want to understand how this whole messy machine works—this is the session for you

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Note: This Conference session is ticketed.

Please purchase your tickets on Eventbrite. You will then receive an email from Sched with login information that allows you to make your personal schedule.

************

A special thank you to our sponsors: The 13th Annual Tom Tom Festival is presented with the University of Virginia, UVA Innovates, Virginia Tourism, RL Beyer Custom Homes, and Ludwig Kuttner.

The social sector is no stranger to complexity—whether it's tackling quality of life issues or getting communities to rally around a cause, it can feel like herding cats with a side of bureaucracy. Enter technology, with its shiny promises of making everything easier, more efficient, and impactful—if only it were as simple as pressing "send." This panel will explore the evolving role of tech in the social sector, focusing on both the exciting opportunities and the mind-bending challenges that await in 2025 and beyond.

Our expert panelists will dive into real-world examples, weigh in on the ethical dilemmas, and share their hard-earned wisdom on building sustainable tech strategies for social good. You’ll leave with more than just ideas for your next big project—you’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at how to navigate the delicate balance between tech innovation and the very human issues that social organizations tackle. You’ll learn how technology can actually amplify social impact. Just don’t expect all the answers—because sometimes, the journey is as complicated as the problems themselves.

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Note: This Conference session is ticketed.

Please purchase your tickets on Eventbrite. You will then receive an email from Sched with login information that allows you to make your personal schedule.

************

A special thank you to our sponsors: The 13th Annual Tom Tom Festival is presented with the University of Virginia, UVA Innovates, Virginia Tourism, RL Beyer Custom Homes, and Ludwig Kuttner.

Moderated by Cville Renewable Energy Alliance (CvilleREA), this session will dive into local noteworthy clean energy projects, like SunTribe Solar’s solar projects on landfills, Baywa R.E.'s Agrovoltaics Solar projects, where sheep are grazing among the solar panels. Also included is Apex’s wind project in Botencourt County, and some local smaller solar array from Tiger Solar and SunDay Solar, as well as East Point Energy’s Dry Bridge battery energy storage project, which will definitely change the way we look at energy storage.

But it’s not just about solar panels, batteries, and turbines. This session will dig into how these projects aren’t just saving the planet, but benefiting the communities around them, too. From job creation to energy savings to local economic boosts, the perks of these initiatives are rippling through municipalities and jurisdictions. Join us for this important conversation on how clean energy is generating community benefits in the Charlottesville community and beyond.

Speakers/projects include:

1. SunDay Solar - COO Michael Blinn - local solar array
2. Sun Tribe - COO Taylor Brown - land fill solar projects
3. Tiger Solar - Director of Sales Jeff Hegemen - commercial solar array
4. East Point Energy - Project Developer Chris Meyer - Dry Bridge Energy Center battery energy storage project
5. Baywa r.e. Solar - Director Project Development Chris Gordon - Agrovoltaics
6. Apex Clean Energy - Associate Manager Luke Sommers  - Rocky Forge Wind

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Note: This Conference session is ticketed.

Please purchase your tickets on Eventbrite. You will then receive an email from Sched with login information that allows you to make your personal schedule.

************

A special thank you to our sponsors: The 13th Annual Tom Tom Festival is presented with the University of Virginia, UVA Innovates, Virginia Tourism, RL Beyer Custom Homes, and Ludwig Kuttner.

Join us for the Charlottesville Renewable Energy Alliance Happy Hour! This casual gathering offers a unique opportunity to network with local energy professionals, enthusiasts, and advocates. Share ideas, discuss sustainable energy solutions, and explore how our community can accelerate the transition to renewable energy. Whether you're a long-time supporter or new to the field, come connect with like-minded individuals.

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Note: This Conference session is ticketed.

Please purchase your tickets on Eventbrite. You will then receive an email from Sched with login information that allows you to make your personal schedule.

************

A special thank you to our sponsors: The 13th Annual Tom Tom Festival is presented with the University of Virginia, UVA Innovates, Virginia Tourism, RL Beyer Custom Homes, and Ludwig Kuttner.