September 28, 2023
Williamsburg
The Highlights
Those attending the one-day Convergence 2023 conference got updates on the economy, on the Global Internet Hub, on innovation in the megaregion, and on transportation improvements and initiatives. (Click on the topic subject to view the PowerPoint presentation.)
The Agenda
The Speakers
The Details:
I-64 Innovation Corridor’s Economic Outlook
A National Context: Renee Haltom, Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond
Transforming Virginia into a National Growth Leader: Jason El Koubi, Virginia Economic Development Partnership
Transportation and Logistics: Matt Anderson, Colliers International
I-64 Innovation Corridor –
The World’s Next Global Internet Hub
The Big Picture - RVA757 Connects’ Global Internet Hub
Strategic Plan: Our 10 Imperatives: John Martin, RVA757 ConnectsWhat’s Driving the Race To Build Global Digital Infrastructure and Why It Matters: Vinay Nagpal, InterGlobix
Insights on Where and How Development Is Happening: Jon Hjembo, TeleGeography
How Digital Infrastructure Supports the Corridor’s Cyber Security Industry, Glenn Ballard, DragonFli Group
Building our World-class Digital Infrastructure Talent Pipeline: Nancy Grden, President and CEO, Hampton Roads Executive Roundtable
Advancing Innovation Along
the I-64 Innovation Corridor
RVA Innovations:
Greenswell Growers: Carl Gupton, President
Civica: Benjamin Jarvela, Communications
and Public Affairs Manager757 Innovations:
Jefferson Labs: Stuart Henderson, Director
LifeNet Health: Rony Thomas, President
Transportation Priorities Overview:
Updates on the I-64 Gap and HRBT projects: VDOT Commissioner Stephen Brich
Rail: D.J. Stadtler, Virginia Passenger Rail Authority
Fall Line Trail: Jon Lugbill, Richmond
Sports BackersBoAT trail: Bob Crum, Hampton Roads
Planning District Commission (HRPDC)
How Winning Organizations of Tomorrow Are
Harnessing The Power of AI Today – SIR’s Study
on AI Best Practices:
Grant Neely and Ried Watkins from SIR
What is Convergence?
More than a decade ago, leaders in the Richmond (RVA) and Hampton Roads (757) regions realized that nearby localities shouldn't compete but collaborate to make great things happen for both regions.
ChamberRVA and the Hampton Roads Chamber concurred, inspiring RVA and the 757 to start working together on critical infrastructure needs and economic development efforts.
Because of the importance of this interregional work, the chambers put on an annual event called Convergence to showcase the important initiatives and success of RVA757 Connects in advancing the I-64 Innovation Corridor.
Participants get a good overview of the key economic development assets of the Richmond and Hampton Roads regions while they foster relationships among senior leaders.