Richmond region’s path to AI readiness and a thriving tech workforce
Click here to view the PowerPoint presentation on AI Ready RVA.
The Speakers:
Will Melton is the founder and CEO of Xponent21, a Richmond-based creative marketing agency. He also is the founder of AI Ready RVA and serves as vice chairman of the nonprofit board.
Beginning his entrepreneurial journey in 2004, he initially sold, repaired, and provided training on technology products in Hampton Roads.
By 2012, he ventured into the marketing industry, establishing Xponent21 in 2015, focusing on sustainability and impact marketing. His team expertly combines data insights, cutting-edge tactics, strategic messaging, and the world of digital tools to elevate brands in the Information Age.
In 2024, Melton emerged as a leading expert in AI SEO. His practice of influencing the outputs of generative AI systems is rapidly growing in demand as AI takes over more of the traditional search experience.
Driven by a philosophy of “courageous creativity,” Melton has initiated several projects that significantly impact the RVA community, including America’s Healthiest City, AI Ready RVA, and Richmond Water, creating valuable learning environments and fostering community movements.
Nick Serfass has been the CEO of RVATech, the Richmond Technology Council, since 2019.
In this role, he works to build the most vibrant tech community possible for the Richmond region while also striving to elevate the profile of Richmond as a thriving tech town regionally and nationally.
Most recently he worked to position the Richmond region as a potential Tech Hub in artificial intelligence and machine learning through a U.S. federal grant program. Additionally, under his leadership, RVATech recently launched a new brand platform for the Richmond tech community aimed at attracting and retaining talent in "Tech's Most Creative City."
He is a Virginia Wahoo, Miami Hurricane, and Auburn Tiger fan. His preferred programming language is Pascal.
Tune in to a free webinar on Wednesday February 5 at noon to explore how the Richmond region is positioning itself as a national leader in IT and technology.
This webinar will spotlight two organizations – AI Ready RVA and RVATech (the Richmond Technology Council) – that are at the forefront of this transformation and shaping the Richmond region’s future as a thriving IT and technology hub that is ready for Artificial Intelligence.
AI Ready RVA is advancing AI literacy and workforce development to prepare the Richmond region for an AI-driven future. Through interactive workshops, hands-on skill-building, and community networking, the organization is empowering individuals and businesses to thrive.
Plans are underway for a state-of-the-art hub in Richmond that will serve as an incubator, education center, and collaborative innovation space.
RVATech is working to develop, upskill, attract, and retain the Richmond region's robust tech talent pipeline. The organization is doing so through its:
Data + AI Summit
Initiatives at the General Assembly to inform and advocate for AI policy and innovation
Partnerships with area organizations, like AI Ready RVA, CodeRVA, CodeVA, and educational institutions
Scanning the landscape of technology companies in the area to spotlight the depth and breadth of AI capabilities offered in the region.
RVATech recently launched a new brand platform for the Richmond tech community aimed at attracting and retaining talent in "Tech's Most Creative City.”