November 18, 2025
8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
William & Mary Alumni House
Williamsburg
Convergence 2025
Join us at Convergence 2025, the annual day-long interregional gathering of representatives from the Richmond and Hampton Roads regions,
sponsored by RVA757 Connects, ChamberRVA, and the Hampton Roads Chamber.
When: Tuesday November 18, 2025, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: William & Mary Alumni House at 500 Richmond Road in Williamsburg (on the campus of William & Mary, next to Zable Stadium, at the corner of Richmond Road and Stadium Drive).
What: At Convergence 2025, you will discover why the I-64 Innovation Corridor megaregion is at the forefront of technological advancement and economic growth.
Why attend: Participants get a good overview of the key economic development assets of the Richmond and Hampton Roads regions while fostering relationships among senior leaders.
Cost: $150 per person includes lunch and breakfast networking (Please read disclaimer below.)
Please Note: The registration payment form is hosted on the Zeffy platform, which supports nonprofits by offering free transaction processing. While Zeffy may prompt you to add a voluntary contribution to support its platform, this donation is entirely optional. If you prefer not to contribute, simply select “Other” under the donation options and enter “$0.”
What is Convergence?
RVA757 Connects, ChamberRVA, and the Hampton Roads Chamber put on this annual event to showcase important initiatives and successes in advancing the I-64 Innovation Corridor.
More than a decade ago, leaders in the Richmond region (RVA) and Hampton Roads (757) 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.
Get Insights
on How the I-64 Innovation Corridor
Is Where the World Stores, Powers, and Secures Data
At Convergence 2025, you will discover why the I-64 Innovation Corridor megaregion is at the forefront of technological advancement and economic growth.
Here are some key reasons to attend:
Three important sessions
The Evolving Energy Landscape: Building on the Importance of Traditional Power Sources with Groundbreaking Innovations:
Get the latest on transformative projects like the world’s first grid-scale fusion power plant planned for Chesterfield County, Dominion Energy’s
offshore wind farm, and more — while understanding how traditional energy sources remain vital to our future.
· Rick Needham, Chief Commercial Officer, Commonwealth Fusion Systems
· Ed Baine, Executive Vice President-Utility Operations, Dominion Energy; and President-Dominion Energy Virginia.
· Morgan Whayland, Director, Governmental and Public Affairs, Virginia Natural Gas
Understanding Digital Infrastructure in Virginia and Beyond:
Get an update into the complex and fast-evolving world of digital infrastructure, from the physical presence of data centers to the unseen
networks of fiber, power, and cloud services that power today’s economy.
Building a Cyber-Ready Megaregion: Talent, Infrastructure, and Coordination in the I-64 Innovation Corridor:
This panel explores how the I-64 Innovation Corridor can accelerate its emergence as a nationally recognized cybersecurity hub by focusing
on three pillars: workforce development, digital infrastructure, and strategic coordination
· Luiz DaSilva, executive director, Commonwealth Cyber Initiative
· Cherri Heart, vice president and chief information security officer, CarMax
· Will Robinson, senior vice president, deputy chief information security officer, Federal Reserve System
· Moderator: Glenn Ballard, CEO, Drangonfli Group
State of our Megaregion
Learn about the current state of the I-64 Innovation Corridor megaregion and how our future aligns to the trends shaping tomorrow. John W. Martin, president and CEO of RVA757 Connects, will deliver an eye-opening presentation backed by research on our megaregion’s performance to date and promise for tomorrow.
Networking with Key Leaders
Take advantage of the opportunity to mingle and network with the key players and organizations driving the success of the I-64 Innovation Corridor’s economy. Connect with industry leaders, innovators, and decision-makers who are shaping the region’s economic landscape. Build valuable relationships, exchange ideas, and explore potential collaborations that can contribute to the ongoing growth and prosperity of the corridor and your organization.
The Florida Formula:
Building a Megaregion that Powers Innovation and Community
Florida High Tech Corridor is an organization serving a 23-county region anchored by three of the country’s largest research institutions:
· University of Central Florida (UCF);
· University of South Florida (USF) and;
· University of Florida (UF).
The Corridor’s mission is to converge and catalyze the capacity of high tech, innovation, and bright minds to generate a global ripple effect that advances the lives of people in the communities it serves.
Paul A. Sohl
CEO
Florida High Tech Corridor
Agenda Highlights
(Tentative)
8:00 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. Networking and Registration (with coffee, tea, and baked breakfast goodies)
8:30 a.m. – 8:40 a.m. Welcome
8:40 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. RVA757 Connects Today & Tomorrow
9:00 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. The Evolving Energy Landscape: Building on the Importance of Traditional Power Sources with
Groundbreaking Innovations
10:15 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. Break
10:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Understanding Digital Infrastructure in Virginia and Beyond
11:00 a.m. – Noon Building a Cyber-Ready Megaregion: Talent, Infrastructure, and Coordination in the I-64 Innovation
Corridor
12:15 p.m. – 1:15 p.m. Lunch
1:45 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. Keynote Speaker – Paul Sohl, CEO of the Florida High Tech Corridor
3:30 p.m. - 4 p.m. Final Remarks and Wrap Up
Convergence 2025 Sponsors
