CreatorCon 2024: A Gathering of Creators, Innovators, and Entrepreneurs in Appalachia

Sep 9

Ryan Jones, Owner & Founder of Do Good Brands

Wise & Norton, VA - September 17-19, 2024 – Ryan Jones, a native of Haysi, VA, and Founder of Do Good Brands, is bringing back CreatorCon after last year’s overwhelming success. The conference has quickly become a must-attend event for entrepreneurs, creators, and innovators in the Appalachian region. Hosted by Do Good Brands and presented by the University of Virginia College at Wise and Opportunity Southwest Virginia, CreatorCon 2024 will be held September 17-19 in Wise and Norton.

CreatorCon is designed for entrepreneurs, digital creators, economic developers, students, and anyone interested in the growth and success of businesses in Appalachia.

This year’s event will provide ample opportunities for attendees to connect with fellow founders, economic development organizations, and key players in the startup ecosystem. Networking and collaboration are at the heart of this event, ensuring that attendees leave with valuable connections and insights.

Schedule of Events:

September 17: Pitch Battle at Park Avenue Theater in downtown Norton. Six businesses will compete for a $5,000 prize. This event is free to the public, and will provide an exciting opportunity to witness innovative ideas in action. The event is geared towards businesses that are less than five years old that already have customers and are selling a product or service outside of the region. A bar and hor d’oeuvres will be provided.
September 18: Welcome Reception at Southern Craft BBQ in downtown Norton. This reception will officially kick off the conference and offer a relaxed atmosphere for networking and connection.
September 19: The Main Conference Day at David J. Prior Convocation Center in Wise will feature a series of insightful sessions and panels:

Disrupting the Creator Economy with Luke Thompson, Chief Operating Officer with ActionVFX: A deep dive into how the creator economy is evolving and how entrepreneurs can capitalize on these changes.
Navigating CPG's with Ryan Jones, Owner & Founder of Do Good Brands: Insights into the world of Consumer Packaged Goods and how to start and scale a CPG company.
Capital Quest Panel with Lauren Glass, Co-Owner of Personality Pool; Aaron Sims, Founder of Sims Capital; and Jessi Stamper, Senior Grants Associate with VIPC. This panel will explore the ins and outs of raising capital and securing investment for your business.
Destination Innovators with Ellen Reynolds, Owner of Beagle Ridge; Bryan Hogan, Operations at Axe Handle Distillery; and Karen Hester, Owner of Southern Churn, Cranberry Lane, and Unwind Vacation Rentals. This session will showcase entrepreneurs who are driving tourism and innovation in their communities.
Smart Solutions Using AI with Ryan Hayes, Software Developer at Hilton Grand Vacations; Payton May, COO & Partner at Bit-Source; David Nelson, Executive Director at Founders Forge; and Luke Thompson, COO of ActionVFX. Discover how AI is transforming businesses and how you can leverage it for growth.
Rural Innovators with Jared Arnett, Co-Owner of Mountain Music Exchange and Entrepreneur in Residence at the University of Pikeville. This panel will focus on building and growing an online business in small towns.

“I'm excited to bring CreatorCon back to Appalachia and provide a platform for entrepreneurs to connect, learn, and grow their adventure in business. This year, we're hosting industry experts to share their knowledge and insights, so attendees can gain the tools they need to take their businesses to the next level. My hope is that CreatorCon will inspire attendees to start new things, pursue their passions, and grow their adventure in business,” said Ryan Jones, Owner & Founder of Do Good Brands.

“CreatorCon is a vital event for the startup community, not just in Appalachia, but beyond. It provides a platform for entrepreneurs to connect, learn, and grow, and we are proud to support this event as it aligns perfectly with our mission to foster innovation and economic development in the region,” said Blake Salyer, UVA Wise Innovation & Ecosystem Manager.