Welcome to CreatorCon 2024

CreatorCon 2024 is the ultimate gathering for entrepreneurs, innovators, and creatives in Appalachia. Join us for inspiring panels, networking opportunities, and Pitch Battle. Discover new ideas, connect with like-minded individuals, and grow your adventure in business!

CreatorCon Schedule

Presented by UVA Wise & Opportunity SWVA

CreatorCon Pitch Battle

Sept 17 | 5:00-7:00PM
CreatorCon Pitch Battle
$5000 to the winner. Click apply for details.
Location | Park Avenue Theater
Welcome Reception

Sept 18 | 6:00-9:00PM
Join us for an evening of networking and celebration at the Welcome Reception, hosted at Southern Craft, featuring an open bar and delicious hors d'oeuvres where connections and creativity come together
Location | Southern Craft BBQ
815 Park Ave NW, Norton, VA 24273
Registration + Coffee

Sept 19 | 7:00-9:00AM
Arrive early for registration and coffee before the conference begins—it's your chance to check in, enjoy a coffee, start networking, and explore sponsor booths.
Location | David J. Prior Convocation Center
CreatorCon Welcome

Sept 19 | 9:00-9:20AM
Ryan Jones, Founder of CreatorCon, Do Good Brands and Lincoln Road
Blake Salyer, Innovation & Ecosystem Manager at UVA Wise
Location | David J. Prior Convocation Center
Disrupting the Creator Economy w/ Action VFX

Sept 19 | 9:20-10:20AM
Learn how any entrepreneurial endeavor can become a lucrative and rewarding investment opportunity.
Location | David J. Prior Convocation Center
Capital Quest: Expert Tips for Securing Investment

Sept 19 | 10:20-11:00AM
Join us for the Raising Capital Panel, where experts share strategies and insights on securing funding for your business growth."
Sponsored by VCEDA
Location | David J. Prior Convocation Center
Networking Break

Sept 19 | 11:00-11:20AM
Location | David J. Prior Convocation Center
Navigating CPG's with Do Good Brands

Sept 19 | 11:20-12:00PM
Essentials of launching and scaling a CPG company, sharing key insights and strategies that will help you turn your product idea into a successful brand
Location | David J. Prior Convocation Center
Boxed Lunch

Sept 19 | 12:00-12:30PM
Location | David J. Prior Convocation Center
Destination Innovators: Pioneering Tourism Entrepreneurship

Sept 19 | 12:30-1:30PM
Join us for 'Destination Innovators' to see how dynamic entrepreneurs are driving tourism and capitalizing on opportunities to elevate their communities.
Sponsored by Virginia Tourism
Location | David J. Prior Convocation
Smart Solutions: Leveraging AI for Success

Sept 19 | 1:30-2:30PM
Explore the future of business with our tech panel on AI, where we'll uncover how artificial intelligence can drive growth and efficiency.
Location | David J. Prior Convocation Center
Networking

Sept 19 | 2:30PM-2:50PM
Find time to meet somebody new and check out our sponsor booths
Rural Innovators: Building Online Business in Small Towns

Sept 19 | 2:50-3:30PM
Discover how rural entrepreneurs are breaking barriers and expanding their businesses online with our panel on rural e-commerce.
Location | David J. Prior Convocation Center
Closing Remarks & Networking

Sept 19 | 3:30-4:00PM
Find time to meet somebody new and ceck out our sponsor booths
Location | David J. Prior Convocation

Speakers and Panelists

Ryan Jones

Owner & Founder of Do Good Brands | Co-Owner & Founder of Lincoln Road | Founder of CreatorCon
Blake Salyer

Innovation & Ecosystem Manager at UVA Wise
Payton May

Bit Source, COO & Partner | Entrepreneur | Artist
Rodolphe Pierre-Louis

Founder and CEO of Action VFX
Lauren Glass

Co-Founder at Personality Pool
Luke Thompson

Chief Operating Officer at Action VFX
Bryan Hogan

Operations at Axe Handle Distillery
Ryan Hayes

Software Engineer at Hilton Grand Vacations
David Nelson

Executive Director at Founders Forge
Karen Hester

Owner of Cranberry Lane and The Southern Churn
Ellen Reynolds

Owner of Beagle Ridge Herb Farm
Jared Arnett

Co-Owner of Mountains Music Exchange and Rural Optimist