eXperience 2016 Programming:
We are stronger together - collectively we can build a region of which we are proud. The 2016 eXperience will provide paths for YOU to become more informed and engaged in the Roanoke and New River Valleys. Save the date and join us for our second annual event in April 2016.
THURSDAY, April 7 - Blacksburg Reception
Location: Newcity in Blacksburg, VA
Address: 301 South Main Street, Suite 207 Blacksburg, VA 24060
Time: 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Join us for a kick-off reception in Blacksburg, VA to network with the area’s top level executives and entrepreneurs. You will have the chance to meet and build relationships that could lead to wonderful opportunities for you and the region as a whole.
FRIDAY, April 8 - Full Day YP Summit
Location: Taubman Museum of Art in downtown Roanoke, VA
Address: 110 Salem Avenue, SE, Roanoke, VA 24011
Time: 8:30am - 4:00pm
Looking for parking ideas? Click this link to choose from our many downtown parking lots and garages. Please Note: The Taubman Museum is located at 110 Salem Avenue, near #7 - Tower Garage.
2016 Keynote speaker Maurice A. Jones , Virginia's Secretary of Commerce and Trade
Don't miss out on the region's second annual young professionals (YP) event! Register for a full day of action at the Taubman Museum of Art located in Roanoke, VA.
8:30 am - 9:15 am Registration & Networking
9:15 am - 9:30 am Welcome to eXperience 2016 'Kick Off'!
9:30 am - 9:50 am Keynote Presentation: The State of Virginia's Economy
Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade Maurice A. Jones will provide his perspective on the state of Virginia’s economy. Learn what's happening in the Commonwealth, how you influence it and how to get involved.
10:00 am – 10:45 am Breakouts: Developing The Valley (choose one)
Breakout 1: Early Is On Time, and On Time Is Too Late It's time to revamp your resume! Learn insider tips on how to research job openings, best present yourself, land the interview and stick the job. If you are in the job market, you won't want to miss this!
Breakout 2: Breeding Success in Your Own Backyard! Taubman Marble Room
Jackie Lackey shares an inside, human resources perspective on growing a successful business. Learn how to create an exciting workplace culture that attracts, retains and develops YPs right here in Roanoke!
Breakout 3: Be a Social Media Hero: Likes and Retweets in Your Eyes Economic development has gone digital, and so can you. Learn the "how to" on using technology and social media to brand your company, your city or even yourself. Your potential is immeasurable, so come get plugged in!
11:00 am – 11:20 am: Out With The Old and In With The New - How Do You Feel About You? The way YPs measure success is significantly different from generations past. Traditional metrics of success no longer frame how we view our worth or our wealth. So how do you know you’ve made it?
Listen to our presenter offer their story, where they came from and how they frame their worth. Further understand your place in the Valley, and more importantly, how to reach the goals you deem most important!
11:30 am – 12:15 pm Breakouts: Developing Me, Myself and I (choose one)
Breakout 1: Money...I Can't Make Any Cents of it! During this panel discussion, learn the latest trends and tools needed to navigate the high seas of financial literacy. Get out of debt, invest and build wealth…It's really not as hard as it seems!
Breakout 2: I'd Like to Help! But First...Let Me Take A Selfie! (located in Taubman Blackbox) YPs do almost everything differently from generations past. We think, communicate and even give back differently, and that’s OK! Join Erika Johnson, FloydFest, as she gives you advice on new age social responsibility from an unlikely source - Bob Marley himself.
Breakout 3: So You Want to Be A.... The entrepreneurial spirit can exist almost anywhere in business. Whether you are starting your own company, sustaining an existing brand or working to rise in the ranks, come learn how to be an impactful leader.
Get advice from our panel on avoiding common mistakes and insight on how to invoke the entrepreneur inside of you, no matter your professional setting.
12:30 pm – 1:45 pm Lunch - Time to Shake, Rattle and Grub! Refuel in the City Market Building while networking and connecting with the eXperience 2016 event sponsors who helped make this event possible.
2:00 pm – 2:45 pm: Mix it All Together, Bake at 540 Degrees and This is What You Get! Witness the unfiltered "day-in-the-life" presentation that showcases the true quality of life in the Roanoke and New River Valleys. Expect a serious dose of the ‘feels’ and realizing what an amazing place this region truly is.
2:45 pm – 3:30 pm NEW! #XPYP Scavenger Hunt Get up, get out and explore the streets of Downtown Roanoke. Break out into teams and get ready for some friendly competition during a brand new eXperience scavenger hunt activity. The first team to collect all the clues wins!
3:30pm: eXperience After Hours "Cheers to Our Future Together Let’s rally up to enjoy some drinks, great food and the chance to mingle in a relaxed environment!
Check back regularly for updates on programming and events.