Programming/Meetups
GiG East
Gig East is Wilson’s home for technology and innovation networking. Our events focus around gigs – whether its conversation around our gigabit network, Greenlight, or creative conversations inspired by the Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park. We bring eastern North Carolina together to explore next generation technology.
The history of Gig East traces back to 2016. In November, 2016, Greenlight sponsored its first Gig East thought-leadership event, featuring Blair Levin, known for serving at the FCC as Executive Director of the country’s first national broadband plan. His speech was titled “Make American Great — With Great Broadband.” In November 2017, Greenlight sponsored its second annual Gig East event featuring WRAL and Harvard Law professor Susan Crawford, who spoke on “Why Fiber?” In November 2018, Greenlight sponsored its third Gig East event, “The Future of Work Outside the Metro” featuring world renowned Gary Bolles, who is Chair for the Future of Work for Singularity University.
You can join us for our Quarterly meet ups and our annual technology summit, held in early May. Sign up for our digital newsletters to learn more about upcoming meetups.
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RIoT Accelerator Program (RAP)
Up and coming ventures from Eastern NC and beyond participate in a 12-week intensive business program where RAP heavily coaches’ companies through market validation, product development, and go to market strategy, and connects them to more than 75 business and technology advisors. The culminating RAP Wilson Pitch Night, where startups present their businesses on stage, will take place on May 7 as part of the Gig East Summit.
Apply to Speak at Gig East
Have an idea to share? Apply to speak at a Gig East event.
All topics need to be related to the E.A.S.T. formula – Entrepreneurship, Art, Science, or Technology. We have three available opportunities for you to reach our members and the Wilson community.
- Gig East Gab: evening, quarterly, open mic TEDx style, speak for 3 min. Q&A for 2 min.
- Lunch and Learns: BYOL, speak on topic of choice for up to 30 min w/ Q&A for 10 min., quarterly
- Morning Coffee: potentially members only, Casual conversation for networking, share topic with members, no presentation necessary, quarterly
Before submitting please note available speaking opportunities are on a first-come, first-served basis. Each submission will be reviewed thoroughly. A Gig East representative will contact you with further information.
Events in February 2025
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February 14, 2025(1 event)
10:00 am: Coffee & ConversationCoffee & ConversationDate: February 14, 2025 Time: 10:00 am – 11:00 am Location: Gig East Exchange 💘 Coffee & Conversation: Valentine's Day Edition ☕❤️ Join us for a special Valentine’s Day edition of Coffee & Conversation at Gig East Exchange! Whether you're a member of our Exchange community or a local professional looking to connect, this is the perfect opportunity to network, collaborate, and share ideas over a fresh cup of coffee and Valentine's waffles. 📅 Date: Wednesday, February 14, 2024 Come sip, chat, snack, and grow your network! |
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February 26, 2025(1 event)
12:00 pm: Lunch & Learn: What is Gig East Smart Ag?Lunch & Learn: What is Gig East Smart Ag?Date: February 26, 2025 Time: 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm Location: Gig East Exchange Wilson has its very own Smart Ag testbed, but what does that mean and how will it help our community? Join us for a Lunch & Learn to hear from Greg Dunko, Director of Strategy at RIoT, as he shares how the agricultural revolution is transforming farming practices. This is a free event with lunch included! Register here: https://forms.gle/iQkKKuHHE89tMocb7 |
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Events in February 2025
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February 13, 2025
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10:00 am: Coffee & ConversationCoffee & ConversationDate: February 14, 2025 Time: 10:00 am – 11:00 am Location: Gig East Exchange 💘 Coffee & Conversation: Valentine's Day Edition ☕❤️ Join us for a special Valentine’s Day edition of Coffee & Conversation at Gig East Exchange! Whether you're a member of our Exchange community or a local professional looking to connect, this is the perfect opportunity to network, collaborate, and share ideas over a fresh cup of coffee and Valentine's waffles. 📅 Date: Wednesday, February 14, 2024 Come sip, chat, snack, and grow your network! |
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February 25, 2025
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12:00 pm: Lunch & Learn: What is Gig East Smart Ag?Lunch & Learn: What is Gig East Smart Ag?Date: February 26, 2025 Time: 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm Location: Gig East Exchange Wilson has its very own Smart Ag testbed, but what does that mean and how will it help our community? Join us for a Lunch & Learn to hear from Greg Dunko, Director of Strategy at RIoT, as he shares how the agricultural revolution is transforming farming practices. This is a free event with lunch included! Register here: https://forms.gle/iQkKKuHHE89tMocb7 |
February 27, 2025
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February 28, 2025
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March 1, 2025
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