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.
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 March 2025
| MonMonday | TueTuesday | WedWednesday | ThuThursday | FriFriday | SatSaturday | SunSunday |
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February 24, 2025
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February 25, 2025
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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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February 27, 2025
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February 28, 2025
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March 1, 2025
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March 2, 2025
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March 3, 2025
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March 4, 2025
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March 5, 2025
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March 6, 2025(1 event)
8:00 am: Flex Day at the Gig East ExchangeFlex Day at the Gig East ExchangeDate: March 6, 2025 Time: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm Location: Gig East Exchange Work Your Way, For a Day!
Have you ever wondered what it’s like to cowork at the Gig East Exchange? Now’s your chance to find out— no strings attached! Flex Day at the Gig East Exchange is your opportunity to experience innovation-focused coworking in Wilson, NC.
- Grab a workspace and get busy
- Connect with like-minded entrepreneurs, creatives, and remote workers - Enjoy gigabit Wi-Fi and workspace amenities - Explore the perks of becoming a Gig East member - And more! Whether you’re looking for a change of scenery, a spark of motivation, or just a place to get things done, Flex Day is your invitation to experience the Gig East Exchange for yourself. Click "Learn More" to register.
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March 7, 2025
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March 8, 2025
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March 9, 2025
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March 10, 2025
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March 11, 2025
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March 12, 2025
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March 13, 2025
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March 14, 2025
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March 15, 2025
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March 16, 2025
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March 17, 2025(1 event)
10:00 am: Coffee & Conversation- St. Patrick's Day Edition 🍀Coffee & Conversation- St. Patrick's Day Edition 🍀Date: March 17, 2025 Time: 10:00 am – 11:00 am Location: Join us for a shamrockin' St. Patrick’s Day edition of Coffee & Conversation! 🍀 Network with fellow community members while enjoying a cup of coffee and St. Paddy’s Day treats. Whether you're looking to make new connections or just want good company, this gathering will be a lucky start to the day!
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March 18, 2025
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March 19, 2025
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March 20, 2025
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March 21, 2025
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March 22, 2025
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March 23, 2025
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March 24, 2025
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March 25, 2025
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March 26, 2025
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March 27, 2025
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March 28, 2025
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March 29, 2025
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March 30, 2025
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March 31, 2025
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April 1, 2025
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April 2, 2025
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April 3, 2025(1 event)
3:00 pm: Networking Social & Supply Drive for The Maggie SocietyNetworking Social & Supply Drive for The Maggie SocietyDate: April 3, 2025 Time: 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm Location: Gig East Exchange Are you looking for a fun way to network, give back, and de-stress? 🐶 Join us at Gig East Exchange on Thursday, April 3, from 3–5 PM for a furry & fabulous networking social with The Maggie Society! At this event, you can meet and mingle with rescue pups and community members while also supporting The Maggie Society's work. We'll be collecting supplies from the community during the week of the event to give back to our Maggie Society friends. 🦴 We’ll be collecting: - Purina Dog & Puppy Chow You don't want to miss this paw-some event! Free and open to the public.
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April 4, 2025
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April 5, 2025
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April 6, 2025
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Events in March 2025
| Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Saturday | Sunday |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
February 24, 2025
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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
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February 27, 2025
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February 28, 2025
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March 1, 2025
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March 2, 2025
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March 3, 2025
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March 4, 2025
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March 5, 2025
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8:00 am: Flex Day at the Gig East ExchangeFlex Day at the Gig East ExchangeDate: March 6, 2025 Time: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm Location: Gig East Exchange Work Your Way, For a Day!
Have you ever wondered what it’s like to cowork at the Gig East Exchange? Now’s your chance to find out— no strings attached! Flex Day at the Gig East Exchange is your opportunity to experience innovation-focused coworking in Wilson, NC.
- Grab a workspace and get busy
- Connect with like-minded entrepreneurs, creatives, and remote workers - Enjoy gigabit Wi-Fi and workspace amenities - Explore the perks of becoming a Gig East member - And more! Whether you’re looking for a change of scenery, a spark of motivation, or just a place to get things done, Flex Day is your invitation to experience the Gig East Exchange for yourself. Click "Learn More" to register.
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March 7, 2025
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March 8, 2025
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March 9, 2025
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March 10, 2025
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March 11, 2025
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March 12, 2025
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March 13, 2025
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March 14, 2025
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March 15, 2025
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March 16, 2025
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10:00 am: Coffee & Conversation- St. Patrick's Day Edition 🍀Coffee & Conversation- St. Patrick's Day Edition 🍀Date: March 17, 2025 Time: 10:00 am – 11:00 am Location: Join us for a shamrockin' St. Patrick’s Day edition of Coffee & Conversation! 🍀 Network with fellow community members while enjoying a cup of coffee and St. Paddy’s Day treats. Whether you're looking to make new connections or just want good company, this gathering will be a lucky start to the day!
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March 18, 2025
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March 19, 2025
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March 20, 2025
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March 21, 2025
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March 22, 2025
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March 23, 2025
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March 24, 2025
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March 25, 2025
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March 26, 2025
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March 27, 2025
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March 28, 2025
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March 29, 2025
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March 30, 2025
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March 31, 2025
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April 1, 2025
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April 2, 2025
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3:00 pm: Networking Social & Supply Drive for The Maggie SocietyNetworking Social & Supply Drive for The Maggie SocietyDate: April 3, 2025 Time: 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm Location: Gig East Exchange Are you looking for a fun way to network, give back, and de-stress? 🐶 Join us at Gig East Exchange on Thursday, April 3, from 3–5 PM for a furry & fabulous networking social with The Maggie Society! At this event, you can meet and mingle with rescue pups and community members while also supporting The Maggie Society's work. We'll be collecting supplies from the community during the week of the event to give back to our Maggie Society friends. 🦴 We’ll be collecting: - Purina Dog & Puppy Chow You don't want to miss this paw-some event! Free and open to the public.
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April 4, 2025
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April 5, 2025
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April 6, 2025
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