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SUMMARY:Retail 360: Through the Eyes of Your Consumer
DESCRIPTION:Learn to evaluate your business the way your customers do.\n\nEvent Overview\nRetail 360: Through the Eyes of Your Consumer Food & Beverage Edition is an interactive\, in-person workshop designed to help restaurant\, café\, and hospitality operators evaluate their business through the lens of their guests. Hosted at The Dirty Buffalo\, this session provides a real-time\, guided walk-through of the customer experience—from arrival to checkout—using a structured assessment tool. Participants will gain practical insights into what today’s diners notice\, value\, and remember\, and how those moments directly impact repeat business\, reviews\, and revenue. \nA light lunch buffet will be served as part of the experience\, allowing participants to evaluate guest flow\, presentation\, and service touch points while dining.\nWhy Attend\nRunning a food and beverage business day-to-day can make it difficult to see your operation objectively. This workshop helps you step out of “operator mode” and into the mindset of your customer. You’ll identify blind spots\, uncover missed opportunities\, and walk away with clear\, actionable improvements you can implement immediately. Whether it’s increasing table turns\, improving service consistency\, or enhancing first impressions\, this session is designed to help you elevate your guest experience and drive stronger business results. \nWho Should Attend\n\nRestaurant owners and operators\nGeneral managers and assistant managers\nFront-of-house leaders and supervisors\nHospitality and service teams\nCafé\, bakery\, brewery\, and quick-service operators\nAnyone responsible for customer experience\, service standards\, or daily operations\n\n\n\nLed by Caitlin McKenna\, Director of Recruiting & Training – The Dirty Buffalo\nWe are thrilled to have Caitlin McKenna facilitate this edition of Retail 360. Caitlin brings deep expertise in: \n· Team training and development \n· Front‑of‑house service standards \n· Operational efficiency \n· Hospitality culture \n· Guest experience enhancement \n· Recruiting and retaining high‑performing food service talent \nThe Dirty Buffalo is known for consistency\, strong service culture\, and operational discipline across multiple locations — and Caitlin’s leadership plays a huge role in that reputation. Attendees will learn not only what to evaluate in their operations\, but also how to coach their teams to uphold higher guest‑experience standards. \nLet’s shift habits\, sharpen awareness\, and create a customer experience that keeps shoppers engaged\, delighted\, and coming back.
URL:https://www.innovate757.org/event/retail-360-through-the-eyes-of-your-consumer/
LOCATION:The Dirty Buffalo\, 2080 South Independence Boulevard\, Virginia Beach\, Virginia\, 23453
CATEGORIES:Entrepreneurship
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.innovate757.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Screenshot-2026-06-29-at-1.19.32-PM.png
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260720T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260720T200000
DTSTAMP:20260630T131845Z
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LAST-MODIFIED:20260630T131845Z
UID:10005182-1784568600-1784577600@www.innovate757.org
SUMMARY:Retail 360: Insta-Ready Retail
DESCRIPTION:Retail 360: Insta-Ready Retail\nYour AI-Powered Playbook to Sell\, Connect\, and Grow on Instagram.\n\nIn today’s retail landscape\, your storefront doesn’t start at your front door—it starts on your customer’s phone. Instagram has become one of the most powerful tools to drive discovery\, build community\, and turn followers into loyal customers. But for many retailers\, keeping up with content\, trends\, and consistency can feel overwhelming. \nRetail 360: Insta-Ready Retail is a hands-on\, practical workshop designed to help you confidently show up online and use Instagram as a true sales channel—not just a marketing tool. Through a guided\, step-by-step approach\, you’ll learn how to define your voice\, create content that connects\, and build a system that makes showing up easier and more sustainable. \nWhether you’re running a boutique\, managing a retail team\, or wearing all the hats as a small business owner\, this experience gives you the tools and clarity to strengthen your digital presence and drive real results. \nWhat to Expect\nDuring this interactive workshop\, attendees will: \n\nLearn how to define and document a clear brand voice that makes your content feel authentic and consistent across every post.\nDiscover the types of content that not only engage your audience but actually drive sales and build community.\nSee a live\, start-to-finish demonstration of how to create a week’s worth of Instagram content using AI tools.\nBuild a 30-day content calendar tailored to your business\, ready to implement immediately.\nWalk away with a simple\, sustainable weekly system designed to save time and reduce content stress.\n\n\n\nThis is a working session—not just a presentation. Attendees are encouraged to bring a laptop and come ready to participate\, create\, and leave with content in hand. \nLed by Rachael Seda\, CEO & Co-Founder of Mix+Shine Marketing\nRachael Seda is CEO and Co-Founder of Mix+Shine Marketing\, a full-service digital marketing and social media agency focused on bringing national exposure to retail\, health and wellness\, and food and beverage brands. \nRecognized by TopRank as one of the Women Who Rock Social Media\, Rachael has built a career helping brands connect with their audiences in meaningful and measurable ways. She has led award-winning campaigns\, launched successful consumer brands\, and worked with organizations to navigate major shifts in digital communication. \nSince founding Mix+Shine in 2014\, she has helped businesses grow through smart strategy\, creative storytelling\, and practical execution. She is also a 2023 CoVaBIZ NextGen Award honoree\, co-host of The Corporate Dropout podcast\, and serves as President of the Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO) Southeast Virginia chapter. \nKnown for her energetic\, approachable style\, Rachael brings a mix of real-world experience and actionable insights—making complex marketing strategies feel simple\, doable\, and immediately relevant. \n\n\n\nWho Should Attend\nThis workshop is ideal for: \n\nBusiness Owners & Retail Leaders\nIf you’re ready to turn Instagram into a revenue-driving channel and stop guessing what to post\, this workshop gives you a clear system to follow.\nStore Managers & Supervisors\nStrengthen your approach to content\, create alignment around your brand voice\, and build a more intentional and effective social presence.\nFront-line Retail Staff & Key Team Members\nUnderstand how your day-to-day interactions\, products\, and in-store moments can translate into compelling online content that connects with customers.\n\nBusiness owners are strongly encouraged to bring their team.\nWhen everyone understands the brand voice and content strategy\, creating consistent\, high-quality content becomes faster\, easier\, and more effective. \nLet’s simplify your content\, strengthen your voice\, and turn your Instagram into a tool that works for your business—not something that sits on your to-do list.
URL:https://www.innovate757.org/event/retail-360-insta-ready-retail-2/
LOCATION:Paperbacks Ink\, 9716 Warwick Boulevard\, Newport News\, Virginia\, 23601
CATEGORIES:Entrepreneurship
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.innovate757.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Screenshot-2026-06-30-at-9.15.08-AM.png
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260722T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260722T193000
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SUMMARY:NIC Kick Back: Conversations with Career Creatives
DESCRIPTION:Chill vibes and real talk with creatives about careers\, dreams\, and the hustle behind the scenes.\n\n\nNIC Kick Back: Conversations with Career Creatives\nJoin us for a fresh take on NIC’s Kick Back series. This edition brings together the best of both worlds: relaxed networking and inspiring conversation. \nConnect with fellow innovators\, entrepreneurs\, students\, and community members while hearing from three ‘Career Creatives’ who have built successful careers in creative industries. Our featured speakers will briefly share their professional journeys\, lessons learned\, and insights into turning creativity into opportunity \nSpeakers: Carrie Spencer\, Curator of Contemporary Art & Education\, Hermitage MuseumAlison Allred\, Senior Interior Designer\, WPAGabe Niles\, DJ and Producer \n5:30PM: Connect & Network6:00PM:Career Creatives: Stories\, Insights\, Q&A6:30PM: Continue the Conversation \nWhether you’re looking to expand your network\, explore creative career paths\, or simply be inspired\, this is an evening designed to spark meaningful connections and new ideas. \nFree drink tickets to the first 15 attendees. Event is free to attend. Food and drinks will be available for purchase.
URL:https://www.innovate757.org/event/nic-kick-back-conversations-with-career-creatives/
LOCATION:Sanctuary Taco Bar – Railroad District\, 218 West 25th Street\, Norfolk\, VA 23517\, Norfolk\, VA\, 23517\, US
CATEGORIES:Angel Investing,Business,Entrepreneurship,NIC
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260727T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260727T103000
DTSTAMP:20260630T131317Z
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SUMMARY:Retail 360: Insta-Ready Retail
DESCRIPTION:Retail 360: Insta-Ready Retail\nYour AI-Powered Playbook to Sell\, Connect\, and Grow on Instagram.\n\nIn today’s retail landscape\, your storefront doesn’t start at your front door—it starts on your customer’s phone. Instagram has become one of the most powerful tools to drive discovery\, build community\, and turn followers into loyal customers. But for many retailers\, keeping up with content\, trends\, and consistency can feel overwhelming. \nRetail 360: Insta-Ready Retail is a hands-on\, practical workshop designed to help you confidently show up online and use Instagram as a true sales channel—not just a marketing tool. Through a guided\, step-by-step approach\, you’ll learn how to define your voice\, create content that connects\, and build a system that makes showing up easier and more sustainable. \nWhether you’re running a boutique\, managing a retail team\, or wearing all the hats as a small business owner\, this experience gives you the tools and clarity to strengthen your digital presence and drive real results. \nWhat to Expect\nDuring this interactive workshop\, attendees will: \n\nLearn how to define and document a clear brand voice that makes your content feel authentic and consistent across every post.\nDiscover the types of content that not only engage your audience but actually drive sales and build community.\nSee a live\, start-to-finish demonstration of how to create a week’s worth of Instagram content using AI tools.\nBuild a 30-day content calendar tailored to your business\, ready to implement immediately.\nWalk away with a simple\, sustainable weekly system designed to save time and reduce content stress.\n\n\n\nThis is a working session—not just a presentation. Attendees are encouraged to bring a laptop and come ready to participate\, create\, and leave with content in hand. \nLed by Rachael Seda\, CEO & Co-Founder of Mix+Shine Marketing\nRachael Seda is CEO and Co-Founder of Mix+Shine Marketing\, a full-service digital marketing and social media agency focused on bringing national exposure to retail\, health and wellness\, and food and beverage brands. \nRecognized by TopRank as one of the Women Who Rock Social Media\, Rachael has built a career helping brands connect with their audiences in meaningful and measurable ways. She has led award-winning campaigns\, launched successful consumer brands\, and worked with organizations to navigate major shifts in digital communication. \nSince founding Mix+Shine in 2014\, she has helped businesses grow through smart strategy\, creative storytelling\, and practical execution. She is also a 2023 CoVaBIZ NextGen Award honoree\, co-host of The Corporate Dropout podcast\, and serves as President of the Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO) Southeast Virginia chapter. \nKnown for her energetic\, approachable style\, Rachael brings a mix of real-world experience and actionable insights—making complex marketing strategies feel simple\, doable\, and immediately relevant. \n\n\n\nWho Should Attend\nThis workshop is ideal for: \n\nBusiness Owners & Retail Leaders\nIf you’re ready to turn Instagram into a revenue-driving channel and stop guessing what to post\, this workshop gives you a clear system to follow.\nStore Managers & Supervisors\nStrengthen your approach to content\, create alignment around your brand voice\, and build a more intentional and effective social presence.\nFront-line Retail Staff & Key Team Members\nUnderstand how your day-to-day interactions\, products\, and in-store moments can translate into compelling online content that connects with customers.\n\nBusiness owners are strongly encouraged to bring their team.\nWhen everyone understands the brand voice and content strategy\, creating consistent\, high-quality content becomes faster\, easier\, and more effective. \nLet’s simplify your content\, strengthen your voice\, and turn your Instagram into a tool that works for your business—not something that sits on your to-do list.
URL:https://www.innovate757.org/event/retail-360-insta-ready-retail/
LOCATION:Coalescence Coffee Company\, 226 West 24th Street\, Norfolk\, VA 23517\, Norfolk\, VA\, 23517\, US
CATEGORIES:Entrepreneurship
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.innovate757.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Screenshot-2026-06-30-at-9.09.04-AM.png
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