Innovate Hampton Roads

Code + Coffee | FR8 House Coffee
2026-03-19 09:30 - 11:30 (America/Halifax) | FR8 House Coffee, 2330 Bowdens Ferry Rd, Norfolk, VA 23508, Norfolk, VA, 23508, US
Join us for a relaxed morning meetup where developers, designers, founders, and tech enthusiasts gather over great coffee to talk shop, share ideas, and connect with others in the local tech community.
Code + Coffee has no formal agenda—just bring your laptop, a project you’re working on, a question you’ve been thinking about, or simply come to meet other people building interesting things. Whether you’re coding, designing, experimenting with AI, launching a startup, or just curious about technology, you’ll find friendly conversations and plenty of inspiration.
Expect:

Good coffee
Interesting technical conversations
People sharing projects and ideas
Occasional spontaneous whiteboard sessions

Drop in anytime during the meetup window.
Stay for 10 minutes or the whole time.
If you’ve been looking for a low-key way to meet other developers in the area, this is it.

AI Essentials: 2026 Business Innovation Conference
2026-03-19 09:00 - 12:00 (Africa/Abidjan) | The Ambassador Club of Portsmouth, 364 Peninsula Avenue, Portsmouth, VA 23704, Portsmouth, VA, 23704, US
Dive into AI Essentials ’26 and spark your biz innovation with trends, talks, and real-world hacks!

AI Essentials: 2026 Business Innovation Conference
Get ready to dive into the future of business with AI at this must-attend in-person event! Connect with industry leaders, explore cutting-edge tech, and discover how AI can transform your business strategies. Whether you’re a startup or a seasoned pro, AI Essentials is your ticket to innovation. Don’t miss out on the chance to innovate, learn, and network—all under one roof!

YELLOW Bright Sparks: Rooted + Radiant: Women Creating, Healing, and Leading
2026-03-18 22:30 - 2026-03-19 00:30 UTC | 400 Granby St, Norfolk, VA, United States
Join us as YELLOW offers an insightful discussion honoring Women’s History Month, followed by a mix + mingle with small bites. Guest speakers include Natalia Ramos (General Manager; Selden Market), Rihana Hollins (Massage Therapist/Bodywork Practitioner; Blue Aura Wellness), and Nikki Leone (Artist)! Doors open at 5:45 pm for networking, and the conversation starts at 6:30 pm. This conversation is powered by YELLOW, a 501(c)(3) non-profit founded by Pharrell Williams. – https://airtable.com/app7YLXwLUp3l4ejL/shrcqvUnRcX6NOAKj

Connect Coastal Virginia's Sip&Socialize Business Networking
2026-03-18 17:00 - 19:00 (Africa/Abidjan) | Jimmy G’s Chop House & Bistro Bar, 3333 Virginia Beach Boulevard #UNIT 17, Virginia Beach, VA 23452, Virginia Beach, VA, 23452, US
Join Connect Coastal Virginia for our Sip & Socialize Networking Event where GovCon leaders, tech innovators and creative minds meet!

Get Toasted: Build Your Own Toast Bar
2026-03-18 13:00 - 15:00 UTC | 400 Granby St, Norfolk, VA, United States
Make an Assembly line… to the toaster! We’re serving up homemade sourdough and a spread of sweet and savory toppings so you can build your perfect slice while connecting with fellow members. Drop in, grab a plate, top your toast, spark a conversation, and kick off your day with a little extra flavor and community.

Get Toasted: Build Your Own Toast Bar
2026-03-18 13:00 - 15:00 UTC | 400 Granby St, Norfolk, VA, United States
Make an Assembly line… to the toaster! We’re serving up homemade sourdough and a spread of sweet and savory toppings so you can build your perfect slice while connecting with fellow members. Drop in, grab a plate, top your toast, spark a conversation, and kick off your day with a little extra flavor and a lot of community.

Scale Without Hiring: How Solopreneurs and Small Teams Can Use Ai to Grow
2026-03-17 14:00 - 16:00 (Africa/Abidjan) | 200 High Street Suite 201, Portsmouth, VA, USA, 200 High Street #Suite 201, Portsmouth, VA 23704, Portsmouth, VA, 23704, US
Discover how solopreneurs and small teams can boost growth with Ai—no extra hires needed!

Scale Without Hiring: How Solopreneurs and Small Teams Can Use Ai to Grow (Virtual & In-Person)

In this practical 2-hour session, business owners will learn how to use Ai tools to save time, streamline operations, and scale without increasing overhead. This is not a technical or theory-heavy presentation. Instead, participants will see a live demonstration of how Ai can help generate marketing content, organize workflows, improve client communication, and create simple systems that support growth.
This session is designed specifically for solopreneurs and small business owners who want practical, real-world applications they can implement immediately.
Participants will leave with:• A clear understanding of what Ai actually is (and isn’t)• A live demonstration of Ai in action for business growth• Practical prompts and use cases they can begin using right away
The goal is to reduce overwhelm and increase confidence so local business owners can use Ai as a tool for economic growth and operational efficiency.

Women in Business Monthly Coffee Meetup
2026-03-13 08:00 - 10:00 (America/New_York) | Astraea Coffee, 2437 N Landing Rd, Virginia Beach, Virginia
Join us at Astraea Coffee! The event is open to the public and no registration is required.
(The link provided goes to a Contact Form to subscribe for event updates.)

Assembly Office Hours: A Progressive Tapas Party
2026-03-12 20:00 - 23:00 UTC | 400 Granby St, Norfolk, VA, United States
Step out of your usual routine and into a night made for adventure! This isn’t your typical office hours—we’ll start in the living room, and each stop along our journey will feature a tenant paired with small bites, vibrant conversation, and refreshing drinks. This progressive tapas party offers an opportunity to connect with fellow members, explore different spaces, and enjoy a curated culinary journey. Open to tenants and members + one guest. Please RSVP in the community portal. – https://community.assemblynfk.com/en/events/view/1415664695/assembly-office-hours-a-progressive-tapas-party

Peninsula Developer Happy Hour
2026-03-12 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Halifax) | Nest Kitchen & Taphouse, 1003 Brick Kiln Blvd, Newport News, VA, 23602, US
This is social event, for you to chat about technology or network with other professionals

Elevate: What Does it Take to Grow a Nonprofit
2026-03-12 16:00 - 18:00 (America/New_York) | Assembly, 400 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA 23510, Norfolk, VA, 23510, US
Nonprofit founders & exec directors—let’s talk about what it takes to grow. Come meet the Plywood People team, connect with other leaders, and learn more about the new Impact Leader Hampton Roads program. Whether you want to apply, help spread the word or just curious, we’d love to see you.

Borrowing for Small Businesses Lunch 'n Learn
2026-03-12 12:00 - 13:00 (Africa/Abidjan) | The IncuHub – Hampton: Mailboxes, Desks, Offices, Business Suites, 101 Eaton Street, Hampton, VA 23669, Hampton, VA, 23669, US
Enjoy a FREE lunch and participate in a workshop on effective borrowing strategies for small businesses

In this free workshop presented by Truist Vice President Mara Bostelman, you’ll learn the whys and hows of borrowing for small businesses that can set you and your business up for success

Da Art of Storytellin': Chapter 3
2026-03-11 23:00 - 2026-03-12 02:00 UTC | 400 Granby St, Norfolk, VA, United States
Come out for the third installment in an immersive series exploring the journey behind how art is created across mediums through powerful, personal storytelling. This session will take you behind the scenes of photography and videography, focusing on the instincts, experiences, and perspective of the person behind the camera. Through an interactive conversation with visual creatives, attendees explore how identity, environment, and emotion shape the stories we see — and the moments we don’t, hosted by Big Ph!sh and SoDope. – https://posh.vip/e/da-art-of-storytellin-chapter-3

SEO & Social Selling Webinar
2026-03-11 10:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | Virtual
Promotional Video HERE
Overview of the Live Webinar
The following will be covered during this live webinar:

Power of SEO and social media for attracting customers, including local SEO to precisely target your market.
Website optimization for lead generation. How personas, message maps, and content calendars help to make your website and social media footprint more attractive when integrated.
Social selling as an amplifier of your existing sales and marketing strategy. Learn to build an omni channel presence and customer journey for faster wins.
What your digital channel strategy needs, to be effective in terms of content, technology and investment.
How to effectively use paid media and advertising. Cost savings of optimizing your website and SEO to maximize paid media spend and ROI.

Speaker: Hussain Shah, Subject Matter Expert – Digital Marketing, Mason SBDC & Timm Johnson – Director, Mason SBDC
Learn more at the link provided.

Lunch & Learn: AI & The Future of Workforce Development
2026-03-10 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | Virtual
The Virginia Tech Newport News Center will offer Virtual Quarterly Lunch & Learn Sessions in 2026! These sessions will be from noon-1 p.m. on Zoom and are free and open to the public.
AI & The Future Of Workforce Development led by Sarah Rodriguez, Associate Professor, Engineering Education at Virignia Tech. This Lunch & Learn explores how AI workforce development can better meet the needs of diverse learners, with a particular focus on the pivotal role higher education institutions play in opening doors to high‑demand technology fields. Grounded in research supported through a Microsoft AI Economy Institute Senior Fellowship, it examines emerging models such as micro-credentials, stackable certificates, and short‑cycle programs—alongside early evidence and student experiences—to show how institutions can build equitable on‑ramps to data, automation, and applied AI careers for a much broader population of learners.

Late Night Coders
2026-03-05 21:00 - 2026-03-06 00:00 (America/New_York) | Buffalo Wild Wings, 101 S Independence Blvd, Virginia Beach, VA, 23462, United States
Can’t sleep? Stay up all night coding? Or can’t make the usual meetups till the kids are in bed?
Late Night Coders is a meetup for the rest of us.
Let’s get together and share what we’re working on, co-work, or get help on any problems we’re running into. Some code challenge keeping you up? Bring it to us!
Anyone is welcome at any experience or sleep-deprivation level. Bring your laptop! Or just come hang out with cool people.

🧜‍♀️ AICHR | Build night
2026-03-05 18:30 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Assembly, 400 Granby St., Norfolk, VA, 23510, US
🏗️ A space to build. A place to belong.
Build Night is a casual, high-energy working session in downtown Norfolk designed for builders, founders, creatives, technologists, and the AI-curious.
No panels. No long talks.
Just real people, real projects, and real momentum.
Ted Patterson will be hosting and facilitating the evening, making introductions, helping people find collaborators, and creating space for meaningful conversations and hands-on building.
🔧 What you can do at Build Night

Work on your startup idea
Vibe code with others and get live feedback
Build AI agents, automations, or no-code tools
Refine your portfolio
Talk through a career pivot into AI

Whether you are actively shipping something or just exploring your next move, this is your room.
⏰ Arrival details (IMPORTANT)
Ted or someone on the AICHR team will be downstairs to welcome everyone.
Doors will be open and we will be receiving guests from 6 PM to 6:30 PM.
After 6:35 PM, latecomers may not be able to access the building, so please plan to arrive within that 30-minute window.
Public parking is free for two hours, which makes it easy to drop in, plug in, and get to work.
Who this is for

Builders who want community while they create
Professionals exploring AI and automation
Students building their first portfolio pieces
Founders looking for feedback

You do not need to be an expert.
You just need to show up ready to build.
ℹ️ Other bits of info & FAQs

This is a free community event
Drinks or food are available for purchase depending on the venue
Photos or videos may be taken for community and marketing purposes
Come solo or bring a friend
​​​Is there free parking in the area? Yes. Parking is available along E. Main St and in downtown Norfolk for free after 6pm. If street parking isn’t available, parking will also be available at the Waterside garage and Fountain garages. To learn more, head on over to Downtown Norfolk’s parking & transportation page → https://www.downtownnorfolk.org/business/parking-and-transportation
​What the closest free parking garage to the event?
[NORFOLK/ASSEMBLY]
The Freemason Street Garage
​​​Will anything else be provided?
Some light snacks & drinks may be provided by AICHR
Yes, but space is limited. Make sure to RSVP.

​
🤝 Organizers & partners
​
Organizers
The AI Collective Hampton Roads
​Platinum partners
TechArk
Regent University
ECPI University
Hampton Roads Chamber Foundation
Bronze partners
Assembly
757 Collab
🌍 ​Our parent org
The AI Collective is a global non-profit community uniting 150,000+ pioneers – founders, researchers, operators, and investors – exploring the frontier of AI in major tech hubs worldwide. Through events, workshops, and community-led research, we empower the AI ecosystem to collaboratively steer AI’s future toward trust, openness, and human flourishing.
All attendees and organizers at events affiliated with The AI Collective agree to our privacy policy and are subject to our code of conduct. Additionally, by registering for this event, you agree to The AI Collective Hampton Roads chapter photo & video policy.

Breaking Down Barriers in Tech Employment
2026-03-05 17:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Rivers Casino Portsmouth, 3630 Victory Blvd, Portsmouth, VA, 23701, United States
Attendees will leave with a clear understanding of both the opportunities and the obstacles in Hampton Roads’ tech landscape—recognizing that while pathways into tech are often perceived as gated behind degrees, years of experience, or security clearances, there are increasingly valid alternatives that reduce those barriers. They’ll learn how certifications, apprenticeships, transferable skills (including military experience), and structured support programs can open doors that traditional hiring practices may have previously closed. The event will also emphasize the importance of networking and relationship-building as tools to bypass rigid application filters, while highlighting real success stories that demonstrate how individuals have overcome these challenges and transitioned into meaningful tech careers. Ultimately, attendees will leave feeling empowered with actionable knowledge and the reassurance that the region is actively working to remove systemic barriers and create a more inclusive, accessible tech community.
Breaking Down Barriers in Tech Employment brings together business leaders, hiring managers, technologists, and community advocates for a powerful evening centered on expanding access, opportunity, and diversity in the tech workforce.
The event features:

A professional networking hour with drinks and hors d’oeuvres
Action-focused dialogue around inclusion, recruitment, and workforce development
A moderated panel discussion featuring regional tech and economic development leaders including:

Panelists:

Shawn Avery, President & CEO, Hampton Roads Workforce Council
Johnny Garcia, Ph.D. Chief Executive Officer, SimIS, Inc.
Kasia Grzelkowski, President & CEO, VersAbility Resources

Moderator:

Blair Durham, Co-Founder/CEO, Black BRAND

Emcee

Francesca Garcia Moncion, Board Member, Hispanic Chamber of Coastal Virginia

Attire: Business attire is recommended

SBA Loan Programs: Up to $5 million Available for Small Businesses
2026-03-05 12:00 - 13:30 (America/New_York) | Virtual
Small Business Administration loans can be used for a wide variety of needs including working capital, purchases of inventory and equipment, refinancing business debt, buying a business, and the purchase or construction of owner-occupied commercial real estate.
During this webinar, we will discuss the three main SBA Loan Programs – 7(a), 504 and Microloans. You will receive guidance on….

what to do before approaching a lender
what the SBA application process looks like
how to find SBA lenders

This event is part of Capital Pathways, a no-cost program from the Virginia SBDC that helps small businesses get the funding they need to grow. The program is designed for very small (fewer than 10 employees), emerging, and growth-ready businesses that face challenges accessing traditional financing. It offers hands-on group learning, guided implementation, and extended one-on-one support focused on strengthening your finances, loan applications, and legal setup.
Register now to save your spot!
A confirmation email with the Zoom login information will be sent after registration – a day before before the event – please be on the lookout for it.

Expanding Black Male Authenticity & Creativity by I SEE YOU BRO
2026-03-05 00:00 - 02:00 UTC | 400 Granby St, Norfolk, VA, United States
Come out for candid conversations and real talk — it’s more than just a round table, it’s a community coming together to share. This month, they’ll be discussing expanding black male authenticity & creativity led by Dr. O’Shan D. Gadsden, Applied Psychologist & Author. – https://www.eventbrite.com/e/i-see-you-bro-presents-the-lab-tickets-1623373215989?aff=erelexpmlt

Newport News Business Growth Summit
2026-03-04 08:30 - 16:00 (Africa/Abidjan) | Downing-Gross Cultural Arts Center, 2410 Wickham Avenue, Newport News, VA 23607, Newport News, VA, 23607, US
Join us at the Newport News Business Growth Summit to connect, learn, grow and compete.

Join Us at the Newport News Business Growth Summit!
Ready to boost your business? Come to the Newport News Business Growth Summit, an in-person event where entrepreneurs and professionals connect, learn, and grow together. Network with local experts, discover new strategies, and get inspired to take your business to the next level.
The comprehensive one-day conference combines five critical business development topics:
Doing Business with the City of Newport News provides direct access to City procurement officials and upcoming contracting opportunities, with simplified guidance on becoming a registered vendor.
Breaking Barriers: Government Contractor to Corporate Powerhouse offers a panelist-led workshop designed to equip small business owners with the strategies, connections, and confidence to successfully diversify beyond government contracting into lucrative corporate and commercial markets.
Financing Your Growth brings together banking, SBA, and capital experts to address the cash flow and financing challenges that limit business expansion.
Writing Winning Proposals, an exclusive masterclass, reveals the critical differences between government and corporate proposal strategies.
SWaM Certification can help your business grow. Learn more about SWaM Certification and get across the finish line by getting hands-on assistance with submitting your application! Registration is separate and on the SBSD Eventbrite page.

Information Session – https://www.eventbrite.com/e/swam-certification-application-info-session-tickets-1981195568277?aff=oddtdtcreator
Hands-on Application Session (20 seats only) – https://www.eventbrite.com/e/swam-certification-hands-on-application-assistance-tickets-1981187763934?aff=oddtdtcreator

Don’t miss out on this chance to make valuable contacts and gain fresh insights!

Newport News Business Growth Summit
2026-03-04 08:30 - 16:00 (Africa/Abidjan) | Downing-Gross Cultural Arts Center, 2410 Wickham Avenue, Newport News, VA 23607, Newport News, VA, 23607, US
One-Day Event Offers Complete Roadmap from City Contracts to Corporate Markets. Your government and corporate expansion journey starts here!

Join Us at the Newport News Business Growth Summit!
Ready to boost your business? Come to the Newport News Business Growth Summit, an in-person event where entrepreneurs and professionals connect, learn, and grow together. Network with local experts, discover new strategies, and get inspired to take your business to the next level.
The comprehensive one-day conference combines five critical business development topics:
Doing Business with the City of Newport News provides direct access to City procurement officials and upcoming contracting opportunities, with simplified guidance on becoming a registered vendor.
Breaking Barriers: Government Contractor to Corporate Powerhouse offers a panelist-led workshop designed to equip small business owners with the strategies, connections, and confidence to successfully diversify beyond government contracting into lucrative corporate and commercial markets.
Financing Your Growth brings together banking, SBA, and capital experts to address the cash flow and financing challenges that limit business expansion.
Writing Winning Proposals, an exclusive masterclass, reveals the critical differences between government and corporate proposal strategies.
SWaM Certification can help your business grow. Learn more about SWaM Certification and get across the finish line by getting hands-on assistance with submitting your application! Registration is separate and on the SBSD Eventbrite page.

Information Session – https://www.eventbrite.com/e/swam-certification-application-info-session-tickets-1981195568277?aff=oddtdtcreator
Hands-on Application Session (20 seats only) – https://www.eventbrite.com/e/swam-certification-hands-on-application-assistance-tickets-1981187763934?aff=oddtdtcreator

Don’t miss out on this chance to make valuable contacts and gain fresh insights!

Soar Sessions: She Leads; The Power of Mentorship
2026-03-03 22:30 - 23:30 UTC | 400 Granby St, Norfolk, VA, United States
Women will explore the transformative power of mentorship — both as mentors and mentees. She Leads creates space for authentic conversation, connection, and clarity around how women can lift as they climb, share wisdom across generations, and create pathways for personal and professional growth. – https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1980343123592?aff=oddtdtcreator

EDA Small Business Grant & Loan Information Session (Virtual & In-Person)
2026-03-03 13:00 - 15:00 (Africa/Abidjan) | 200 High Street Suite 201, Portsmouth, VA, USA, 200 High Street #Suite 201, Portsmouth, VA 23704, Portsmouth, VA, 23704, US
Get ready for the EDA Small Business Grant & Loan Information Session where we’ll help you grow your business with funding opportunities.

EDA Small Business Investment Grants Information Session (In-Person & Virtual)
Join us for an exciting event aimed at helping small businesses thrive! The EDA Small Business Grant & Loan Information Session is a fantastic opportunity for entrepreneurs like you to take your business to the next level. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to expand, this event is packed with valuable insights and resources to fuel your success.
Date: Tuesday,March 3, 2026
Time: 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Location: 200 High Street, Suite 201, Portsmouth, VA
At this in-person and virtual event, you’ll have the chance to learn about the application requirements and the allowable use of funds for the EDA Small Business Investment Grants & EDA Small Business Revolving Loan Fund. Representatives from the City of Portsmouth Economic Development, the Zoning Department, the Permit Department and the Commissioner of the Revenue will provide details on how to apply for a license, zoning ordinances, and educate you on permit requirements for the grant application. Bridging Virginia will provide details about the loan application qualifications and process.
Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to learn, grow, and secure the grant funding you need to succeed. Register now to secure your spot at the Small Business Grant & Loan Information Session!

SEAL Tank - Ask Me Anything Q&A Session
2026-03-02 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | 448 Viking Dr suite 300, 448 Viking Drive #suite 300, Virginia Beach, VA 23452, Virginia Beach, VA, 23452, US
The inaugural SEAL Tank Incubator / Accelerator Cohort, presented by Neptune SHIELD and Mid-Atlantic Tech Bridge, starts this spring with applications being accepted through March 8th!
This mission-driven incubator forges disciplined founders into competitive GovCon businesses.
• Strategically focused
• Immersive and effective
• Real accountability
• Expert guidance
Crafted for:
• Transitioning and established GovCon professionals
• Small business owners ready t o compete and collaborate
• Founders who operate with ownership and precision
Learn more about the program and register for their Ask Me Anything Q&A Session at the link provided.
Submit advance questions at: Events@NeptuneSHIELD.com

Investor Updates: The Key to Building Trust and Securing Future Funds
2026-02-27 12:00 - 13:00 (Africa/Abidjan) | REaKTOR, 1100 Exploration Way Room 315, Hampton, VA 23666, Hampton, VA, 23666, US
Practical strategies to craft updates, strengthen relationships, and boost your odds of future funding with investors.

Join us for a focused 1-hour workshop on “Mastering Monthly Investor Updates: The Key to Building Trust and Securing Future Funding” with entrepreneurial ecosytem champion and angel investor, Tim Ryan, and founder of Where2Wheel, Brittany Peregoff.
Whether you’re a startup currently raising capital, preparing for your very first round, bootstrapped with no prior funding, or still at pre-seed stage, consistent monthly updates are one of the highest-leverage activities founders can do—even (and especially) before you have any investors on board. Regular communication helps you stay top-of-mind with potential backers, demonstrate execution and momentum over time (investors fund “lines, not dots”), build credibility through transparency, and dramatically increase your odds of closing funding—studies show companies that send regular updates are up to 3x more likely to secure follow-on or initial capital.

What You’ll Learn
In this practical session, you’ll learn why a monthly cadence matters at every stage, the essential elements of an effective update (highlights, key metrics, honest challenges, next steps, and clear asks), and proven templates and best practices used by top founders to engage current investors while warming up prospects for your next raise. Walk away with the tools to create the perfect investor update that strengthens relationships, attracts help and intros, and positions your startup for long-term fundraising success—no matter where you are on the journey. Perfect for founders who want to turn routine communication into a powerful advantage in raising capital!

Secure your spot! Seating is limited and lunch is included.

Hampton Roads DevFest 2026
2026-02-27 09:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | Zeiders American Dream Theater, 4509 Commerce Street, Virginia Beach, VA 23462, Virginia Beach, VA, 23462, US
Mark your calendar for Hampton Roads DevFest 2026! This unique gathering will once again spotlight local speakers, showcasing our community’s deep and diverse talent.Hampton Roads DevFest is more than a conference; it’s a tribute to our dynamic local developer community. It’s an ideal platform to highlight the exceptional places to work in the Hampton Roads area, emphasizing innovative technological strides. This event caters to everyone in the tech sphere, from seasoned developers and industry veterans to emerging talents and students.
–
Organized by RevolutionVA, a dedicated 501(c)(3) non-profit, our mission is to advance software development education throughout Virginia. Our passion for promoting learning and growth in technology is at the heart of DevFest.Take advantage of this unparalleled opportunity to network, learn from top industry professionals, and celebrate the remarkable achievements of our tech community. Whether you’re looking to sharpen your skills, explore new career pathways, or simply immerse yourself in a community of like-minded tech enthusiasts, Hampton Roads DevFest is your destination.Join us as we recognize and nurture the extraordinary tech talent that thrives in Hampton Roads. Let’s connect, discover, and grow together at Hampton Roads DevFest 2026!

🧜‍♀️ The AI Collective Hampton Roads | Connections & (grocery) carts
2026-02-26 18:30 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Wegmans Cafe, 4721 Virginia Beach Blvd, Virginia Beach, VA, 23462, US
Meet people and pick up your weekly groceries.
🤝 A casual networking hangout in the grocery store cafe
​Chats, connections, & grocery carts is a relaxed, social-first networking event for curious, friendly people across Hampton Roads who enjoy good conversation and knocking out life errands at the same time.
This is not a lecture.
This is not a pitch night.
And you definitely do not need to “prepare” anything.
It is simply a low-pressure space to meet new people, have real conversations, and casually connect while wandering the aisles and picking up your weekly groceries.
Whether you are deeply into AI and automation, adjacent to tech and creativity, or just someone who enjoys thoughtful conversations with interesting humans, you belong here.
✨ What to expect

​Casual, open networking with a mix of builders, creatives, technologists, founders, students, and professionals
​Easy, organic conversations while shopping at your own pace
​Light, optional conversation prompts to help break the ice if you want them
​No presentations, no panels, no pressure to “network correctly”
​A friendly, welcoming environment for all backgrounds and experience levels
​Come as you are. Grab a cart or a basket. Pick up dinner for the week. Meet a few new people along the way.

​👥 Who should attend
​Chats, connections, & grocery carts is for:

​People who enjoy meeting others without forced networking vibes
Builders, creatives, technologists, and curious minds
AI, automation, no-code, and tech-adjacent folks
Students and career switchers exploring what is next
Founders, consultants, operators, and professionals
Anyone who likes good conversation and low-stakes socializing
​If you enjoy thoughtful chats and meeting people in unexpected places, you will fit right in.

🏪 Why a grocery store

​You were probably going to the store anyway.
​Hosting this event in a grocery store keeps things human, practical, and approachable. It removes the pressure of traditional networking and turns it into something simple, efficient, and a little fun.
​Two errands. One cart.

💡 Why this event exists
​Community grows best in relaxed, everyday spaces.
Chats, Connections, & Grocery Carts exists to create an easy, human-centered way for people to connect without titles, talks, or expectations. It is about building relationships, sharing ideas naturally, and strengthening the local community one conversation at a time.
Come say hi. Leave with groceries. Make a few new connections along the way.
ℹ️ Other bits of info & FAQs

This is a free community event
Drinks or food are available for purchase depending on the venue
Photos or videos may be taken for community and marketing purposes
Come solo or bring a friend
​​​Is there free parking in the area? Yes. If you can’t snag a spot in their parking lot, feel free to park somewhere close by along a side street. There’s usually lots of space.
​​​Is this free?
Yes, but space is limited. Make sure to RSVP

🤝 Organizers & partners
​
Organizers
The AI Collective Hampton Roads
​Platinum partners
TechArk
Regent University
ECPI University
​Silver partners
TEKsystems
Assembly
​Space partner
757 Collab
The Hive by Virginia Beach
NSU Innovation Center
🌍 ​Our parent org
The AI Collective is a global non-profit community uniting 150,000+ pioneers – founders, researchers, operators, and investors – exploring the frontier of AI in major tech hubs worldwide. Through events, workshops, and community-led research, we empower the AI ecosystem to collaboratively steer AI’s future toward trust, openness, and human flourishing.
All attendees and organizers at events affiliated with The AI Collective agree to our privacy policy and are subject to our code of conduct. Additionally, by registering for this event, you agree to The AI Collective Hampton Roads chapter photo & video policy.

The AI Collective Hampton Roads | Connections & (grocery) carts
2026-02-26 18:30 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Wegmans, 4721 Virginia Beach Blvd, Virginia Beach, VA, United States
Meet people and pick up your weekly groceries.
A casual networking hangout in the grocery store cafe
​Chats, connections, & grocery carts is a relaxed, social-first networking event for curious, friendly people across Hampton Roads who enjoy good conversation and knocking out life errands at the same time.
This is not a lecture.
This is not a pitch night.
And you definitely do not need to “prepare” anything.
It is simply a low-pressure space to meet new people, have real conversations, and casually connect while wandering the aisles and picking up your weekly groceries.
Whether you are deeply into AI and automation, adjacent to tech and creativity, or just someone who enjoys thoughtful conversations with interesting humans, you belong here.
What to expect

​Casual, open networking with a mix of builders, creatives, technologists, founders, students, and professionals
​Easy, organic conversations while shopping at your own pace
​Light, optional conversation prompts to help break the ice if you want them
​No presentations, no panels, no pressure to “network correctly”
​A friendly, welcoming environment for all backgrounds and experience levels
​Come as you are. Grab a cart or a basket. Pick up dinner for the week. Meet a few new people along the way.

[More details on the event’s registration page]
