Innovate Hampton Roads

Automating Routine Tasks w/ AI | HR Chamber + AICHR
2026-08-25 09:00 - 10:30 (America/Halifax) | ECPI, 5555 Greenwich Road, Virginia Beach, VA, 23462, US
This is ticketed event! Purchase a ticket via the link down below to lock in your spot:
https://business.hrchamber.com/event-calendar/Details/automating-routine-tasks-with-ai-1852282?sourceTypeId=EmailInvitation
Artificial intelligence is quickly becoming a practical tool for reducing repetitive work, improving efficiency, and helping teams spend more time on higher-value responsibilities.
In this approachable, business-focused session, AI Collective Hampton Roads will explore how organizations can use today’s AI tools to support routine tasks across areas such as administration, communications, research, customer service, operations, documentation, and internal workflows.
Attendees will learn where automation can provide immediate value, see practical examples of how AI can support everyday work, and discuss important considerations for adopting these tools responsibly.
The session will also provide an opportunity to connect and network with other professionals, business owners, and organizational leaders who are exploring how AI can improve the way their teams operate.
No advanced technical experience is required.
Whether you are just beginning to explore AI or are already experimenting with automation, this session will help you identify realistic opportunities to apply these tools within your work.
Presented By:
The Hampton Roads Chamber + AI Collective Hampton Roads

The Network: Direct Employer Access (Norfolk)
2026-08-25 09:00 - 15:00, 2026-08-27 09:00 - 15:00, 2026-09-01 09:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | Hampton Roads Veterans Employment Center (HRVEC), 861 Glenrock Road #Suite 220, Norfolk, VA 23502, Norfolk, VA, 23502, US
Stop applying online. Start shaking hands. Bypass the resume "black hole." Meet vetted hiring managers who know what your clearance is worth

The Algorithm Can’t Hire You. We Can.
The Problem: You spend hours tailoring your resume. You submit it to an online portal. You wait. You hear nothing. The “Black Hole” of online applications is the enemy of a fast transition.
The Solution: The Network is your bypass. We cut the red tape and put you in the room with the people who actually sign the offer letters.
This isn’t a “job fair” where you collect brochures. This is a tactical access point to the 757’s most aggressive military-hiring companies. We have vetted every employer in the room. They aren’t here to tell you to “apply on the website”—they are here to find their next team leader.
Who Should Attend:
Transitioning Service Members: Who are tired of the waiting game.
Military Spouses: Looking for employers who understand the PCS lifestyle.
Veterans: Ready to level up from their current civilian role.
Your Rules of Engagement:
Bring Resumes if you have them BUT no biggie if you don’t.
Be Social: No stress, take your 30 seconds to tell them who you are. Make it count. Learn who they are and what they’re looking for. If it’s not you, how you can help.
The job market is all about who you know. Come know the right people.
If you have any additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact us:
Norfolk Front Desk: 757-807-0423
Email: militarycommunity@theworkforcecouncil.org
This event and the services provided herein at the Hampton Roads Veterans Employment Centers are funded through 25% or $199,576 through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act and 75% or $580,391 through nonfederal sources.

One-on-One Business Mentoring with SCORE
2026-08-25 10:00 - 12:00, 2026-09-01 10:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | The HIVE by City of Virginia Beach, 140 Independence Boulevard, Virginia Beach, VA 23462, Virginia Beach, VA, 23462, US
Need expert advice to grow your business?

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to scale, SCORE’s business mentors can help guide you through your next steps. Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are preferred to ensure you get the time and attention you need.

AUVSI Hampton Roads Quarterly Luncheon
2026-08-25 11:30 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | Christopher Newport University, 1 Avenue of the Arts, Newport News, VA 23606, Newport News, VA, 23606, US
Building Hampton Roads’ Advanced Aviation Ecosystem
Research | Talent | Simulation | Autonomous Systems

AUVSI Hampton Roads is pleased to hold its first luncheon at Christopher Newport University, hosted by Dr. Toni Riedl, with featured participation from the Virginia Institute for Spaceflight and Autonomy (VISA) at Old Dominion University.
The luncheon will highlight CNU’s Science and Engineering Research Center (SERC) and its growing role in engineering, robotics, autonomous systems, UAS-related research, and student talent development, along with ODU VISA’s work in modeling, simulation, autonomy, and operational validation.
The event will bring together leaders and stakeholders from academia, industry, government, and the unmanned systems community to discuss how Hampton Roads can continue building the talent, research, and technical foundation needed for future aviation and autonomous systems capabilities.
Confirmed Speakers

Dr. Toni Riedl, Associate Dean and inaugural Head of the School of Engineering and Computing, Christopher Newport University
Dr. Yiannis Papelis, Executive Director, Virginia Institute for Spaceflight and Autonomy, Old Dominion University

Work From Downtown: Free Coworking Day
2026-08-25 13:00 - 17:00 UTC | 400 Granby St, Norfolk, VA 23510
Unlock a new level of productivity! Join Downtown Norfolk Council for a free day of coworking at Assembly. Ditch the home office, escape the boring cubicle, and plug into a vibrant community of local creatives, innovators, and entrepreneurs. Expand your network, soak in the creative energy, and transform how you work for the day. Space is limited; RSVP to reserve your spot! – https://www.eventbrite.com/e/work-from-downtown-co-working-day-tickets-1993687107808?aff=oddtdtcreator

Find Your Customer. Grow Your Sales.
2026-08-25 18:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | The HIVE by City of Virginia Beach, 140 Independence Boulevard, Virginia Beach, VA 23462, Virginia Beach, VA, 23462, US
Stop marketing to everyone. Start selling to the people who will actually buy.

Do you feel like you’re working hard but not growing? The problem often isn’t your product or service — it’s that you’re trying to reach everyone instead of focusing on the customers most likely to buy, stay, and refer others.
In this practical workshop, Paula Short will help you build a clear picture of your ideal customer, understand how they think and buy, and align your message, your offer, and your sales approach around them. You’ll leave with a sharper focus on who your business should be targeting — and a practical plan for reaching them, converting them, and turning them into loyal repeat customers.

HERO Wednesday: The Resource War Room (PENINSULA)
2026-08-26 09:00 - 15:00, 2026-09-02 09:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | Hampton Roads Veterans Employment Center (HRVEC), 600 Thimble Shoals Boulevard #210, Newport News, VA 23606, Newport News, VA, 23606, US
Housing/Healthcare/Education/DoD Skillbridge. No red tape. Direct access to the experts you need in one room.

One room. Every resource.
Connect directly with Housing, Healthcare & DoD Skillbridge/Education providers. Cut through the noise and get solutions.

HERO Wednesday: The Resource War Room (Norfolk)
2026-08-26 09:00 - 15:00, 2026-09-02 09:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | Hampton Roads Veterans Employment Center (HRVEC), 861 Glenrock Road #Suite 220, Norfolk, VA 23502, Norfolk, VA, 23502, US
Stop navigating alone. Get direct intel on Housing, Healthcare & Education/DoD Skillbridge. Skip the waitlists. The 757’s best resources.

Housing. Healthcare. Education/DoD Skillbridge. Zero red tape. Direct access to the experts you need in one room. Secure your family’s logistics now.

Business Finance Basics
2026-08-26 10:00 - 11:30 (America/New_York) | The HIVE by City of Virginia Beach, 140 Independence Boulevard, Virginia Beach, VA 23462, Virginia Beach, VA, 23462, US
This financial workshop is presented by Vice President and Financial Inclusion Leader Mara Bostelman of Truist Bank.

This interactive session will help show you how to build, manage, and protect your business for years to come.

In this course, you’ll learn key elements of business finance basics to manage your cash flow, explore ways to expand your business, and understanding insurance for your business.

We’ll also provide valuable take-away resources to help you and your business.
Agenda:

Manage Cash Flow
Expand Your Business
Protect Your Business

Funding Opportunities for the 5 Stages of Business
2026-08-27 12:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | Ruppert Sargent Building, 1 Franklin Street, Hampton, VA 23669, Hampton, VA, 23669, US
From startup to scale, learn how to attract funding, prepare your business, and access the capital you need to grow.

Explore the funding opportunities available at each stage of business growth, from startup to scale. This practical workshop will help entrepreneurs understand what different funders look for, the business model and financial readiness needed at each stage, and how tools such as pitch decks, data rooms, investor updates, and term sheets support the funding process. Participants will also learn strategies for financing their ventures and leveraging the entrepreneurial ecosystem to access capital, resources, and relationships.

Leadership, Influence & Personal Branding Lunch & Learn
2026-08-27 12:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | The HIVE by City of Virginia Beach, 140 Independence Boulevard, Virginia Beach, VA 23462, Virginia Beach, VA, 23462, US
Learn leadership principles that build trust, influence, and create a personal brand that's distinct and memorable.

In Partnership with The HIVE, Virginia Beach Economic Development, and Open Door Media Solutions, join us over Lunch for this FREE Leadership & Personal Branding Master Class!
It is nearly impossible to build a business without people. As a business owner, it is essential to develop Leadership Skills that motivate employees, vendors, and clients to do business with you. Trusted Brands rely on leaders they can trust to organize others to deliver reliable, high-quality services. That said, your Brand should embody the reasons why people want to do business with you.
During this session, we’ll discuss Leadership principles that build trust, influence, and a memorable and distinctive Personal Brand.
In this session, we will discuss:

Crafting an authentic Personal Brand
Identifying and appealing to your ideal clients
Strategies to expand your Influence
Trust-building principles
Becoming self-aware
Leadership assessments
Insights from fellow business owners

Attendees will get an opportunity to get a professional headshot!
Photo shoots will be first come, first served. When you arrive on the day of the event, see the sign-up sheet to book an available time slot between 1:40 and 2:40.
Limited slots available. Come camera-ready!
Who will get the most from this event?
If you are in a profession that requires high levels of trust, this workshop is for you. Clients faced with big decisions often select the most trustworthy option. Join us to learn how to stand out in ways that matter the most.
General Disclaimer
This presentation is provided for educational and informational purposes only. The strategies, opinions, and examples shared are intended to help you think critically about leadership, personal branding, and professional development. They should not be considered legal, financial, employment, or psychological advice. Every individual and organization is unique, and you should use your own judgment or consult an appropriate professional before making significant decisions based on this material.
Any examples, case studies, or projected outcomes are illustrative only. Results vary based on individual circumstances, market conditions, effort, and many other factors. No guarantee of specific business or career outcomes is expressed or implied.

ODMS Past Clients

ODMS Creative Portfolio

Testimonials

Master Financial Clarity by Bri Smith
2026-08-27 15:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | The HIVE by City of Virginia Beach, 140 Independence Boulevard, Virginia Beach, VA 23462, Virginia Beach, VA, 23462, US
Growing a business starts with understanding your finances.

This workshop is designed for entrepreneurs who want greater confidence in managing their business finances and making strategic decisions. Bri Smith, CPA will walk through practical financial concepts that help business owners improve cash flow, reduce financial stress, prepare for taxes, and build a stronger financial foundation.

You’ll learn:
•How to gain clarity over your business finances
•Cash flow management fundamentals
•Financial habits that support long-term growth
•Preparing your business for tax planning and financing
•Creating a stronger financial foundation

Pop-up Meetup: ARE We F*cked? An Anti-AI-Doomer's Perspective
2026-08-27 18:00 - 21:00 (America/Halifax) | The HIVE by City of Virginia Beach, 140 Independence Blvd, Virginia Beach, VA, 23462, US
Join us for our new Pop-up Meetups series, featuring great speakers from around Hampton Roads. If you loved Hampton Roads DevFest, these meetups are for deeper conversation, building on ideas, and seeing how you can be a better professional.
ARE We F*cked? An Anti-AI-Doomer’s Perspective
Feeling lost, irrelevant, and just a bit AI-gitated when it comes to your work in the world of AI?
Never fear! The reality is less scary than the existential crisis we all went through 6 months ago.
This talk isn’t about YOLOing it and shipping all the AI slop.
This talk is for the rest of us, the people who still have to get real work done on Monday and want to help their fellow humans. We’ll figure out where AI earns its keep, where it wastes your time, and where you are still the best tool in the room.
You’ll walk away with:

A clear understanding of when to reach for AI versus your awesome human self.
A starting list of which AI tools to use for each job.
A sense of relief and clarity on what to do next.

Bring: curiosity, questions, and a friend.
📍 The Hive, Virginia Beach
🕕 Wed, Aug 27 · 6:00 PM
Food and drinks will be provided.

🧜‍♀️ AICHR | Build and Demo Night (with prizes)
2026-08-27 18:30 - 20:30 (America/Halifax) | Wegmans Cafe, 4721 Virginia Beach Blvd, Virginia Beach, VA, 23462, US
🚀 Build & Demo Night — Where Hampton Roads Ships Real AI
Something’s building here. Every Month, the AI Collective turns into a working garage: laptops open, ideas flying, and real projects taking shape in the room. This isn’t a lecture or a watch-along. It’s a build night.
Here’s how it works
Come with an idea, a half-finished project, or just curiosity. Spend the night building — solo or on a team. Then we demo. Show what you made, get real feedback, and see what everyone else is shipping. Working demos beat perfect slides, every time.
Andrew and a crew of experienced devs will be in the room the whole night — to pair up, debug with you, talk architecture, or help you scope something you can actually finish by the end of the session. Stuck? We’ll get you unstuck. Just want to talk through an idea? That’s what we’re here for.
👇 But here’s the bigger picture
These nights aren’t the finish line — they’re the on-ramp.

🔧 Build & Demo Night → sharpen your skills, form teams, and get a project off the ground.
⚡ Hackathons → take those teams and projects into focused sprint competitions and ship something real in 24–48 hours.
🏆 Regional & National Stages → the strongest projects go on to compete at events like the Startup World Cup (global pitch competition, $1M grand prize) and SCSP’s AI hackathons ($50K+ prize pools, frontier-AI & national-competitiveness focus) — and whatever comes next.

Local reps → competitive teams → a shot at the biggest stages in tech. The people who show up to build on a random weeknight are the same people who’ll be repping Hampton Roads at a national final. That path starts here.
Who should come

Developers who want to build more, and build faster
Founders & entrepreneurs with an idea to prototype
Designers, PMs, and “non-technical” folks who want to team up with builders
Anyone AI-curious who learns best by doing

You don’t need to be an expert. You don’t need a team. You don’t even need an idea — plenty of projects need hands, and plenty of builders are looking for teammates.
Bring: a laptop, a charger, and something you want to make real.
Come build. Demo something. Then let’s take it to the world stage. 🌎
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. They’ve got lots of spots available in their parking lot.
​​​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
Hampton Roads Chamber Foundation
Retail Alliance & Retail Alliance Foundation
The HIVE + City of Virginia Beach
Bronze partners
Assembly
757 Collab
🌍 ​Our parent org
The AI Collective is a global non-profit community uniting 1 million+ 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.

AIA CoVA Pecha Kucha Night
2026-08-27 21:00 - 2026-08-28 01:00 UTC | 400 Granby St, Norfolk, VA 23510
Discover a rapid-fire evening of brilliant ideas at PKN Night. Hosted by AIA CoVA, this high-energy event features passionate speakers sharing exactly 20 slides for 20 seconds each. The pace is designed to spark inspiration and open conversation. Free for AIA CoVA members and $25 for non-members. Purchase tickets via the host link. Assembly tenants & members, check the community portal for a special discount. – https://aiahr.starchapter.com/meetinginfo.php?id=542&ts=1783292941

S.H.E. Talks August 2026 Fireside Chat with Adia Thompson White
2026-08-28 10:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | Lovegodesss Women’s Studio, 116 South Independence Boulevard, Virginia Beach, VA 23462, Virginia Beach, VA, 23462, US
Join us for our 8th S.H.E. Talks Fireside Chat of 2026! Our speaker is Adia Thompson White, Speaker & Coach with Thrive with Adia

Join us for our Monthly Event Series where we chat in person with our 2024 & 2025 S.H.E. Talks Alumni and get more in depth on their topics.
Our 19th SHE Talks👄Fireside Chat speaker is the Amazing Adia Thompson White with Thrive with Adia. She will be speaking and answering questions afterwards. This is a relaxed, more intimate setting. There will be coffee, tea & other refreshments. We will also have welcome bags as well as a Door Prize! Don’t miss it! We are starting a bit earlier at 10am so that we can mingle longer, and add a few more vendors. Our intros & speaker still starts promptly at 11am! No worries if you can’t arrive until 10:30.
👄WHERE: We will be at Love Godesss Women’s Studio near Town Center VB (2 doors down from Mission BBQ) Lots of FREE Easy Parking!
👄WHEN: FRIDAY 8/28/26 from 10:00am to 12:00 pm. Arrive anytime until 10:30am.
👄COST: This is only $10 per person and FREE for HRNG Paid Members. Seating is Limited so Please Get your Ticket ASAP on EventBrite. This includes Paid Members.
👄(1) Sponsor this Event: Be our VIP Event Sponsor- For only $150 -Get lots of Advertising on Social Media as well as via email and at the event! Put your items in a Welcome Bag that each attendee will get, Bring a retractable banner, speak for 2 minutes at the event, and have a table (optional). We will also place your logo on our website leading up to the event.
👄(2) Large Vendor Tables are Available in the Main Room for only $50 each! Give out your samples and you can also sell your product. You will get 1 minute to speak to attendees about your product. Plus, put your items in the welcome bag. Please check availability on tickets.
👄(3) Podcast Room/Small Vendor Tables are Available for only $25 each! Give out your samples and info and also talk to attendees. Use a small table and couch or bring your own 4 or 6 foot table. Please check availability on tickets.
We hope to see you there! It is such a fun time.Please Register on EventBrite.
(due to the nature and dialogue of these converstations, these events 21 and over unless you don’t have a babysitter :0) )

RESONATE → A 757 music, art, tech, business, & community collision
2026-08-28 18:00 - 22:00 (America/Halifax) | Assembly, 400 Granby St., Norfolk, VA, 23510, US
RESONATE IS COMING FOR YOUR TIMELINE 🌀
Norfolk / Assembly / Aug 28th / 6-10PM
We’re talking Grammy award winners on the panel (yeah, Mike Millions and J Bray pulled up), live sets from Shaolinn, Gee Litt, and CMRNPRKR, plus a keynote from Nicky Saunders who built a following from 300k to 2 million and is spilling the actual playbook.
This isn’t a corporate tech panel with sad coffee and a slideshow. This is where art, music, AI, and the future of creative work collide in one room. Workshops on business, tech, culture.
Real talk on protecting your art in the AI era. And yes, there’s a spot on stage for you too if you’ve got something to say.
757, this one’s for us. Where local creativity meets the future.
Tickets, schedule, everything you need: https://resonate757.com
﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌
FULL LINEUP
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Nicky Saunders (Art / Tech)
Navy veteran, podcaster, and entrepreneur who runs a marketing agency. Known for growing an online community from 300,000 to 2 million followers, Nicky shares insight on how small businesses and entrepreneurs can grow their digital presence authentically. She emphasizes consistency, which she says is what the algorithm rewards and what wins over users.
GRAMMY AWARD WINNER PANEL
Mike Millions (Music)
J Bray (Music)
PERFORMANCES
Shaolinn
Gee Litt
CMRNPRKR
LEVEL UP & LEARN — Talks, Workshops, & Activations
Brian “Biggs” Booth (Business)
Jay Findlay (Business)
Selmir (Culture)
Lionel Sapp (Tech)
Elaine (Culture)
Chris Toon (Tech)
Ahn Do (Art)
Brian Owens (Business)
Ted Patterson (Tech)
Plus open slots on the board for YOU — because the lineup isn’t locked, and there’s still room for the right voice.
WE’RE CALLING ON THE 757
Got something to say or show off?
We’re looking for speakers ready to bring a 30-45 minute talk, whether that’s music, art, tech, culture, business, law, ethics, or philosophy. Whatever lane you’re in, if you’ve got a take that belongs in the room, we want it on our stage.
Apply to speak or show off your work: https://forms.gle/KMJgUAXjgPTkGq539
Want to be part of making it happen?
We’re calling for volunteers to help bring Resonate to life. If you want in on the ground floor of something the 757 hasn’t seen before, this is your way in.
Apply to volunteer: https://forms.gle/SLoXVM3fLZs4SQwg6
Need a hand getting through the door?
Scholarship applications are open for anyone who wants to be in the room but needs support to make it happen.
Apply for a scholarship: https://forms.gle/ZWMySGGQkjD3XLZZA
Speakers, volunteers, scholarship applicants, and anyone who just wants the full details on tickets, schedule, and lineup updates: head to https://resonate757.com

RESONATE
2026-08-28 22:00 - 2026-08-29 02:00 UTC | 400 Granby St, Norfolk, VA 23510
Shape the future of creativity at Resonate, an immersive gathering where Hampton Roads artists and technologists collide. Navigate interactive zones across the building, from hands-on music tech demos and AI workshops to critical legal panels on protecting your art. Discover practical workflows, connect with top local culture-shapers, and celebrate at the rooftop closing party. Grab your ticket to secure your spot in this unmissable creative takeover. Assembly tenants & members, see the community portal for a special discount! – https://www.eventbrite.com/e/resonate-tickets-1997061256979

Norfolk.js: Home-Cooked Software: Building Personal Apps with Obsidian
2026-08-31 22:30 - 2026-09-01 00:00 UTC | 400 Granby St, Norfolk, VA 23510
Discover the freedom of “home-cooked software” with Norfolk.js and Chazona Baum at Assembly. Learn to build custom, local-first desktop apps—like time trackers or task boards—using just vanilla JS and plain markdown files in an Obsidian vault. Bring a laptop with Node.js and Obsidian installed, and leave with a working personal app. RSVP via the event link. – https://www.meetup.com/norfolkjs/events/315906118/?utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=announce_event&utm_source=link&utm_version=v2&member_id=183507571

The Network: Direct Employer Access (Newport News)
2026-09-01 09:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | Hampton Roads Veterans Employment Center (HRVEC), 600 Thimble Shoals #Suite 210, Newport News, VA 23693, Newport News, VA, 23693, US
Stop applying online. Start shaking hands. Bypass the resume "black hole." Meet vetted hiring managers who know what your clearance is worth

The Algorithm Can’t Hire You. We Can.
The Problem: You spend hours tailoring your resume. You submit it to an online portal. You wait. You hear nothing. The “Black Hole” of online applications is the enemy of a fast transition.
The Solution: The Network is your bypass. We cut the red tape and put you in the room with the people who actually sign the offer letters.
This isn’t a “job fair” where you collect brochures. This is a tactical access point to the 757’s most aggressive military-hiring companies. We have vetted every employer in the room. They aren’t here to tell you to “apply on the website”—they are here to find their next team leader.
Who Should Attend:
Transitioning Service Members: Who are tired of the waiting game.
Military Spouses: Looking for employers who understand the PCS lifestyle.
Veterans: Ready to level up from their current civilian role.
Your Rules of Engagement:
Bring Resumes if you have them BUT no biggie if you don’t.
Be Social: No stress, take your 30 seconds to tell them who you are. Make it count. Learn who they are and what they’re looking for. If it’s not you, how you can help.
The job market is all about who you know. Come know the right people.
If you have any additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact us:
Newport News Front Desk: 757-782-4531
Email: militarycommunity@theworkforcecouncil.org
This event and the services provided herein at the Hampton Roads Veterans Employment Centers are funded through 25% or $199,576 through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act and 75% or $580,391 through nonfederal sources.

Peninsula Developers Study Group
2026-09-01 18:00 - 19:30 (America/Halifax) | Christopher Newport University, 1 Avenue of the Arts, Newport News, VA, 23606, US
New AI tools are dropping every week. Bookmarks are piling up. “To-be-studied” lists are growing faster than we can keep up with.
Sound familiar?
Peninsula Developers Study Group is a local initiative for students and developers in the Peninsula area who want to stop meaning to learn and start actually doing it—together.
There’s no pressure to be an expert, and no bootcamp intensity. Just a consistent habit, a room full of curious people, and the accountability that comes from showing up.
How it works:
We meet every two weeks on Tuesdays from 6:00–7:30 PM at CNU. Sessions are a mix of focused study and group discussion.
Session details:
🕕 Study time: 6:05 PM – 7:05 PM
🤝 Networking time: 7:05 PM – 7:30 PM
📍 Location: Christopher Newport University (Luter 170)
🔁 Frequency: Bi-weekly (Tuesdays)
💬 Join Slack: Fill Google Form
Things to bring:

Laptop
Earphones/headphones

Roadmap (optional structure we’re following):

AI Fluency + Claude 101 (start here)
Building with the Claude API
Intro to MCP + MCP Advanced
Claude Code in Action + Coursera module
Practice questions + scenario walkthroughs
Anti-patterns review

Based on: “The Claude Certified Architect is Here!”
You are welcome to study on anything else too. The goal is the habit, not the syllabus.

Peninsula Builders Study Group
2026-09-01 18:00 - 19:30 (America/Halifax) | Christopher Newport University, 1 Avenue of the Arts, Newport News, VA, 23606, US
New AI tools are dropping every week. Bookmarks are piling up. “To-be-studied” lists are growing faster than we can keep up with.
Sound familiar?
Peninsula Builders Study Group is a local initiative for builders of the Peninsula area who want to stop meaning to learn and start actually doing it—together.
There’s no pressure to be an expert, and no bootcamp intensity. Just a consistent habit, a room full of curious people, and the accountability that comes from showing up.
How it works:
We meet every two weeks on Tuesdays from 6:00–7:30 PM at CNU. Sessions are a mix of focused study and group discussion.
Things to bring:

Laptop
Earphones/headphones

Session details:
🕕 Study time: 6:05 PM – 7:05 PM
🤝 Networking time: 7:05 PM – 7:30 PM
📍 Location: Christopher Newport University (Luter 170)
🔁 Frequency: Bi-weekly (Tuesdays)
💬 Join Slack: Fill Google Form
Directions:
Park in the visitor spots in front of Trible Library. From there, take the first right onto the brick path (on your right if you’re facing the library), walk past the Freeman Center, and take the first left. Luter 170 is in the rightmost wing of the Luter Hall building, you’ll see a sign on the door.
Roadmap (optional structure we’re following):

AI Fluency + Claude 101 (start here)
Building with the Claude API
Intro to MCP + MCP Advanced
Claude Code in Action + Coursera module
Practice questions + scenario walkthroughs
Anti-patterns review

Based on: “The Claude Certified Architect is Here!”
You are welcome to study on anything else too. The goal is the habit, not the syllabus.

🧜‍♀️ AICHR | Peninsula Builders Study Group
2026-09-01 18:00 - 19:30 (America/Halifax) | Christopher Newport University, 1 Avenue of the Arts, Newport News, VA, 23606, US
New AI tools are dropping every week. Bookmarks are piling up. “To-be-studied” lists are growing faster than we can keep up with.
Sound familiar?
Peninsula Builders Study Group is a local initiative for students and developers of the Peninsula area who want to stop meaning to learn and start actually doing it—together.
There’s no pressure to be an expert, and no bootcamp intensity. Just a consistent habit, a room full of curious people, and the accountability that comes from showing up.
How it works:
We meet every two weeks on Tuesdays from 6:00–7:30 PM at CNU. Sessions are a mix of focused study and group discussion.
Things to bring:

Laptop
Earphones/headphones

Session details:
🕕 Study time: 6:05 PM – 7:05 PM
🤝 Networking time: 7:05 PM – 7:30 PM
📍 Location: Christopher Newport University (Luter 170)
🔁 Frequency: Bi-weekly (Tuesdays)
💬 Join Slack: Fill Google Form
Directions:
Park in the visitor spots in front of Trible Library. From there, take the first right onto the brick path (on your right if you’re facing the library), walk past the Freeman Center, and take the first left. Luter 170 is in the rightmost wing of the Luter Hall building, you’ll see a sign on the door.
Roadmap (optional structure we’re following):

AI Fluency + Claude 101 (start here)
Building with the Claude API
Intro to MCP + MCP Advanced
Claude Code in Action + Coursera module
Practice questions + scenario walkthroughs
Anti-patterns review

Based on: “The Claude Certified Architect is Here!”
You are welcome to study on anything else too. The goal is the habit, not the syllabus.
🤝 Organizers & partners
​
Organizers
The AI Collective Hampton Roads
​Platinum partners
TechArk
Regent University
ECPI University
Hampton Roads Chamber Foundation
Retail Alliance & Retail Alliance Foundation
The HIVE + City of Virginia Beach
Bronze partners
Assembly
757 Collab
🌍 ​Our parent org
The AI Collective is a global non-profit community uniting 200,000+ 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.

HRNG & Ping Pong Gives Networking Event at Kettler in VB
2026-09-02 10:30 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | KETTLER Showroom, 4117 Virginia Beach Boulevard, Virginia Beach, VA 23452, Virginia Beach, VA, 23452, US
Join us for our 5th Event at Kettler with Ping Pong Gives! Ken Lees and Jack Frost host this super fun event in Virginia Beach.

Join us for our 5th Networking Event at Kettler with Ping Pong Gives
🏓Ken Lees and Jack Frost host this super fun event in Virginia Beach at the premier outdoor furniture showroom on Virginia Beach Boulevard- The Kettler Showroom! Yes, we get to sit on the furniture! And we get to play ping pong too.
🏓We will have coffee and refreshments available. Ken will tell us about his upcoming event- Ping Pong for Charity Tournament and the Non-Profits that it supports. Jack will tell us about Kettler and the amazing products they create. And we get to try them out firsthand. We will even give out some door prizes. Bonus- you can shop for furniture while you network. Don’t miss this one! Always a great event.

Main Street Shawarma Food Truck
2026-09-02 15:30 - 17:30 UTC | 400 Granby St, Norfolk, VA 23510
Mix up your midday meal! Main Street Shawarma is bringing authentic Eastern European-inspired street food right to the Assembly parking lot. Skip the standard lunch rush and grab a made-to-order chicken, lamb, or falafel shawarma wrap. With loaded fries and hearty rice bowls also on the menu, it is the perfect excuse to step away from your desk. No RSVP needed; just stop by and enjoy a fresh, savory bite right outside.
