APRIL 3
WEDNESDAY
Revolutionizing Agriculture, noon, virtual. RVA757 Connects is hosting Richmond-based Babylon Micro-Farms, which is creating accessible indoor micro-farming solutions for growing salad greens, herbs and vegetables. Its customers include hospitals, senior living centers, universities, schools and institutional food service clients like Aramark. Free. Register at greg.gilligan@rva757connects.com.
Make AI Work for Your Business, 2-3 p.m., virtual. Downtown Norfolk Council is hosting Bright Brothers Strategy Group for a session on how artificial intelligence can help create greater efficiency in your workflow, whether you are a small business or part of a larger organization. $0-$25. Register at downtownnorfolk.wufoo.com/forms/make-ai-work-for-your-business/.
Young professionals social at Norfolk Admirals, 6-9 p.m., Scope Arena, 201 E. Brambleton Ave., Norfolk. tHRive, the young professionals group of the Hampton Roads Chamber, is hosting a social event at a Norfolk Admirals hockey game. Networking before the game and then purchase tickets for the optional reserved section. Buy tickets at ypthrive.org/events/social-at-norfolk-admirals-game/.
APRIL 9
TUESDAY
Coffee Connection, 8-9 a.m., 700 Tech Center Parkway, Suite 305, Newport News. The Peninsula Chamber is hosting a networking event at Virginia Tech’s Outreach and International Affairs Newport News Center. $0-$10. Register at virginiapeninsulachamber.com.
Swing & Sip: VMA Wine and Nine Maritime Women’s Golf Event, noon-4 p.m., Cedar Point Country Club, 8056 Clubhouse Drive, Suffolk. Virginia Maritime Association is hosting a fun afternoon of golf lessons, lunch, expanding your professional connections and enjoying a selection of wine and refreshments. Refine your golf techniques and enhance your game through an informative clinic led by seasoned professionals. No golf experience required. $150. Register at VAmaritime.com/Events.
APRIL 11
THURSDAY
Succession Planning: Creating Your Own Legacy, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., 11850 Merchants Walk, Suite 110, City Center, Newport News. The Peninsula Chamber is hosting private wealth advisers Cheri Green and Jenna Mackay with Old Point National Bank. Includes lunch. $10-$15. Register at virginiapeninsulachamber.com.
2024 Spring Contractors Roundtable, 1-4 p.m., Advanced Technology Center, 1800 College Crescent, Virginia Beach. Virginia Beach Minority Business Council is hosting a session for attendees to learn about subcontracting opportunities, meet with financers and talk with city procurement specialists. A panel discussion features some of the largest construction firms in Hampton Roads. Free. Register at https://lnkd.in/eYRJaUYV.
Women Interested in Resources for Entrepreneurship, 6-7:30 p.m., Richard A. Tucker Memorial Library, 2350 Berkley Ave., Norfolk. Norfolk Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. is presenting The Wire Series’ “So You Want to be an Entrepreneur?” Dive into valuable insights during a panel session as woman business owners share their journey and expertise. Free. Register at norfolkdst.org/event-details/WIRE.
Tastefully Yours, 6-9:30 p.m., Hampton Roads Convention Center, 1610 Coliseum Drive, Hampton. The Virginia Peninsula Foodbank is hosting its largest fundraiser of the year and premier food tasting event with samplings from over 30 local food establishments, craft beer, wine, live music, mini Vegas, photo booths and more. $65-$75. Buy tickets at hrfoodbank.org/get-involved/events/tastefully-yours/.
APRIL 12
FRIDAY
“Shark Tank” open casting call, 8 a.m., The Event Center, Rivers Casino, 3630 Victory Blvd., Portsmouth. The casino and 13 News Now are hosting the first-ever Virginia casting call for Emmy Award-winning ABC TV series “Shark Tank.” Attendees can deliver a one-minute pitch about their business, product or idea. Applicants must download the application and bring it with them. Numbered wristbands will be distributed 9-11 a.m. with first pitches beginning at 10 a.m. Contestants may begin lining up at 8 a.m. Download the application at abc.com/shows/shark-tank/open-call.
Norfolk State of the City, noon to 2 p.m., Hilton Norfolk The Main, 100 E. Main St., Norfolk. The Hampton Roads Chamber is hosting Mayor Kenny Alexander, who will highlight key business development initiatives, provide strategic municipal progress updates, address challenges and opportunities and provide a glimpse into the future of Norfolk. Hrchamber.com.
APRIL 16
TUESDAY
Morning Member Meetup, 8-9:30 a.m., Coldwell Banker NOW, 502 Viking Drive, No. 100, Virginia Beach. The Hampton Roads Chamber is hosting a networking event. Bring dog/cat treats, Kong toys and small animal food for rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters or mice for donations to the Virginia Beach SPCA. Free. Register at hrchamber.com.
Coffee Connect, 3-4:30 p.m., Cookie’s Cakes & More, 4300 Portsmouth Blvd., No. 236, Chesapeake. Black BRAND is hosting a networking event. Free. Register on eventbrite.com.
APRIL 17
WEDNESDAY
ULI Virginia: Building Livable Communities for the Future, 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Assembly, 400 Granby St., Norfolk. Urban Land Institute Virginia is hosting a community planning conference, including experts on getting kids involved in science, technology, engineering and math and efforts to make places safe, livable and financially resilient. An expert will show examples of placemaking and urban redevelopment. Register at virginia.uli.org.
Green Drinks, 6 p.m., Coastal Fermentory, 206 23rd St., Newport News. Newport News Green Foundation is hosting “Homegrown National Park: Rethinking the Great American Lawn” with Newport News Master Gardener Dale Timmer. Timmer will share how to turn our yards into havens for nature that support and are integrated with local environments. Free. Sign up at jotform.com/form/240725427733154.
APRIL 18
THURSDAY
Port 460 Logistics Center Update, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Hilton Garden Inn, Suffolk Riverfront, 100 E. Constance Road, Suffolk. Hampton Roads Association for Commercial Real Estate is hosting Stephen Edwards of Virginia Port Authority, Deputy City Manager Kevin Hughes of Suffolk and J.P. Matan of Matan Cos. for an update on the logistics center. $65-$75. Register at hracre.org/event/2024PLPort.
VMA Golf Classic, 11:30 registration and lunch, 1 p.m. shotgun, Cedar Point Country Club, 8056 Clubhouse Drive, Suffolk. Virginia Maritime Association is hosting a golf outing to benefit its political action committee, which works on behalf of the maritime industry to address critical issues with Virginia General Assembly legislators. $225. Register at VAmaritime.com/Events.
Mastering Financial Projections: Strategies for Success in Home-Based Businesses, noon, virtual. Peninsula Home-based Business Network and Small Business Development Center are hosting Donna Norman, a senior business adviser, on financial projections, strategies and current incentives being offered. Free. Register at clients.virginiasbdc.org/workshop.aspx?ekey=50440014.
48th Annual Hampton Roads Volunteer Achievement Awards, 5:30-8 p.m., 317 Monticello Ave., Norfolk. Volunteer Hampton Roads is hosting its 48th annual awards ceremony recognizing Hampton Roads volunteers for their length of service, initiative and impact on the community. Hrchamber.com.
APRIL 19
FRIDAY
Community Collaborative Partnership Meeting, 5:30-7:30 p.m., New Beech Grove Baptist Church, 361 Beechmont Drive, Newport News. SafeHaven Empowerment Center is hosting Super Bowl champion and Newport News native Antoine Bethea for attendees to learn more about the center located at 429 Thorncliff Drive. Refreshments provided. Free. For more info, email foundation@antoinebethea41.com.
APRIL 20
SATURDAY
Garden Club of Virginia Historic Garden Week showcase, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Suffolk Elks Lodge, 329 W. Constance Road, Suffolk. Six homes and gardens in Suffolk’s Riverview neighborhood will open their front doors to raise money to preserve the state’s public gardens. $35-$45. Buy tickets at vagardenweek.org/tickets/.
Judges needed for 2nd Annual Invention Convention, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Chrysler Museum of Art, 1 Memorial Place, Norfolk. Norfolk Innovation Corridor is hosting a regional STEM expo to support Norfolk Public Schools. More judges are needed. About 50 volunteers from diverse career paths will employ a rubric for evaluating inventor submissions by speaking with inventors and viewing display boards and prototypes. No prior experience is needed. Training is provided. For questions about judging and volunteerism, contact Laney Bueno at 757-904-5753 or office@norfolkinnovation.com.
APRIL 23
TUESDAY
The Railyard at Lambert’s Point Walking Tour, noon to 2 p.m., Chicken Salad Chick, 1200 W. 26th St., Norfolk. CREW (Commercial Real Estate Women) Coastal Virginia is hosting a 1 p.m. walking tour of The Railyard at Lambert’s Point with Rich Meredith of Meredith Construction. Buy your own lunch. Register at crew.eventsair.com/2024-coastal-virginia-walking-tour-april.
12th Annual Spring Business to Business Expo, 5-7 p.m., Delta Marriott Chesapeake, 725 Woodlake Drive, Chesapeake. The Hampton Roads Chamber is hosting its spring business-to-business expo to help promote local businesses, encourage corporate networking and showcase new products and services. Open to the public. Free. Hrchamber.com.
APRIL 24
WEDNESDAY
BizConnect Hampton Roads April Networking/Coffee, 8:30-10 a.m., Office Furniture Outlet, 5595 Raby Road, Norfolk. BizConnect is hosting an event to connect, build relationships and learn about this environmentally conscious business. Non-members $10. Register at BizConnectHR.com.
APRIL 25
THURSDAY
Dining Out for Life, times vary, multiple restaurant locations. LGBT Life Center is hosting its 21st annual fundraiser where 45 participating restaurants across Hampton Roads will donate 33%-50% of their sales to support the center’s programs and services. For more information, including breakfast, lunch or dinner times and participating restaurants, visit diningoutforlife.com/city/757/.
Department of Energy: Boost Community Workshop in Newport News, 9:30 a.m. to noon, 11850 Merchants Walk, Suite 100, Newport News. The Department of Energy Boost Platform, Sandia National Laboratories and community leaders are hosting a workshop focused on identifying regional technology challenges and opportunities. Participate in brainstorming innovative solutions to regional challenges, give feedback on what’s working, past successes and future community goals and engage with experts to support the development of technology-based startups in the region. Free. For more info, contact Kelli Howie, Sandia National Laboratories, at khowie@sandia.gov. Register on eventbrite.com.
2024 Portsmouth First Citizen, 6 p.m., Renaissance Waterfront Hotel, 425 Water St., Portsmouth. The Portsmouth Service League is hosting an event to honor retired Navy Rear Adm. Mark A. Hugel as Portsmouth’s First Citizen. Hugel served as a naval officer for 32 years, including three tours of duty at Norfolk Naval Shipyard in Portsmouth. After retiring, he was selected to lead CACI International’s Norfolk office, where he remains a part-time employee. His charitable and civic contributions are numerous and have touched many lives in Portsmouth. $90. Buy tickets at givebutter.com/PFC2024.
APRIL 26
FRIDAY
Ways to Protect and Preserve the North Landing River and Albemarle Sound, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Virginia Beach Convention Center, 1000 19th St. Virginia Beach’s Green Ribbon Committee is hosting a symposium for networking and to educate participants about exciting new research, collaborative efforts and projects to preserve and advance the watershed. Virginia Secretary of Natural and Historic Resources Travis Voyles will give the keynote address, and breakout sessions will cover wetlands, living shorelines and the Supreme Court ruling on Sackett v. the Environmental Protection Agency. $30. Register by April 23 at EstuarySymposium2024.eventbrite.com.
APRIL 27
SATURDAY
ARTini, 7-10 p.m., The Charles H. Taylor Visual Arts Center, 4205 Victoria Blvd., Hampton. Hampton is hosting a fundraiser to benefit the Hampton Arts Foundation, which provides resources for The American Theater and The Charles H. Taylor Visual Arts Center. The event invites mixologists from the Peninsula’s most prominent restaurants and bars to compete to see who can create the most artistic martini. The lineup includes Cibus Chophouse, Fuller’s, Circa 1918, Venture Kitchen & Bar and The Baker’s Wife/Grey Goose. $25-$75. Buy tickets at bit.ly/3TcgsOp.
MAY 1
WEDNESDAY
Applications to be an employer host site for Hampton’s Summer Youth Employment Program due by 5 p.m. Hampton offers job opportunities within city departments, local businesses and nonprofit organizations to area youth and young adults ages 16-24 in a 10-week program June 17 to Aug. 23. All program participants are paid by the Office of Youth and Young Adult Opportunities. The city matches students with suitable host sites. Register at bit.ly/4btaDEl.
MAY 3
FRIDAY
Portsmouth State of the City, noon to 2 p.m., Rivers Casino Portsmouth, 3630 Victory Blvd. The Hampton Roads Chamber is hosting Mayor Shannon Glover, who will highlight key business development initiatives, provide strategic municipal progress updates, address challenges and opportunities and provide a glimpse into the future of Portsmouth. $60-$80. Register at hrchamber.com.
MAY 16
THURSDAY
Founders’ Luncheon, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., The Westin Virginia Beach Town Center, 4535 Commerce St. Civic Leadership Institute is celebrating 25 years and continues to thrive. The luncheon celebrates Civic’s founders, alumni and their contributions to Hampton Roads. Civic’s alumni network is comprised of more than 1,000 executive-level business and community leaders. $75. Register at civichr.org/events/founders-luncheon/.
CREW 20th Anniversary Soiree, 4:30-7 p.m., The Harbor Club, 333 Waterside Drive, Suite 200, Norfolk. CREW (Commercial Real Estate Women) Coastal Virginia is hosting an anniversary party. $85-$100. Register at crew.eventsair.com/2024-coastal-virginia-soiree-may.
MAY 22
WEDNESDAY
7th Annual BizConnect Gives Back Nonprofit Showcase and Networking Event, 8-10 a.m., Harbor Club at Waterside District, 333 Waterside Drive, Norfolk. This annual event showcases 20 participating nonprofit organization and raises funds through sponsorship, silent auction and 50/50 cash raffle. All proceeds are divided among 20 local participating nonprofits. $25 for non-members. For more information: BizConnectHR.com.
MAY 24
FRIDAY
Deadline for LEAD Peninsula civic and community immersion program. The Virginia Peninsula Chamber is accepting applications for a program that helps leaders become better connected to the community through behind-the-scenes perspectives, educational sessions, tours and candid conversations in a 10-month program. Apply at virginiapeninsulachamber.com/lead-peninsula/.
Please, send calendar items to inside.business@insidebiz.com.
