Northern Virginia Innovation Forum

Fairfax Spotlight on the Arts

Join us to discuss Innovation, Creativity, and the Future Economy. This is a Signature Event of the Fairfax Spotlight on the Arts Festival.

Stacy C. Sherwood Community Center

<h2>Welcome to the Northern Virginia Innovation Forum!</h2><p>Join us in person as the <strong><strong>Northern Virginia Innovation Forum</strong></strong> convenes leaders from technology, entrepreneurship, economic development, and the arts to explore how innovation and creativity are shaping the region’s future economy. Featuring keynote speaker Victor Hoskins and panel discussions on startups, innovation ecosystems, and the creative economy, this half-day event brings together regional leaders to discuss how communities can participate in Northern Virginia’s growth. Lunch included. Price $50.</p>

Program Description

Northern Virginia has emerged as one of the nation’s leading centers for innovation, with major growth in sectors such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, aerospace, biotechnology, and data infrastructure. At the same time, the region’s creative and cultural communities play an important role in attracting talent, fostering entrepreneurship, and building vibrant places where innovation thrives.
The Northern Virginia Innovation Forum, presented as part of the Fairfax Spotlight on the Arts Festival, will bring together leaders from technology, entrepreneurship, economic development, universities, and the arts community to explore how innovation ecosystems develop and how communities like Fairfax City can participate in that growth.


Program Agenda

10:00 – Welcome & Overview
Michael DeMarco, President, Fairfax Spotlight on the Arts

10:10 – Opening Remarks
Mayor Catherine Read, City of Fairfax

10:20 – Local Government Perspective: Innovation as Infrastructure
Colleen Kardasz, Director of Economic Development & CEO, Fairfax City EDA

10:35 – Panel: Local Innovators
What companies need to grow—and how the market supports that growth, including capital, talent, space, and innovation districts

11:25 – Networking Break

11:40 – Lunch & Networking

12:15 – Panel: Innovation Ecosystem
How the region supports growth across capital, talent, universities, and industry, and what’s needed to remain competitive

1:05 – Panel: Creative Economy
How creativity, design, STEAM, and the arts drive innovation, talent attraction, and business growth

1:45 – Closing Keynote: The Northern Virginia Innovation Economy
Victor Hoskins, President & CEO, Fairfax County Economic Development Authority

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Northern Virginia Innovation Forum

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Northern Virginia Innovation Forum

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