FAIRFAX CITY, VA — Fairfax City is hosting the Northern Virginia Innovation Forum on Wednesday at the Stacy C. Sherwood Center, where regional leaders are scheduled to discuss innovation, entrepreneurship, economic development and the arts.
The event is set for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 3740 Blenheim Blvd., Fairfax, according to a Spotlight on the Arts release. The cost for the event is $50.
Michael J. DeMarco, president of Fairfax Spotlight on the Arts, will open the forum with a symposium overview from 10 to 10:10 a.m. The agenda says the introduction will address what it describes as a central question: How communities like Fairfax can participate in the innovation economy.
Mayor Catherine Read is scheduled to give opening remarks from 10:10 to 10:20 a.m. The program says her remarks will focus on Fairfax City's vision for economic vitality, innovation and community development.
Victor Hoskins, president and CEO of the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority, is slated to deliver the keynote address from 10:20 to 10:50 a.m. His talk on the Northern Virginia innovation economy will cover growth in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, aerospace, biotechnology and data infrastructure, along with talent trends and global competitiveness.
The program also includes three panel discussions. The first, from 10:50 to 11:40 a.m., is titled "Local Innovators - Building Companies in Northern Virginia" and will be moderated by Marie Spitell of the Fairfax City Economic Development Authority. That panel will examine emerging industries, workforce needs, startup challenges and how communities can support innovation and develop innovation districts.
A networking break is scheduled from 11:40 to 11:55 a.m., followed by lunch and networking from 11:55 a.m. to 12:25 p.m.
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The second panel, moderated by Jody Keenan, state director of Virginia SBDC, is scheduled for 12:25 to 1:15 p.m. The agenda says it will focus on the broader ecosystem supporting innovation, including industry networks, startup capital, university research and commercialization, talent pipelines, and the role of office space and innovation districts in regional growth.
The third panel, from 1:15 to 1:50 p.m., will be moderated by Ted McLaughlan of KME Digital. The panel will examine the intersection of creativity and innovation, including STEAM workforce development, the role of arts and culture in attracting talent, and how creative communities contribute to economic vitality.
Closing reflections by Ken Biberaj are scheduled from 1:50 to 2 p.m.
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