DRCC Holds First Innovate Conference

Northern Virginia's first Innovate Conference, held Oct. 5, brought many ideas and a lot of entrepreneurial spirit to the region. 

The event was held by the Dulles Regional Chamber of Commerce and included hundreds of local business professionals, educators and students. The Innovate Conference was held at the Hilton McLean Tysons Corner with an aim to set the stage for economic opportunities of change. 

“We wanted to stimulate business owners’ imaginations for growth, tap into the entrepreneurial arena and generate buzz about change that could actually help improve our sluggish economy,” said Eileen Curtis, president of the Dulles Regional Chamber of Commerce in a press release.

The day included a variety of activities, including an opening session led by George Mason University President Dr. Ángel Cabrera.

“Dr. Cabrera’s insights into the future of industry and education in the region were fascinating,” Curtis said. “As he pointed out, Northern Virginia is currently the most dynamic place in the entire nation for entrepreneurial endeavors.”

Gerry Gordon, president and CEO of the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority was the keynote speaker for the luncheon. Gordon addressed different ways municipalities can think, act and succeed through innovative public processes. 

In his session, “Communities Can Be Innovative Too,” Gordon discussed the success of Fairfax County, which brought business into the county in order to lower the real estate tax.

In addition to sessions by Cabrera and Gordon, the day featured other dynamic speakers including:

• Dr. Craig Cheifetz, Associate Dean for the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine Inova Fairfax Campus and the Director of Undergraduate Medical Education for the Inova Health System;
• Darrell Durst, Vice President of Cyber Solutions at Lockheed Martin;
• Kevin Greene, Partner at Valhalla Partners;
• Jennifer Abernethy, owner of The Sales Lounge, author of The Complete Idiots Guide to Social Media Marketing  and one of the top 50 people in the world that truly “gets it” when it comes to powerful social media marketing according to Social Media Marketing Magazine.

Additionally, the first Innovate Award was given at the Innovate Conference, where Reston-based ROI² Inc., was honored for its innovations. The award was presented by Curtis and the GMU School of Management's Roy Hinton. 

For more information on the exhibitors, speakers, and sponsors of Northern Virginia’s first Innovate Conference, visit www.innovate-nova.com.