Tuesday, May 6, 2025 (Day 1)

Arrival and Check-In in Virginia Beach
Marriott Oceanfront, Embassy Suites, and Cavalier Hotel
12:00 PM – 5:00 PM

VIP Welcome Reception
The Raleigh Room/Piano Lounge, Cavalier Hotel
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Join us for a warm welcome and introductions with key stakeholders and industry leaders.

Afterwards, enjoy a night out on the town – restaurant recommendations will be provided.

Wednesday, May 7, 2025 (Day 2)

STIHL Inc. Facility Tour and Box Lunch – Virginia Beach
9:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Join us for an exclusive tour of STIHL Inc., the U.S. headquarters of the globally recognized manufacturer of outdoor power equipment. Located in Virginia Beach, this state-of-the-art facility spans over 2 million square feet and serves as a key hub for advanced manufacturing, assembly, and distribution. The tour will provide insight into STIHL’s innovative production processes, workforce development initiatives, and longstanding impact on the regional economy.

Kick-Off River Cruise past ports on the Spirit of Norfolk
1:30 PM – 4:00 PM
Cruise past ports and learn about the operations of one of the largest naval bases in the world. 

Taste of Virginia Reception
Cavalier Hotel, Virginia Beach
6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Enjoy an evening of elegance and networking at this iconic venue.
Dress code: Business Formal

Thursday, May 8, 2025 (Day 3)

Breakfast with Matt Smith, Director, Energy & Emerging Technologies of the Hampton Roads Alliance and and Will Fediw, Senior Vice President of Virginia Maritime Association
The IDEA Lab, Norfolk
8:30 AM – 10:00 AM
Learn about the Maritime Economy in Hampton Roads and the Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind Project.

Nauticus & Battleship Wisconsin Tour
10:15 AM – 11:30 AM
Touring Nauticus and the Battleship Wisconsin offers a unique blend of maritime history, interactive exhibits, and naval heritage. The historic Battleship Wisconsin is one of the largest and last battleships ever built by the U.S. Navy. This tour will provide a powerful glimpse into naval life and American military history.

Lunch in Norfolk overlooking the Elizabeth River
Town Point Club, World Trade Center
11:45 AM – 1:15 PM
Hear from regional leaders about defense and energy in the Hampton Roads area. Virginia is a national leader in defense, innovation, and energy—with Hampton Roads at its core. Home to the world’s largest naval base, the only builder of nuclear-powered aircraft carriers, and a rising offshore wind hub, the region anchors over 20% of U.S. shipbuilding jobs. Backed by the Commonwealth’s pro-business climate, world-class workforce, and global connectivity, Hampton Roads and Virginia together offer a powerful platform for national security, energy resilience, and economic growth.

Sea and Be Seen Reception, Marriott Oceanfront, Virginia Beach
3:00 – 5:00 PM
Join us for the highly anticipated networking event with Port, Maritime and Logistics companies to be held outside on the southside of The Marriot Oceanfront lawn. Take in the salt air for an afternoon to connect with new colleagues and friends.

Enjoy a night out on the town – restaurant recommendations and/or group reservations available by request.

Friday, May 9, 2025 (Day 4)

Fort Monroe Military History Tour + Regional Defense and Technology Highlights
9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Learn about the historical significance of Fort Monroe and its role in American military history, before hearing from Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) and Jefferson Lab to gain an understanding of their roles in the region.

Transportation to Marriott Oceanfront Hotel in Virginia Beach. Ubers can be arranged for anyone traveling to Amtrak or ORF.