Venture Asheville’s Innovation Summit with Venardos Circus

This October, Venture Asheville is partnering with Venardos Circus to bring you a three-part Innovation Summit series filled with inspiration, community, and a touch of circus magic.

Event Lineup

1. Private Dinner with Circus Performers and Entrepreneurs (Invite-Only)

An intimate evening where Asheville’s most innovative business leaders and select circus performers gather for candid conversations about creativity, resilience, and the entrepreneurial journey.

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2. Public Keynote with Kevin Venardos 

📍 Under the Venardos Circus Tent at the Asheville Outlets
📅 Wednesday, October 8
🕣 8:30–10:30 AM
🎟️ Open to the Public | Tickets $15

In an engaging blend of storytelling and live circus performances, Kevin Venardos will share his remarkable entrepreneurial journey — from launching a circus with a pickup truck in Florida to scaling into a two-crew touring enterprise performing more than 500 shows a year.

Kevin’s keynote will explore:

• Entrepreneurial Journey: The risks, resilience, and creativity it takes to turn a dream into a thriving business.

• Scaling and Growth: Lessons from expanding Venardos Circus into a national company with more than 500 performances a year.

• Community and Resilience: Reflections on returning to Asheville one year after Hurricane Helene and what it means to build back stronger.

• Crafting the Ultimate Customer Experience: How to design unforgettable experiences that inspire loyalty, joy, and connection.

This won’t be a typical keynote. Expect engaging storytelling, live circus acts, and powerful lessons on leadership, teamwork, and innovation — all under the magic of the circus tent.

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3. Venture Asheville Day at the Circus

📅 October 11, show information coming soon.
Bring your family, friends, and colleagues to experience the wonder of Venardos Circus together. We’ll have a reserved section of seats for Asheville’s innovation community to enjoy a weekend show in the big top.

This three-part series is your chance to learn, connect, and celebrate innovation under the circus tent.

Sponsorship Opportunities