VENTURE ASHEVILLE INNOVATION SUMMIT
-Economic Trends & Inflection Points-
Presented by Baird Private Wealth Management
DATE/TIME: September 1, 2026, 11:00 am to 5:00 pm
- Reception from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm
- Beverages (wine, beer, NA) and light bites provided
We are grateful for our sponsors supporting this summit.
11:00 AM REGISTRATION & COFFEE/TEA & NETWORKING
11:30 AM LUNCH SERVED (Buffet Style)
Table topics to help facilitate networking at tables and get the audience warmed up for the opening topic
12:00 PM WELCOME from Venture Asheville Staff
12:10 PM TOPIC 1: “ECONOMIC STATE OF THE UNION”
An interactive session on macro trends, M&A, private credit/capital markets, and more.
Discussion Leader: Jaleigh White, Baird
Discussion Leader: Alan Brookshire, Baird
Discussion Leader: Julie Willard, Baird
Discussion Leader: Colton Brookshire, Baird
Discussion Leader: Linda Grant-Smith, Baird
Discussion Leader: Andy McKay, Baird
Discussion Leader: Jaleigh White, Baird
Discussion Leader: Alan Brookshire, Baird
Discussion Leader: Julie Willard, Baird
Discussion Leader: Colton Brookshire, Baird
Discussion Leader: Linda Grant-Smith, Baird
Discussion Leader: Andy McKay, Baird
1:15 PM TOPIC 2: “REVERSE ENGINEER YOUR SALE”
Moderator: Jeff McKeehan, Viking Mergers + Acquisitions
Panel: Linda Grant-Smith, Baird
Panel: Mark Majewski, Kaplan CFO
Panel: April Gremillion, VW Law Firm
Panel: Patrick O’Cain, EOS Worldwide
Panel: Linda Grant-Smith, Baird
Panel: Mark Majewski, Kaplan CFO
Panel: April Gremillion, VW Law Firm
Panel: Patrick O’Cain, EOS Worldwide
2:30 PM TOPIC 3: “INNOVATIVE CAPITAL STRATEGIES”
Moderator: Rachael Chestnut, The Play Nice Agency
Panel: Andy McKay, Baird
Panel: Jessie Dean, Asheville Tea Company
Panel: Jeffrey Kaplan, Asheville Chamber
3:45 PM TOPIC 4: “TRANSITION FROM FOUNDER TO OPERATOR”
Moderator: Ric Pratte, Thrive Remotely
Panel: Jaleigh White, Baird
Panel: Tracy Eames, T. Eames and Co.
Panel: Ed Connealy, Vistage
Panel: Jaleigh White, Baird
Panel: Tracy Eames, T. Eames and Co.
Panel: Ed Connealy, Vistage
4:45 PM CLOSING REMARKS from Venture Asheville Staff and Viking Mergers + Acquisitions
5:00 PM RECEPTION on the Scholarship Deck
- Beer/Wine/NA Drinks
- Raffle w/ prizes
Sponsorship Opportunities
Presenting Sponsor
- $5,000 (Limit 2)
- Welcome Remarks
- 4 Complimentary Tickets for the Series
- Top Billing Logo Recognition (banner at event, website, event signage)
Speaker Sponsor
- $4,000
- Introduce Guest Speaker at each session
- 2 Complimentary Tickets
- Logo Recognition (website, event signage)
Gold Sponsor
- $2,500
- 2 Complimentary Tickets
- Logo Recognition (website, event signage)