Digging into DIG SOUTH

For the sixth consecutive year, the DIG SOUTH Tech Conference will make The Gaillard Center its home through Friday. With over 2,000 attendees, 500 companies, + 104 speakers, the goal of the conference is to connect leading global brands with regional brands of the Southeast.

Focusing on content, contacts, + capital, DIG SOUTH gives attendees the opportunity to “build their own adventure”– sitting in on panels, discussions, + break-out sessions covering digital marketing, virtual reality, business development, the venture-capital marketplace, healthcare disruption, gaming, storytelling, + more.

We’ve dug in to see how DIG SOUTH can help executives, entrepreneurs, experts, and investors scale + succeed outside of the typical tech areas.

Relevant (adjective): having significant + demonstrable bearing on the matter at hand

Relevance is the theme of the 2018 conference, with attendees being instructed on strategies to remain relevant in a disruptive economy. Panels will be focused on establishing greater iconicity, building timeless distinction, + the resources necessary to evolve + sustain your business as relevant.

Here are a few panel highlights:

Thursday | April 26

Reality Redefined: Preparing for Life After Screens | 10:45-11:20 a.m.
Investing in the South: Economic Indicators, Startup Ecosystems and the State of Deal Flow | 11:30 a.m.- 12:10 p.m.
Generations: the Evolving Life Stages of Customers (Consumers) and What that Means for Your Business and Brand | 2:30-3:05 p.m.
The Future of TV Advertising in Today’s Digital World | 2:30-3:05 p.m.
How to go Viral on Mobile and Get Millions of App Downloads | 3:15-3:50 p.m.

Friday | April 27

How Tech Tools & Other Innovative Solutions Contribute to Economic Development in the 21st-century | 10-10:35 a.m.
The 9 Rules of Crisis Communications in the Age of Distrust | 10:45-11:20 a.m.
The Future of Transportation and Mobility Tech (And How It Will Impact Your Bottom Line) | 10:45-11:20 a.m.
DIG Workshop: Monetized – The 7 Laws To Striking It Rich With Free Apps | 2-2:45 p.m.

Looking to speak at next year’s conference? Head here.

Let’s get WILD

This year marks the fifth annual “Wild Pitch” event. Billed as “The South’s Capitol of Capital,” 15 next-stage startups will be judged on criteria ranging from the clarity of the idea, to their revenue model, to their overall vision.

In addition to Wild Pitch, Queen City Fintech, a 12-week accelerator program designed to mature financial technology startups based in Charlotte, N.C., will pitch the next wave of fintech innovation. Each of these companies received an upfront capital infusion of at least $20,000 with the potential for follow on funding for the top performers in the program.

Separate Wild Pitch tickets can be purchased for $20 here.

Keynotes of Note

This diverse group of super keynote speakers are not just working the circuit– they are leaders within their companies, providing real-time information + strategies.

Thursday | April 26

"How Stinky is Your Cheese?" – Creating Iconic Advantage from the Start | 9-9:45 a.m.
Soon Yu, CEO, SCY Advantage Corp, will discuss the importance of developing signature elements to achieve ‘Iconic Status’– the highest + most profitable form of branding.

Think Like a Journalist: How to Get Press for Your Business | 1-1:45 p.m.
Jason Feifer, editor-in-chief of Entrepreneur magazine, will instruct you on how to approach the media, when is the right time for press, + how to construct a story that will hook your target market.

The Surprising Power of Enoughness: How Great Leaders Build Empathy | 4-4:45 p.m.
Lisa Wang, Founder & CEO, SheWorx + former 4x National Champion and US Hall of Fame gymnast, will dive into how empathy can build truly inclusive cultures.

Friday | April 27

VR, AR, & the Future of Work- Rachel Sibley, VR/AR Faculty at Singularity University | 9-9:45 a.m.
Rachel Sibley, VR/AR Faculty, Singularity University, will bring an understanding that immersive technology is more than glorified film + bigger than gaming. She will instruct on the new ways to learn, communicate, collaborate, and lead through the art of VR + AR.

Cosmic Technology- Tina Rodriguez, Healing Artist | 1-1:45 p.m.
Tina Rodriguez, Healing Artist, Manos de Oro, will conclude the keynote series, assisting participants in their connections inward + upward– into the realms of interdimensional intelligence.

Closing thoughts from previous year’s speakers

Gary Vaynerchuk | Photo provided by DIG SOUTH

“I believe there is an enormous opportunity for some of the biggest brands in the world, biggest companies in the world at DIG SOUTH.” –Gary Vaynerchuk, CEO of VaynerMedia

“DIG SOUTH is a fantastic meeting ground for entrepreneurs and investors.This event is a must for anyone involved in the technology scene in the Southeast.” –Bobby Ocampo, Managing Partner at Blueprint Equity

Save the dates for the 2019 conference, to be held April 24-26. For $299 you can grab a super early-bird badge– buy now before the offer expires on May 15.

Having moved here from the bustling metropolis of NYC, I am inspired to be able to take part in DIG SOUTH– it proves that the Southeast is working toward becoming an innovator in the tech scene– not to be left behind or overlooked by the Wall Streets + Silicon Valleys of the U.S.

Which panels are you most excited for? Not to be biased– but a little bird told me 6AM City’s very own Ryan Heafy will be moderating “How Tech Tools & Other Innovative Solutions Contribute to Economic Development in the 21st-century”– a definite must attend.

Hope to see y’all digging in beside us.
– Nicole