Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce Events Newswire

New Member Orientation - August 2026 8/5/2026 8:00 AM - 8/5/2026 10:00 AM

Wed, 10 Dec 2025 15:26:42 GMT

This free event is for new members who have not attended previously.

Registration | 8 - 8:30 a.m.
Program | 8:30 - 10 a.m.

Maximize Your Membership

Welcome to the Chamber! Find out how to get involved and make the most of your membership, and make your first new connections as a Chamber member. You’ll learn about 75+ members as first-time attendees give 30-second overviews about their companies.

Questions?
For questions on content, call 919.664.7090 or email Mimi Miller.
For registration questions, call 919.664.7033 or email Alea Morales.

Join the conversation on social media!
@raleighchamber
#ChamberNMO

Regional Transportation Alliance Transportation Brunch 2026 8/7/2026 9:00 AM - 8/7/2026 11:30 AM

Mon, 27 Oct 2025 14:24:19 GMT

This event is at capacity; please email Jacob Rigg to add your name to the waitlist.

Join more than 300 regional leaders this summer at the Westin Hotel for the Regional Transportation Alliance (RTA) Annual Transportation Brunch.

Members of the regional business community will join regional and statewide leaders in transportation and government as we dive deeper into topical discussion and issues surrounding regional mobility. For our 2026 brunch event, our focus will be on innovation in transportation.

Our keynote speaker will be Andrew Miller, Ph.D., a consultant, advisor, and speaker on innovative mobility and smart cities. He writes a semiweekly blog, Changing Lanes, and has written op/eds for the Wall Street Journal, The Globe and Mail, The New York Post, as well as a long-form feature in American Affairs.

Andrew was formerly the Toronto mobility lead for Sidewalk Labs, Google’s smart-city firm, where he led development of innovative mobility systems for a proposed “city of the future” on the Toronto waterfront. He is the co-author of The End of Driving, a book on driving automation, including its opportunities and implications for cities. He holds a B.A. from McGill University, an M.A. from Yale University, and a Ph.D. from Johns Hopkins University.

For the RTA 2026 Transportation Brunch, Andrew will dive into several topics and perspectives on innovation in transportation that will be of interest to the regional business community and our elected and transportation partners.

---

Current RTA members: RTA members have one or more tickets to the RTA annual brunch included with their membership; additional tickets are also available. Please contact Alea Morales to register for included tickets, or for any registration questions, via phone 919.664.7033 or email Alea Morales. RTA members can purchase additional tickets (beyond their included tickets) directly via the "REGISTER" link on this page.

Event tickets: RTA annual brunch tickets are also available for purchase by non RTA-members. We have general non-member tickets available as well as pricing for elected officials, public sector partners, and non-profit partners. You can purchase them via the "REGISTER" link on this page. Please contact Alea Morales for registration questions via phone 919.664.7033 or email Alea Morales.

Event sponsorships: Sponsorships for the RTA Brunch are $975 and are open to both RTA members and non-members. Purchase a sponsorship via the "REGISTER" link on this page.

No refunds after July 30.

Questions?
For questions about the event, call 919.664.7062 or email Jacob Rigg.
For logistics questions or ADA needs, call 919.664.7011 or email Jen Palmer.
For registration questions, call 919.664.7033 or email Alea Morales.

Join the conversation on social media!
@raleighchamber
@RTATriangle

Business After Hours - August 2026 8/10/2026 5:00 PM - 8/10/2026 7:00 PM

Mon, 12 Jan 2026 20:24:41 GMT

This event is exclusively for Young Professionals Network Members and Greater Raleigh Chamber Members.

Meet New Connections and Network at Business After Hours

Join fellow Chamber members for an evening of connection at Hyatt House Raleigh Seaboard Station, where the energy of downtown Raleigh meets the comfort of a home away from home.

Located in one of Raleigh's newest neighborhoods, Hyatt House places you steps from restaurants and shops and close to Raleigh's main attractions, creating the perfect setting to expand your network and explore the district.

RSVP by Aug. 6

Questions?
For questions on content, call 919.664.7090 or email Mimi Miller.
For registration questions, call 919.664.7033 or email Alea Morales.

Join the conversation on X!
@raleighchamber
#RaleighBAH

Chamber Professional Women's Luncheon - Lead BOLDly, Part 4: Discovery 8/13/2026 11:30 AM - 8/13/2026 1:30 PM

Wed, 20 Aug 2025 15:23:01 GMT

Registration & Lunch | 11:30 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
Program | 12:15 - 1:30 p.m.

B.O.L.D. Chamber Professional Women’s Luncheon: Discovery: Women Leading in the New Era of Work

Join us for the fourth and final installment of the B.O.L.D. Chamber Professional Women’s Luncheon series as we continue our mission to empower, equip, and elevate women across our business community.

The future isn't waiting...and neither should you!

The workplace is evolving faster than ever. AI is reshaping how we work. Careers are built through communities, not ladders. And the leaders who stand out are the ones who know how to stay visible and ready for what's next.

In this fast-paced, interactive session, Jes Averhart will challenge you to explore the three leadership frontiers that will shape your future:
• Lead with your human advantage in an AI-powered world.
• Build your Leadership Cabinet - the trusted people who challenge, champion, connect, and stretch your growth.
• Become discoverable by cultivating a reputation that creates opportunities before you even walk into the room.

Expect fresh ideas, meaningful conversations, practical exercises, and actionable takeaways you can put to work immediately.

Don't just prepare for the future of work...DISCOVER how to lead it.

We are thrilled to welcome back Jes Averhart, leadership strategist, author, and founder of ReinventU, as our featured speaker. Known for her dynamic storytelling and practical approach to personal and professional growth, Jes brings powerful insights on achieving impactful discovery at every stage of your career.

This luncheon is designed for women at all career levels who want to grow, connect, and lead boldly. Join us for an afternoon of inspiration, community, and meaningful conversation as we continue to build a stronger, more empowered network of women leaders.

No refunds after July 22.

Questions?
For questions about the agenda, call 919.664.7090 or email Mimi Miller.
For logistics questions or ADA needs, call 919.664.7011 or email Jen Palmer.
For registration questions, call 919.664.7033 or email Alea Morales.
For sponsorship information, email sales@raleighchamber.org.

Join the conversation on social media!
@raleighchamber
#RaleighCPW

C-Suite Perspectives with Jim Canfield of WithersRavenel 8/14/2026 8:00 AM - 8/14/2026 9:30 AM

Tue, 25 Nov 2025 16:12:04 GMT

This event is open to Greater Raleigh Chamber and Young Professionals Network members only.

Registration | 8 - 8:30 a.m.
Program | 8:30 - 9:30 a.m.

Learn Leadership Lessons from Jim Canfield, President and CEO of WithersRavenel

C-Suite Perspectives is our bi-monthly speaker series featuring accomplished local executives who offer an inside look at leading organizations through growth, change, and complexity. Each session provides a thoughtful conversation on leadership, strategy, and the realities of operating at the highest level.

Join us for a conversation with Jim Canfield, PE, President and CEO of WithersRavenel, a Cary-based engineering, planning, and consulting firm with offices across North Carolina.

Jim joined WithersRavenel in 1990 as the first engineer hired by the firm’s founders. Since then, he has helped guide the company through decades of growth, statewide expansion, and its transition to a 100% employee-owned company. Today, WithersRavenel has more than 460 employees and provides engineering and consulting services across land and site development, water and sewer utilities, environmental services, stormwater, geomatics, GIS, funding, and asset management.

The firm's work can be seen in major community-shaping projects across the region, including Downtown Cary Park, Park West Village, Chatham Park, and the Southeast Raleigh YMCA. Jim has also been recognized by Business North Carolina as one of the state’s most influential private-sector leaders.

During this conversation, attendees will gain:

- Lessons on building leadership capacity across a growing, employee-owned firm: Hear how Jim Canfield approaches team development, delegation, culture, and long-term organizational strength.
- Perspective on growth, ownership, and firm culture: Learn how WithersRavenel has used shared values, employee ownership, and professional development to support sustainable growth.
- Insight into the infrastructure and development work shaping our region: Understand how engineering, planning, utilities, environmental services, and public-private projects contribute to thriving communities.
- Practical takeaways for senior leaders: Walk away with ideas on leading through growth, developing people, preserving culture, and staying focused on long-term impact.

Who Should Attend: Executives, business owners, community leaders, developers, professional services leaders, and professionals interested in leadership, employee ownership, infrastructure, growth, and community development.

Join us every other month for conversations that inform, inspire, and elevate how you lead at C-Suite Perspectives.

No refunds after Aug 7.

Questions?
For questions about the agenda, call 919.664.7090 or email Mimi Miller.
For logistics questions, call 919.664.7011 or email Jen Palmer.
For registration questions, call 919.664.7033 or email Alea Morales.
For sponsorship information, email sales@raleighchamber.org.

Join the conversation on social media!
@raleighchamber
#CSuitePers

Annual Leadership Conference 2026 8/18/2026 - 8/19/2026

Tue, 23 Sep 2025 17:56:26 GMT

Day 1: 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Day 2: 9 a.m. - Noon

Annual Leadership Conference 2026

Wake County is growing by 67 new residents per day, and the decisions leaders make now will shape how our region grows in the years ahead. The Annual Leadership Conference presented by TowneBank brings together business executives, elected officials, and civic leaders for a retreat-style conversation about how we lead with purpose, act with clarity, and Set The Pace for what comes next.

This conference is built for real insight, not headlines. Over two days in Beaufort, leaders will have space to compare notes, pressure-test ideas, and align around the priorities that will keep our region competitive, resilient, and ready.

This year’s agenda will focus on the forces shaping our region’s next chapter, including economic competition, power capacity, workforce design, housing and infrastructure demands, public investment, policy decisions, and the regional impact of major civic and economic wins.

Table conversations are built into both days so attendees can share what they are seeing on the ground, compare perspectives with peers, and help shape a clear set of takeaways for the full room.

What's On The Agenda

The Next Big Arenas: Where the Growth Race Is Headed
A practical look at where the growth race is moving next and how leaders can position their organizations and region to compete.
Speaker: Kevin Russell, Senior Fellow, McKinsey Global Institute

Why Dallas, Why Now: A Preview of ICVLC 2027
A focused preview of why Dallas was selected for the 2027 Inter-City Visit & Leadership Conference and what it can teach us about growth, competitiveness, infrastructure, and talent.

Data Center Expansion and Grid Capacity
A timely discussion on power capacity, timelines, siting, and how our region can balance economic opportunity with reliability and community impact.
Speakers:

Matt Conrad, Vice President, Business Development & External Affairs, Tract
Kevin McLaughlin, Vice President, Government Affairs and External Relations, Duke Energy
Steven Pearce, Vice President, Infrastructure and Economic Development, McGuireWoods Consulting LLC
Moderator: Kyle Touchstone, Director, Raleigh Economic Development

Economic Update: Driving Through Fog
A clear look at Wake County’s growth pace of 67 new residents per day and what it means in a foggy economy, including housing, services, infrastructure, and what leaders should watch next.
Speakers:

Danielle Claremont, Chief Executive Officer, Raleigh Regional Association of REALTORS
Tommy Dalton, Principal | Managing Director, Dalton Property Partners LLC
Brian Reid, President, TowneBank Triangle
Moderator: Russell Killen, Partner, Parker Poe Adams & Bernstein LLP

Policy Briefing: What to Watch in 2026
A useful briefing on the policy and political landscape shaping business this year, with clear signals on what leaders should track and prepare for.
Speaker: Joe Stewart, Independent Insurance Agents of North Carolina

Designing High-Impact Roles: Talent Recruitment, Retention, and Engagement
A practical presentation on how leaders recruit, retain, and engage talent across sectors by designing high-impact roles and building a workforce that can set the pace.
Speaker: Courtney White, BASF Agricultural Solutions, North America

Lightning Talk: 2026 Wake County Schools and Wake Tech Bond Referenda
A focused look at the Wake County Schools and Wake Tech bond referenda, what they would fund, and what they mean for growth, workforce readiness, taxes, and regional infrastructure
Speakers:

Melanie Black Dubis, Partner, Parker Poe Adams & Bernstein LLP
Matt Smith, Vice President, Development + Strategic Partnerships, Wake Technical Community College

Championship Economy: The Regional Impact of the Carolina Hurricanes’ Stanley Cup Win
A timely discussion on the economic impact of the Hurricanes’ championship and what it means for regional visibility, visitor spending, partnerships, civic momentum, and the broader business community.

Scott Dupree, Executive Director, Greater Raleigh Sports Alliance
Brian Fork, Chief Executive Officer, Carolina Hurricanes
Terrell Midgett, Co-Founder & Chief Operating Officer, Raleigh Raised Development
Moderator: Jeff Merritt, Executive Director, Centennial Authority

Who Attends
The Annual Leadership Conference brings together a cross-section of senior business, government, and civic leaders. Attendees can view a list of companies represented at previous Annual Leadership Conferences to better understand the caliber of leaders and organizations that take part in this annual retreat.

Day 1 | 11 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. + Reception
Registration, lunch, Sessions 1 through 4, Table Conversations, Senate Candidate Fireside Chat, Table Takeaways, Networking Break, and Reception.

Day 2 | 9 – 11:25 a.m.
Session 5, Lightning Talk, Table Conversations, Session 6, and Closing Remarks.

Please Note
Agenda is subject to change. Sponsorship does not include hotel accommodation.

No refunds after August 4, 2026.

Hotel Accommodations: Conference registration/sponsorship does not include hotel accommodations. Attendees are responsible for booking their hotel room directly with the Beaufort Hotel by emailing Senior Sales Manager Alyce Kelly at alyce.kelly@concordhotels.com or by calling 252-838-7237 for the special group rate of $269 (plus taxes and fees.)

Questions?
For questions about the agenda, call 919.664.7037 or email Devin Brown.
For logistics questions and ADA needs, call 919.664.7036 or email Kennedy Wordsworth.
For registration questions, call 919.664.7033 or email Alea Morales.
For sponsorship information, email jhuitt@raleighchamber.org.

Join the conversation on social media!
@raleighchamber
#RaleighALC26

Young Professionals Network Program - Think Like an Owner: Build a Career You Don't Want to Escape 8/20/2026 8:30 AM - 8/20/2026 10:00 AM

Wed, 12 Nov 2025 16:45:36 GMT

Registration and Networking | 8:30 - 9 a.m.
Program | 9 - 10 a.m.

Young Professionals Network Program
Think Like an Owner: Build a Career You Don't Want to Escape

What if the key to career fulfillment isn't changing jobs, but changing how you think about your work?

Whether you aspire to lead within an organization, launch a side venture, or one day start a business, adopting an entrepreneurial mindset can help you create greater impact, uncover new opportunities, and build a career that aligns with your strengths and values.

Join the Young Professionals Network (YPN) for an engaging panel discussion featuring professionals who have built successful careers through corporate leadership, entrepreneurship, and everything in between. Through candid conversation and audience Q&A, you'll hear how taking ownership, staying curious, and thinking like an owner can transform the way you approach your career - no matter your title or industry.

Brooke Huckabee - As Head of Revenue Enablement at SAS, Brooke Huckabee leads a team focused on building scalable programs that empower go-to-market teams, strengthen collaboration, and fuel sustainable revenue outcomes. With a future-ready mindset, she embraces innovation and leverages analytics, AI, and modern practices to evolve how teams sell, engage, and win in a rapidly changing market. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management with a concentration in Marketing from NC State University and previously served as Director of Marketing at a boutique real estate firm. Her work has earned recognition from Triangle Business Journal as both a 40 Under 40 recipient and a Women in Business award recipient.

Brandon Fuller - Brandon Fuller is a third-generation electrician and President/Owner of Raleigh Electric Company, Raleigh’s longest-established electrical contractor. Taking over a failing family business, The Electric Cowboy led a remarkable turnaround–transforming it into a thriving company with more than 40 employees and $7 million in annual revenue. Today he oversees all aspects of the business, driving strategic growth while honoring a legacy built across generations.

Maggie Kane - Maggie Kane first and foremost has a passion for loving people. Full on hype queen, she is a speaker, entrepreneur, and Executive Director with a special focus in nonprofits and small, killer coffee shops. 8 years ago, Maggie founded A Place at the Table, Raleigh’s pay-what-you-can nonprofit cafe, which has fed thousands of humans some incredible food, and an even better community. She believes strongly in the power of unconventional communities and showing everyone she meets that they have a place at the table. She lives in Raleigh, loves to jump rope, and eats a large amount of peanut butter. She is also a proud board member of John Rex Endowment and a Guardian Ad Litem with Wake County.

Stephen Paul - Stephen Paul built a 20-plus-year career in tech, working across corporate and startup environments in London and Melbourne before designing his own second chapter. Today, he is the Managing Director of Goats On The Go: Raleigh-Durham, bringing his tech and operational background to eco-friendly land management and targeted grazing - most notably at Raleigh’s Dorothea Dix Park. Stephen speaks candidly about calculated risk, bridging corporate discipline with business ownership, and redefining success on your own terms.

Discover:
What an entrepreneurial mindset looks like - and how to apply it in any role
Practical ways to take initiative, create value, and build credibility in your current position
How to design a career that aligns with your goals, values, and definition of success
Actionable next steps you can implement over the next 30 days to create more impact and ownership

Come Prepared:
Bring one career challenge, limitation, or question you're currently navigating. Get ready for fresh perspectives, practical strategies, and renewed confidence to build a career that's both meaningful and fulfilling.

Whether you're climbing the corporate ladder, exploring a side hustle, or dreaming of becoming a founder, this conversation will challenge you to think differently about what's possible and empower you to build a career with intention.

RSVP by August 14, 2026

Questions?
For questions on content, call 919.664.7090 or email Mimi Miller.
For registration questions, call 919.664.7033 or email Alea Morales.

Let's stay connected!
Facebook: Raleigh YPN
Instagram: @RaleighYPN
LinkedIn: Raleigh Young Professionals Network (YPN)
X: @RaleighChamber
#RaleighYPN

Young Professionals Network Social - August 2026 8/25/2026 5:00 PM - 8/25/2026 7:00 PM

Tue, 11 Nov 2025 18:08:09 GMT

This event is open only to Young Professionals Network members.

Connect at our Young Professionals Network Social!

Join us at 500 Glenwood, this time at the Mediterranean hotspot, Vidrio, for this fun and upscale networking gathering! Registration and networking begin at 5 p.m. in Vidrio's private event space on the second floor.

This is a YPN members-only event. Grab your spots now while they are still available!

Questions?
For questions on content, call 919.664.7090 or email Mimi Miller.
For registration questions, call 919.664.7033 or email Alea Morales.

Let's stay connected!
Facebook: Raleigh YPN
Instagram: @RaleighYPN
LinkedIn: Raleigh YPN
X: @RaleighChamber
#RaleighYPN