Newport News Economic Development Authority (EDA)

🧜‍♀️ AICHR | Guardrails for Gen AI: From Policy to Practice
2026-03-19 18:30 - 20:30 (America/Halifax) | ECPI, 5555 Greenwich Rd, Virginia Beach, VA, United States
Guardrails for Gen AI: From Policy to Practice
How to constrain AI systems without killing their value
Everyone uses the word “guardrails.” Almost nobody means the same thing.
This co-presented session brings together AI strategy and cybersecurity expertise to break down what guardrails actually are, where they belong in your AI systems, and how to implement them without crippling the tools your teams rely on. We will cover the strategic layer — governance, risk classification, and authority boundaries — then dive into the technical layer with hands-on walkthroughs of real guardrails frameworks like NVIDIA NeMo Guardrails and Guardrails AI. Whether you are a business leader trying to deploy AI safely or a security practitioner trying to contain it, this session gives you a practical, layered approach you can take back to your organization immediately.
What you’ll learn
Why traditional security assumptions break down with AI systems
The three layers of AI guardrails: governance, architecture, and implementation
How to treat AI agents as high-risk identities using least privilege and Zero Trust principles
Where guardrails actually get enforced — at system boundaries, not in prompts
Real tools and frameworks for building guardrails into AI pipelines
What guardrails can and cannot do — honest limitations and tradeoffs
Hands-on homework: get started with Guardrails AI and NeMo Guardrails in 15 minutes
This is not about adding a system prompt and hoping for the best. It is about building AI systems that fail safely and stay auditable.
Your speakers
Andrew Stafford is a Fractional Chief AI Officer and Director of Technology and Global Alliances at The AI Collective. He works with executive teams to establish clear ownership of AI decisions, focus on real ROI, and avoid unnecessary risk, tool sprawl, and hype-driven strategy. Andrew brings 25 years in tech spanning Amazon, NASA, and five startups to the strategic and architectural side of AI security.
Ken is a security practitioner with ISSA Hampton Roads. He brings deep hands-on experience in security engineering and implementation, and will lead the technical deep dive into guardrails tooling, configuration, and real-world limitations.
Together, Andrew and Ken will walk you through a complete guardrails framework — from policy to architecture to working code — blending strategic thinking with practical implementation.
Who should attend?
CISOs, security architects, and IT leaders responsible for AI risk
Developers and engineers building or deploying AI agents and applications
Product managers and business leaders evaluating AI tools for their teams
Security practitioners curious about the AI threat model
Anyone responsible for AI governance, compliance, or acceptable use policies
Technical professionals who want hands-on experience with guardrails tools
No prior AI security experience required, but familiarity with basic AI concepts is helpful.
Why this matters
AI systems collapse data, logic, and control — and traditional security was never built for that. The real danger is not bad AI. It is trusting non-deterministic systems with authority. Organizations that get guardrails right will deploy AI faster and safer. Organizations that skip them will learn the hard way. This session is about making sure you are in the first group.
FAQs
Is there free parking? Yes. There is plenty of free parking available on the ECPI University campus.
Is this event free? Yes. Space is limited, so please RSVP and cancel if your plans change.
Will food or drinks be provided? Light snacks and drinks will be available.
🤝 Organizers & partners
Organizers
The AI Collective Hampton Roads
​Platinum partners
TechArk
Regent University
ECPI University
Hampton Roads Chamber Foundation
Retail Alliance & Retail Alliance Foundation
Bronze partners
Assembly
757 Collab
🌍 ​Our parent org
The AI Collective is a global non-profit community uniting 150,000+ pioneers – founders, researchers, operators, and investors – exploring the frontier of AI in major tech hubs worldwide. Through events, workshops, and community-led research, we empower the AI ecosystem to collaboratively steer AI’s future toward trust, openness, and human flourishing.
All attendees and organizers at events affiliated with The AI Collective agree to our privacy policy and are subject to our code of conduct. Additionally, by registering for this event, you agree to The AI Collective Hampton Roads chapter photo & video policy.

After Hours At Virginia Beer Company
2026-03-19 17:30 - 18:30 (America/New_York) | Virginia Beer Company, 401 2nd St, York Terrace, VA, United States
Good conversations don’t always happen during the workday.
After Hours is a relaxed, drop-in evening meetup organized by the W&M Entrepreneurship Hub and held this spring at the Virginia Beer Company in Williamsburg. These gatherings bring together students, alumni, mentors, founders, and community members for casual conversation and connection in a shared community space.
There’s no agenda and no program, just time and space to talk, catch up, and meet people across campus and the region. Drop in for a bit or stay awhile. No registration required.

Filing Season Essentials for Small Business Owners
2026-03-19 14:00 - 15:30 (Africa/Abidjan) | Online event
Filing taxes may seem like a challenge, but the IRS has tools and resource to help make filing season successful.
Join IRS Stakeholder Liaison and *insert organization here* for a tax filing season information session. During this session, we will discuss:
How to get help from the IRS
Filing requirements for tax returns and information returns
Tips for gathering and organizing tax records
Tips for choosing a tax professional
Refund and payment options
Online tools for business owners
How to stay connected with the IRS
There will also be a live Q & A.

1-on-1 Marketing & Branding Support
2026-03-19 12:30 - 15:30, 2026-03-18 12:30 - 15:30, 2026-03-13 12:30 - 15:30, 2026-03-12 12:30 - 15:30 (Africa/Abidjan) | The HIVE by City of Virginia Beach, 4501 Independence Blvd, Virginia Beach, VA, United States
Sign up for a free marketing and branding support session (virtual or in person @ The HIVE in VA Beach) using the Calendly link below!
DO NOT Sign up Via EVENTBRITE!
PLEASE use the following link to sign up for the event: Calendly, DO NOT Sign up Via EVENTBRITE!
Provided by Simon Matthews, CEO of Open Door Media Solutions is here to provide advice and valuable resources to help you make a confident, well-informed decision about your marketing! During your conversation, he’ll take the time to understand your goals, answer your questions, and share insights tailored specifically to your business needs.
Simply choose any day and time from the calendar that works best for you, and lock in a session that fits your schedule. He looks forward to connecting with you soon and helping you take the next step toward achieving your marketing goals!

Mapping the Entrepreneurial Road Ahead - The Anatomy of a Typical Entrepreneur's Journey Forward
2026-03-19 10:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | Virtual
Promotional Video HERE.
Entrepreneurs often ask advisers for a “road map” to see what the entire business journey looks like— what are the steps from startup, through venture and growth, to scaling and possible exit or sale – and brief descriptions of each step.
Entrepreneurs, business owners, founders and CEOs and their teams, sometimes want to understand the complete path forward, and how long it might take to be successful?
Please consider joining Mason Small Business Development Center’s Senior Business Adviser, Adjunct GMU Professor and GMU Mentor in Residence, George Siragusa (“Coach S”), who answers these questions in this no-cost webinar.
Learn about the event objectives and more at the link provided.

Code + Coffee | FR8 House Coffee
2026-03-19 09:30 - 11:30 (America/Halifax) | FR8 House Coffee, 2330 Bowdens Ferry Rd, Norfolk, VA, United States
Join us for a relaxed morning meetup where developers, designers, founders, and tech enthusiasts gather over great coffee to talk shop, share ideas, and connect with others in the local tech community.
Code + Coffee has no formal agenda—just bring your laptop, a project you’re working on, a question you’ve been thinking about, or simply come to meet other people building interesting things. Whether you’re coding, designing, experimenting with AI, launching a startup, or just curious about technology, you’ll find friendly conversations and plenty of inspiration.
Expect:
Good coffee
Interesting technical conversations
People sharing projects and ideas
Occasional spontaneous whiteboard sessions
Drop in anytime during the meetup window.
Stay for 10 minutes or the whole time.
If you’ve been looking for a low-key way to meet other developers in the area, this is it.

The Network: Direct Employer Access (Norfolk)
2026-03-19 09:00 - 15:00, 2026-03-17 09:00 - 15:00 (Africa/Abidjan) | Hampton Roads Veterans Employment Center (HRVEC), 861 Glenrock Rd, Norfolk, VA, United States
Stop applying online. Start shaking hands. Bypass the resume “black hole.” Meet vetted hiring managers who know what your clearance is worth
The Algorithm Can’t Hire You. We Can.
The Problem: You spend hours tailoring your resume. You submit it to an online portal. You wait. You hear nothing. The “Black Hole” of online applications is the enemy of a fast transition.
The Solution: The Network is your bypass. We cut the red tape and put you in the room with the people who actually sign the offer letters.
This isn’t a “job fair” where you collect brochures. This is a tactical access point to the 757’s most aggressive military-hiring companies. We have vetted every employer in the room. They aren’t here to tell you to “apply on the website”—they are here to find their next team leader.
Who Should Attend:
Transitioning Service Members: Who are tired of the waiting game.
Military Spouses: Looking for employers who understand the PCS lifestyle.
Veterans: Ready to level up from their current civilian role.
Your Rules of Engagement:
Bring Resumes if you have them BUT no biggie if you don’t.
Be Social: No stress, take your 30 seconds to tell them who you are. Make it count. Learn who they are and what they’re looking for. If it’s not you, how you can help.
The job market is all about who you know. Come know the right people.
If you have any additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact us:
Phone: 757-807-0423
Email: militarycommunity@theworkforcecouncil.org
This event and the services provided herein at the Hampton Roads Veterans Employment Centers are funded through 25% or $199,576 through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act and 75% or $580,391 through nonfederal sources.

AI Essentials: 2026 Business Innovation Conference
2026-03-19 09:00 - 12:00 (Africa/Abidjan) | The Ambassador Club of Portsmouth, 364 Peninsula Ave, Portsmouth, VA, United States
Dive into AI Essentials ’26 and spark your biz innovation with trends, talks, and real-world hacks!
AI Essentials: 2026 Business Innovation Conference
Get ready to dive into the future of business with AI at this must-attend in-person event! Connect with industry leaders, explore cutting-edge tech, and discover how AI can transform your business strategies. Whether you’re a startup or a seasoned pro, AI Essentials is your ticket to innovation. Don’t miss out on the chance to innovate, learn, and network—all under one roof!

YELLOW Bright Sparks: Rooted + Radiant: Women Creating, Healing, and Leading
2026-03-18 22:30 - 2026-03-19 00:30 (Africa/Abidjan) | 400 Granby St, Norfolk, VA, United States
Join us as YELLOW offers an insightful discussion honoring Women’s History Month, followed by a mix + mingle with small bites. Guest speakers include Natalia Ramos (General Manager; Selden Market), Rihana Hollins (Massage Therapist/Bodywork Practitioner; Blue Aura Wellness), and Nikki Leone (Artist)! Doors open at 5:45 pm for networking, and the conversation starts at 6:30 pm. This conversation is powered by YELLOW, a 501(c)(3) non-profit founded by Pharrell Williams. – https://airtable.com/app7YLXwLUp3l4ejL/shrcqvUnRcX6NOAKj

MIG Welding 101 NFK (16+)
2026-03-18 18:30 - 20:30 (Africa/Abidjan) | 757 Makerspace – Norfolk, 737 E 23rd St, Norfolk, VA, United States
Learn the basics of MIG Welding in this introductory class.
This workshop is for any DIY person who can work a hot-glue gun and is ready to move to metal work with a basic wire-feed or MIG (Metal inert gas) welder. During this 2-hour workshop, we speak about the different types of consumer welding (MIG, TIG, Arc), focusing on the easiest style which is wire-fed/MIG, amperage vs voltage, temperature vs wire-flow, proper speed and flow techniques, penetration vs burn through, 110v vs 220v, consumer vs professional, and so on. This workshop aims to get you comfortable and secure enough to get hands-on creative experience, then ready for custom fabrication and art creation in later workshops. Students will feel safe enough to start shopping after for a welder and supplies, or to rent one for their projects. In this hands-on workshop, participants will leave with a fun, takeaway project.
This is a basic demonstration and hands-on steel welding for hobbyists. Required: Closed-toe shoes (no flops), long pants (no shorts), long sleeve cotton shirt or jacket that can take small sparks, open mind, open ears, comfy shoes. Gloves are provided but it is preferred that you bring your own for fit- Goatskin or Deerskin gloves work well.Disclaimer:This is not a class to earn certifications. This class is purely a hands-on experience to provide access to a welder and the basics of how it works. Safe practices should always precede caution and participants attend at their own risk.
Duration: 2 Hours
(All materials included)

Connect Coastal Virginia's Sip&Socialize Business Networking
2026-03-18 17:00 - 19:00 (Africa/Abidjan) | Jimmy G’s Chop House & Bistro Bar, 3333 Virginia Beach Blvd, Virginia Beach, VA, United States
Join Connect Coastal Virginia for our Sip & Socialize Networking Event where GovCon leaders, tech innovators and creative minds meet!

Get Toasted: Build Your Own Toast Bar
2026-03-18 13:00 - 15:00 (Africa/Abidjan) | 400 Granby St, Norfolk, VA, United States
Make an Assembly line… to the toaster! We’re serving up homemade sourdough and a spread of sweet and savory toppings so you can build your perfect slice while connecting with fellow members. Drop in, grab a plate, top your toast, spark a conversation, and kick off your day with a little extra flavor and community.

Get Toasted: Build Your Own Toast Bar
2026-03-18 13:00 - 15:00 (Africa/Abidjan) | 400 Granby St, Norfolk, VA, United States
Make an Assembly line… to the toaster! We’re serving up homemade sourdough and a spread of sweet and savory toppings so you can build your perfect slice while connecting with fellow members. Drop in, grab a plate, top your toast, spark a conversation, and kick off your day with a little extra flavor and a lot of community.

HERO Wednesday: The Resource War Room (PENINSULA)
2026-03-18 09:00 - 15:00 (Africa/Abidjan) | Hampton Roads Veterans Employment Center (HRVEC), 861 Glenrock Rd, Norfolk, VA, United States
Housing/Healthcare/Education/DoD Skillbridge. No red tape. Direct access to the experts you need in one room.
One room. Every resource.
Connect directly with Housing, Healthcare & DoD Skillbridge/Education providers. Cut through the noise and get solutions.

HERO Wednesday: The Resource War Room (Norfolk)
2026-03-18 09:00 - 15:00 (Africa/Abidjan) | Hampton Roads Veterans Employment Center (HRVEC), 861 Glenrock Rd, Norfolk, VA, United States
Stop navigating alone. Get direct intel on Housing, Healthcare & Education/DoD Skillbridge. Skip the waitlists. The 757’s best resources.
Housing. Healthcare. Education/DoD Skillbridge. Zero red tape. Direct access to the experts you need in one room. Secure your family’s logistics now.

Scale Without Hiring: How Solopreneurs and Small Teams Can Use Ai to Grow
2026-03-17 14:00 - 16:00 (Africa/Abidjan) | 200 High Street Suite 201, 2 High St, Portsmouth, VA, United States
Discover how solopreneurs and small teams can boost growth with Ai—no extra hires needed!
Scale Without Hiring: How Solopreneurs and Small Teams Can Use Ai to Grow (Virtual & In-Person)
In this practical 2-hour session, business owners will learn how to use Ai tools to save time, streamline operations, and scale without increasing overhead. This is not a technical or theory-heavy presentation. Instead, participants will see a live demonstration of how Ai can help generate marketing content, organize workflows, improve client communication, and create simple systems that support growth.
This session is designed specifically for solopreneurs and small business owners who want practical, real-world applications they can implement immediately.
Participants will leave with:• A clear understanding of what Ai actually is (and isn’t)• A live demonstration of Ai in action for business growth• Practical prompts and use cases they can begin using right away
The goal is to reduce overwhelm and increase confidence so local business owners can use Ai as a tool for economic growth and operational efficiency.

HRNG & S.M.I.L.E. Thank You Note Writing Event at Gather VB
2026-03-17 10:30 - 12:30 (Africa/Abidjan) | Gather Virginia Beach – Office Space and Coworking, 249 Bus Park Dr, Virginia Beach, VA, United States
Join us for a St. Patrick’s Day Thank You Note Writing & Networking Event hosted by the amazing Kristen Mantlo with S.M.I.L.E. at Gather VB
HRNG Thank You Note Writing- Kristen Mantlo🍀with S.M.I.L.E.
🍀Ah the lost art of the hand-written note! Join us for a St. Patrick’s Day Thank You Note Writing & Networking Event hosted by the amazing Kristen Mantlo with S.M.I.L.E. Samantha Makes It a Little Easier. She’s Irish-perfect. We will have a Bit o’ Irish fun and enjoy some coffee and refreshments. Bring your list of people you’d like to thank and their addresses (optional) and we will provide the Thank you notes, and even some Stamps! Kristen will also teach us some writing etiquette.
🍀What about the science behind it? Glad you asked! Scientific research proves that higher levels of gratitude significantly enhance overall well-being, including increased happiness, better physical health (lower blood pressure, stronger immune system), improved sleep, and stronger social relationships. Cultivating gratitude rewires the brain to boost feel-good neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin, while reducing stress hormones. So let’s give some thanks!
🍀Want to network, but don’t want to write notes? We will play a game of “Get to Know you Bingo” and we will have some Door Prizes as well. You can get a head start on Holiday cards, or help someone put stamps on their cards.
🍀Please wear something GREEN!🍀
Free for HRNG Paid Members. Only $10 for Non-Members.
🍀Space is Limited to the first 35 to RSVP and get their tickets on EventBrite.

One-on-One Business Mentoring with SCORE
2026-03-17 10:00 - 12:00 (Africa/Abidjan) | The HIVE by City of Virginia Beach, 4501 Independence Blvd, Virginia Beach, VA, United States
Need expert advice to grow your business?
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to scale, SCORE’s business mentors can help guide you through your next steps. Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are preferred to ensure you get the time and attention you need.

Creative Capital: Innovative Funding Strategies for Modern Entrepreneurs
2026-03-16 11:00 - 12:00 (Africa/Abidjan) | The HIVE by City of Virginia Beach, 4501 Independence Blvd, Virginia Beach, VA, United States
Join Craig Palmore of Trust Financial Solutions for a one-hour workshop on non-traditional bank funding.
Business owners today have more financing choices than ever—if they know where to look. Join us to explore how non-traditional funding options can provide the capital you need to grow, invest, and seize new opportunities. We’ll cover flexible solutions like merchant cash advances, fix-and-flip loans, factoring, and commercial real estate lending. Find out how to position yourself for funding success and navigate today’s alternative lending marketplace with confidence.

Procurement Cafe: Doing Business with the City of Virginia Beach
2026-03-13 10:00 - 11:30 (Africa/Abidjan) | The HIVE by City of Virginia Beach, 4501 Independence Blvd, Virginia Beach, VA, United States
Get the inside scoop on navigating the procurement process with the City of Virginia Beach at the upcoming Procurement Cafe.
Grab a cup of coffee and join us for the Virginia Beach Procurement Café—an interactive, small-business-friendly workshop designed to help you learn how to do business with the City of Virginia Beach. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to expand your current government contracting work, this event will provide practical tools and direct access to the City’s Procurement team. This session will cover the differences between formal and informal procurement methods in City solicitations.

Women in Business Monthly Coffee Meetup
2026-03-13 08:00 - 10:00 (America/New_York) | Astraea Coffee, 2438 N Landing Rd, Virginia Beach, VA, United States
Join us at Astraea Coffee! The event is open to the public and no registration is required.
(The link provided goes to a Contact Form to subscribe for event updates.)

Assembly Office Hours: A Progressive Tapas Party
2026-03-12 20:00 - 23:00 (Africa/Abidjan) | 400 Granby St, Norfolk, VA, United States
Step out of your usual routine and into a night made for adventure! This isn’t your typical office hours—we’ll start in the living room, and each stop along our journey will feature a tenant paired with small bites, vibrant conversation, and refreshing drinks. This progressive tapas party offers an opportunity to connect with fellow members, explore different spaces, and enjoy a curated culinary journey. Open to tenants and members + one guest. Please RSVP in the community portal. – https://community.assemblynfk.com/en/events/view/1415664695/assembly-office-hours-a-progressive-tapas-party

Elevate: What Does it Take to Grow a Nonprofit
2026-03-12 16:00 - 18:00 (America/New_York) | Assembly, 400 Granby St, Norfolk, VA, United States
Nonprofit founders & exec directors—let’s talk about what it takes to grow. Come meet the Plywood People team, connect with other leaders, and learn more about the new Impact Leader Hampton Roads program. Whether you want to apply, help spread the word or just curious, we’d love to see you.

Borrowing for Small Businesses Lunch 'n Learn
2026-03-12 12:00 - 13:00 (Africa/Abidjan) | The IncuHub – Hampton, 1 Eaton St, Hampton, VA, United States
Enjoy a FREE lunch and participate in a workshop on effective borrowing strategies for small businesses
In this free workshop presented by Truist Vice President Mara Bostelman, you’ll learn the whys and hows of borrowing for small businesses that can set you and your business up for success
