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The City of Newport News will host the inaugural “NOODLE – The Thinkers Convention” on May 22 and 23, 2026, featuring speakers and performers from various industries.
The convention aims to connect community members with prominent voices in entertainment, business, and science, highlighting innovation and cultural development in the region.
Programming at the event will cover topics such as the ethical use of artificial intelligence, digital media entrepreneurship, and technology-driven solutions for cities, emphasizing collaborative problem-solving.

The inaugural “NOODLE – The Thinkers Convention” is scheduled for Friday, May 22 and Saturday, May 23, 2026, with programming planned at Victory Landing Park and throughout The Yard District along the city’s waterfront.

Organizers say the convention aims to connect community members with prominent voices in several industries while highlighting innovation and cultural development in the region.Speakers and performers announced.Event organizers say the lineup includes several well-known figures from entertainment, business and science, including:

Chance the Rapper
Daymond John
Aloe Blacc
CeeLo Green
David Eagleman
Rhett McLaughlin and Link Neal
Dr. Tasha Golden
Aisha Bowe
 
According to organizers, the convention’s name, NOODLE, reflects the idea of exploring ideas and problem-solving collaboratively. Programming is expected to cover topics such as the ethical use of artificial intelligence, digital media entrepreneurship and technology-driven solutions for cities.

Philip Jones said the convention is intended to highlight the city’s role as a hub for innovation while creating opportunities for community engagement.

 
“NOODLE represents a tremendous educational, social, and cultural investment in the future of the City of Newport News,” Jones said in a statement.

Antonio Dowe, co-founder of the production company Global Music Touring, said the event grew from an idea to create a high-impact gathering in the region.

“Hampton Roads has never hosted an event quite like this,” Dowe said.

Weekend schedule and activities

Organizers say Friday, May 22, will focus on community activations and opening events.

The main programming day, Saturday, May 23, will include speaker sessions and discussions during the day, followed by live musical performances in the evening.The convention will also feature regional artists, organizations and businesses as part of what organizers describe as a cultural and commercial hub during the weekend.