be prepared

ONSITE TIPS

What you need to know, before you attend VC25.  Two stages with a whole lot of networking makes this event the best investment you will make all year!

VC25 LOCATION

This year’s Summit will be held at the Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Raleigh (2 E South St, Raleigh, NC). All attendees will access the Summit via the Memorial Lobby. Doors open at 7am and programming begins at 8:45am.

WHERE TO PARK

Parking is available in both of the lots directly across from South Street. There is also parking available in the deck located on the corner of Salisbury and South Streets. Accessible parking spaces are available on the first level of each garage and in the lots. The parking cost for these areas is $10 per car.

For Uber/Lyft rideshare, a drop-off area is located in the brick area in front of Litchtin Plaza. Please note, driving on Lichtin Plaza is strictly prohibited.

For more information, please visit the Martin Marietta website.

CONNECT TO WIFI

Once onsite, you can connect to the public wireless access point.

NEED SOME HELP?

Located in Memorial Lobby, the Help Desk will have volunteers present to help with agenda, mobile app access, and other questions you may have once onsite.

MAXIMIZE YOUR VC25 EXPERIENCE

Venture Connect is a two day event, March 26-27, 2025, with some pre-conference events on March 25th. This year’s schedule is jam-packed featuring 125 companies across two stages. While it can be a lot to take in, we’ve got you covered with a timeline on how to best maximize your experience at VC25!

Monday
Mar 10

Let your Network Know!

Share with your network that you are looking forward to Venture Connect. And don’t forget to tag us @CED (Center for Entrepreneurial Development) on LinkedIn, and #VentureConnect2025, so we can like and repost.

Friday
Mar 14

Download the VC25 App (Coming Soon!)

Get ready to connect like never before! The VC25 App is launching soon, providing you with the ultimate tool to network, schedule meetings, and maximize your conference experience. Stay tuned for an email from our app provider, Jujama, with your login details. Once live, you’ll be able to set up your profile, add your LinkedIn and contact info, and start making valuable connections.

Watch your inbox – more details coming soon!

Tuesday
Mar 18

Make a Plan

Do your research… Are you looking to connect with potential partners, peers or investors? Research which ones will be the most important connection you can make at the event. Then use the app to schedule a meeting. We have designated meeting tables and unlimited casual meeting spaces.

Make a plan and grab a drink or dinner with new friends that you meet on day one! Here’s a list of CED’s staff favorite local restaurants. Supporting local merchants helps these entrepreneurs sustain their business, too. Some great conversations and connections can be made over a no-pressure (high fun) meal. 

Wednesday
Mar 26

Arrive Early

Because there will be breakfast! Oh, and valuable networking time, too.

With welcoming remarks kicking off at 8:40am, it’s always a good idea to get an early start (especially on Day One) to get a good parking spot, beat the lines, and get some great networking in before VC25 kicks off! Doors open at 7am.

Thursday
Mar 27

Remember your Badge

It might seem obvious, but it happens to the best of us! Make sure not to forget to bring your VC25 badge on Day 2! You’ll need it to access the second day of Venture Connect and the Summit Celebration.

Do the BBQ!

Thursday we will be going out with a bang. Enjoy BBQ, beer, wine, and music to celebrate innovation in North Carolina. Unwind and enjoy some music and food with new and old friends.


MARTIN MARIETTA CENTER – Event Floor plans