VC26 LOCATIONS
This year’s conference is being held at the Durham Performing Arts Center (DPAC): 123 William V Bill Bell Way, Durham, NC 27701 with side content at NanaSteak: 345 Blackwell St, Durham, NC 27701.
All attendees will enter through the main entrance of DPAC. Doors open at 7:30am and programming begins at 8:30am. Take a look at the full agenda for more info.
WHERE TO PARK
For Uber/Lyft rideshare, pick up and drop off passengers at the clearly marked “Pickup/Drop-Off” tent located near the DPAC entrance for your convenience.
Parking Deck Recommendations:
- East Parking Deck (250 S Mangum St, Durham, NC 27701)
- 555 Mangum Street Deck (555 S. Mangum Street, Durham, NC 27701)
- American Tobacco North Deck (305 W Pettigrew St, Durham, NC 27701)
For more information, please visit the DPAC website.
CONNECT TO WIFI
Once on-site, you can connect to the public wireless access point.
NEED SOME HELP?
The DPAC Guest Services Team is available to provide comprehensive support with first aid, coat check, lost and found, and accessibility needs. You can find DPAC staff in the First Floor Lobby at the Guest Services Kiosk.
The Help Desk will have CED staff and volunteers present to help with the agenda, event app access, and other conference questions you may have once on-site. Find us on the First Floor Lobby!
MAXIMIZE YOUR VC26 EXPERIENCE
Venture Connect is a two day event, March 24-25, 2026, with some pre-conference events on March 24th. This year’s schedule is jam-packed with company presentations and an incredible lineup of speakers. 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 VC26!
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 #VentureConnect2026, so we can like and repost.
Download the VC26 App
A primary goal at VC26 is to create the opportunity to build your network and make new connections that can accelerate your business. Be on the lookout for your Eventify event app login information, coming soon! Once you’re in, build out your profile and fill in your LinkedIn, so potential partners, peers, and/or investors can find you too!
Make a Plan
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!
Arrive Early
Because there will be breakfast! Oh, and valuable networking time, too. With welcoming remarks kicking off at 8:30am, 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 VC26 kicks off! Doors open at 7:30am.
Remember your Nametag
It might seem obvious, but it happens to the best of us! Make sure not to forget to bring your VC26 nametag on Day 2! You’ll need it to access the second day of Venture Connect.
DPAC & NanaSteak – Event Floor plans
