Schedule of the Event:

April 3, 2025

Noelle Russell Chief AI Officer, AI Leadership Institute

Empowering Innovation With Ethical AI

Carolina Theatre at Belk Place

Join us as we launch Charlotte SHOUT! with an unforgettable evening celebrating the festival’s four vibrant pillars: Food, Music, Arts, and Ideas. This kickoff at the newly restored Carolina Theatre will set the stage for two weeks of creativity, culture, and community. The evening will culminate with the official launch of the Charlotte Ideas Festival, featuring a timely keynote presentation by AI leader Noelle Russell on the crucial intersection of innovation and ethics. Tickets: $40

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Time: 7:00pm to 8:30pm

Location: Carolina Theatre, 230 North Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC 28202

April 4, 2025

YOU’RE INVITED TO THE 2025 Charlotte Ideas Festival

Forum featuring Jamie Brown!

Savoring History: Preserving Charlotte’s Past Through Food & Hospitality

How might we preserve the city’s history in the places we eat? Join us for an evening with Jamie Brown, co-founder of Supperland, Haberdish, Ever Andalo, Growlers Pourhouse, and Reigning Doughnuts, for an intimate conversation about how food and historic preservation intersect. With a passion for restoring historic buildings and transforming them into beloved dining destinations, Jamie has reimagined old spaces—like a former church turned award-winning steakhouse and a textile mill reborn as a Southern kitchen.

In this discussion, we’ll explore the challenges and rewards of breathing new life into Charlotte’s historic spaces, the balance between innovation and authenticity, and how thoughtful design and storytelling can deepen our connection to a place.

The evening will include live music, a sampling of food, conversation, and art – all in the historically repurposed McColl Center. Whether you’re a foodie, an architecture enthusiast, or simply passionate about Charlotte’s evolving identity, this conversation will inspire you to see the city’s past – and imagine its future – in a whole new light.

Event ticket: $25 We're proud to offer this event with the generosity of our sponsors and community partners.

Time: Registration & Reception: 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM | Program: 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM

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Time: 7:30pm to 9:00pm

Location: McColl Center, 721 North Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC 28202

April 5, 2025

YOU’RE INVITED TO THE 2025 Charlotte Ideas Festival!

Timelines: Past Perspectives. Future Insights

April 5, 2025 at the dubois center at UNC Charlotte Center City

Join us for one session or the whole day!

How do ideas evolve? How does history shape the present—and the future? Join us in partnership with UNC Charlotte for Timelines, a dynamic day of panel discussions, interviews, and creative activations featuring local and regional thought leaders who challenge conventional wisdom and explore the ever-changing landscape of knowledge.

Throughout the day, engage in conversations that examine shifting narratives, breakthrough innovations, and transformative practices. Between sessions, enjoy unique experiences including:
- Interactive Art Installations
-  Author Book Signings & Sales by Park Road Books
- Networking with Like-Minded Attendees & Experts
- Creative Activations and Table-Talks

Whether you're a lifelong learner, an innovator, or simply curious about the world around you, Timelines is your chance to gain fresh insights, make meaningful connections, and be inspired.

Event ticket: $25 (Free for students with college ID) includes access to all sessions throughout the day. We're proud to offer this event with the generosity of our sponsors and community partners.

Schedule:

10:30 AM 11:00 AM - Registration & Networking

11:00 AM - 12:15 PM - Story in Time: Voices in Historical Fiction

12:15 1:00 PM - Book Signing & Lunch

1:00 2:00 PM
Cultivating a Culture of Connection with TEDx Sugar Creek Women
Independent Picture House Short Film Screening and Discussion with Filmmaker

2:00 2:30 PM - Networking Break

2:30 3:30 PM
Food As Medicine: The Power of Nutrition in Healthcare
Building Community with The Periodic Table of Human Emotions

3:30 4:00 PM - Networking Break

4:00 5:00 PM
Internet Age from PC to Al
I Love a Parade

5:30 6:30 PM
The Marvel Universe in Old and New Media
Timekeeping & The Great Beyond

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Time: 10:30am to 6:30pm

Location: The Dubois Center at UNC Charlotte Center City, 320 E 9th St, Charlotte, NC 28202

April 8, 2025

The Business of Sports with Rick Schnall

Join us at the Carolina Theatre for an exclusive lunchtime conversation with Rick Schnall, co-chairman of the Charlotte Hornets, and co-president of Clayton, Dubilier & Rice private equity firm, as he takes you behind the scenes of the sports industry. From the complexities of managing an NBA franchise to the business strategies that drive team success, this discussion will provide a unique look at the high-stakes world where athletics and business intersect. Tickets: $25

Time: 12:00 - 1:15pm

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An Evening with ANN PATCHETT & KEVIN WILSON

Join us along with presenting sponsor Duke Energy as we feature an evening of conversation between two New York Times bestselling and beloved authors Ann Patchett and Kevin Wilson in the newly renovated Carolina Theatre at Belk Place in Uptown Charlotte.

General Admission: $35 / $50

Time: 7:00 pm

Location: Carolina Theatre at Belk Place

Date: April 3-8, 2025

Location: Various Venue in Charlotte, NC 28202

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