CreatorCon 2025 Announces NFL Legend Thomas Q. Jones as Keynote
Wise, VA – CreatorCon, a premier conference empowering entrepreneurs and fostering innovation in Appalachia, is set for September 24th and 25th, 2025. For the third consecutive year, UVA Wise and Opportunity SWVA will serve as presenting sponsors. This year, CreatorCon, now operated by the Do Good Foundation, welcomes Southwest Virginia native, NFL legend, and multifaceted entrepreneur Thomas Q. Jones as its keynote speaker.
Thomas Q. Jones, a University of Virginia graduate, boasts a career of versatility and ambition. An NFL all-time leading running back and Pro Bowl selection, Jones has also made significant impact as an actor, showrunner, and executive producer for series like "Johnson" and "GRITS," with roles in "P-Valley" and "Straight Outta Compton." He is also CEO of CASTAR Applications, Inc., and owns Midnight Train Productions.
Thomas Q. Jones
His compelling journey makes him ideal to inspire attendees. His keynote, "Playbook for Success: On and Off The Field," will share insights from his career, from Pro Football Hall of Fame nominations to his work with Castar app and Midnight Train Productions, demonstrating dedication, adaptability, and strategic thinking as a universal blueprint for excellence.
"I'm incredibly excited to welcome Thomas Q. Jones back home to Southwest Virginia for CreatorCon 2025," says Ryan Jones, Founder of CreatorCon, Do Good Brands, Lincoln Road Coffee, and the newly established Do Good Foundation. "This year's event promises two jam-packed days of invaluable connections and entrepreneurial education, and having Thomas share his 'Playbook for Success' will undoubtedly inspire our founders to go all in on their own dreams."
“We’re excited to welcome Thomas back to the region—not only as an accomplished athlete and entertainer, but as an inspiring entrepreneur whose journey resonates deeply with our community. This event is not only a celebration of creativity; it’s a powerful platform for creators, founders, and ecosystem partners to connect, learn, and ideate. At UVA Wise and through Opportunity SWVA, we’re proud to support this event that continues to fuel innovation and opportunity across Southwest Virginia,” adds Blake Salyer, Innovation and Ecosystem Manager at UVA Wise.
CreatorCon 2025 offers two dynamic days of community building and practical business guidance, fostering connections, and collaboration. Attendees will gain insights into customer acquisition, leveraging investment, AI integration, and social media marketing while emphasizing that relationships are "a currency more valuable than money."
2025 Agenda Highlights:
September 24th: Ecosystem Lunch, followed by a kick off party and pitch battle at The Overlook at 815 Park Ave NW, Norton, VA.
September 25th (David J Prior Convocation Center at UVA Wise): Full day of sessions and breakouts including a Creator Marketplace. Topics will include tourism innovation, generative AI, growing a CPG company, influencer strategies, email marketing, personal branding, viral videos with no budget, how to raise capital, the ins and outs of operating a food truck, and innovation in rural Appalachia, culminating with Thomas Q. Jones's Keynote.
CreatorCon Pitch Battle:
The Pitch Battle returns on Day one, September 24th (7:00 PM - 8:00 PM) at The Overlook at 815 Park Avenue, Norton, VA. The battle is open to existing companies under five years old with established customers. Up to six businesses will pitch for a $5,000 prize and applications can be submitted at creatorcon.community.
Enhanced Experience & Engagement:
Early bird registration for CreatorCon 2025 is open! The event will use the Whova digital platform for enhanced networking and direct messaging. Sponsors at the $5,000 - $10,000 level gain prominent logo placement within the app. The conference also introduces a Creator Marketplace for businesses to showcase and sell products, with dedicated booth space for sponsors. Register as an exhibitor at creatorcon.community.
Get Involved:
Early bird tickets are $50 at creatorcon.community, available through July 18; secure your spot promptly to take advantage of early bird ticket pricing!
A New Chapter: Do Good Foundation Takes the Helm
CreatorCon is now operated by the Do Good Foundation, a non-profit founded by Ryan Jones. This strategic shift expands collaborations and capacity to support founders across Southern states, especially Appalachia. The Foundation empowers entrepreneurs through:
Convenings: Educational events, pitch competition, and ecosystem partner collaboration.
Connections: Direct links to services, technical assistance, investors, and mentors.
Storytelling: Amplifying founder stories via podcast and video series
About CreatorCon:
CreatorCon fosters a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem in Appalachia, providing practical business education and networking. It emphasizes community, collaboration, and innovation, recognizing that the entrepreneurial journey is "best traveled together."
For more information and to register, visit creatorcon.community or contact Ryan Jones at dogoodbrands@gmail.com.
