“The Summit is where solutions to our nation’s most pressing problems are birthed.”
The Wharton Club of D.C., grounded in the rich legacy of the Wharton School’s distinguished alumni, has grown into a pivotal ecosystem of innovation and enterprise. Established in 1968, the Club has curated a potent alchemy of leaders from pre-eminent businesses, universities and organizations, private, and public. It continues to call for ceaseless learning, growth, and the dynamic exchange of ideas.
Their driving force? Lifelong learning and a passion for sharing innovative and actionable ideas with the potential to improve lives.
A Decade of the Wharton D.C. Innovation Summit
2024 marks a monumental moment for this community: the 10th anniversary of the Wharton D.C. Innovation Summit. Over the years, this annual gathering has established itself as a mecca for those at the forefront of technological advancements.
Entrepreneurs, investors, non-profit leaders, executives, government officials and innovators – they all come together, driven by a shared vision. A vision echoed by one of our keynote speakers, Aneesh Chopra, the first White House Chief Technology Officer, who confirms, “The Summit is where solutions to our nation’s most pressing problems are birthed.”
The man behind this grand vision? Alan Schlaifer, the long-serving President of the Wharton Club of D.C. “It was our vision, in 2014 to create an annual conference open to the public to galvanize innovation and entrepreneurship not just in the DMV (D.C Maryland and Virginia) – but also on a national and international level,” shares Alan of the Innovation Summit’s inception a decade ago.
Through strategic partnerships with other top alumni clubs and organizations, plus a dedicated team of many volunteers, including stalwarts like Ruwan Salgado, Chuck Schilke, and Ali Qureshi – the original Program Chair, the Summit has consistently outdone itself, year after year.
Where Ideas Meet Opportunity
From its inaugural event in April 2015, the Summit introduced a unique format that intertwined insightful panel discussions with diverse speakers and varied topics with valuable networking opportunities. The tradition of hosting an Embassy reception set against the backdrop of historic landmarks like the British Embassy and Twin Oaks Mansion, further added to its distinctive charm and benefits to attendees, speakers and sponsors.
With themes that evolve to remain timely every year, Summit tracks focus on disruptive technologies (such as AI, 5G) and advances in sectors such as healthcare and sustainability/energy. The ever-present funding track and pitch sessions are clear favorites, offering startups a golden chance to catch the eye of potential investors. The Summit’s cross-disciplinary approach may unleash what past keynote David Morey – who has advised Steve Jobs and other successful innovators calls “astounding synergistic power.” Morey says that’s what this approach has yielded for top inventors from Leonardo da Vinci and Benjamin Franklin to the present.
And the speakers? Nothing short of stellar. From “Fathers of the Internet” Vint Cerf and Bob Kahn to renowned leaders like Gary Shapiro (CEO, Consumer Tech. Assn.), Dr. Cori Lathan (entrepreneur; author, Inventing the Future), David Trone (Owner, Total Wine & More), Seth Goldman (Founder, Honest Tea); David Rose (a top angel investor), Reggie Aggarwal (CEO, Cvent), Susan Penfield (Chief Innovation Officer, Booz Allen) and Marla Beck (CEO & Founder, Bluemercury) the Summit boasts a speaker lineup that’s a testament to its stature.
Beyond Just An Event: A Movement
“What makes the Wharton D.C. Innovation Summit truly stand out is its inclusive approach,” affirms Ruwan Salgado, the Summit’s longest-serving Program Chair. “Whether you’re an established entrepreneur, a budding startup enthusiast, an investor, or just someone intrigued by the world of innovation, the Summit rolls out the red carpet for all. With past Summits hosting thousands of attendees from 400+ companies, the sheer diversity and breadth of its reach are awe-inspiring.”
2024 and Beyond
As the Summit prepares to celebrate a milestone anniversary, the gaze is firmly set beyond the horizons of 2024. The goal? To expand its reach and impact, and provide access to even larger global audiences. In 2024 and beyond, the leadership team is considering using a full hybrid conference setting and deferred content streaming to ensure the Summit’s rich insights are accessible to anyone, anywhere.
The Wharton Club of D.C. and its flagship Innovation Summit aren’t just events on a calendar. They are a movement, a call to action, an invitation for innovators, leaders, and visionaries to come together and create a brighter future. As we stand on the cusp of a new era, the Summit reminds us that the best way to predict and improve the future is to invent it. Your place in this odyssey of inspiration, innovation, and transformation isn’t just welcomed – it’s needed.
