WAYNE COUNTY, NC — The Wayne County Chamber of Commerce has announced the 3rd Annual Forward Summit, a half-day event designed to inspire new ideas, spark innovation, and strengthen the future of Wayne County through forward-thinking leadership and collaboration.
Set for March 12, 2026, the Summit will bring together business and community leaders from across the region with a shared focus on innovation, transformation, and economic growth. Building on the success of the previous two years, the Forward Summit continues to serve as a catalyst for meaningful conversations that support long-term community development.
This year’s event features a distinguished lineup of keynote speakers with diverse leadership experience across business, creativity, and education. Scheduled speakers include Carol Aebersold, co-creator of the global phenomenon Elf on the Shelf; Bobby Frye, President and CEO of Mount Olive Pickles and a strong advocate for hometown business growth; and Dr. Michael Langley, former Vice President of Business Transformation at Pepsi Bottling Ventures and current Assistant Dean of the Tillman School of Business at the University of Mount Olive.
The keynote speakers will share insights on creativity, innovation, and adaptive leadership, offering both inspiration and practical strategies aimed at positioning organizations and communities for long-term success.
The Forward Summit will be held at the Maxwell Center from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., with a full breakfast bar included. Tickets are $50 for Chamber members and $75 for non-members.
Registration is available at waynecountychamber.com by selecting Events, then Chamber Events, and scrolling to Forward Summit. Interested participants may also register by calling the Wayne County Chamber of Commerce at 919-734-2241.
Chamber officials say the event promises a morning of connection, learning, and bold ideas aimed at moving Wayne County forward—together.
