The inaugural NOODLE | The Thinkers Convention launched in Newport News, Virginia’s Yard District, drawing more than 4,000 attendees for a weekend focused on entrepreneurship, innovation, wellness, education, and culture. Led by Newport News Mayor Phillip D. Jones and founded by Antonio Dowe, the event brought together a wide mix of speakers, performers, and community leaders for conversations and networking designed to spotlight ideas as much as entertainment.
The convention featured appearances from Chance the Rapper, Jermaine Dupri, Daymond John, Aloe Blacc, Terrence J, CeeLo Green, Rhett & Link, former NASA rocket scientist Aisha Bowe, The D.O.C., Styles P, Fam-Lay, Maejor, and Grammy-winning songwriter James Fauntleroy. One of the event’s signature discussions included Jones, John, and Chance the Rapper in a conversation curated by Terrence J, highlighting the convention’s blend of civic leadership, business insight, and creative influence.
Organizers said NOODLE was intentionally built to be different from a traditional music festival. Antonio Dowe described it as a programming-first event where music was secondary to broader themes such as science, technology, health, wellness, entrepreneurship, and creativity. The goal was to create a space where students, entrepreneurs, executives, creatives, and community members could connect directly and exchange ideas across industries.
Entertainment also played a major role throughout the weekend. Aloe Blacc opened the event with the RNB Block Party, followed by CeeLo Green, while Jermaine Dupri delivered a DJ set that celebrated Southern culture and energized the crowd. Chance the Rapper also took the stage as part of the convention’s headline programming, helping draw attention to the city’s emerging cultural footprint.
Attendance surged after organizers initially offered tickets starting at $125, then partnered with entrepreneur and Shark Tank star Daymond John to make admission free. Event officials said all 8,000 complimentary tickets were claimed within nine hours, underscoring strong public interest in the debut of the convention.
The City of Newport News worked with the Port Warwick Foundation and Global Music Touring Productions to host the event, viewing it as both a cultural showcase and a potential economic boost for the area. With its mix of thought leadership, live performances, and community engagement, NOODLE established itself as a significant new addition to the city’s event calendar.
Organizers say plans are already underway to bring NOODLE back to Newport News next year, building on the momentum of its successful first edition.
