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Newport News Today
By the People, for the People
Chance the Rapper, CeeLo Green to Headline Newport News' First NOODLE Thinkers Convention
The two-day event aims to connect community members with prominent voices in entertainment, business, and science.
Published on Mar. 10, 2026
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The City of Newport News will host the inaugural 'NOODLE - The Thinkers Convention' on May 22-23, 2026, featuring speakers and performers such as Chance the Rapper, Daymond John, CeeLo Green, and Rhett & Link. The convention aims to highlight innovation and cultural development in the region by bringing together community members with leaders across various industries.
Why it matters
The NOODLE convention represents a significant investment by the City of Newport News to position itself as a hub for innovation and creativity, drawing in high-profile speakers and performers to engage with the local community. The event is expected to boost the city's profile and provide educational and networking opportunities for residents.
The details
The two-day convention will take place at Victory Landing Park and throughout The Yard District along the city's waterfront. Friday, May 22 will focus on community activations and opening events, while the main programming day on Saturday, May 23 will include speaker sessions, discussions, and live musical performances in the evening. The event will also feature regional artists, organizations, and businesses as part of a cultural and commercial hub.
- The inaugural 'NOODLE - The Thinkers Convention' is scheduled for Friday, May 22 and Saturday, May 23, 2026.
The players
Chance the Rapper
An American rapper, singer, songwriter, record producer, and philanthropist.
CeeLo Green
An American singer, rapper, songwriter, record producer, and actor, known for his work as part of the musical duo Gnarls Barkley.
Rhett McLaughlin and Link Neal
American comedians, YouTube personalities, and hosts of the popular YouTube channel Rhett & Link.
Philip Jones
A spokesperson for the City of Newport News, who stated that the NOODLE convention represents a significant investment in the city's future.
Antonio Dowe
The co-founder of the production company Global Music Touring, who said the event grew from an idea to create a high-impact gathering in the Hampton Roads region.
What they’re saying
“NOODLE represents a tremendous educational, social, and cultural investment in the future of the City of Newport News.”
— Philip Jones, City of Newport News spokesperson (13newsnow.com)
“Hampton Roads has never hosted an event quite like this.”
— Antonio Dowe, Co-founder, Global Music Touring (13newsnow.com)
What’s next
Organizers say tickets and additional information about the NOODLE Thinkers Convention will be made available in the coming months.
The takeaway
The NOODLE convention represents Newport News' ambitious effort to position itself as a hub for innovation, creativity, and community engagement by bringing together high-profile speakers and performers from various industries. The event is expected to raise the city's profile and provide valuable educational and networking opportunities for residents.
