The BIG TIDE SUMMIT is far more than an annual gathering—it’s a transformative movement, and at the helm is Robert Gould, a visionary leader with an unwavering dedication to shaping the future.
Produced by RG Media Affiliates, the summit provides students with unparalleled access to career opportunities, interpersonal skill development, scholarships, and hands-on training in AI, Technology, and S.T.E.A.M. fields.
The Big Tide Summit 2025 is set to ignite the career aspirations of these students on April 11th at the Savannah Convention Center, offering a direct pathway to jobs and internships in the rapidly evolving fields of AI, Technology, and S.T.E.A.M.
“I am 1,000% dedicated to building the future,” Robert shares. “Our nation’s economic capacity for expansion in Technology, Engineering, and the Arts is at an all-time high, especially in the rural and southeastern corridors. With new and emerging industries gaining ground, rural areas now have an open door to thrive.”
He sees BIG TIDE as that crucial access point, where dreams are no longer distant—they’re turned into actionable, attainable realities. Through this summit, students are not only inspired but equipped to become sustainable leaders who can create and achieve in fields that once felt out of reach.
Private-sector partnerships play a pivotal role in this journey. With sponsors like Coca-Cola, Comcast, HJ Russell & Company, and LandMark24 Homes, the summit is backed by industry powerhouses that understand the importance of future-ready talent.
“Public and private collaboration is critical,” says Robert. “Technology is deeply woven into how our students engage with the world. These sponsors sit at the intersection of innovation and leadership, and together, we’re building a workforce of holistic leaders ready to make impact—whether they step into the workforce straight from high school or after college.”
One of the most impactful parts of BIG TIDE is its real-time, tangible approach to workforce development. The introduction of on-the-spot certifications and the GO BIG CAREER FUND ensures students leave the summit not just inspired, but equipped.
“BIG TIDE is BIG IMPACT in REAL TIME,” Robert emphasizes. “Our programming helps students access what makes them uniquely great, and we give them real tools to reach their goals. From credentials to hands-on training, our scholars are empowered the moment they walk out of our doors.”
With a speaker lineup that spans entertainment, healthcare, fashion, and tech, BIG TIDE brings together dynamic leaders whose stories resonate with students on every level.
“We want students to see careers—not just industries,” Robert says. “Whether it’s a Fortune 500 executive, a naval combat surgeon, or an award-winning producer, we show the many ways one can enter and succeed in their dream field.” The goal is to demystify the path to success and showcase the variety of routes to achieving one’s professional dreams.
Georgia’s rapid growth in infrastructure and tech industries has made workforce readiness more crucial than ever. BIG TIDE steps in to close the gap with real-world learning.
“There are nearly 15,000 jobs open in tech, arts, manufacturing, and construction across the Southeast,” Robert explains. “We move students from the classroom to the real world—through incubator-style learning that highlights economic impact, career tools, interpersonal skills, and the integration of technology.”
The summit offers more than exposure; it’s a bridge from curiosity to career.
Looking toward the future, the growth of BIG TIDE has been nothing short of remarkable.
“We’ve grown from 20 to 3,000 participants in just three years,” Robert shares. “It’s because students and educators have embraced our vision. We build the future—literally. With more corporate support, we’ll keep expanding our GO BIG CAREER FUND and continue offering our programming at zero cost to students.”
The long-term vision? To make BIG TIDE a national model, institutionalized across the country to empower under-accessed students. “We want to help reimagine workforce development through culture, exposure, and unprecedented access. We’re bringing our model to the world.”
In every way, BIG TIDE is not just preparing the next generation for the future—it’s actively building it.
For more information visit https://www.bigtide.org/.
