Global Connections RVA: The Blueprint for New Richmond
by Tranae Cearnal | July 29, 2025
“New Richmond.”
That was the energy inside the Greater Richmond Convention Center this past Saturday, July 26th, for the Global Connections pop-up. The Richmond Seen was on scene, interviewing more than 30 vendors and performers who came from different parts of Virginia and beyond for what founders Isaiah King and Emmanuel Dowtin dubbed “the biggest pop-up shop in Richmond, VA.”
And there’s little doubt that it was.
With dozens of vendors and entrepreneurs, thousands of tickets sold (over 1,000 sold on the first day alone), and performances from modern rap royalty Star Bandz out of Chicago, Big YBA from North Carolina, and Richmond’s own Waddie Guapo and Aurora SaRose; King and Dowtin know “New Richmond” and what it takes to bring community under one massive event space.
Star Bandz
So, what is “New Richmond”?
As Boomers are settling into retirement and cool-ass Millennials are seemingly taking a seat at the head of the table, we often forget about our kids…the products of the cool kids. Gen-Z is making entrepreneurial headway in the community; making space and setting trends of their own, for us, by us. They are media and marketing gurus, leveraging social media as a means of income. On their own.
When asked how the pop-up represented their idea of New Richmond, King said,
“It was great to finally see that Richmond can come outside in the masses without violence and have a great time while making money or shopping with vendors.”
And that’s honestly their vision.
Money. Community. Newness.
You can keep up with Global Connections pop-up dates through their Instagram @globalconnections.
Check out our exclusive article on the Global Connection giants Isaiah King and Emmanuel Dowtin only at The Richmond Seen.
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Photos by Eric Jackson
The Richmond Seen
Starting at the top of 2025, the passionate voices behind The Richmond Seen have been committed to spotlighting the culture, creativity, and community of Richmond, VA. From arts and food to neighborhood stories and underground movements, our team of writers, photographers, and contributors work to ensure the pulse of the city is seen, heard, and felt.
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