Florida Chamber Announces 2026 Future of Florida Forum, Bringing Florida Leaders Together to See and Shape Florida’s Future

The Florida Chamber Foundation will once again bring together hundreds of Florida’s top business, government, education, workforce, and community leaders Oct. 27-28 at the JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek for the 2026 Future of Florida Forum (F3) & Florida Chamber Annual Meeting.

The two-day forum will examine Florida’s progress toward the 39 goals of the Florida 2030 Blueprint, including the primary target of becoming one of the world’s top 10 economies by 2030, while exploring the opportunities and challenges impacting Florida’s business and economic future.

“Florida has made tremendous progress, but securing our future requires us to keep focused and united on what’s next,” said Mark Wilson, President & CEO of the Florida Chamber of Commerce and Foundation. “Our Future of Florida Forum brings together the people who are shaping Florida’s future to measure our progress, have an honest conversation about what’s working and what’s not, and focus on the strategies that will keep Florida moving toward becoming one of the world’s top 10 economies.”

Registration is open. Space is limited, and demand is high. Click here to learn more and secure your spot today!

The agenda will feature discussions focused on Florida’s economic prosperity and global competitiveness, with leaders examining issues affecting the state’s ability to attract investment, continue to build the ideal business climate, develop talent, support responsible growth, and create opportunities for Floridians.

“We’re at a pivotal moment for Florida, and securing our state’s future will require leaders who are willing to come together and take action,” said Karen Moore, Founder & CEO of The Moore Agency and Chair of the Florida Chamber Foundation Board of Trustees. “This forum gives leaders from across Florida the opportunity to look honestly at where we are today, identify the opportunities ahead, and focus on the work that will ensure Florida remains the best place to live, work, raise a family and do business.”

In addition to Mark Wilson and Karen Moore, featured on the stage are:

• Rick Scott, U.S. Senator and former Governor of Florida, who will discuss affordability, economic prosperity, and policies needed to make the American Dream more attainable for Florida families and businesses.
• Henry Mack, Florida Commissioner of Education, who will explore statewide efforts to strengthen workforce-ready skills and prepare Florida’s talent pipeline for the jobs of the future.
• John Couris, President & CEO, Tampa General Hospital, and Ted Mabrey, Head of Commercial, Palantir Technologies, who will be discussing Palantir’s unique partnership with Tampa General Hospital to drive innovation in patient care.
• Archie Collins, President & CEO, Tampa Electric, and Imran Siddiqi, Executive Director, of the Florida Digital Infrastructure and Security Alliance, who will bust through the myths about data centers, addressing the real-world future of Florida’s digital growth.
• Brian Hughes, Senior Director of Launch Operations, NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, who will highlight Florida’s leadership in space exploration and the role innovation in space and avionics plays in the state’s economy and global competitiveness.
• Steve Ubl, President & CEO, PhRMA, who will discuss opportunities to strengthen Florida’s life sciences and biopharmaceutical industry through research, clinical trials, workforce development, advanced manufacturing, investment, and patient access.
• Tajian Ancora-Brown, Director of External Affairs, Disney; Dr. Kathleen Plinske, President, Valencia College; and Alex Cartwright, President, University of Central Florida, who will be discussing how industry and education are partnering to ensure students are workforce-ready for the jobs of the future.
• Michael Yaworsky, Florida Insurance Commissioner, who will be discussing how greater competition in Florida’s property and auto insurance markets can expand consumer choice, strengthen market stability, and help lower costs for families and businesses.
• Susan Connelly, Senior Vice President, Chief Communications & Public Affairs Officer, Darden Restaurants; The Honorable Stan McClain, State Senator, Florida Senate District 9, and Keith Koenig, Co-Founder & Chairman, CITY HOME, who will join business and community leaders in a discussion focused on overcoming local government permitting and regulatory barriers to responsible growth and development.
• James Uthmeier, Florida Attorney General, and Sheriff Billy Woods, Marion County, who will be discussing the latest efforts focused on creating safer homes and neighborhoods and strengthening community safety across Florida.
• Adam Callaway, Chief of Staff, FloridaCommerce, and Adrienne Johnston, President & CEO, CareerSource Florida, who will explore how Florida’s 12 target industries can help drive high-wage jobs and economic growth.

A highlight of the event will be the announcement of the winner of the second annual Coolest Thing Made in Florida Competition, celebrating the innovation, talent, and economic impact of Florida’s manufacturing sector. The 2026 competition featured more than 100 products representing all 67 counties, with Arthrex and Northrop Grumman advancing as the final two contenders for the statewide title.

Registration is open for the 2026 Future of Florida Forum (F3) & Florida Chamber Annual Meeting. Virtual attendance is also available, with virtual registrants able to watch the event live or for up to 30 days following the event.

Click here to learn more and register.

MEDIA CREDENTIALS: Media interested in attending in-person or virtually must contact Taylore Maxey at tmaxey@flchamber.com or (850) 521-1265 to receive press credentials. Advance confirmation is required.