1,000+ Growth-Minded Professionals.
100+ Exhibitors.
15+ Impactful Speakers & Session Leaders.
Will your business be there?

RP Funding Center, 701 W. Lime Street, Lakeland

Days
Hours
Minutes
Seconds

Join Us on September 29-30, 2026

RP Funding Center, 701 W. Lime Street, Lakeland

About the expo

Central Florida's Premier
B2B Business Event

The Central Florida Business Expo is the region’s top B2B business showcase, education conference, and networking event for business leaders and professionals across the I-4 Corridor.

We bring together thousands of business owners and decision-makers who are actively looking to grow their businesses, develop their teams, and connect with local companies like yours.

This year’s theme, Breakthrough: Leading Change, Unlocking Growth, reflects the moment many businesses and organizations are navigating right now. Across Central Florida, local and regional business owners, entrepreneurs, executives, and nonprofit professionals are being challenged to adapt, innovate, and lead with clarity in a changing economy. The 2026 Expo is designed to help leaders move beyond survival mode and into intentional growth by creating space for new ideas, meaningful connections, strategic conversations, and the kind of collaboration that helps businesses and communities break through to what’s next.

2026 Speaker Lineup

More speakers coming soon!

THE EXPERIENCE

What Happens at the Expo​

A full-scale business experience — not just a trade show. Attendees come energized and engaged.

Expo
Hall

Exhibitors showcase their businesses, spark meaningful connections, and create one of the most popular experiences of the day.

Networking
Events​

Speed networking, industry-specific meetups, a VIP reception, and casual connection opportunities woven throughout both days.​

Breakthrough Sessions

Led by recognized thought leaders on innovation, leadership, marketing, finance, and the trends shaping business in 2026 and beyond.​

Main Stage Sessions

Exhibitors showcase their businesses, spark meaningful connections, and create one of the most popular experiences of the day.

Plus, you won’t want to miss our unique food court-style lunch experience, Taste of Central Florida, presented by Visit Central Florida. 

THE EXPERIENCE

A Day at the Expo

Impact

See Why Central Florida’s Business Community Keeps Coming Back

THE AUDIENCE​

Who Will Be in the Room

Three distinct, high-value audiences attend the Central Florida Business Expo — all actively looking for products and services that help their organizations grow.​

Corporate Executives &
Professionals

Leaders from larger corporations focused on HR, sales, and management — evaluating vendors and solutions for their organizations and teams.

Nonprofit Leaders
Fundraisers

Nonprofit executives looking to enhance organizational management, fundraising effectiveness, and access tools and partnerships that support their mission.

Entrepreneurs &
Small Business Owners

Founders and owners seeking to establish or scale their businesses with innovative strategies and real solutions — actively shopping vendors and services.

CHOOSE YOUR EXPO EXPERIENCE

A Business Event Built for Every Level of Engagement.

From exhibitors and sponsors to business leaders attending for the day, the Central Florida Business Expo gives you multiple ways to connect, grow, and be seen.

SHOWCASE YOUR BUSINESS

Exhibitors

Businesses that want to showcase their products, services, resources, and expertise in front of an engaged audience of business owners, leaders, and decision-makers can register for an Exhibit Booth on the Expo floor.

LEAD THE CONVERSATION

Sponsors

Businesses and organizations that want to increase visibility, demonstrate leadership, and align their brand with regional business growth across Central Florida can choose from a variety of unique sponsorships.

MAKE YOUR NEXT MOVE

Attendees

Business owners, nonprofit leaders, corporate executives, professionals, entrepreneurs, and community partners can attend to make connections, discover resources, and explore new opportunities.

IS THIS FOR YOU?​

Who Will be at the Expo?

Did you know 99% of the nation’s businesses are small businesses? If your product or service helps businesses grow, the Expo is your stage. Industries represented include:​

AI ToolsDigital MarketingAccountingWeb & App DevelopmentBanking & FundingAdvertising ServicesIT SolutionsMerchant ServicesCybersecurityBusiness CoachingeCommerce ToolsMarketing AgenciesWeb Hosting & DomainsShipping & LogisticsPromotional ProductsPPC AdvertisingLead GenerationPayroll & HRSEO / SEMCRM SoftwareFranchise OpportunitiesLegal ServicesEmail MarketingBusiness Apps & SoftwareStaffingOffice SuppliesInsuranceTravel & HotelsUtilitiesAnd many more…

attend

Breakthrough with Your Business!

General Admission

1 Day
$ 99
00
  • (1) Full-day Expo access
  • Access to Main Stage sessions
  • Access to Breakthrough sessions
  • Taste of Central Florida Lunch
  • Business Showcase access
  • Networking opportunities

VIP Experience

2 Days
$ 249
00
  • Everything in General Admission
  • Welcome Reception on Sept. 29
  • Private VIP Area
  • Priority Seating in Main Stage Sessions
  • Early Taste of Central Florida lunch access
  • Optional VIP lunch Experience
  • Private Roundtable Discussion
  • Reserved VIP networking
Popular

EVENT SCHEDULE

Schedule

An event filled with opportunities for connection and growth. See what's happening on both days of the Expo.

DAY 1 | September 29, 2026

2:00 PM

Move In Day — RP Funding Center

EXHIBITORS

Exhibitor setup & booth preparation at RP Funding Center

5:30 PM

Welcome Reception — Youkey Theatre

VIP
Exclusive evening reception for VIP attendees, sponsors & exhibitors

DAY 2 | September 30, 2026

7:00 AM

Arrival & Networking

EXPO HALL OPEN

Registration · Coffee & breakfast · Networking tables · VIP Lounge Open

Get your Expo badges, get fueled for a day of connection, and start networking and browsing the Expo Hall.

7:45 AM

Opening Session

EXPO HALL CLOSED

Kick off the Expo with a welcome from host Chris Owen, Opening Prayer from Bill Mutz, and Colorguard presentation.  City Commissioner Guy Lalonde II and City Manager Shawn Sherrouse will share welcome remarks and Expo Organizer Chrissanne Long will share some insight into the heart behind the Expo as well as bring in PCPS Superintendent Frederick Heid to share about Junior Achievement Polk and how 20% of the Expo proceeds go to a program that supports our students.

Attendees will get a quick look at the event flow and discover the best ways to get the most out of the Expo. they can connect and learn throughout the Expo.

8:00 AM

Main Stage Session Block 1

MAIN STAGE
  • “5 Things Winning Businesses Do Differently”
    • Jorge Almanza – Senior Growth Marketer for Latin America and WhatsApp at HighLevel
  • “Life-Giving Leadership: Learning to Lead From Your True Self”
    • Tyler Reagin – Speaker, author, and founder of LGC Consulting and Co-Founder of 10|TEN Project
  • “5 Traits of a Breakthrough Leader”
    • Chris Owen – Founder of OwenCo Solutions, Vistage Chair

Learn more about each speaker and their presentations here. 

9:15 AM

Break

EXPO HALL OPEN

Transition back to the Expo Hall

9:45 AM

Breakthrough Sessions — Round 1

BREAKOUT
Choose one:
“Show Me the Money (Even Jerry Maguire Needed a Lender)”
  • Sikes F — Alisha Martin, Vice President of Business & Economic Development at Suncoast Credit Union    
“Building Life-Giving Teams”
  • Parker C — Tyler Reagin, Speaker, Author, and Founder of LGC Consulting and Co-Founder of 10|TEN Project
“Stop Trying to Sell Everyone: A Better Way to Find the Right Customers and Close More Business”
  • Sikes I — Nick Melillo, Entrepreneur, Business Coach, and Founder of New Light Consultants
Speed Networking with a Twist 
  • Lake Morton – Lea Williams, The Curated Scene

Learn more about each speaker and their presentations here. 

10:30 AM

Expo Time

EXPO HALL OPEN

Expo floor open · More coming soon!

More details coming soon.

10:45 AM

Main Stage Session Block 2

MAIN STAGE

Hear from inspirational speakers and leave with impactful takeaways.

  • “The Leadership Lie Nobody Warned You About”
    • Troy C. Smith – Leadership Trainer and Coach
  • “The Mental Advantage™: What Separates the Elite from the Average”
    • Scott Williams – Leadership Strategist, Best-selling Author, Executive Advisor, Communication Coach, and Creator of The Mental Advantage™
  • “America’s Cobbler: A Story of Resilience and Craftsmanship”
    • Expo Host Chris Owen Interviews Jim McFarland, 4th Generation Cobbler, Master Craftsman and Owner of McFarland’s Shoe Repair in Lakeland, Florida

Learn more about each speaker and their presentations here. 

11:45 AM

Lunch - Taste of Central Florida presented by Visit Central Florida

VIP EARLY ACCESS

VIP Early Access 11:30–11:45 AM. Includes Private room and Speaker-led roundtable discussion.

General lunch begins 11:45 AM
2:15 PM

Expo Time

EXPO HALL OPEN

Take a quick break before the next round of Breakthough Sessions!

2:30 PM

Breakthrough Sessions — Round 2

BREAKOUT

Choose one:

“Change Your Words. Change Your Culture. Change Your Life”
  • Sikes FTroy C. Smith, Leadership Trainer and Coach
From Potential to Performance: The Disciplines That Close the Gap”
  • Parker C — Scott Williams, Leadership Strategist, Best-selling Author, Executive Advisor, Communication Coach, and Creator of The Mental Advantage™
ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, and Grok: Four Tools, Two Problems, No Script”
  • Sikes I — Jim Mosier, Founder of MosierData, Speaker, and Consultant
Speed Networking with a Twist
  • Lake Morton – Lea Williams, The Curated Scene

Learn more about each speaker and their presentations here. 

3:15 PM

Break

EXPO HALL OPEN

Take a quick break before the next round of Breakthough Sessions!

3:30 PM

Main Stage Session Block 3

MAIN STAGE
  • “A Crew, a Compass, a Captain and a Calling”
    • Robby Sampson – Nationally-Recognized Mortgage Leader, Business Coach, and Top-Producing Loan Originator
  • “Well…That Wasn’t In the Business Plan: The Art of the Pivot.”
    • Alisha Martin – Vice President of Business & Economic Development at Suncoast Credit Union
  • “One Story of Resilience and Business Growth in the Face of Challenges”
    • Jason Pate
    • Audience Q&A – more details coming soon!
4:30 PM

Closing Session

KEYNOTE

Wrap up the Expo with key takeaways from the day, a final look at how attendees can “win the day,” and a forward-looking vision for what’s ahead. The session will also highlight the Expo’s give-back partnership with Junior Achievement.

5:30 PM

VIP Happy Hour

VIPs, Sponsors, and Exhibitors are invited to join us for a VIP Happy Hour at SpringHill Suites from 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Resource Partners

2026 Resource Partners

Our resource partners have been carefully chosen for their commitment to the Central Florida business community. Each of these partners will be present at the Expo and ready to offer their resources to our attendees

Stay Informed

Latest News & Announcements

Sponsorships & Exhibit Booths are limited.
Reserve Yours Today.

The Central Florida Business Expo is growing fast. Don't let your competition claim the spot that should be yours.

Questions? Call us at (863) 333-9315 or email sales@cflbe.com

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