Expo Full-Day Agenda | 9/24/25
* Schedule Subject to Change. Keep coming back to see our updates!
7:00 AM – 8:30 AM Registration, Expo Hall and VIP Lounge Open
Expo Hall and VIP Lounge Open
Expo Hall Opens: Registration & VIP Lounge Breakfast is Available
Pick up your badge, grab your program, and step into the Expo Hall to start making connections. Explore aisles of Exhibitors and Resource Partners ready with solutions, demos, and conversations that can move your business forward—this is the best time to introduce yourself, schedule quick follow-ups, and map out the sessions you don’t want to miss.
VIPs, stop by the VIP Lounge to enjoy a continental breakfast sponsored by Lakeland Electric and settle into a comfortable space for networking before the day ramps up.
Whether you’re scouting new tools, partners, or ideas, a quick lap through the hall now sets you up for smarter conversations all day.
8:30 AM – 9:45 AM Opening Session (Expo Hall Closed)
Opening Session: LevelUp
Master of Ceremonies Troy C. Smith hits the stage with an energizing segment on leveling up your game, your business, your life, and your future—setting a clear, dynamic tone for everything that will take place throughout the day.
You’ll be officially welcomed by City Manager Shawn Sherrouse and members of the Lakeland City Commission, then you’ll get a rapid orientation to help you make the most of the Expo: where to catch the can’t-miss breakthrough sessions, how to connect with Exhibitors and Resource Partners, how to win amazing prizes, and how to engage with our sponsors throughout the day.
We’ll close the kickoff by setting the stage for the morning’s keynote from Kevin Jack—back for year two to challenge and inspire with this session titled: The 3 Crucial Commitments to Level Up.
“Most of us think that our capacity is set, fixed, limited. We assume what we’re capable of is an arbitrary limit that we’ve already hit. Capacity is limited by four factors and unlocked by three commitments. Learn the three commitments that helped break the 4 minute barrier that are the reason why most people get stuck on Level 21.”
You won’t want to miss this!
Arrive early and be in your seat—this will be your first LevelUp moment of the day.
10:00 AM – 10:45 AM Breakthrough Session Block #1 (Expo Hall Open)
[Panel] Banking Blind Spots: Mistakes to Avoid at All Costs
Banking Blind Spots: Mistakes to Avoid at All Costs
Time: 10:00–10:45 | Location: Lake Hollingsworth A
About this session
SouthState Bank, Suncoast Credit Union, MIDFLORIDA, Citizens Bank & Trust
It’s not always what you don’t have that hurts your business — it’s what you didn’t know to ask. In this candid and practical panel discussion, a group of experienced local bankers will pull back the curtain on the most common (and costly) mistakes business owners make when it comes to their financial relationships.
From poor documentation and misunderstood credit lines to missed conversations with your banker, these blind spots can quietly derail your ability to grow, scale, or survive a sudden challenge. You’ll learn what lenders really look for in your financials, how to avoid red flags, and what to put in place today to stay ready for your next opportunity.
Panelists include:
- Mike Clanton – SouthState Bank
- Brandon Martinez – Suncoast Credit Union
- Chrissy Schaff – MIDFLORIDA Credit Union
- Brian Yates – Citizens Bank & Trust
[Panel] AI in the Real World: How Businesses & Communities Are Putting It to Work
AI in the Real World: How Businesses & Communities Are Putting It to Work
Time: 10:00–10:45 | Location: Lake Hollingsworth B
Local AI Experts
About this session
Artificial Intelligence isn’t just a buzzword or a future trend — it’s already transforming how businesses operate and how communities are served. This panel brings together leaders from diverse industries and the public sector to share how they’re applying AI in real, measurable ways.
From automating workflows and enhancing customer experiences to improving decision-making in local government, these use cases show what’s possible when innovation meets intention. You’ll hear what’s working, what lessons have been learned, and how organizations of all sizes can begin to integrate AI without losing the human touch that matters most.
Whether you’re just getting curious or already experimenting with AI, this conversation will provide clarity, inspiration, and grounded strategies to help you navigate the next wave of transformation — one smart step at a time.
Panelists include:
- Craig Hosking – Project Manager, Williams Fence
- Dorcas Crumbley – Entrepreneur & Owner, Black Swan Venue
- Eddie Allen – Owner, Edify
- Stacey Ansley – Founder & Business Coach, Build. Change. Impact.
The F.E.A.R. Model for Business Resilience: Focus, Evaluate, Analyze, Respond
Robert “Ghost” Frutchey
Wraith Foundation
The F.E.A.R. Model for Business Resilience: Focus, Evaluate, Analyze, Respond
Time: 10:00–10:45 | Location: Parker A
About this session
In business, as in life, moments of pressure reveal who’s prepared — and who’s reactive. Led by a former law enforcement professional and founder of The Wraith Foundation, this breakthrough session introduces the F.E.A.R. Model — a powerful framework designed to sharpen your focus, enhance situational awareness, and guide high-stakes decision-making under pressure.
Originally developed for personal safety and threat assessment, the F.E.A.R. Model (Focus, Evaluate, Analyze, Respond) applies seamlessly to the business world — from navigating conflict and handling crises to leading through uncertainty. Attendees will explore how to stay mentally clear, evaluate risk quickly, and take confident, calculated action when the stakes are high.
Whether you’re managing a team, de-escalating a client issue, or simply striving to lead with calm in chaotic moments, this session offers practical tools that build personal resilience and create a culture of composed, purpose-driven leadership.
Sales Mastery Workshop: How Purpose Fuels a Better Sales Process
Nick Melillo
Nick Melillo StoryBrand Coach, New Light Consultants
Sales Mastery Workshop: How Purpose Fuels a Better Sales Process
Time: 10:00 -10:45 a.m. | Location: Parker B
About this session
Clarity sells. Purpose sustains it.
In this strategy-focused interactive session, you’ll explore how Donald Miller’s StoryBrand Sales Script transforms the sales process into a powerful, purpose-aligned experience — for you and your customer. Sales isn’t just about closing deals. When done right, it’s about clearly communicating the problem you solve, the value you bring, and why it matters.
You’ll learn how to design a sales process that flows naturally from your human wiring — one that reflects your purpose, builds trust, and guides your customers through a journey that feels less like a pitch and more like a partnership.
This session will break down the key components of a compelling sales conversation, helping you overcome confusion, reduce pressure, and create real connections that convert.
Whether you’re a seasoned closer or just getting started, you’ll leave with a framework that puts clarity, confidence, and customer experience at the heart of your sales strategy.
The Purpose Factor: Discovering What Drives You and Aligning It With the Work You Do
Guest Speaker
Purpose Factor Company
The Purpose Factor: Discovering What Drives You and Aligning It With the Work You Do
Time: 10:00–10:45 | Location: Sikes F
About this session
What if your greatest advantage in business and life wasn’t your skillset — but your clarity of purpose?
Based on the groundbreaking book The Purpose Factor by keynote speakers Gabrielle and Brian Bosché, this powerful session will help you uncover what truly drives you — and how aligning that purpose with your work can transform how you lead, serve, and grow.
Through an engaging and practical framework, you’ll explore the four elements of purpose and gain insights into how to bring more meaning and clarity to your professional journey. Whether you’re a business owner, team leader, or individual contributor, this session will equip you with tools to turn your personal purpose into professional momentum.
Culture That Works: The 5 Behaviors of High-Performing Teams
Chris Owen
OwenCo.co
Culture That Works: The 5 Behaviors of High-Performing Teams
Time: 10:00–10:45 | Location: Sikes I
About this session
What if your team’s culture was your greatest competitive advantage? Based on Patrick Lencioni’s proven model, this interactive session explores the 5 key behaviors that drive cohesive, high-performing teams: trust, conflict, commitment, accountability, and results.
When these behaviors are present, teams align around purpose, communicate openly, hold each other accountable, and achieve more together — without relying on top-down pressure. You’ll learn how each behavior builds on the next and walk away with insights to assess your team’s current dynamics and identify where growth is possible.
Through real-world examples and practical application, you’ll see how this framework transforms culture from a buzzword into a blueprint for results — whether you’re leading a department, managing projects, or building a cross-functional team.
Ideal for leaders, managers, and team members who want to elevate collaboration, increase engagement, and create a culture that fuels shared success.
11:00 AM – 11:45 AM Breakthrough Session Block #2 (Expo Hall Open)
[Panel] Winning Strategies for Selling to Local Government
Winning Strategies for Selling to Local Government
Time: 11:00 – 11:45 a.m. | Location: Lake Hollingsworth A
Tara Walls, Stephanie-Grace Lutton, Bethany Owen, Ashley Provenza, Ivy Williams
Back by popular demand, this high-value session brings together procurement leaders from across Polk County — now with expanded representation from the Cities of Lakeland, Winter Haven, Haines City, Lake Wales and the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.
Whether you’re new to bidding on government contracts or looking to improve your win rate, this panel discussion will offer practical insights straight from the source. Learn what agencies are really looking for in bids, the most common mistakes to avoid, and how to make your business stand out.
Panelists include:
- Tara Walls, Senior Buyer Risk & Purchasing Department, City of Lakeland
- Stephanie-Grace Lutton, Parks & Recreation Director, City of Lake Wales
- Bethany Owen, Procurement Manager, City of Winter Haven
- Ashley Provenza, Purchasing Supervisor, Polk County Sheriff’s Office
- Ivy Williams, Purchasing Manager, City of Haines City
[Panel] Unlocking Capital: Meeting the Diverse Needs of Today’s Business Owners
[Panel] Local Funding Experts
Local Funding Experts
Unlocking Capital: Meeting the Diverse Needs of Today’s Business Owners
Time: 11:00–11:45 | Location: Lake Hollingsworth B
About this session
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to funding a business. From startups to scaling enterprises, entrepreneurs face unique challenges based on industry, background, and access to financial networks. This panel brings together experts from leading nonprofit organizations and funding institutions who understand the realities diverse business owners face — and the practical steps needed to overcome them.
You’ll explore a wide range of funding options, including traditional lending, community-based capital, minority-focused programs, and alternative financing tools. Panelists will share insights into what lenders and investors are really looking for, how to prepare your business for funding, and where to find support tailored to your specific needs.
Whether you’re just starting out or ready to grow, this conversation will empower you with strategies, resources, and connections to move forward with confidence — and capital.
Build your roadmap to funding with guidance from those who know the way.
How to Take Control of Rising Insurance Costs: Auto, Employee Benefits, Property, Liability, Workers’ Compensation and Other Coverages
Austin Brownlee & Ethan Reedy
Brown & Brown Insurance
How to Take Control of Rising Insurance Costs: Auto, Employee Benefits, Property, Liability, Workers’ Compensation and Other Coverages
Time: 11:00–11:45 | Location: Parker A
About this session
Insurance premiums are rising across the board — from auto and property to employee benefits and workers’ compensation — leaving many businesses feeling powerless. This session is designed to help you take back control with proactive, practical strategies that can reduce costs without compromising coverage.
Industry experts will explain what’s driving increases in each major insurance category and offer actionable tips to help you manage risk, negotiate smarter, and improve your company’s risk profile before renewal. Whether you’re overseeing employee benefits or managing business liability, you’ll gain clarity and confidence to make informed insurance decisions.
Key takeaways include:
- What’s really driving rate increasesHow to reduce risk and improve underwriting outcomes
- Ways to spot gaps and inefficiencies in your current coverage
- Practical steps to control costs without sacrificing protection
The Unseen Advantage: How Faith Shapes Business Decisions
Addison Williams
Faith Driven Entrepreneur
The Unseen Advantage: How Faith Shapes Business Decisions
Time: 11:00–11:45 | Location: Parker B
About this session
Leaders are often faced with decisions that can’t be made by numbers alone. This discussion explores the often-overlooked advantage faith brings to the table — influencing strategy, shaping culture, and guiding choices in ways that create long-term impact. Led by a member of the Faith Driven Entrepreneur team, this interactive session will invite real-world stories, practical examples, and honest dialogue about what it looks like to bring faith into business conversations with confidence and wisdom in a complex world. With a focus on results-driven outcomes, this conversation will inspire and encourage attendees to discover new ways — or adapt existing practices — to elevate their faith within their business.
TEACH, MODEL, COACH (TMC): A Purpose-Driven Framework for Transformational Leadership
Troy C. Smith
Troy C. Smith H.O.P.E. Servant Leadership Coach and Speaker
TEACH, MODEL, COACH (TMC): A Purpose-Driven Framework for Transformational Leadership
Time: 11:00–11:45 | Location: Sikes 1
About this session
Effective leadership requires more than authority — it demands intention, clarity, and purpose. In this powerful session, Troy C. Smith introduces the TMC Methodology: a three-pronged approach to leading through teaching, modeling, and coaching that creates engaged, empowered, and purpose-aligned teams.
You’ll explore how common communication patterns — often learned unconsciously — can devalue your team and undermine trust. Through Troy’s inspiring lens as a former high school dropout turned corporate leader, you’ll learn how to reset your leadership voice, connect with authenticity, and create a culture where people thrive.
Whether you’re leading a small team or an entire organization, this session will help you reframe leadership as a daily act of purpose.
Walk away with:
- Clear strategies to lead with intention
- Communication habits that uplift and activate your team
- A renewed sense of purpose in how you show up as a leader
From Overwhelmed to Organized: How AI Helps Any Organization Work Smarter, Not Harder
Jim Mosier
Mosier Data
From Overwhelmed to Organized: How AI Helps Any Organization Work Smarter, Not Harder
Time: 11:00–11:45 | Location: Sikes 2
About this session
From entrepreneurs and government leaders to corporate executives and nonprofit directors, every organization faces the same challenge: operational chaos. This breakout session cuts through that overwhelm using the proven RIDE framework (Role, Instructions, Data, Execution) to harness AI as a true force multiplier, enhancing your team’s capabilities without replacing human judgment.
Anchored in “People First” principles, you’ll walk away with clarity around what AI really can do for your organization, plus actionable strategies that help you save time, increase productivity, and solve complex challenges while empowering your team. We’ll emphasize practical application across all sectors and show how AI can streamline workflows, enhance decision-making, and reduce daily overwhelm without needing technical expertise. Whether you’re leading teams of 5 or 500, this session delivers clarity, tools, and a people-centered path forward that works for any organization.
11:45 AM - 1:00 PM Taste of Central Florida | Sponsored by Visit Central Florida
Lunch - A Taste of Local Restaurants
Taste of Central Florida — Sponsored by Visit Central Florida
A pop-up culinary tour of Polk County: a tastefully curated lunch that brings standout local restaurants and food artisans together under one roof. Stroll station to station for signature bites, discover new favorites, and meet the makers—combining meaningful networking with a memorable meal, made possible by Visit Central Florida.
Time: 11:45–1:00 | Location: Sykes Hall
1:00 PM – 3:00 PM Fireside Chat (Expo Hall Closed)
Fireside Chat with Gab and Brian Bosche
Interviews with Local Leaders
How does purpose turn into performance when the pressure is on? In this candid, unscripted session, Gab & Brian Bosche (The Purpose Factor, The Purpose Company) interview regional leaders to explore how the Conviction Curve shows up in real decisions—shaping strategy, culture, hiring, service, innovation, and community impact.
Expect honest, authentic stories about what worked (and what didn’t), the metrics they watch to stay aligned, and simple habits that build conviction across teams.
Featuring:
Dale Dreyer (SouthState Bank)
Danielle Drummond (Lakeland Regional Health)
Dr. Angela Falconetti (Polk State College)
Pete Frantzis (Cyndeo Wealth Partners)
George Tinsley (Pengeo Inc. & Tinsley Speaks)
Brian West (Publix Supermarkets)
Time: 1:00–3:00 | Location: YOUKEY THEATRE
3:15 PM – 4:00 PM Breakthrough Session Block #3 (Expo Hall Open)
[Panel] Entrepreneurship as Economic Development: Building Pipelines That Work
[Panel] Entrepreneurship as Economic Development: Building Pipelines That Work
Time: 3:15–4:00 | Location: Hollingsworth A
About this session
Founders need clear next steps. Ecosystem builders need programs that reliably produce results. This session brings both sides together. Dell Gines (International Economic Development Council) shares field-tested principles of entrepreneur-led economic development, moderated by David Ponraj (Economic Impact Catalyst), with BBIF Florida adding capital-readiness and capacity insights.
We’ll map the founder journey from idea to scale and show how ESOs can translate that journey into services that work — using leading measures (activation, mentor touchpoints, capital-readiness milestones) and lagging measures (revenue growth, quality jobs, capital deployed).
Panelists include:
Moderator: David Ponraj – Economic Impact Catalyst (EIC)
Dell Gines – International Economic Development Council (IEDC)
Elle Withall – Bartow Economic Development Council
[Panel] Redefining Service: How Great Leaders Build Teams That Put People First
[PANEL] Redefining Service: How Great Leaders Build Teams That Put People First
Time: 3:15–4:00 | Location: Lake Hollingsworth B
About this session
In any organization — public or private — exceptional service isn’t optional. It’s the standard that defines how we show up, build trust, and create results. But what happens when “the customer is always right” starts to wear down your team or compromise your values?
This candid and collaborative panel brings together voices from both the public and private sectors — including local government leaders and experienced business owners — to explore what true customer-first service looks like in the real world. From the front lines to the executive level, you’ll hear practical strategies for creating a culture of service that elevates the customer experience without sacrificing your team’s morale or mission.
Expect honest stories, actionable insights, and a fresh perspective on what it means to lead with empathy, consistency, and purpose — even when the situation is challenging.
Service is the expectation. This session will show you how to lead it well.
Panelists include:
Moderator: Tony Johnson – Ignite Your Service Training & Consulting
Chris McArthur – Owner, Black & Brew Coffee House & Bistro
Brian Rewis – Director, City of Lakeland Community & Economic Development
Joe Tedder – Polk County Tax Collector
Brian West – Community Relations Manager, Publix Supermarkets
More Than a Job: How Purpose Transforms the Way We Work
Leadercast Lakeland - Leadership Lakeland Alumni
Members of Class 41
More Than a Job: How Purpose Transforms the Way We Work
Time: 3:15–4:00 | Location: Lake Parker C
About this session
It’s easy to get stuck in routines that feel disconnected from meaning. But what if Purpose isn’t just about what you do — but who it’s for?
Hosted by the Leadership Lakeland Alumni Association (LLAA), this interactive session will shift your focus from “What’s my purpose?” to “How does my work serve others?” Using a short video from leadership expert Andy Stanley as a jumping-off point, local LLAA leaders will guide hands-on exercises and peer discussions that connect purpose to practice.
You’ll learn a simple “means-to-an-end” framework, map one task or role to the people it impacts, and design a 7-day experiment to bring purpose to life in your day-to-day.
Work Worth Doing: Finding Meaning and Motivation in Your Role
Carly Grennor
Put Me in Coach
Work Worth Doing: Finding Meaning and Motivation in Your Role
Time: 3:15–4:00 | Location: Lake Parker D
About this session
Feeling fulfilled at work doesn’t always mean completely changing what you’re doing. Sometimes a new perspective can take you further than you ever imagined. In this session, we’ll explore how to rediscover meaning and motivation by aligning your current role with what truly drives you.
We’ll unpack the secret to getting more from yourself and your team and dive into how purpose and performance intersect. You’ll gain insights into a time-tested leadership framework built on character, competence, and consistency, and learn how these values can bring depth and clarity to your everyday work.
Whether you’re in corporate management, public service, or leading a small business, this conversation will help you reframe your role, reignite your purpose, and find deeper satisfaction without changing careers.
The Exit Advantage: What Your Future Buyer Wishes You’d Fix Now
Adam Whelchel
FL Business Sales
The Exit Advantage: What Your Future Buyer Wishes You’d Fix Now
Time: 3:15–4:00 | Location: Sikes 1
About this session
Most business owners don’t start out thinking about how they’ll exit — but the decisions you make today can dramatically impact what your business is worth tomorrow. Whether you plan to sell, scale back, or pass it on someday, understanding what drives business value now is key to protecting the legacy you’ve worked so hard to build.
In this practical and eye-opening session, you’ll explore the essential (and often overlooked) factors that make a business attractive to future buyers — from recurring revenue and team independence to risk reduction and growth potential.
You’ll walk away with a clear framework you can begin applying immediately to increase value, reduce owner dependence, and create options for your future — even if selling isn’t on your radar yet.
Ideal for business owners and founders, this session will help you build not just a profitable company, but one that’s sellable, scalable, and sustainable.
The Power of EQ: Thriving in a High-Stakes Workplace
Lori Long
Lori Long Consulting
The Power of EQ: Thriving in a High-Stakes Workplace
Time: 3:15–4:00 | Location: Sikes 2
About this session
No matter your role — whether in government, corporate, nonprofit, or small business — the ability to navigate relationships, manage stress, and make sound decisions under pressure is essential to success. In fast-paced, high-stakes environments, technical skills alone aren’t enough. Emotional intelligence (EQ) is the hidden driver behind effective leadership, meaningful collaboration, and long-term growth.
This interactive session explores the five core components of EQ and how to apply them in real-world situations — from leading teams and managing conflict to communicating with clarity and building trust across all levels of an organization.
Whether you’re leading people, managing projects, or advancing your career, you’ll gain practical tools to increase your self-awareness, improve your interpersonal effectiveness, and level up your leadership presence in any workplace.
4:15 PM – 5:30 PM Closing Keynote (Expo Hall Closed)
Gabrielle & Brian Bosche
CLOSING KEYNOTE
The Conviction Curve — How to Unlock Your Purpose, Accelerate Success, and Level Up Your Life
—show you how to discover and deploy your purpose for real.
You’ll learn what conviction is, the three conviction killers that keep you stuck, and a step-by-step system they teach to organizations from the U.S. military to Google to personalize the mission and unlock motivation that lasts.
Walk away with elite clarity on who you are, who you help, and how you’re uniquely positioned to serve them—so you can create conviction in yourself and those you lead, accelerate success, and level up your life and business.
5:30 PM - 7:30 PM VIP Happy Hour
Time:5:30–7:30 | Location: The SpringHill Suites by Marriott Lakeland
Need Accommodations?
The SpringHill Suites by Marriott Lakeland welcomes the Central Florida Business Expo! Please enjoy COMPLIMENTARY Hot Breakfast Buffet, COMPLIMENTARY Parking, COMPLIMENTARY Wi-Fi, Heated Outdoor Swimming Pool, and Lobby Lounge/Bar with Patio Seating and Firepit during your stay with us.
