Attendees in 2025
Exhibitors Last Year
Sponsors in 2025
Business Showcase
Food Vendors
About the expo
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.
Why Sponsor
Central Florida’s most concentrated gathering of business buyers — all in one room.
The Central Florida Business Expo continues to grow as a premier B2B business showcase and tradeshow in Central Florida. The 2025 Expo welcomed 1,100 attendees, 81 exhibitors, 42 resource partners, 19 local food vendors, and 36 sponsors — and the 2026 event is targeting 1,500+ attendees and 100+ exhibitors from across Polk County and the broader Central Florida region.
Build high-value visibility with the people who drive business forward. The Expo gives sponsors more than logo placement — it creates meaningful visibility among local business owners, community leaders, resource partners, and decision-makers who are actively engaged in the growth of this region. Sponsorship helps strengthen name recognition, build trust, and position your brand as a visible supporter of local business success.
Sponsorship gives your business the opportunity to show up in multiple ways before, during, and after the Expo. From event promotion and on-site recognition to VIP engagement and relationship-building opportunities, your sponsorship creates touchpoints that can lead to stronger brand recall, follow-up conversations, and long-term business relationships.
Hosted at the RP Funding Center in partnership with the City of Lakeland, the Expo is intentionally designed to support business growth, collaboration, and regional connection. As a sponsor, you position your company as an active leader in the business ecosystem shaping the future of Lakeland, Polk County, and Central Florida.
THE AUDIENCE
Three distinct, high-value audiences attend the Central Florida Business Expo — all actively looking for products and services that help their organizations grow.
Leaders from larger corporations focused on HR, sales, and management — evaluating vendors and solutions for their organizations and teams.
Nonprofit executives looking to enhance organizational management, fundraising effectiveness, and access tools and partnerships that support their mission.
Founders and owners seeking to establish or scale their businesses with innovative strategies and real solutions — actively shopping vendors and services.
IS THIS FOR YOU?
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:
THE EXPERIENCE
A full-scale business experience — not just a trade show. Attendees come energized and engaged.
Speed networking, industry-specific meetups, a VIP reception, and casual connection opportunities woven throughout both days.
Led by recognized thought leaders on innovation, leadership, marketing, finance, and the trends shaping business in 2026 and beyond.
Dynamic, nationally-recognized keynote speakers delivering motivating, actionable talks — creating the buzz that drives high-quality attendance year after year.
SUCCESS STORIES
The Expo provided our company with a great opportunity to further market our brand and continue to build our network. It actually allowed me the opportunity to work with one of the presenters on a new business acquisition shortly after the event.
Not only was this an opportunity for businesses in our community to come together, but this event opened doors that our area desperately needed. Thanks to connections at the Expo, I established relationships with 7 new clients I likely wouldn't have met otherwise.
Our booth was busy the whole day. We were pleasantly surprised that there were so many decision makers there. We decided to be a sponsor in the premier year because we knew it was something Lakeland needed. We look forward to this coming year!
As sponsors, the opportunity to meet other exhibitors yielded valuable connections and networks. The breadth of business represented at the Expo is an accurate reflection of the thriving entrepreneurial culture in Central Florida. I look forward to the Expo 2026!
Named Sponsorships available
Pick the sponsorship opportunity that fits your goals. All sponsorships ensure brand visibility and exposure and will include an allotted number of sponsor tickets.
Limited Spots
Available
Excellent Visibility
& Exposure
Includes 20
Sponsor tickets
Premium Visibility
&
Brand Exposure
Includes 15
Sponsor tickets
Exceptional Visibility
&
Brand Exposure
Includes 10
Sponsor tickets
Increased Visibility
&
Brand Exposure
Includes 6
Sponsor tickets
Sponsor tickets include:
-Access to Welcome Reception
-Access to Expo, including admission into Business Showcase Hall, Main Stage Sessions, Breakthrough Sessions, Taste of Central Florida Lunch, and Networking Opportunities
VIP
Reception Sponsor
Includes 8
Sponsor tickets
$3,500
Registration Area &
Kiosk Sponsor
Includes 8
Sponsor tickets
$3,500
VIP Lounge
Sponsor
Includes 8
Sponsor tickets
$3000
Business Card
Exchange Sponsor
Includes 6
Sponsor tickets
$2,500
Lanyard
Sponsor
Includes 8
Sponsor tickets
$3,000
Swag Bags
Sponsor
Includes 8
Sponsor tickets
$3,000
Power Station
Sponsor
Includes 6
Sponsor tickets
$2,500
WiFi Access
Sponsor
Includes 6
Sponsor tickets
$2,500
Speed Networking
Sponsor
Includes 6
Sponsor tickets
$2,500
Volunteer Lunch
Sponsor
Includes 5
Sponsor tickets
$1,000
Event App
Sponsor
Includes 10
Sponsor tickets
$5,000
Wayfinding & Experience Sponsor
Includes 10
Sponsor tickets
$5,000
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
The Diamond level sponsorship is an opportunity available for only 2 companies to receive prominent exposure at the event and in all materials.
Includes 20 tickets.
Sponsor Tickets include:
The Emerald level sponsorship is available for up to 4 companies to take advantage of a premium sponsorship package at an affordable cost.
Includes 15 tickets.
Sponsor Tickets include:
The Ruby level sponsorship is available for up to 8 companies to take advantage of a premium sponsorship package at an affordable cost.
Includes 10 tickets.
Sponsor Tickets include:
The Sapphire level sponsorship package offers exceptional visibility for sponsors unable to attend as exhibitors, ensuring prominent brand exposure throughout the event.
Includes 6 tickets.
Sponsor Tickets include:
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