2025 Annual Meeting


Spectacular Speakers

 

FROM THURSDAY NIGHT THROUGH SUNDAY MORNING, YOU WILL NOT WANT TO MISS A SINGLE ONE OF OUR OUTSTANDING SPEAKERS THIS YEAR!

Take a sneak peak at this year's Annual Meeting Speakers. Check back regularly as we announce more speakers leading up to June 5!


John Hope Bryant

Founder, Chairman, and CEO Operation HOPE

John Hope Bryant is an entrepreneur, author, advisor, and one of the nation’s most recognized empowerment leaders. He is the founder, chairman, and CEO of Operation HOPE and Bryant Group Companies, and, as the author of 20 books on Goodreads including Love Leadership: The New Way to Lead in a Fear-Based World.

Read more.

Seb Terry

Keynote Speaker on Personal Transformation. Peak Performance and Creating Environments for Success

Someone's Dream Will Come True LIVE when you witness Seb Terry's presentation about unlocking limitless possibilities - and YOU could be the one whose dream comes true... but ONLY if you are in the room on Sunday morning at the JW Marriott!

Read more.

  
Dr. Stephen Leatherman a.k.a. the famous Dr. Beach!   

Professor; Department of Earth & Environment, Florida International University

Do you know who names America’s Best Beaches each year?  Florida’s very own Dr. Stephen Leatherman, also known as Dr. Beach who is the Director of the Laboratory for Coastal Research at Florida International University.  Scientist, author, coastal expert, film producer, and widely quoted professor on all things where water hits land.  You will hear directly from Florida’s very own legendary water expert.

Read more.

Three of Florida’s Lt. Governors will share their proudest accomplishments, memorable and moving experiences, and much more in this conversational style session. Featuring Carlos Lopez-Cantera, Jeff Kottkamp, and Jennifer S. Carroll. 

Carlos Lopez-Cantera

Served as Lt. Governor of Florida between 2014-2019. Served under Governor Rick Scott. 

Read more.

Jeff Kottkamp

Served as Lt. Governor of Florida between 2007-2011. Served under Governor Charlie Crist. 

Read more.

Jennifer S. Carroll

Served as Lt. Governor of Florida between 2011 - 2013. Served under Governor Rick Scott. 

Read more.

Chris Herren

Former Professional Basketball Player and Motivational Speaker

Meet Chris Herren….the rise…the struggle….the fall and then back again.  Chris’ amazing story of strength and struggle from the NBA to failed drug tests.  His lessons in life will move you more than you realize.

Read more.

Brigadier General Bernard B. Banks, Ph.D.

Director of Rice University’s Doerr Institute for New Leaders

Retired U.S. Army General Bernie Banks is a noted expert on the subjects of leadership and organizational change.  He was selected from over 40,000 officers to receive the Army's top award for early career stage managers- the General Douglas MacArthur Leadership Award.  Join him to learn his lessons in leadership that applies to every stage of your life and career. 

Read more.

Affordable Housing in Florida
Mark Wilson

President & CEO, Florida Chamber of Commerce

Affordable Housing in Florida? Is this a question or a dream? Find out the latest information on this important issue lead by the Florida Chamber of Commerce President and CEO, Mark Wilson. 

Read more.

Property insurance has a significant impact on Florida's affordability and competitiveness. Come learn the latest on where the insurance market is today, and where it is headed, from this panel of Florida experts moderated by Frank Walker.
Joining him are Tim Cerio and Commissioner Mike Yaworksky.  

Tim Cerio

President/CEO and Executive Director of Citizens Property Insurance Corporation

Read more.

Michael Yaworsky

Florida Insurance Commissioner

Read more.

Click here to learn more about these Spectacular Speakers!


Kids Nite Out

Publix is once again bringing “Kids Nite Out” to the Annual Meeting. The younger crowd will enjoy two themed evenings of dinner, crafts, entertainment, and fun! No grown-ups allowed! Kids Nite Out is located on the main ballroom floor of the JW Marriott Tampa Water Street. 

Friday & Saturday Evening 6:00 - 11:00 PM

Friday's theme is Beach Blast!
Saturday's themed is Rock-n-Roll!

Kids 6 months up to 17 years of age are welcome.


Award Recipients

 

And the winners are...

Be the first to know!  Throughout the Annual Meeting, the winners of the following Awards will be announced: 

Influencer Award

"but for Leadership Florida" Award

Distinguished Member Award

LeRoy Collins Lifetime Achievement Award

Florida Impact Award

Chair's Award


Class Reunions

Catch up with your classmates at one of several outstanding eateries in the area.

Ideal times are as follows:

  • Thursday, June 5 after 7:45 pm
  • Friday, June 6 after 1:00 pm
  • Saturday, June 7 between noon and 6:30 pm

 

Dinner, Concert, & Exciting Entertainment

Thursday evening's Opening Reception will feature Moffitt Cancer Center's The ReMissions Band! Brought together by Dr. Patrick Hwu, The ReMissions can be found entertaining fans at events around Tampa and beyond. Moffitt's house band is made up entirely of Moffitt team members. 

The ReMissions Band

Named in honor of the one thing that every cancer patient hopes for - their disease to be in remission - these musical team members want their positive message to highlight the great work Moffitt is doing to fight cancer. To learn more, visit The ReMissions' website by clicking here


On Saturday evening, you'll enjoy a full evening of events with a reception, fabulous dinner, and entertainment. Members (and guests) will be seated with their class in reunion style! We'll also have a fun photo booth and 360 Experience to capture shots with your classmates to remember for years to come!

Chi-Town Transit Authority 

Chi-Town Transit Authority is an 8-piece Chicago Tribute band based out of Atlanta, Ga. established in 2017 and dedicated in reproducing the “Chicago” Concert experience.

  • Chi-Town features a tight horn and woodwinds section. 
  • Chi-Town has four vocalists, three of which trade off lead vocals.  Together they provide the dynamic vocal harmonies and stage interest that Chicago is famous for.
  • Chi-Town performs all of the familiar and famous songs covering over 4 decades of steady hits from Chicago. These songs are guaranteed to bring back memories. 
  • Chi-Town’s emphasis is on the kind of live show that brings down the house and leaves the crowd calling for more!... If it’s excitement you are looking for, Chi-Town Transit Authority is the band who can bring it!
  • Chi-Town is also a proud member of IEBA and the North Carolina Presenters Consortium.

To learn more, visit Chi-Town's website by clicking here


Later Saturday evening, you can get your groove on with our live DJ and karaoke!  Dance the night away with your fellow Leadership Florida members and make it a night to remember!

 


Lifetime Member Reception

 

Lifetime Members are invited to join us for a special reception on Thursday to kick off the weekend.  This event, sponsored by Bank of America, is free to Lifetime Members and one guest.  We can’t wait to see you there!

Not a Lifetime Member? Learn more about the fantastic benefits of making this special commitment here or by emailing Mary Holley Lee.



JW Marriott Tampa Water Street

The JW Marriott Tampa Water Street is the beautiful venue for the 2025 Annual Meeting. Click here to learn more about this stunning property. 

JW Marriott Water Street

510 Water Street

Tampa, FL 33602

Tampa Marriott Water Street

Tampa Marriott Water Street is connected to the JW Marriott Tampa Water Street on the waterfront. Click here to learn more about this wonderful property. 

Tampa Marriott Water Street

505 Water Street

Tampa, FL 33602

Room Rates

Once you have purchased your 2025 Annual Meeting tickets, you will receive your room block passcode. Secure now! The last day to book under the room block for either hotel is May 6, 2025. 

JW Marriott Tampa Water Street - Rates start at $260 per night (not including taxes/fees)

Tampa Marriott Water Street - Rates start at $220 per night (not including taxes/fees)

If you need assistance with your reservation, please contact Kelly Jones at kjones@leadershipflorida.org or (850) 933-2035.


 Flexible Ticket Prices

Early Bird Pricing ends May 6! Register today!

Members: $650 $575

Guests: $650 $575

Children* (6 mo - 17 yrs): $180 $150

*includes Friday and Saturday Kids' Nite Out sponsored by Publix

Includes all sessions and meals

Thursday: $125 $100

Friday: $200 $175

Saturday - all day: $325 $300

Saturday - Reception, Dinner, & Dancing ONLY: $240 $225

Sunday: $40 $25

(6 mo - 17 yrs)

Thursday: $45 $35

Friday*: $100 $85

Saturday - all day**: $60 $50

Sunday: $25 $10

*includes breakfast, lunch, dinner, and Kids' Nite Out sponsored by Publix

**includes breakfast, dinner, and Kids' Nite Out sponsored by Publix.




Cancellation Policy

 

For registration cancellations on or before May 29, Leadership Florida will provide a full registration refund, less a $75 processing fee per adult registration or a $25 processing fee per child registration. Daily à la carte registrations will incur a $25 processing fee per day registered. 

Cancellations after May 29, 2025, are non-refundable.  Unfortunately, there are no exceptions for any reason since at this time Leadership Florida will be financially obligated to the hotel.

   

Who is invited to the Leadership Florida Annual Meeting?

All Leadership Florida members are invited and encouraged to attend. It is a time of reunions, getting together with your class members, and meeting new friends. To register, members must be in good standing, including current dues being paid.

Can I bring my family?

Of course! There will even be special programming designed just for the younger crowd (under 18 years old).

Who else can I bring?

Registration and attendance at all Leadership Florida Annual Meetings are limited to members and immediate family members and significant others. While other guests are occasionally invited to designated Leadership Florida events, the Annual Meeting is not intended for business partners, potential recruits, or past Leadership Florida members who are not current on membership dues.

What should I wear?

Pack your shorts, sundresses, and polo shirts; the dress code is 'resort casual.'  We want you to be comfortable and make the most of your time during the Annual Meeting.  

Do I have to attend the entire event?

No. We realize other commitments may prevent you from spending the entire weekend with us. On the Registration page, you will find several different ticket options so that you can purchase the one that works best for you.

How do I register for the hotel at a special rate?

Once you have registered for the Annual Meeting, you will be emailed an event confirmation which includes your room block code and hotel link. This e-mail comes from communications@leadershipflorida.org.  This e-mail is generated immediately upon registering.  If you have not received it, please check your spam folders.   Hotel rooms are available at the JW Marriott Tampa Water Street and the Tampa Marriott Water Street. The cut-off date to book under the room block is Tuesday, May 6, 2025 at 11:59 PM EDT, but it could sell out sooner.  You are encouraged to book as soon as possible. 

If you need assistance with your reservation, please contact Kelly Jones at kjones@leadershipflorida.org or (850) 933-2035.

Can I register guests at a later date?

Yes, you can register guests at any time; however, you should book your hotel room(s) as early as possible as they will fill up quickly.

I did not receive my confirmation email. What should I do?

First, please check your spam folder. If you still do not see your confirmation email, please email us at communications@leadershipflorida.org for assistance.