Join us for the Sunshine Economy Summit 2026, a one-day event presented by WLRN and hosted by Tom Hudson, Interim CEO, Senior Economics Editor and Special Correspondent for WLRN. The Summit brings together key stakeholders, business leaders, policymakers, and community experts to discuss the region’s economic growth, challenges, and opportunities.
This engaging summit features insightful panels, keynote speakers, and interactive sessions focused on innovative strategies to foster economic development, support local businesses, and create jobs in South Florida. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect, collaborate, and shape the future of our vibrant community.
WLRN Sunshine Economy Summit 2026, Presented by The Ft. Lauderdale Alliance
Event Info & Registration
Wednesday, September 23
8 AM - 2:15 PM
The Downtown Event Center - Fort Lauderdale
416 NE 1st Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
PARKING INSTRUCTIONS
Your initial parking location is in the 416 NE 1st Street Parking Lot.
HOW TO PAY
Download the ParkMobile app. Enter location code 19203
OVERFLOW PARKING
Overflow parking is available in the City Hall Parking Garage. This garage will be directed by parking attendant teams.
Hudson's extensive reporting on South Florida's economy has taken him from the waters of Florida Bay to the depths of the PortMiami tunnel (and countless offices and conference rooms). He has interviewed bartenders and bankers, caregivers and CEOs to report on the people behind economic statistics.
Summit Panelists and Agenda*
Coffee And Registration | 8:00am - 8:45am
Opening remarks | 9:00am - 9:15am
Gubernatorial Panel - Part One | 9:15am - 9:45am
Gubernatorial Panel - Part Two | 9:45am - 10:15am
Coffee Break | 10:15am - 10:30am
Housing Affordability Panel | 10:30am - 11:15am
High Impact Philanthropy | 11:15am - 11:45am
Aviation, Maintenance and Repair Talk | 11:45am - 12:05pm
Mayoral Panel - One | 12:05pm-12:45pm
Lunch Begins | 12:45pm - 1:15pm
Lunch will be served to registered guests.
Mayoral Panel - Two | 1:15pm-1:45pm
Sports Talk | 1:45pm - 2:15pm
Program Concludes | 2:15pm
* Schedule subject to change.