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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.

DEC Parking map

WLRN's Interim CEO and former Senior Economics Editor and Special Correspondent.

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

Democratic Gubernatorial Nominee


Gubernatorial Panel - Part Two | 9:45am - 10:15am

Republican Gubernatorial Nominee


Coffee Break | 10:15am - 10:30am


Housing Affordability Panel | 10:30am - 11:15am

President & CEO - Related Group
Managing Partner - Merrimac Ventures
Managing Partner - Merrimac Ventures


High Impact Philanthropy | 11:15am - 11:45am

President/CEO - Community Foundation of Broward
Founding Executive, Chairman - Related Group

Aviation, Maintenance and Repair Talk | 11:45am - 12:05pm

Co-Chairman and Co-CEO of HEICO
Chief Executive Officer at Willis Lease Finance Corp.

Mayoral Panel - One | 12:05pm-12:45pm

Fort Lauderdale Mayor
Miami-Dade County Mayor


Lunch Begins | 12:45pm - 1:15pm

Lunch will be served to registered guests.


Mayoral Panel - Two | 1:15pm-1:45pm

City of Doral Mayor
City of Lake Worth Beach Mayor

Sports Talk | 1:45pm - 2:15pm

President of Business Operations for the Florida Panthers


Program Concludes | 2:15pm

* Schedule subject to change.