Young Professionals Leadership Conference of Northwest Florida

Registration closed. No Walk-in's.  This is a Sold Out event . 

Hosted by the Crestview Area, Destin, Greater Fort Walton Beach, Navarre, Niceville-Valparaiso, and Walton Area Chambers of Commerce, the Young Professionals Leadership Conference of Northwest Florida unites emerging leaders from across Northwest Florida for a day of inspiration, leadership insights, and meaningful networking. Attendees will hear from dynamic speakers, participate in engaging panels, and connect with peers who are shaping the region’s future.

Agenda
9:00 – 9:30 AM | Arrival & Check-In
Enjoy coffee, networking, and professional headshots provided by ADINA Photography. Headshots sponsored by Crestview Area Chamber 
9:30 – 9:45 AM | Welcome Message
9:45 – 10:25 AM | Morning Keynote: What’s Your Why?
Speaker: Ben Merrill, City of Fort Walton Beach City Councilman & Serial Entrepreneur | Discover your personal “why” and how it drives your professional growth and impact.
10:25 – 10:30 AM | Gold Sponsor Recognition
10:30 – 10:40 AM | Morning Break
10:40 – 10:45 AM | Gold Sponsor Recognition
10:45 – 11:30 AM | Leadership Panel
Bobby Wagner, Mayor of Destin | Brittany Blackman, Discover Freedom | Ross Kilpatrick,  EXIT Realty Anchor South | Jason Bulgradt, Ambrosia.   Discussing leadership insights, career growth, and local business perspectives.
11:30 AM – 12:10 PM | Lunch & Networking
12:10 – 12:15 PM | Gold Sponsor Recognition
12:15 – 1:00 PM | Young Professionals Panel
Andrew Rowe, NexTech Business Solutions - Navarre | Albert Sousa, Mortgage APEX – Fort Walton Beach  | Courtney Dollson, All in Credit Union - Crestview | Steven Gallagher, Blue Chip Digital Marketing – Destin | Austin Bentley, United Community Bank – Walton 
1:00 – 1:10 PM | Cookie Break
Sponsored by Mortgage APEX
1:10 – 1:15 PM | Gold Sponsor Recognition
1:15 – 2:15 PM | Networking Keynote
Speaker: Barbara Britt, Culture Strategist, John Maxwell Executive Director & President, B Britt LLC |  Building meaningful connections beyond just surface level encounters
2:15 – 2:30 PM | Closing Remarks  
2:30 – 4:00 PM | Sip Social
Enjoy an open bar with signature cocktails, beer, and seltzers, compliments of LiveOak Fiber, our Signature Sip Sponsor