igniting ideas in Florida’s High Tech Corridor 

The 2026 InterCity Leadership Conference will bring together business and civic leaders from across the I-35 region in Hays and Caldwell Counties for a dynamic learning experience in one of the nation’s most innovative and fast-growing areas: the region between Orlando and Tampa.  This region has tackled challenges similar to our own through economic development strategies and public-private partnerships. The InterCity conference fosters dialogue and discovery in a small-group setting, creating an environment where relationships are built and strengthened. It’s an opportunity for leaders to learn, exchange ideas, and return home with actionable insights to drive continued growth in our own communities.

Attendees will experience firsthand the impactful work being done at the University of Central Florida’s Business Incubator, where startups are scaling big ideas into real-world success stories. In Lakeland, we’ll explore innovative economic development strategies and business-led initiatives that are shaping the future of mid-sized communities.

Highlights of presentations and network-building events:
Innovations in Small Business creation at Catapult Incubator
Downtown reinvestment and community development award-winning projects 
Aerospace/Airport/Aviation sites and workforce training initiatives 
Business & Education connections, mentorship and technical training programs 
University of Central Florida leadership presentations on Town & Gown Relations,  entrepreneur incubation & commercialization 
Housing development "missing middle" projects 
Economic development technology 
Innovations in childcare services for an expanding workforce 
Cybersecurity workforce training
Exclusive catered group lunches and dinners at unique venues
Hospitality, debriefing sessions, and more

Registration options are packaged with airfare & lodging -- or without. Conference begins and ends in Orlando: starting at 3:00pm on April 28 to 3:00 pm on Friday, May 1, 2026. 

The early registration rate has been extended to February 1st! A $500 deposit by Feb. 1 will secure your spot at the early rate. (Note: After March 1, the all-inclusive registration Option A with airfare will no longer be available at all.)

View Sponsorship and Registration Options here

Read about past InterCity Conference destinations here.