Full Schedule

Please note that the schedule below is tentative and may change prior to the convention. If you have any questions on topics or sessions ahead of time, or need more specifics, please contact Rachel Covello at flocc@outcoast.com.

8:00 AM – 6:00 PM	Registration: Hilton Downtown Tampa Atrium 211 N Tampa St, Tampa, FL 33602
6:00 PM – 9:00 PM	Opening Social Reception: Yeoman’s Top Golf Swing Suite 202 N Morgan St, Tampa, FL 33602

8:00 AM – 6:00 PM	Registration: Hilton Downtown Tampa Atrium Guest MCs: Jaime & Katie Filer (Influencers)
7:00 AM – 8:00 AM	Wellness Activity: Meditation with Rev. Kimberley Harrell
8:00 AM – 9:00 AM	Continental Breakfast: Marketplace Silent Auction Opens & Networking
9:00 AM – 10:30 AM	Opening Session Location: Main Stage Opening Remarks Message from Mayor Jane Castor Panel Topic: Navigating Florida Tourism Advisories Moderator David Downing (United Landmark Associates) Panelists Stacy Ritter (Visit Lauderdale) LoAnn Halden (IGLTA) Nathan Bruemmer, Esq. (Florida’s Former LGBTQ+ Consumer Advocate) Ashley Brundage (LGBT MPA)
10:30 AM – 11:00 AM	Refreshment Break: Marketplace Silent Auction Bidding & Networking
11:15 AM – 12:15 PM	Breakout 1: Creating Transformative Experiences for Transgender Travelers Cindi Miller (Shandi Travel) Breakout 2: More Than Rainbows: How LGBTQ+ Groups Give Back Tommy Whitehead (Tampa Bay Bears) Breakout 3: LGBTQ+ Senior Travel Trends Christopher MacLellan M.A. (Whole Care Network, Inc.)
12:30 PM – 3:30 PM	Lunch & General Session Session Sponsor: Visit Tampa Bay Location: Main Stage Entertainer: Jeff Klein (Comedian) Panel 1 Topic: Why Diversity in Tourism Matters Moderator Greg DeSheilds (Tourism Diversity Matters) Panelists Nick Romeo (DoubleT Media) Jennifer Clark Fugolo (AHLA Foundation) Mayor Teri Johnston (City of Key West) Santiago Corrada (Visit Tampa Bay) Panel 2 Topic: Social Media Marketing with LGBTQ Influencers Sponsored by Orange 142 Moderator Matt Skallerud (Pink Media) Panelists Emily Parli (Orange142) Jaime Filer (Filer Fitness, Influencer) Troy Petenbrink (The Gay Traveler)
3:30 PM – 4:00 PM	Refreshment Break in Marketplace: Silent Auction Bidding & Networking
4:00 PM – 5:00 PM	Breakout 1: Recruiting Hospitality Employees with Inclusion in Mind Sponsored by AHLA Foundation Roger Curlin (EDGE Business District) Breakout 2: Authentic Travel Experiences: Meeting Expectations Greg DeSheilds (Tourism Diversity Matters) Breakout 3: Developing an Inclusive Marketing Strategy Sponsored by Orange142 Emily Parli (Orange142) Matt Skallerud (Pink Media)
5:00 PM – 6:00 PM	Cocktail Happy Hour in Lobby and Marketplace Entertainer: Nathan Daugherty (Pianist)
6:00 PM – ?	Dine around in Tampa and Ybor City (On Your Own) Restaurant and entertainment info coming….

8:00 AM – 6:00 PM	Registration: Hilton Downtown Tampa Atrium Guest MCs: Brianna Summers (Performer) & Trevor Pettiford (News Reporter, Bay News 9)
7:00 AM – 8:00 AM	Wellness Activity: Yoga with Vadana Dillon
8:00 AM – 9:00 AM	Continental Breakfast: Marketplace Silent Auction Bidding & Networking
9:00 AM – 10:30 AM	General Session Location: Main Stage Opening Remarks Panel Topic: The Impact of LGBTQ+ Market Segment Leaders at the DMO Level Moderator Barbara Karasek (CEO, Paradise Advertising) Panelists Richard Gray (Visit Lauderdale) Dan Rios (Greater Miami CVB) Pony Charvet (Florida Keys) Michelle Pirre (Paradise Coast)
10:30 AM – 11:15 AM	Refreshment Break: Marketplace Silent Auction Bidding & Networking
11:15 AM – 12:15 PM	Breakout 1: What’s Trending in LGBTQ+ Travel Planning? Scott Wismont (Rainbow Getaways) Breakout 2: Knowing and Sharing Your Inclusive Brand Story Jillian Abby (Hay House Author of Perfectly Queer) Breakout 3: Don’t Be a Drag – Dispelling Stereotypes & Understanding Impact Brianna Summers, Momma Ashley Rose, Silver Foxx, Angelique Young-Cavalier
12:30 PM – 2:30 PM	Lunch General Session Session Sponsor: Paradise Coast Location: Main Stage Entertainer: Sarah Potenza (America’s Got Talent) & Jay Miah (Alter Ego, America’s Got Talent) Panel Topic: The Value of LGBTQ+ Bars, Venues and Events on Tourism Moderator: Ryan Williams-Jent (Watermark) Panelists: David Fischer (CockTail St Pete) Art Smith (Gay Barchives) Vicki Gibson (The Lady’s Room) Byron Green (St Pete Pride)
2:30 PM – 3:00 PM	Refreshment Break: Marketplace Silent Auction Bidding & Networking
3:00 PM – 4:00 PM	Keynote Speaker Location: Main Stage Kevin Finke, BELONGING JOURNEY™
4:00 PM – 6:00 PM	FLAMBOYANCE: Awards, Entertainment, Cocktail Reception, Networking! Presenting Sponsor: Visit Tampa Bay Emcee: Rachel Covello
6:00 PM – ?	Dine around in Tampa and Ybor City (On Your Own) Restaurant and entertainment info coming….

8:00 AM – 9:00 AM

Continental Breakfast: Marketplace Silent Auction Ends

9:00 AM – 11:00 AM

Closing Session Session Sponsor: Visit Lauderdale Location: Main Stage Guest MC: Rachel Covello (OutCoast.com) Panel Topic: Leveraging Local and National LGBTQ+ Partnerships to Influence Buying Decisions Moderator Rachel Covello Panelists Cori Craciun (Naples Pride) Arlene Goldberg (SWFL Harmony Chamber of Commerce) Kevin Clevenger (FlockFest) Robert Kesten (Stonewall Museum & Archives) Silent Auction and Raffle Winners Announced!