Event Dates & Locations
Join an exclusive community of Florida's most dynamic second-stage business leaders for two days of strategic growth training followed by an unforgettable awards celebration.
| Event | Date | Key Locations |
|---|---|---|
| Leadership Institute | Tuesday, February 24 – Wednesday, February 25, 2026 | Loews Royal Pacific Resort, Universal Orlando |
| Awards Gala | Thursday, February 26, 2026 | Hard Rock Live!, Universal CityWalk, Orlando |
Leadership Institute: Resilient by Design
The Second-Stage Growth Imperative
Success in the Florida business landscape demands more than just growth—it requires resilience woven into your organization's fabric. This intensive, peer-to-peer program is exclusively for leaders of high-growth, second-stage companies.
This exclusive event is for the C-level executives from the current and previous honorees of the GrowFL Florida Companies to Watch award.
- Expert Sessions: Interactive workshops and presentations on leveraging AI for scaling, building value for exit, and creating a purpose-driven culture.
- Networking: Forge meaningful relationships at the Opening Reception and Fireside Chat (Feb 24, 4:00 PM) and the Networking & Dinner (Feb 25, 6:00 PM).
- Actionable Strategies: Leave with concrete tools and frameworks to navigate economic fluctuations, competitive pressures, and internal growing pains.
The 15th Annual GrowFL Florida Companies to Watch Awards Gala
Celebrate Florida's Rising Stars
An electrifying evening to honor the 50 exceptional second-stage businesses selected for the prestigious GrowFL Florida Companies to Watch award.
Your Gala Experience (Begins 5:00 PM) Includes:
- VIP Reception (For select ticket holders/sponsors)
- Meet the Honorees
- Exquisite Plated Dinner
- Awards Ceremony: Including the presentation of the Barbara Stankowski Distinguished Alumni of the Year Award.
- After Party Reception (John Lennon Room, Hard Rock Live!)
Ticket & Registration Packages
Early Bird Pricing!
Save $100 on your tickets if you register before November 15th. Register now!
This is an exclusive event primarily for past and current GrowFL Florida Companies to Watch Honorees and GrowFL CEO Members.
| Ticket Package | Price | Key Inclusions |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 Leadership Institute and Gala | $329 | Full Access to the 2-day Leadership Institute (Feb 24-25) AND the Awards Gala (Feb 26). |
| 2026 Leadership Institute Only | $199 | Full Program Access for the 2-day Leadership Institute (Feb 24-25), including all sessions and networking events. |
| Additional VIP Gala Ticket | $165 | One ticket for guests who will only be attending the Awards Gala (Feb 26). Includes plated dinner and reception. |
| Gala Table Sponsor | $1,800 | Group ticket package including 10 VIP reserved seats for the Awards Gala. |
| GrowFL CEO Membership Full Access | $495/year | GrowFL CEO Membership for one year PLUS one complimentary ticket to both the 2026 Leadership Institute and the Gala. Please purchase any additional tickets for guests. |
Logistics & Accommodation
Official Event Hotel
Aventura Hotel, Universal Orlando
Special room rates are available for attendees from February 23, 2026, through March 1, 2026.
Rate: $159 per night (plus tax and fees)
Institute Location
Loews Royal Pacific Resort
6300 Hollywood Way, Orlando, FL 32819
A beautiful setting for two days of focused leadership development and peer networking.
Gala Location
Hard Rock Live!
Universal CityWalk, Orlando, FL
Join us at this iconic venue to celebrate Florida's top second-stage companies.
