Innovate Orlando

Women in Tech and Entrepreneurship - Gainesville August Happy Hour
2026-08-27 17:30 - 19:30 (America/New_York) | Beaker & Flask Wine Co., 13800 Tech City Circle, #Ste 311, Alachua, FL, 32615, United States
a casual gathering of high-performing, non-conforming women founders, tech workers, VCs, and hype girls

Join us for an exclusive behind-the-scenes experience at San Felasco Tech City, led by Mitch Glaeser, visionary Co-Founder of SFTC and CEO of Emory Group. This is a unique opportunity to explore the future of tech and innovation in the heart of Gainesville, network with dynamic women in tech and entrepreneurship, and connect with new peers and mentors.

What to Expect:
Warm Welcome: At our events you’ll meet a warm and welcoming community of supportive, ambitious women who want to meet you!
Inspiring Tour: Learn about future of San Felasco Tech City’s cutting-edge developments and hear about the exciting vision for this sustainable, entrepreneur-focused community from one the visionaries behind SFTC, Co-Founder Mitch Glaeser.
Networking & Exploration: After the tour, we’ll head to Beaker & Flask, where the first round of drinks is sponsored by San Felasco Tech City. Take a moment to relax, chat, and enjoy the vibrant community market happening on-site.
Better Networking: We think differently at Women in Tech & Entrepreneurship. We want to connect about ideas, industry disruptions, personal passions, and big audacious dreams. We keep our events simple so we can focus our energy on authentic connections, and the culture we’ve created leads to better connections and deeper relationships for our members.
Interesting People at Every Stage of Their Journeys: Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting your journey, there’s someone here for you. We’re proud to be 3X more diverse than the tech sector as a whole and we’re all on unique journeys – which means we all offer out-of-the-box perspectives to help every member breakthrough and level up.

Sponsor Spotlight: San Felasco Tech City
A place where minds are open, creativity is unleashed, and startups and entrepreneurs thrive all within a sustainable community, San Felasco Tech City was created by co-founders Mitch Glaser, CEO of Emory Group Companies, and Rich Blaser, CEO of Infinite Energy. Inspired by the entrepreneurial spirit of Alachua County that motivated them both, the two sought to build a community of collaboration unlike any other, cultivating an ecosystem of entrepreneurship and environmental responsibility. Featuring five first-of-their-kind solar trees and the world’s largest array of bifacial solar, Tech City is sustainable like no other.

Post Tour Happy Hour At Beaker & Flask
Nestled within the vibrant surroundings of San Felasco Tech City, Beaker & Flask is a stylish wine bar offering a curated selection of wines, craft beers, and small plates. With its modern ambiance and focus on quality pours, it’s the perfect spot to relax after our tour, continue the conversation, and forge new connections. Come raise a glass with fellow women in tech and entrepreneurship — your first drink is on SFTC!

About Women in Tech & Entrepreneurship
Women in Tech & Entrepreneurship (WTE) operates on a unique, dues-free, member-led model with local chapters across multiple cities and one unifying, virtual hub for member networking and connection. WTE offers a dynamic platform where women can access educational content, business resources, industry insights, and near-peer mentorship with other ambitious leaders, all without the burden of membership fees.
Learn more about us here
Interested in sponsoring future events? Reach out to us at sponsorships@wte.network. We look forward to seeing you at the February Meet Up!

Women in Tech & Entrepreneurship - Aug Jacksonville Summer Social
2026-08-28 17:30 - 19:30 | Surfer [The Bar], 200 1st Street North, Jacksonville Beach, FL, 32250, United States
a casual gathering of high-performing, non-conforming women founders, tech workers, VCs, and hype girls

WTE Jacksonville x Summer Social
Our WTE Jacksonville Chapter is joining the Summer Social for a high-energy celebration of technology, business, and culture in Jacksonville!
Connect with the WTE community while expanding your circle across Jacksonville’s broader tech and entrepreneurial ecosystem. You’ll meet ambitious women founders, technology professionals, investors, community leaders, creatives, and advocates who are building what comes next for our region.
Whether you’re already deeply involved in Jacksonville’s tech community or looking for your way into it, this is an easy, welcoming opportunity to make new connections and discover more of what is happening across the city.
What to Expect
Two Exceptional Communities, One Unforgettable Summer Social: Thanks to Summer Social warm invitation, expect the signature connection and community of WTE alongside the energy, bold ideas, and momentum of Jacksonville’s thriving tech ecosystem.
A Warm Welcome: Come as you are, and come when you can. There’s no such thing as late, overdressed, underdressed, or out of place at a WTE event. Our Jacksonville Chapter will be there to help you feel welcomed and connected.
Better Networking: We think differently about networking at Women in Tech & Entrepreneurship. We want to connect over ideas, industry disruptions, personal passions, and big, audacious dreams. Our events are designed to make authentic conversations easier, leading to better connections and deeper relationships.
Interesting People at Every Stage: Whether you’re a seasoned executive, growing a company, building your career, exploring a new industry, or just beginning your journey, there will be someone worth meeting. We’re proud to be three times more diverse than the technology sector as a whole, bringing together people with different experiences, perspectives, and ideas that help our entire community break through and level up.

About Women in Tech & Entrepreneurship (WTE)
A groundbreaking organization focused on advancing women in technology and entrepreneurship sectors, Women in Tech & Entrepreneurship (WTE) operates on a unique, dues-free, member-led model with local chapters across multiple cities and one unifying, virtual hub for member networking and connection. WTE offers a dynamic platform where women can access educational content, business resources, industry insights, and near-peer mentorship with other ambitious leaders, all without the burden of membership fees.
Learn more or join the community for free here.

Venue Spotlight: Surfer
Inspired by the legacy of SURFER Magazine, Surfer brings surf culture, music, drinks, and an unmistakably coastal atmosphere together in the heart of Jacksonville Beach. Its lively, laid-back setting makes it the perfect backdrop for a summer celebration of the people, ideas, and energy shaping Jacksonville’s future.

Women in Tech & Entrepreneurship - New Member Orientation
2026-09-01 12:00 - 13:00, 2026-10-06 12:00 - 13:00, 2026-11-03 12:00 - 13:00, 2026-12-01 12:00 - 13:00, 2027-01-05 12:00 - 13:00, 2027-02-02 12:00 - 13:00, 2027-03-02 12:00 - 13:00, 2027-04-06 12:00 - 13:00 and 7 more dates | FL
Join us online every first Tuesday for a WTE New Member Orientation — learn about our community, resources, and how to thrive here!

Women in Tech & Entrepreneurship - Ft Myers Chapter Voter Education Mixer
2026-09-08 17:30 - 19:30 | Swamp Cat Brewing Company, 1943 Fowler Street, Fort Myers, FL, 33901, United States
Mix, mingle, and make your voice count! Join the Fort Myers WTE chapter for drinks, connection, and nonpartisan voter resources.

Join Women in Tech & Entrepreneurship and the League of Women Voters for a nonpartisan Voter Education Happy Hour in Ft. Myers. This relaxed community gathering is designed to help women and allies feel more informed, prepared, and confident heading into election season while connecting with founders, technologists, business leaders, advocates, and local changemakers across the tech and entrepreneurial ecosystem.
What to Expect:
Warm Welcome: Come as you are, come when you can. There’s no such thing as late, over dressed, underdressed. At our events you’ll meet a warm and welcoming community of supportive, ambitious women who want to meet you!
Nonpartisan Voter Education: This happy hour is designed to help our community feel more prepared, informed, and confident heading into election season. In partnership with the League of Women Voters, we’ll share practical, nonpartisan resources around voter registration, election readiness, and how to find trustworthy information before you cast your ballot.
Better Networking: We think differently at Women in Tech & Entrepreneurship. We want to connect about ideas, industry disruptions, personal passions, and big audacious dreams. We keep our events simple so we can focus our energy on authentic connections, and the culture we’ve created leads to better connections and deeper relationships for our members.
Interesting People at Every Stage of Their Journeys: Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting your journey, there’s someone here for you. We’re proud to be 3X more diverse than the tech sector as a whole and we’re all on unique journeys – which means we all offer out-of-the-box perspectives to help every member breakthrough and level up.

Venue Spotlight: Swamp Cat Brewing Company
Where bold flavors, good vibes, and community come together. Swamp Cat Brewing Company is a Fort Myers gathering place just steps from downtown, serving Florida-inspired craft beer brewed in-house alongside bold flavors from two onsite kitchens — all inside a beautifully redone old church with a large patio area. More than just a brewery, Swamp Cat is a destination for community connection — with weekly trivia, live music, and a welcoming atmosphere where everybody’s welcome and nobody’s watching the clock.
PS: To keep our membership and events FREE, food and drinks at this event will be self-pay. Want to sponsor this event (and treat the crew)? Reach out to us at sponsorships@wte.network!

About League of Women Voters
The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan civic organization focused on empowering voters through education, advocacy, and access to reliable voting information at the local, state, and national levels.
We’re excited to welcome the League of Women Voters to this month’s Happy Hour to help make voter information and registration resources more accessible to our community.
Find your local League of Women Voters Chapter here.

About Women in Tech & Entrepreneurship (WTE)
A groundbreaking organization focused on advancing women in technology and entrepreneurship sectors, Women in Tech & Entrepreneurship (WTE) operates on a unique, dues-free, member-led model with local chapters across multiple cities and one unifying, virtual hub for member networking and connection. WTE offers a dynamic platform where women can access educational content, business resources, industry insights, and near-peer mentorship with other ambitious leaders, all without the burden of membership fees.
Learn more about us here.

Women in Tech & Entrepreneurship - Sep Tampa Chapter Voter Education Mixer
2026-09-09 17:30 - 19:30 | Redneck Wine Co, 3225 South MacDill Avenue, #123, Tampa, FL, 33629, United States
Mix, mingle, and make your voice count! Join the Tampa WTE chapter for drinks, connection, and nonpartisan voter resources.

Join Women in Tech & Entrepreneurship and the League of Women Voters for a nonpartisan Voter Education Happy Hour in Tampa. This relaxed community gathering is designed to help women and allies feel more informed, prepared, and confident heading into election season while connecting with founders, technologists, business leaders, advocates, and local changemakers across the tech and entrepreneurial ecosystem.
What to Expect:
Warm Welcome: Come as you are, come when you can. There’s no such thing as late, over dressed, underdressed. At our events you’ll meet a warm and welcoming community of supportive, ambitious women who want to meet you!
Nonpartisan Voter Education: This happy hour is designed to help our community feel more prepared, informed, and confident heading into election season. In partnership with the League of Women Voters, we’ll share practical, nonpartisan resources around voter registration, election readiness, and how to find trustworthy information before you cast your ballot.
Better Networking: We think differently at Women in Tech & Entrepreneurship. We want to connect about ideas, industry disruptions, personal passions, and big audacious dreams. We keep our events simple so we can focus our energy on authentic connections, and the culture we’ve created leads to better connections and deeper relationships for our members.
Interesting People at Every Stage of Their Journeys: Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting your journey, there’s someone here for you. We’re proud to be 3X more diverse than the tech sector as a whole and we’re all on unique journeys – which means we all offer out-of-the-box perspectives to help every member breakthrough and level up.

Venue Spotlight: Redneck Wine Company
Where world-class wine meets zero pretension. Redneck Wine Company is Tampa Bay’s refreshingly unpretentious answer to fine wine — a genuinely knowledgeable crew of wine fanatics who want to share their love of the grape without sticking their noses in the air. From a curated Cold Room stocked with high-end selections to the laid-back L.F.G. Bar where you can sip and stay awhile, this is the kind of place that proves great wine doesn’t need a dress code. Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or just starting to explore the world of wine, you’ll feel right at home here — glass in hand, no judgment.
PS: To keep our membership and events FREE, food and drinks at this event will be self-pay. Want to sponsor this event (and treat the crew)? Reach out to us at sponsorships@wte.network!

About League of Women Voters
The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan, grassroots organization working to protect and expand voting rights and ensure everyone is represented in our democracy. We empower voters and defend democracy through advocacy, education, and litigation, at the local, state, and national levels. Find your local League of Women Voters Chapter here.

Meet Women in Tech & Entrepreneurship (WTE)
A groundbreaking organization focused on advancing women in technology and entrepreneurship sectors, Women in Tech & Entrepreneurship (WTE) operates on a unique, dues-free, member-led model with local chapters across multiple cities and one unifying, virtual hub for member networking and connection. WTE offers a dynamic platform where women can access educational content, business resources, industry insights, and near-peer mentorship with other ambitious leaders, all without the burden of membership fees.
Learn more about us here

VEI Business and Brews 9.16.26
2026-09-16 17:30 - 19:30 | Rock & Brews, 7131 Red Bug Lake Road, Oviedo, FL, 32765, United States
Connect with fellow veteran entrepreneurs at VEI Business & Brews for networking, food, and rock & roll fun

Join us for the VEI Business and Brews event, where veteran entrepreneurs come together for an evening of networking, great food, and rock and roll vibes. Held at Rock and Brews Oviedo, this event is the perfect opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals, build valuable business relationships, and enjoy complimentary refreshments.
Event Details:

Date: September 16th
Time: 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Location: Rock and Brews Oviedo, 7131 Red Bug Lake Rd, Oviedo, FL 32765

Whether you’re a seasoned business owner or just starting your entrepreneurial journey, VEI Business and Brews offers a welcoming environment to share ideas, find support, and grow your network.
Don’t miss out on this fantastic event, RSVP now and get ready to rock your network!

Women in Tech & Entrepreneurship - Ft Lauderdale Voter Education Mixer
2026-09-16 18:00 - 20:00 | Bar Betty, 2465 East Sunrise Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, FL, 33304, United States
Mix, mingle, and make your voice count! Join the Fort Lauderdale WTE chapter for drinks, connection, and nonpartisan voter resources.

Join Women in Tech & Entrepreneurship and the League of Women Voters for a nonpartisan Voter Education Happy Hour in Fort Lauderdale. This relaxed community gathering is designed to help women and allies feel more informed, prepared, and confident heading into election season while connecting with founders, technologists, business leaders, advocates, and local changemakers across the tech and entrepreneurial ecosystem.
What to Expect:
Warm Welcome: Come as you are, come when you can. There’s no such thing as late, over dressed, underdressed. At our events you’ll meet a warm and welcoming community of supportive, ambitious women who want to meet you!
Nonpartisan Voter Education: This happy hour is designed to help our community feel more prepared, informed, and confident heading into election season. In partnership with the League of Women Voters, we’ll share practical, nonpartisan resources around voter registration, election readiness, and how to find trustworthy information before you cast your ballot.
Better Networking: We think differently at Women in Tech & Entrepreneurship. We want to connect about ideas, industry disruptions, personal passions, and big audacious dreams. We keep our events simple so we can focus our energy on authentic connections, and the culture we’ve created leads to better connections and deeper relationships for our members.
Interesting People at Every Stage of Their Journeys: Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting your journey, there’s someone here for you. We’re proud to be 3X more diverse than the tech sector as a whole and we’re all on unique journeys – which means we all offer out-of-the-box perspectives to help every member breakthrough and level up.

Venue Spotlight: Bar Betty
Where secrets are shared, stories are made, and every night feels like one worth remembering. Tucked away on Sunrise Blvd inside the Sunness Supper Club, Bar Betty is Fort Lauderdale’s best-kept speakeasy — a vintage-inspired escape that invites you to step back in time to an era of mystery and intrigue. Named after owner Michael Stanley’s grandmother, this hidden gem is accessible through a secret staircase, and behind that door you’ll find expertly crafted cocktails, thoughtfully selected wines, and live entertainment that sets the perfect mood for a night of real connection. Come for the ambiance, stay for the stories.
PS: To keep our community free for members, food and drinks at our events are self-pay. If you’re interested in changing that (AKA sponsoring this event), reach out to us at sponsorships@wte.network!

About League of Women Voters
The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan civic organization focused on empowering voters through education, advocacy, and access to reliable voting information at the local, state, and national levels.
We’re excited to welcome the League of Women Voters to this month’s Happy Hour to help make voter information and registration resources more accessible to our community.
Find your local League of Women Voters Chapter here.

About Women in Tech & Entrepreneurship (WTE)
We rise by lifting others. Women in Tech & Entrepreneurship is a community of unapologetically ambitious women working across technology, startups, venture capital, entrepreneurship, economic development, and business support organizations. Our mission is to resource women in tech and entrepreneurship with near-peer mentorship, educational opportunities, and a strong support network. WTE is nonpartisan, and we welcome women and allies across backgrounds, industries, identities, and beliefs. Connect with us for inclusive, dues-free monthly events.
Learn more about us here.

Women in Tech & Entrepreneurship - Sep Miami Chapter Voter Education Mixer
2026-09-17 18:00 - 20:00 | 60 Vines, 150 Northeast 8th Street, #suite 135, Miami, FL, 33132, United States
Mix, mingle, and make your voice count! Join the Miami WTE chapter for drinks, connection, and nonpartisan voter resources.

Join Women in Tech & Entrepreneurship and the League of Women Voters for a nonpartisan Voter Education Happy Hour in Miami. This relaxed community gathering is designed to help women and allies feel more informed, prepared, and confident heading into election season while connecting with founders, technologists, business leaders, advocates, and local changemakers across the tech and entrepreneurial ecosystem.

What to Expect:
Warm Welcome: Come as you are, come when you can. There’s no such thing as late, over dressed, underdressed. At our events you’ll meet a warm and welcoming community of supportive, ambitious women who want to meet you!
Nonpartisan Voter Education: This happy hour is designed to help our community feel more prepared, informed, and confident heading into election season. In partnership with the League of Women Voters, we’ll share practical, nonpartisan resources around voter registration, election readiness, and how to find trustworthy information before you cast your ballot.
Better Networking: We think differently at Women in Tech & Entrepreneurship. We want to connect about ideas, industry disruptions, personal passions, and big audacious dreams. We keep our events simple so we can focus our energy on authentic connections, and the culture we’ve created leads to better connections and deeper relationships for our members.
Interesting People at Every Stage of Their Journeys: Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting your journey, there’s someone here for you. We’re proud to be 3X more diverse than the tech sector as a whole and we’re all on unique journeys – which means we all offer out-of-the-box perspectives to help every member breakthrough and level up.

Venue Spotlight: Sixty Vines
Where wine country comes to you – pinkies down. Sixty Vines is “the winemaker’s restaurant,” serving up 60 wines on a sustainable tap system alongside seasonally-inspired cuisine that transports you to the greatest wine regions around the globe. Think wine country vibes without the flight – just beautifully paired pours, abundant plates, and an atmosphere that makes every gathering feel like a celebration. With a commitment to sustainability (they’ve saved thousands of bottles from landfills!), great food, and a refreshingly approachable take on wine culture, Sixty Vines is the kind of place that proves you don’t need to be a connoisseur to feel right at home over a great glass of wine.
PS: To keep our membership and events FREE, food and drinks at this event will be self-pay. Want to sponsor this event (and treat the crew to a round)? Reach out to us at sponsorships@wte.network!

About League of Women Voters
The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan civic organization focused on empowering voters through education, advocacy, and access to reliable voting information at the local, state, and national levels.
We’re excited to welcome the League of Women Voters to this month’s Happy Hour to help make voter information and registration resources more accessible to our community.
Find your local League of Women Voters Chapter here.

About Women in Tech & Entrepreneurship (WTE)
A groundbreaking organization focused on advancing women in technology and entrepreneurship sectors, Women in Tech & Entrepreneurship (WTE) operates on a unique, dues-free, member-led model with local chapters across multiple cities and one unifying, virtual hub for member networking and connection. WTE offers a dynamic platform where women can access educational content, business resources, industry insights, and near-peer mentorship with other ambitious leaders, all without the burden of membership fees.
Learn more about us here.

Making Apps for Everybody: An iOS Accessibility Workshop
2026-09-17 18:00 - 20:30 | CREDO Conduit, 1001 North Orange Avenue, Orlando, FL, 32801, United States
Learn to test iOS apps with real accessibility tools and write more inclusive SwiftUI code — even in the age of AI-assisted coding.

Building Apps for Everybody: A SwiftUI Accessibility Workshop
If you’re building with SwiftUI and shipping products to Apple’s iOS App Store, you want to reach as many users as possible — and that means making sure your app works well with the accessibility tools your users rely on.
With more of us using AI tools to help write code, it’s easier than ever to accidentally leave accessibility gaps in our apps. This workshop is about closing those gaps.
In this hands-on session, we’ll:

Test native iOS apps using the most commonly used accessibility tools on the platform
Put ourselves in our users’ shoes to better understand how they navigate our apps
Learn practical SwiftUI techniques for writing more accessible code
Walk away with habits you can apply to any project going forward
Who’s This For?

This workshop is for anyone who wants to build more inclusive iOS apps, including:

College students studying computer science or related fields who want to build accessibility skills employers value
Adults exploring a career change into tech, looking to build practical, in-demand SwiftUI skills
Founders and non-technical builders with little coding experience who want to create their own apps and make sure they don’t unintentionally exclude users

Whether you’re just starting out or have years of experience, you’ll leave with tools you can put to use right away.
(To participate in the coding portion of the workshop, a MacBook with Xcode installed will be required)
There are plenty of takeaways for everyone, regardless of whether you’re able to code along on a MacBook or not — don’t let that hold you back from attending!

Women in Tech & Entrepreneurship - Orlando Chapter Voter Education Mixer
2026-09-22 17:30 - 19:30 | Pilars Martini & Loft, 146 West Plant Street, #Suite 120 & 210, Winter Garden, FL, 34787, United States
Mix, mingle, and make your voice count! Join the Orlando WTE chapter for drinks, connection, and nonpartisan voter resources.

Join Women in Tech & Entrepreneurship and the League of Women Voters for a nonpartisan Voter Education Happy Hour in Orlando. This relaxed community gathering is designed to help women and allies feel more informed, prepared, and confident heading into election season while connecting with founders, technologists, business leaders, advocates, and local changemakers across the tech and entrepreneurial ecosystem.
What to Expect:
Warm Welcome: Come as you are, come when you can. There’s no such thing as late, over dressed, underdressed. At our events you’ll meet a warm and welcoming community of supportive, ambitious women who want to meet you!
Nonpartisan Voter Education: This happy hour is designed to help our community feel more prepared, informed, and confident heading into election season. In partnership with the League of Women Voters, we’ll share practical, nonpartisan resources around voter registration, election readiness, and how to find trustworthy information before you cast your ballot.
Better Networking: We think differently at Women in Tech & Entrepreneurship. We want to connect about ideas, industry disruptions, personal passions, and big audacious dreams. We keep our events simple so we can focus our energy on authentic connections, and the culture we’ve created leads to better connections and deeper relationships for our members.
Interesting People at Every Stage of Their Journeys: Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting your journey, there’s someone here for you. We’re proud to be 3X more diverse than the tech sector as a whole and we’re all on unique journeys – which means we all offer out-of-the-box perspectives to help every member breakthrough and level up.

Venue Spotlight: Pilars Martini & Loft
Where martinis, mixology, and music come together in the heart of historic Winter Garden. Pilars is a cozy blend of 1930s deco charm and downtown energy, nestled right next to the Garden Theatre on Plant Street. Known for handcrafting martinis with real ingredients — house-made bitters, tinctures, and shrubs — every pour is as thoughtful as it is delicious. Head upstairs to Pilars Loft for live music four nights a week, Open Mic Nights on Thursdays, and Sunday Jazz Jams where professionals and amateurs alike take the stage. And the name? Born in a Spanish class when “Pilar” sounded prettier than “Becky” — a playful origin story that perfectly captures the spirit of this one-of-a-kind spot. Come as you are, bring your alter ego, and stay for the music.
PS: To keep our membership and events FREE, food and drinks at this event will be self-pay. Want to sponsor this event (and treat the crew)? Reach out to us at sponsorships@wte.network!

About League of Women Voters
The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan civic organization focused on empowering voters through education, advocacy, and access to reliable voting information at the local, state, and national levels.
We’re excited to welcome the League of Women Voters to this month’s Happy Hour to help make voter information and registration resources more accessible to our community.
Find your local League of Women Voters Chapter here.

About Women in Tech & Entrepreneurship (WTE)
A groundbreaking organization focused on advancing women in technology and entrepreneurship sectors, Women in Tech & Entrepreneurship (WTE) operates on a unique, dues-free, member-led model with local chapters across multiple cities and one unifying, virtual hub for member networking and connection. WTE offers a dynamic platform where women can access educational content, business resources, industry insights, and near-peer mentorship with other ambitious leaders, all without the burden of membership fees.
Learn more about us here.

From First Sale to Successful Exit: The Power of Your Board
2026-09-24 18:00 - 20:30 | CREDO Conduit, 1001 North Orange Avenue, Orlando, FL, 32801, United States
Join us for an exclusive and candid fireside chat where two prominent local founders pull back the curtain on the startup lifecycle.

Entrepreneurs & Advisors: From Fundraising to Sales—Unlocking the Power of Your Board
Event Overview
Join us for an exclusive and candid fireside chat where two prominent local founders pull back the curtain on the startup lifecycle. From the thrill of securing that first investment check to the harsh realities of epic disasters, our speakers will share their unvarnished journeys through startup creation, rapid growth, and successful exits.
Beyond their personal stories, this session dives deep into the strategic advantage of mentorship. You will learn exactly how to extract massive value from your advisory teams, bridge the gap between founders and boards, and leverage the power of the local tech ecosystem.
What We Will Cover

The Startup Genesis: A firsthand retelling of the early days—landing that elusive first sale and securing the initial investment check.
Advisory 101 (Radical Transparency): Why you must tell your advisors the absolute truth. Learn why sugarcoating your metrics and challenges is the fastest way to fail.
The Advisory Gap: Diagnosing why your board isn’t doing enough for your company, and the actionable steps to fix it.
Robert’s Expertise: Doing business with the Gov’t – Experience and Connections Help
Mastering the Network: How to navigate “the warm intro” and keep the excitement and momentum alive during long fundraising or sales cycles.
Navigating Pitfalls: The most common, critical mistakes founders make (and how to avoid them).
Strengthening Orlando: An open discussion on how our local entrepreneurial community can better collaborate, support, and elevate one another.

Meet the Speakers
Joel Martin Co-Founder & CRO, Trillboards Joel Martin is a dynamic tech executive, sales leader, and prolific startup advisor specializing in programmatic advertising, experiential technology, and go-to-market (GTM) strategy. He currently serves as the Co-Founder and Chief Revenue Officer of Trillboards, a Google San Francisco incubator alum disrupting the Digital Out-of-Home (DOOH) advertising market. Joel’s entrepreneurial journey began right out of college when he secured the North American rights for Malaguti Moto—then the third-largest moped manufacturer globally. After setting up a massive US dealer network and selling thousands of motor vehicles and replacement parts, he transitioned into technology sales in 2013, spending the last decade scaling high-growth ventures across the tech and entertainment sectors.
As a highly sought-after board advisor and GTM strategist, Joel has consulted for and served on the boards of numerous tech startups, including ViewStub, CodeFirm, Nickelytics / Robot.com, Ottonomy.io, Brightbox, RentMount, NuEyes, Luxer One, Terraboost, Hypervsn, Glisner, Aisleworx Media, Swiftmile, ExperiHaus. He currently advises two African American led startups including Wrth.It and HelloOh.io
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joelmartintheexpomaven/

Robert “Bobby” Torres Entrepreneur, Founder & Growth Consultant Robert “Bobby” Torres is a visionary entrepreneur, product manager, and business growth consultant based in Orlando, Florida. Known for operating at the cutting edge of next-generation technology, Bobby has a rich history of building and scaling companies within the Florida tech ecosystem, spanning ventures from 302 Interactive to Motherlode. Throughout his career, he has built a formidable reputation for securing multi-million-dollar government and enterprise contracts, expertly navigating complex RFP responses, and designing innovative brand architectures for interactive media products. Robert has worked with some of the biggest names in the entertainment field across Central Florida including Steamroller Technologies and most of our well known Amusement Parks.
Beyond his executive leadership, Bobby is a deeply dedicated community advocate. He frequently collaborates with local educational institutions, including Full Sail University, to mentor, cultivate, and launch emerging talent in game development and software engineering. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rrtorres/

Featured Websites & Resources

Trillboards: https://www.Trillboards.com
Motherlode: https://motherlode.space/
Good Game Devs: https://www.goodgamedevs.com/
Terasynth: https://www.linkedin.com/company/terasynth/
Wrth: https://wrth.it/
HelloOh: https://hellooh.io/
MSA Tech Advisors: https://www.msatechadvisors.com/

NCS Hall of Fame 2026
2026-09-30 18:00 - 21:00 | Orange County Convention Center, 9800 International Drive, Orlando, FL, 32819, United States
The M&S Hall of Fame honors and recognizes the accomplishments and contributions of individuals who have pioneered the development of MS&T.

The National Center for Simulation Modeling & Simulation Hall of Fame began in 2014 in partnership with the Orange County Government, including the Office of the Mayor of Orange County and the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC). The M&S Hall of Fame honors and recognizes the accomplishments and contributions of individuals who have pioneered the development of modeling and simulation over the past 100 years.
