Hosted by the Crestview Area, Destin, Greater Fort Walton Beach, Navarre, Niceville Valparaiso, and Walton Area Chambers of Commerce, the Young Professionals of NWF Leadership Conference 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.
Registration is now open!
Agenda:
9:00 – 9:30 AM | Arrival & Check-In
Enjoy coffee, networking, and professional headshots provided by ADINA Photography
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 | Tori Chapel, Okaloosa Gas – Niceville | 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
Date and Time
Tuesday Apr 21, 2026
Check In: 8:30 a.m. - 9 a.m.
Event: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Location
"The District" Okaloosa Gas
511 Government Ave
Valparaiso, FL 32580
Fees/Admission
$49 per YP
Sponsorship Opportunities Available: Email: espies@destinchamber.com
Contact Information
(850) 837-6241
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