Hosted at Universal Orlando’s Loews Royal Pacific Resort and convening 500 regional leaders, the annual conference underscored how public‑private collaboration, strategic investment, and civic leadership are shaping Central Florida’s future and advancing the Orlando 2045 vision.
The Orlando Economic Partnership (OEP) celebrated the region’s economic performance and progress toward becoming a global creative capital during the 2026 Regional Leadership Conference.
Hosted at Universal Orlando’s Loews Royal Pacific Resort and convening 500 regional leaders, the annual conference underscored how public‑private collaboration, strategic investment, and civic leadership are shaping Central Florida’s future and advancing the Orlando 2045 vision.
Major milestones highlighted include:
- A $233 billion regional economy, now one of the 25 largest in the nation.
- Four consecutive years of regional GDP growth outpacing the nation.
- Record-setting tourism, diversified industry expansion, and surges in high-wage sectors.
- Breakthroughs in innovation, including UCF’s rise to preeminent university status.
Universal Orlando President and COO Karen Irwin underscored the company’s longstanding commitment to the region. Irwin detailed Universal’s investments in Central Florida including major workforce initiatives, affordable housing through Catchlight Crossings, and support for regional mobility solutions like the Sunshine Corridor, noting that great destinations and strong communities are built through partnership, respect, and intentional leadership.
“Orlando must continue converting economic momentum into broad-based, long-term prosperity by confronting regional challenges such as housing affordability, mobility, and talent retention.”
Tim Giuliani, OEP President & CEO
OEP Board Chair and Executive Vice President and CFO of Universal Orlando Tracey Stockwell opened the program by drawing parallels between the creation of Epic Universe and the collaborative spirit behind the Orlando 2045 Vision.
“Epic Universe shows what can happen when talent, imagination, and perseverance come together,” Stockwell said.
“Orlando 2045 shows what can happen when an entire region channels that same spirit.”
Tracey Stockwell, OEP Board Chair and Executive Vice President and CFO of Universal Orlando
The conference’s keynote address was delivered by Bret Perkins, Senior Vice President of Community Growth and Economic Development at Comcast Corporation. Perkins’ message, “Keeping the Republic: Civic Leadership and the Architecture of Prosperity,” called on business leaders to invest deeply in civic infrastructure, collaborate across industries, and embrace long-term regional stewardship as Central Florida navigates rapid growth.
Attendees participated in three strategy sessions aligned with the Orlando 2045 Vision’s core pillars:
- Orlando’s Global Edge: Innovation, Investment & What’s Next
- The 15-Minute Future: Reimagining Orlando’s Mobility
- The Path to Progress Is a Two-Way Street, emphasizing the importance of walkable urban districts.
Each shown a spotlight on recent achievements of OEP’s economic development, talent, leadership, and advocacy teams including:
- Travel + Leisure Co.’s relocation of its global headquarters to downtown Orlando.
- Novartis’ investment in a radioligand therapy manufacturing facility, expanding the region’s life sciences cluster.
- OEP’s selection as one of only 12 organizations nationwide to join Jobs for the Future’s Skills‑First Ecosystem initiative.
- The National Science Foundation advancing the Florida Semiconductor Engine into Phase 2, unlocking up to $45 million for innovation and workforce development.
- New international air service connecting Orlando to Tokyo, Madrid, Paris, and Munich.
- Significant mobility progress through the Sunshine Corridor, SunRail expansion, and the Sanford Airport Connector.
“These wins are not just headlines. They are building blocks,” OEP President & CEO Tim Giuliani said. “Together, they move us closer to a future where innovation drives our economy, mobility connects people to opportunity, and Orlando becomes the No. 1 place to live in the nation.”
“The question now is how we shape the next 20 years and how each of us contributes to building a region defined not just by growth, but by purpose, creativity, and shared prosperity.”
Tim Giuliani, OEP President & CEO
The conference concluded with the presentation of the 2026 James B. Greene Award to Allan E. Keen, honoring his decades of civic leadership, philanthropy, and impact across cultural, economic, and community development initiatives.
