Welcome to this week’s Regional Perspective, where I share stories that bring the Orlando 2045 Vision to life and highlight the progress shaping our region’s future.

1) Orange County Mayoral Debate less than two weeks away – Voters will soon have an opportunity to hear directly from the candidates seeking to lead Orange County during an upcoming televised LIVE debate hosted by the OEP and WFTV, Eyewitness News 9. As our region continues to grow into a global creative capital, as outlined by the Orlando 2045 Vision, the candidates will address key pillars of that vision including economic growth, transportation, housing, public safety and economic competitiveness. Be sure to tune in and hear firsthand from the candidates about their vision for Orange County’s future. Watch the debate live at 8 p.m. on WFTV Channel 9 or listen to the simulcast on WDBO 107.3 FM.

2) OEP at Farnborough International Airshow – Our Economic Development team including SVP of Economic Development and Innovation Sheena Fowler and SVP of Research & Strategy Neil Hamilton were at the Farnborough International Airshow in the UK this week alongside partners including the University of Central Florida and the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority. The team met with companies in aviation and defense and told the story about Orlando’s unique capabilities in optics and photonics, lasers, augmented and mixed reality, and cyber tech. Read Sheena’s takeaways from the show.

3) The Orlando economy at midyear: 5 things to know – At the midpoint of 2026, the Orlando region’s economic story is one of resilience under pressure. Our research team, led by Neil Hamilton, outlines results from our Q2 Orlando MSA Business Conditions Survey and explains how local companies are reacting to national events and why strong job growth and a wave of notable announcements confirm the region’s underlying growth engine remains intact. Five things you should know now.

4) Reflecting on downtown Orlando’s past and future – This week, I joined Orlando Sentinel Executive Editor Roger Simmons, Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, and LaBelle Furs owners Santa and Alex LaBellman for a “History of Downtown Orlando” Forum hosted by the Orlando Sentinel to commemorate its 150th Anniversary. We discussed how downtown has evolved over the last century and a half and what the future could hold when catalyst development projects get underway in the months and years to come. Downtown remains central to our region’s future success as we continue advancing efforts to create a vibrant, connected and globally competitive urban core. See more here.

5) Orlando selected to host the 2027 ACCE Annual Convention – Orlando will serve as the host city for the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE) 2027 Annual Convention. This prestigious event will bring chamber leaders from across the country to our region and provide an opportunity to showcase the innovation, partnerships and collaborative leadership that are driving Central Florida’s growth and success. We are proud to host these business executives and share all Orlando has to offer as a business destination. Read more.

6) Leadership Orlando represented at national leadership conference – Leadership Orlando was proud to participate in the Association of Leadership Programs (ALP) Annual Conference in Omaha, Nebraska, joining leadership development professionals from across the country to exchange ideas, explore emerging trends, and strengthen the impact of community leadership programs. Throughout the conference, Leadership Orlando Executive Director Lisa Winkelbauer and Director of Programs Nathanael Edmund engaged in insightful workshops, peer-learning sessions, and networking opportunities focused on innovation, civic engagement, program excellence, and sustainable leadership development. The experience provided valuable strategies and fresh perspectives that will help enhance Leadership Orlando’s programs and further our mission of cultivating informed, connected, and engaged leaders who make a positive difference in Central Florida and beyond.

7) Early Bird pricing for the Executive Leadership Mission ends next week – If you’ve been considering joining us for the 2026 Executive Leadership Mission in Austin, presented by Travel + Leisure, now is the time to register. Early Bird pricing expires next week, and space remains limited. This year’s mission will provide valuable opportunities to learn what makes Austin unique and explore the strategies that have fueled its growth as one of the nation’s most dynamic metro areas. From its thriving technology cluster and robust talent pipeline to its entrepreneurial culture and spirit of innovation, Austin offers valuable lessons for regions seeking to strengthen long-term economic competitiveness. Register today.

8) Listening to Leaders: Leading Through Innovation – Join us on Friday, August 21, for a compelling conversation on what it takes to unite civic leaders around a shared vision for student success. Eddy Moratin, CEO of Lift Orlando, and Dr. Maria Vazquez, superintendent of Orange County Public Schools, will join moderator Bill Dymond, chairman of Lowndes, for a candid fireside chat. Together, they will explore the innovative and groundbreaking public-private school model transforming opportunities for students and families in Orlando’s 32805 community. All are invited to attend. Register today.

Programs & Events

Leadership Orlando Class 111 // August 14 Enrollment Deadline // LEARN MORE & ENROLL

LEADForward Roundtables Fall 2026 Cohort // August 14 Application Deadline // LEARN MORE & ENROLL

Leadership Orlando Alumni Association – Stay connected, continue leading, and help shape what’s next for our region // LEARN MORE & JOIN

Listening to Leaders: Leading Through Innovation // August 21 // REGISTER TODAY

2026 Executive Leadership Mission to Austin, presented by Travel + Leisure – Sept. 23-25 // Early Bird ends Friday, July 31 or when capacity is reached // REGISTER TODAY // Interested in being a sponsor? Contact Katie.Thomason@orlando.org