The Walton Area Chamber of Commerce Announces Speakers for “The Next BIG Thing,” 2026 Annual Conference on October 26th at Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort and Spa
The Walton Area Chamber of Commerce announces a dynamic speaker lineup for “The Next BIG Thing” Annual Conference, presented by Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast and Eglin Federal Credit Union on October 26th at the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort and Spa.
Every year, The Next Big Thing draws over 250 attendees who are entrepreneurs, community visionaries, and business movers and shakers all wishing to expand their professional and personal growth in the span of one high-energy day. Guests will have the opportunity to choose from a diverse lineup of TED Talk-style breakout sessions and an impressive lineup of keynote speakers. The experience also includes a welcome reception with coffee, mimosas, and breakfast bites, lunch, a closing cocktail hour, and exciting extras like raffle prizes and complimentary headshots.
The action-packed day begins with a light breakfast featuring mimosas, coffee, and networking in the bustling Vendor Hall, where attendees can also take advantage of complimentary professional headshots provided by Epic Photo Co. Participants will immerse themselves throughout the day in a dynamic lineup of TED Talk–style breakout sessions led by thought leaders and innovators from across the region.
The event culminates with a lively cocktail hour, complete with a complimentary beverage, heavy hors d’oeuvres, music, and thousands in prizes. Exciting raffle giveaways will also be available throughout the day.
These inspiring and distinguished speakers will present in three dynamic growth tracks including Leadership Development, Entrepreneurship, and Women in Business, with a total of nine breakout sessions all igniting ideas and sparking innovation for attendees.
Keynote Speakers
Captain Kerry Titheradge, an international television celebrity, business executive, and founder of Yachting Concepts LLC, will kick off the day as the Morning Keynote Speaker, presenting on personal development with “Don’t Rock the Boat: How staying safely anchored in your comfort zone is the fastest way to let your business and personal growth rust.” Titheradge’s impactful message is aimed directly at rising leaders and entrepreneurs while he shares how to build the psychological resilience needed to break away from safe harbors, embrace calculated risks, and successfully navigate professional development without losing your bearings.
Lunch Keynote Speaker Brian Franklin, Co-Founder and CEO of Vows & Speeches (which he founded with his wife and business partner Nicole Franklin), will present “No Home Runs Without Big Swings: Finding your calling despite life’s landmines and rookie errors.” Franklin was dubbed “The Humorist” by the New York Times.
Laura Quick, founder of Good Grit Magazine and media parent company, will close the day as the Afternoon Keynote Speaker with “Nobody Told Me Healing Would Affect My P&L,” where attendees will learn why mental health and personal growth aren’t just personal issues but leadership issues. The session will offer a fresh perspective on how self awareness, boundaries and emotional health influence communication, decision-making and team culture.
The Next Big Thing Session Speaker Lineup will include a Leadership Track with Nathan Cordle, Shantelle Dedicke, and a panel including Jennifer Higgins, JR Hadaway & Kiley Thomas. The Women in Business Track will feature Tolliny Rankins, Karen Smith, and Maria White and the Entrepreneurship Track will include Howard Partridge, Ryan McNay, and Sarah Davis.
Session topics will include, but not be limited to: The AI Flywheel – How to Train Your Smartest Employee; Protecting What Makes Us Human; Referrals Made Simple – How to Build a Predictable Stream of High Quality Clients without Paid Advertising; Flip the Script: Why the Best Leaders Serve; Leading Without Losing Yourself: Burnout, Boundaries & Sustainable Leadership; The SHEstoration Conversation: Restore – Build – Rise to The Next Big Thing; Three Truths That Can Change the Way You Speak, Live, and Love; and Embracing the Elephant – Taking the “Difficult” out of the Conversation.
“We look forward each year to what The Next Big Thing will bring to our community as this very special day leaves a lasting impression on our local business leaders, entrepreneurs and executives,” says Megan Harrison, CEO of the Walton Area Chamber of Commerce.
“We take great pride in curating and culling an assembly of the freshest and most brilliant minds in their fields then provide access to these individuals where our community can tap into their wellspring of knowledge in a fun and exciting environment, all in one day.”
Tickets are $250, with a $50 discount for Chamber Members at waltonareachamber.com. For a comprehensive schedule or for tickets, visit waltonareachamber.com.
The Walton Area Chamber would like to thank Venue Sponsor: Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa; Presenting Sponsors: Eglin Federal Credit Union, Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast; Mingle & Mimosas Sponsors: Buffalo Rock–Pepsi, McKibbon Hospitality | Courtyard Sandestin, Hyatt Place Sandestin, Residence Inn Sandestin; Cocktail Hour Sponsors: Emerald Coast Hospice Care, NBI Properties; Break Sponsor: Gulf Coast Bank & Trust; Recharge Station Sponsor: Florida Power & Light; Coffee Sponsors: SBDC Florida, Mills Heating & Air; Networking Lounge Sponsor: The St. Joe Company®, Coastal Stagedesigns LLC.; Lunch Sponsors: Dunlap & Shipman, 30A FlexSpace; Wellness Sponsors & Moments: United Way Emerald Coast, Fore Her, Discover Freedom; Passport Sponsor: All In Credit Union; Breakfast Bites Sponsors: Centennial Bank, Discover Freedom; Media Sponsors: Life Media Group, Scarlett Magazine, VIP 30A Magazine, HWY 331, Cumulus Media; Entertainment Sponsor: Epic Photo Co.; Signs & Printing Sponsor: Blue Ocean Signs, all without whom The Next Big Thing would not be possible.
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