The Walton Area Chamber of Commerce Announces Search for Industry Leaders and Area Professionals to Speak at The Next BIG Thing Annual Conference on October 26th at Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort and Spa
Speaker Application Deadline Set for August 10th
The Walton Area Chamber of Commerce calls for speakers today through August 10 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. Specifically, the Chamber seeks area professionals who are leaders in their field, entrepreneurs, women in business and women in empowerment. These speakers should bring actionable insights from their field, challenge the way we think and lead and share ideas that feel new, relevant and worth talking about.
This is a targeted opportunity for area professionals at the top of their game to empower attendees both professionally and personally; nurture emerging and existing entrepreneurs; and inspire the next generation of leaders while sharing ideas, knowledge and strategies with a captive audience. Selected speakers will share their expertise on topics aligned with the conference’s three distinctive growth tracks: Leadership Development, Entrepreneurship, and Women in Business.
“Speaking at The Next BIG Thing last year was one of the highlights of my year,” says Joelle Moray. “The energy, not just in the breakout room, but throughout the entire event was palpable and exciting! This left me wanting to connect with the businesses even more.”
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, seminars, workshops and hear from three nationally known 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.
Prospective speakers are invited to submit their applications by Midnight on August 10 at The Next Big Thing 2026 Speaker Call Applications are reviewed and scored by a selection committee.
Early bird tickets to The Next BIG Thing are on sale now through September 1st at $150 for Chamber Members and $200 for non-members available at The Next BIG Thing – Walton Area Chamber of Commerce. Vendor Booths and sponsorships for The Next BIG Thing are also now available: Local businesses and individuals interested in sponsorships should contact Gabrielle Hamilton at (850) 892-3191 or Gabrielle@WaltonAreaChamber.com.
The Walton Area Chamber would like to thank Ascension Sacred Heart (Presenting Sponsor), Eglin Federal Credit Union (Presenting Sponsor), The Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa (Event Venue Sponsor), Centennial Bank (Breakfast Bites), NBI Properties and Emerald Coast Hospice Care (Cocktail Hour Sponsors) without whom The Next Big Thing would not be possible.
