Presenting Sponsor
Conference
September 24-26, 2024
Boca Raton
Corporate Sponsors
“Welcome to the Palm Beaches” Luncheon Sponsor
Reception Sponsor
Break Sponsor “And the Winners Are ” Luncheon Sponsor
2023-2024 Board of Directors
Session Sponsors
Audio Visual Sponsor
Exhibitors
Palms I
Noon: Welcome, Opening Keynote Session and Lunch: “Powering the Future of Florida”
Presented by: Tim Oliver, Vice President of Development, FPL
“Welcome to the Palm Beaches” Luncheon Sponsor
Over the past century, Florida Power & Light Company has helped Florida become one of the fastest growing states and one of the strongest economies in America and the world, delivering reliable electricity while keeping bills as low as possible for its customers. Learn more about the company’s journey to build a stronger, smarter and more storm-resilient energy grid and its focus on diversifying how it generates electricity, including its investments in cost-effective solar and battery storage – which help deliver value for customers across the state.
1:05 PM Navigating the Future: The Power of Strategic Planning for Chamber Success
Presented by: Tim Weisheyer, Strategic Advantage Consulting and Dream Builders Realty
Session Sponsor
This session will delve into the essential elements of a comprehensive strategic plan and how it can serve as a roadmap for chamber success. Tim will explore the necessity of having a plan that not only aligns your budget, resources, and capital, but also prepares your organization to adapt to a constantly changing landscape. Leave with insights into developing a 3-year rolling strategic plan, ensuring that every team member understands their role, and fostering organizational buy-in from top to bottom. Grand Oasis Ballroom
2:10 PM Breakout Sessions:
Membership Track: Customer-Driven Strategies
Presented by: Mark Field, IOM, CCE, Sr. VP, Investor Development & Experience, Knoxville (TN) Chamber
How do you capture your share of members and keep them engaged? Learn the ten T’s of member acquisition and retention and discover the importance of processes and technology to achieve your goals. Palms I
CEO/VP Track: The Why and How of Chamber Foundations
Panelists: Ian Fletcher, COO, Greater Gainesville Chamber; Tamara Fleischhaker, CCE, IOM, FCCP, Chief eXperience Officer, Ocala Metro CEP; and Troy McLellan, CCE, FCCP, President & CEO, Boca Chamber; Moderator: Cory Skeates, JD, IOM, FCCP
If your chamber has a foundation and you would like to learn about other chambers’ foundations or if you’re wondering if your chamber should have a foundation, this session will provide insights and answers to your questions. Palms II
Events Track: Sponsorship Solicitation – Prospecting, Retaining and Appreciating
Presented by: Anissa Starnes, IOM, Chief Impact Officer/Executive Recruiter, YGM
Learn innovative strategies to attract and retain valuable sponsors. Discover effective prospecting techniques, enhance your communication skills, and implement appreciation practices that foster long-term relationships. Be equipped with actionable insights to secure sponsorships and build a loyal network to contribute to your success. Palms III
Communications/ Marketing Track: 50 Ideas in 50 Minutes
Moderated by: Teri Smiley, Founder, Starfish Partnerships, LLC, and President, Walton (GA) Chamber Open Discussion including Most Effective Platforms/Drip Campaigns/AI Tools, etc. Veranda A
3:10 PM – 3:25 PM Break
Break Sponsor
2023-2024 Board of Directors
3:30 PM PM Meeting & Greeting Your Matches: Sponsors & Attendees Networking Grand Oasis
4:30 PM – 5:30 PM Charting the Course: Exploring the Forefront of Membership Sales Trends
Presented by: Bill Holman, Holman Brothers Membership Sales Solutions
In this session, Bill will reveal the latest trends in membership sales for sustainable growth and mission-critical funding. Learn how top chambers excel in attracting new members, fostering satisfaction, and increasing revenue to support initiatives. Take away mission-driven sales approaches and personalized member experiences. Grand Oasis
Tuesday, September 24
6:30 PM – 7:30 PM Reception
Past Chairs’ Toast
Veranda A & B
Wednesday, September 25
7:00 AM – 8:00 AM Breakfast Grand Oasis
Reception Sponsor
8:00 AM Using The U.S. Chamber as a Valuable Resource
Presented by: Howard Byck, Sr. VP of Partnerships & Head of Development, and Moore Hallmark, Vice President and Managing Director, Regional Government Affairs, U.S. Chamber of Commerce
While many are familiar with the Accreditation Program, Institute for Organization Management Program and Advocacy Support offered by the U.S. Chamber, there are many programs offered by the Chamber’s Foundation that might not be as familiar to chamber professionals, but are great resources. Learn about these programs and more during this session. Grand Oasis
9:05 AM Breakout Sessions:
CEO/VP Track: Are Your KPI’s Aligned with Your Strategy?
Presented by: DJ Muller, Founder, 1 to 100 Advisors
Much like airline pilots check their instruments constantly to make adjustments to their flight plan to avoid weather, traffic and other conditions your KPI‘s are the leading indicator of the success of your strategy. Even if you have the right KPI’s, if you are not checking and adjusting them frequently, you still make it to your destination, but with a lot more frustration and burning more fuel (expense) than necessary. This session will teach you how to set the right KPI’s to get to your destination with the least amount of friction and frustration.
Palms I
Membership Track: Using AI to Enhance Member Relations, Value and Recruitment
Presented by: Craig Turner, President, Momentum
Discover how AI can revolutionize member engagement for chambers of commerce. This session will explore practical AI tools and strategies to enhance member relations, increase the perceived value of membership, and improve recruitment efforts. Learn how AI can streamline personalized communications, provide actionable insights, and create a more impactful membership experience.
Palms II
Communications/ Marketing Track: Is It Time for a Rebrand and How Do We Do It?
Panelists: John Newstreet, IOM, FCCP, President, The Osceola Chamber and Christine Miller, MPA, FCCP, President, Plant City Chamber; Moderated by: Cindy Lewis, IOM, FCCP
When do you know it’s time for a rebrand and where do you start? Hear how these chambers knew that it was time and how they successfully navigated their rebranding, including the development process, the investment, the rollout.
Palms III
Events Track: 50 Ideas in 50 Minutes
Moderated by: Anissa Starnes, IOM, Chief Impact Officer/Executive Recruiter, YGM
Open Discussion including Creative, Unusual, and Lucrative Events, Challenges/Opportunities, etc.
Veranda A
10:05 AM – 10:20 AM Break
10:25 AM Breakout Sessions:
CEO/VP Track: Chambers as AI Thought Leaders
Presented by: Craig Turner, President, Momentum
Chamber Pros are the Real MVPs
In this session, we’ll explore the evolving role of chambers of commerce as AI thought leaders. Learn how your chamber can lead the conversation on AI adoption, ethics, and its role in business growth. We’ll discuss opportunities for positioning your chamber as a key resource for members looking to navigate the AI landscape and ensure your organization is at the forefront of innovation.
Palms I
Wednesday, September 25
Events Track: An Event Planners Journey: From Concept to Celebration
Presented by: Teri Smiley, Founder, Starfish Partnerships, LLC, and President, Walton (GA) Chamber
This session will guide attendees through each stage of the event planning process, ensuring that chamber staff has the tools and knowledge to create successful and memorable events. It includes an Event Planning Checklist and Teri will discuss ways to use this from a small networking event to a big fundraising event. Whether you are new to event planning or are looking to polish up your skills, this session will provide key takeaways for you. Palms II
Communications/ Marketing Track: Chamber Podcasts: From Starting One to Monetizing It!
While chamber podcasts are becoming more popular, there are many chambers that haven’t yet started a podcast and those that do, but are not yet monetizing it. Hear how one chamber partnered with a member create a video podcast that generates revenue for the chamber and gives them and their members incredible exposure. Noel Martinez, FCCP, President & CEO, Palm Beach North Chamber and Beethoven Francois, Podcast Space Plus Palms III
Membership Track: 50 Ideas in 50 Minutes
Moderated by: Anissa Starnes, IOM, Chief Impact Officer/Executive Recruiter, YGM Open Discussion about Recruitment/Retention/Tiered Dues/Lead Generation/Trends, etc. Veranda A
11:30 AM ChamberMaster/GrowthZone Survey Results Update
Presented by: Scott Robertson, Sales Manager, GrowthZone
Since chamber pros always want to know what other chambers are doing, Scott will share trends, ideas, recommendations and tips related to what your peers said in GrowthZone’s AMS’s 2023 Chamber Survey and what additional insights he has gained as he has presented this information across the country since he first shared the data with us in May. Grand Oasis
12:30 PM “And The Winners Are…” Awards Luncheon
#ChamberStrong: Uniting Chambers for Good
Presented by: Mark Wilson, President, Florida Chamber of Commerce
“And the Winners Are” Luncheon Sponsor
Our state, our communities and our chambers are stronger when we work together. Hear about the current initiatives of the Florida Chamber and learn how local chambers can be partners in their efforts. Grand Oasis
2:20 PM The Entrepreneurship Gap
Presented by: Tra Williams, Speaker, Author, Entrepreneur and Nationally Recognized Expert in Entrepreneurship and Business Strategy
Hear from Tra about his mission to rescue 1 million entrepreneurs from traditional employment. His book, Boss Brain , empowers its readers with the tools to unlock their entrepreneurial instincts and live the real American Dream. Be inspired and take his story back to your members. Grand Oasis
3:20 PM – 3:35 PM Break
3:40 PM Breakout Sessions:
Membership Track: Sealing the First Year Member Leak
Chamber Pros are the Real MVPs
Presented by: Bill Holman, Holman Brothers Membership Sales Solutions
Explore the pivotal role of retaining first-year members to fuel long-term chamber prosperity. Member sales and engagement strategist Bill Holman will share crucial insights on prioritizing member success to foster a sense of belonging. Discover actionable strategies to nurture engagement tailored to each member’s unique preferences, ensuring sustainable growth for your chamber. Palms I
Communications/ Marketing Track: From Chaos to Clarity: Streamlining with a Social Media Content Calendar
Presented by: Teri Smiley, Founder, Starfish Partnerships, LLC, and President, Walton (GA) Chamber
Learn how to create a structured, effective social media content calendar that aligns with your marketing strategies as well as how to identify buckets of content to reach your target audience and which platforms are best for each. Also learn to plan, schedule and manage your content to ensure consistent engagement with all platforms. Teri will look at traditional chamber social media as well as some “out of the box” ideas and will share tools and techniques for optimizing your social media workflow, including a few “Canva” tricks. Palms II
Wednesday, September 25
Events Track: Community Events: Relevancy for Chambers of All Sizes
Panelists: John Solomon, FCCP, Executive Director, Apalachicola Bay Chamber; Brian Elkins, Director of Events, Palm Beach North Chamber; and Chanda Ryan, President & CEO, Navarre Beach Chamber; Moderated by: Donna Germain, IOM, FCCP Community events are a common thread shared by chambers of all sizes. Learn from these chambers about how theirs contribute to the bottom lines of their chambers and their members and what makes these events unique. They will also discuss working with partners and how the event planning process has changed in recent years. Palms III
CEO/VP Track: Crisis Management & the Media: Not If, But When
Presented by: Corey Saban, Communications & Media Strategist, CS Media Works
If your chamber has not had a crisis that required a quick response to the media and your community, count yourself fortunate. However, it’s not “if”, but “when” your time will come and the time to be prepared is before you have a crisis. This session will prepare you for that time (even though we hope your day is a long time away!) Grand Oasis
4:45 PM Breakout Sessions:
Winning Big By Promoting Small
Presented by: John Solomon, FCCP, Executive Director, Apalachicola Bay Chamber and Director, Franklin Tourist Development Council
Session Sponsor
Learn how chambers and visitor centers of any size can market what they don’t have and win in the tourism arena. Hear about the resources that are available from VISIT FLORIDA to help your chamber grow. Palms I
Problem Solving, Decision Making & You
Presented by: Irma Parone, ODCP, Parone Group
In life and leadership, decisions define us. Beyond the usual executive duties, the true mark of value lies in problem prevention and resolution. Today’s complicated world demands adept problem-solving for success. Discover why we falter in decision-making and unlock strategies for improvement. Based on the acclaimed book WINX—The Problem-Solving Model for Exponential Success with Customers, Employees & Your Bottom Line , this session will empower you to make Impactful choices. Palms II
5:50 PM End of the Day Comments
John Newstreet, IOM, FCCP, FACP Chair Grand Oasis
Thursday, September 26
7:00 AM – 8:00 AM Breakfast Grand Oasis
8:00 AM Harnessing AI: The ODP Corporate Journey
Chamber Pros are the Real MVPs
What is AI? How can AI help me & my organization? What are the ethical and community considerations? What are possible challenges and how do you overcome them? What’s to come in AI? Get answers to your questions about AI in this session. Presented by: Carl Brisco, Chief Technology Officer, ODP Business Solutions
9:05 AM “Making Waves”
Presented by: Lisa Lutoff-Perlo
Discover the power of authentic leadership by blending smarts, heart, and courage. This keynote unpacks how strategic thinking and decision-making (smarts) combined with empathy and genuine connection (heart) create leaders who inspire. Add the courage to take risks and uphold values, and you have a recipe for impactful leadership. Learn to lead in a way that drives results, fosters trust, and inspires others. Grand Oasis
10:05 AM Closing Comments from Our Chair
John Newstreet, IOM, FCCP, FACP Chair
Books Provided By
Must be present at the session to receive a copy of Lisa Lutoff-Perlo’s “Making Waves” Book
SpeakersOur Esteemed Speakers
Our Esteemed Speakers
Thank You
...to our esteemed panel of speakers for sharing their time and talents to help us fulfill our mission of advancing excellence in chamber management.
Do you know any other great Speakers ?
We are always looking for suggestions for speakers on various topics!
If you are in the Central, East Central, West Central, Northeast or Northwest Region and would like to recommend someone from your community who is a subject matter expert and whom you feel would bring benefi t to your peers, please email Tammy at director@facponline.com and share the details with her.
We love to use local talent and it is a great opportunity for you to give recognition and an extra member value to your members!
FACP is pleased to partner with Teri Smiley and Starfish Partnerships for the “All Things Chamber” Webinar Series.
This program is a phenomenal staff onboarding program and can also be used as a refresher to current staff members during staff meetings or at a staff retreat. The series includes an introduction video and six (6) modules in the areas that cover "All Things Chamber ".
All Things State Introduction – Program Overview and Welcome Message
All Things Governance – Governing Documents, Board Role & Responsibilities, Committees & Task Force Groups, Board Meetings & Retreats
All Things Operations – Financial Management, Staff Teams & Culture
All Things Membership – Recruitment, Relationships, Retention
All Things Events & Programs – Event & Program Management, Fundraising, Meetings, Programs
All Things Community – Advocacy & Public Policy, Education Programs, Leadership Programs –Adult and Youth
All Things “Extra ” – Foundations, Marketing & Communications, Non-Dues Revenue, Lessons Learned
The “All Things Chamber” bundle provides pre-recorded material, averaging a hour per module, plus downloadable notes pages of the power points and additional PDF documents. Participating chambers will also be invited to a private Facebook group for Q&A and connecting with fellow chamber members across the country.
This versatile digital resource allows you to utilize the content for a comprehensive staff training or retreat or for individual training at your own pace, since will have access to the recordings for two-years.
FACP members can purchase this incredible tool for only $195 and, what makes it even more awesome, is that $100 of the subscription price is donated back to FACP!
Please contact Tammy Bracewell at director@facponline.com with any questions or to subscribe!
“As a Director of Member Engagement for 5 months now, the All Things Membership module really stood out for me, particularly the content around retention. I also got a lot of great ideas around tracking membership and stats. One message that I am so glad to hear you bring up frequently in the training is the need to support, educate, and involve our members. I agree that if we want to keep them on as active and engaged members, then we have to meet them where they are and support them!”
Julie Messina, Greater Durham Chamber, NC
“Thanks for crafting an affordable training program for our staff. Our small staff of 4 hold a combined 4 ½ years of experience. I celebrated a year on February 13th!!”
Trentsie Williams, Greenwood, SC Chamber
“I am really enjoying and learning so much from the program. I look forward to sharing this with my executive committee. We have a very young board, and I feel they will benefit from this as well.”
Amy Beitel, Ligonier Valley, PA Chamber
Jean Hungiville, FCCP
John Lai, FCCP
Noel Martinez, FCCP
John Solomon, FCCP
This Year 's FCCP Class
Tarpon Springs Chamber of Commerce
Sanibel-Captiva Chamber of Commerce
Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce
Apalachicola Bay Chamber of Commerce
FCCP Alumni Members
Shane Moody, CCE, FCCP
Troy McLellan, CCE, FCCP
Skip Alford, IOM, FCCP
Cindy Brief, IOM, FCCP
Nancy Keefer, CCE, IOM, FCCP
Dr. Bob Rohrlack, IOM, CCE, FCCP
Robin Miller, IOM, FCCP
Robert Goltz, IOM, FCCP
Cory Skeates, JD, IOM, FCCP
Cindy Lewis, IOM, FCCP
Donna Germain, IOM, FCCP
Debbie Cotton, IOM, FCCP
John Newstreet, IOM, FCCP
Kelly Flannery, FCCP
Tammy C. Bracewell, IOM, FCCP
Tamara Fleischhaker, CCE, IOM, FCCP
Christine Miller, MPA, FCCP
Nancy Peltonen, FCCP
Janet Kersey, CFE, CDME, FCCP
Roxanne Anderson, FCCP
Megan Harrison, IOM, FCCP
Rebekah Arthur, IOM, FCCP
Destin Chamber of Commerce
Boca Chamber
Lake Wales Chamber & EDC
Coral Springs Chamber of Commerce
Daytona Regional Chamber of Commerce
Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce
Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber of Commerce
Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce
Cocoa Beach Regional Chamber of Commerce
The Osceola Chamber
Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral
Ormond Beach Chamber of Commerce
The Osceola Chamber
South Tampa Chamber of Commerce
Florida Association of Chamber Professionals
Ocala Metro Chamber & Economic Partnership
Plant City Chamber
Greater Palm Bay Chamber of Commerce
Daytona Regional Chamber of Commerce
Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber of Commerce
Walton Area Chamber of Commerce
Seminole County Chamber of Commerce
Would you like to add the FCCP designation behind your name?
July 1, 2025
July 15, 2025
August 1, 2025
September 2025
FCCP application, fee, packet and essay due
FACP processes application
FCCP Committee reviews application
FCCP Awards presented at Annual Meeting
Application and details are available on the FACP website at www.facponline.com under the “Member Center” tab in the “Certifications” category.
Now would be a good time to pull out your phone and add a calendar reminder to start your application in early 2025!
Board of Directors
Officers
John Newstreet, IOM, FCCP, CAE, Chair
Noel Martinez, FCCP, Chair-Elect
Dan Lindblade, CAE, Immediate Past Chair
Sarah Pearson, IOM, Treasurer
Tammy Bracewell, IOM, FCCP, President
Rebekah Arthur, IOM, FCCP, Central Region Chair
Janet Kersey, CFEE, CDME, FCCP, East Central Region Chair
Joey O’Hern, Northeast Region Chair
Charinus Davis-Johnson, Southeast Region Chair
Donna Germain, IOM, FCCP, Southwest Region Chair
Jean Hungiville, FCCP, West Central Regional Chair
Cory Skeates, JD, IOM, FCCP, Advocacy Chair
Board Members
Amber Aaron, IOM
Skip Alford, IOM, FCCP
Christie Bruner
Steve Cannon, IOM
Kim Dalglish, IOM
Megan Harrison, FCCP
Heather Kasten
John Lai, FCCP
Brittany Lamont
Jimmy Lane, IOM
Robin Miller, IOM, FCCP
Shane Moody, CCE, FCCP
Bay County Chamber of Commerce
Daytona Regional Chamber of Commerce
Greater Gainesville Chamber of Commerce
Jackson County Chamber of Commerce
Lakeland Chamber of Commerce
Manatee Chamber of Commerce
Melbourne Regional Chamber of Commerce of East Central Florida
Miramar-Pembroke Pines Regional Chamber of Commerce
Sandi Moore
Nancy Peltonen, FCCP
Sam Ruiz, IOM
John Solomon, FCCP
Mark Wilson, CCE
Josh Wooten
Ocala Metro Chamber & Economic Partnership
Ormond Beach Chamber of Commerce
Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce
Putnam County Chamber of Commerce
Sarasota Chamber of Commerce
Seminole County Chamber of Commerce
South Tampa Chamber of Commerce
The Osceola Chamber
West Orange Chamber of Commerce
Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce
Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce
Say “ Thank You”...
Take a moment and write a note on one of our postcards to your Chair, your full Board or that someone who played a role in allowing you to attend the conference and say “thank you” for helping you to be all that you can be.
Then, give the card to Tammy and she will be happy to add a stamp and drop it in the mail it for you!
Save the Date Annual Conference
September 23-25, 2025
While it’s almost impossible to pick dates that do not conflict with our members’ events, we are hoping that you will add the 2025 Annual Conference dates to your calendar NOW and will make plans to be with us somewhere in one of the central Florida Regions.
If your chamber is located in the Central, East Central or West Central region, please watch your inbox later this year for the Request for Proposal to share with your member properties (for the the Annual Conference and Spring Conference in 2025).
This is your opportunity to bring the FACP Annual Conference to YOUR community!
Thank You
To Everyone Who Donated Items (and also to those who bid -- and bid often!)
Auction Closes at 9:00 AM on Thursday
Everyone’s generosity will help to fund First Time Attendee Scholarships at future Annual Conferences!
Thank You to these All - Stars
This year’s Planning Committee “knocked it out of the park” and we can’t thank them enough! Sarah Pearson, Committee Chair; Cindy Brief, IOM, FCCP; Dan Lindblade, CAE; Cindy Lewis, IOM, FCCP; Troy McLellan, CCE, FCCP; Jill Mondo; Noel Martinez, LLC; John Newstreet, IOM, FCCP; and John Solomon, FCCP