If you are interested in helping build strong communities, Winter Haven will be the center of inspiration and connectivity during the fifth annual CityWorks(X)po Florida on March 11-12, 2020. Community representatives from across the state of Florida will gather to hear an inspiring lineup of speakers focused on sharing knowledge about connectivity between people, places, and the projects that inspire them.

In addition to being immersed in thought-provoking presentations, performances, and engaging dialogue during the day, attendees will enjoy evening activities that include special networking opportunities and high energy events. Ticket options are regular two-day all-inclusive tickets (with a special two-day all-inclusive rate for non-profits) or single day tickets.

Main Street Winter Haven, Inc., is honored to host this event for the state of Florida, with community partners City of Winter Haven, Greater Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce, Winter Haven Economic Development Council, and Visit Central Florida. By providing a platform for sharing knowledge, stories, ideas, and projects, CityWorks(X)po Florida enables attendees to make connections and gather ideas that inspire them.

(X)po’s speakers, panelists, and participants will share what they have learned (successes and failures) about community building by exploring impact topics such as: Capital & Social Entrepreneurship, Leadership & Good Government, Arts & Design, Knowledge & New Media, Outdoors & Recreation, Public Health & Social Justice and Food, Drink & Music.

A brief summary of this year’s CityWorks(X)po Florida schedule:
Tuesday, March 10
5:30-7:30 pm     Welcome Reception – Ritz Theatre, 263 West Central Avenue
Social hour and early registration

Wednesday, March 11
8:00-9:00 am     Coffee, Juice, Light Breakfast, and Registration – Ritz Theatre
9:00 am             Presentations begin, followed by a break for lunch; wrapping up at 5:00 pm
5:00-8:30 pm     After Hours Social – Union Taproom ~ This event is designed to capture the energy of attendees, giving them an opportunity to connect and discuss the day in a fun environment while enjoying live music, great food, and craft beer.

Thursday, March 12
8:00-9:00 am     Coffee, Light Breakfast and Registration – Ritz Theatre
9:00 am             Presentations begin, followed by a break for lunch; wrapping up at 5:00 pm
5:00 pm             Immediately following the wrap up, we invite you to join us on the patio of Fire Restaurant for our After Hours Social. Enjoy plenty of food and drink, and live music by Beth McKee.

Here are some of this year’s speakers (more to come):
Ryan Gravel, AICP
Terry Horne
DC Reeves
Beth McKee
Matt Lukens
Victor Dover, FAICP, LEED-AP, CNU-A & Karen Thompson
Mayor Eugene W. Grant
John Marsh
Steve Wray
Jeffrey Purdy, P.E.
Tom Nocera
Greg Curtain

For registration and more information about the (X)citing lineup of speakers, go to www.cityworksxpofl.com. All ticket levels include after-hours events, as well as coffee and snacks during the day. Remember that if you’re with a non-profit organization, there is a special rate for the two-day ticket.

In addition to the community partners mentioned earlier, the event is also made possible through (X)ponential, Placemaking, Connector, and Big Idea Partners. To see this year’s sponsors, go to www.cityworksxpofl.com. If you’re interested in joining that group to help bring this innovative conference to our area, contact Main Street Winter Haven at 863-295-9422.

The Winter Haven Economic Development Council is pleased to once again be one of Main Street Winter Haven’s partners for this year’s CityWorks(X)po Florida. Every year we get to hear from inspiring speakers who share their big ideas to for better places. We encourage you to join us for this special fifth year as we learn from each other and connect in ways that will help us build stronger communities.