CEO NEXUS CONFERENCE 2026
March 12, 2026 — Lake Mary, FL
Register for the 2026 Conference
The 2026 CEO Nexus Conference includes a full dinner buffet, a keynote presentation and an evening networking opportunity that includes specialty spirits and wine tasting.
Early Bird Member Rate is $475 plus 3% ($489.25) until 12/31/25
— Save now versus the standard member rate of $595 plus 3% ($612.85) effective 01/01/26
— Members please see your email or contact your roundtable facilitator for your discounted registration link.
Overview
The 2026 Conference will include a mix of member-driven presentations, panel discussions, business best practices, networking exercises, and select Subject Matter Experts (SMEs). This event is designed to provide new and practical information you can use to move your business forward and enhance your personal growth.
The event will take place at the Lake Mary Events Center on Thursday, March 12 from 9:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Based on member feedback, the 2026 conference will see several changes to better accommodate participants including a return to a Q1 event date, a one-day format, additional networking opportunities to encourage greater engagement among attendees and a new location with more space, improved sound, and convenient parking. We look forward to sharing more information soon.
To view sponsorship opportunities, click here.
To view the Lake Mary Events Center address and floor plan, click here.
To listen to a brief overview of what the 2026 conference will include, click here.
Audio - CEO Nexus 2026 Conference Overview
Agenda
Thursday, March 12, 2026*
| 8:00 AM | Registration | |
| 9:00 AM | Welcome | |
| 9:30 AM | Breakout Session #1 | |
| 10:30 AM | Breakout Session #2 | |
| 11:30 AM | Networking | |
| 12:00 PM | Lunch and Recognition | |
| 12:45 PM | Lunch Panel | “Business Owner’s Playbook” – Paul Ma, Lead Portfolio Strategist, Fidelity Institutional Asset Management |
| 2:15 PM | Scheduled Break | |
| 2:30 PM | Breakout Session #3 | |
| 3:30 PM | Breakout Session #4 | |
| 4:30 PM | Scheduled Break | |
| 5:00 PM | Dinner and Recognition | |
| 5:45 PM | Dinner Panel | “Applied AI: Real strategies, Real stories, Real results… Finally!” – Loren Horsager, CEO, Model Mind.ai |
| 7:15 PM | Session Recap | |
| 7:30 PM | Networking Under the Stars | Sampling Spirits and Wine on the Veranda – Beer/Bourbon/Specialty Spirits/Whiskey/Wine |
| 9:30 PM | Conference Ends |
Breakout Table Topics
The 2026 conference will address a broad range of business best practices. Each breakout table session will last one hour. Attendees may select one breakout table topic per session for a total of four sessions. Early-bird registrants will have the first opportunity to select their breakout table topics.
The opportunity to select breakout table topics will occur later, upon completion of the registration process. *
- To view the table topic room layout map, click here for PDF (or click the image).
- To view the profiles of table topic presenters, see below (click on their name).
LEADERSHIP / MANAGEMENT
Manager Enablement: Turning Accidental Supervisors into Confident Leaders
Jordan George, Senior Partner, HR Soul
Lauren Arevalo, Orlando Branch Mgr., AppleOne
A Cohesive Executive Team: How to Ensure Your Team is Fully Aligned and Engaged
Laura Gallaher, Ph.D., CEO, Gallaher Edge
Unfolding Potential: Transforming Individual Impact into Team Power
Deb Dixson, Leadership Vision Consulting
The Importance of Performance Rhythms for Thriving Businesses and Thriving Lives
Lauren Hodges, CEO, Performance on Purpose
What Each Generation Expects of Your Business’ involvement in the Community (Gen X, Y, Z)
Mark Brewer, CEO, Central Florida Foundation
FINANCE
Access to Capital: Banking and Finance Options to Fuel the Growth of Your Business
Ralph Betancourt, President, First Colony Bank
When Does a Fractional CFO Make Sense and How to Integrate with Existing Accounting Team
Russell Slappey, CEO, and Managing Partner, Nperspective
How to Turn OBBBA (One Big Beautiful Bill Act) Tax Changes into a Competitive Advantage
Geoffrey Gallo, Partner, H&CO,
Mohamedraza Manji, CPA, Tax Supervisor, H&CO
Internal Controls: Is Your Business Vulnerable to Theft or Misleading Financials?
Christine Noll-Rhan, CPA, Partner, CRI Advisors (Melbourne, FL)
OPERATIONS
Outgrow: A Proven Sales Accountability System for Winning Market Share and Revenue 15-30%
John King, Certified EOS Implementer
Running on Facts, Not Feelings: Lessons from The Data Component of EOS /Traction
Dave Riley, Certified EOS Implementer
STRATEGIC PLANNING / RISK MANAGEMENT
The Innovation Track: Why Good Companies Stop Growing—and How to Fix It
Tom O’Neal, Professor, University of Central Florida
Cyber Risk 2026: Trends, Threats, and Insurance Best Practices
Lacy Rex, Cyber Practice Leader, Unison Risk Advisors
TECHNOLOGY
AI Agents: Building a CFO Agent for Your Business
Loren Horsager, CEO, Model Mind AI
Beyond the AI Hype: Building Your Strategic Technology Foundation First
John Ohlwiler, CEO, Sentry Technology Solutions
“Where’s the Leak?” — Finding Hidden IT Costs That Are Draining Your Bottom Line
Matt Rose, Chief Experience Officer, Tech Rage IT
Developing an AI Strategy to Improve Customer Retention and Operations for Your Business
Pete McAlindon, Ph.D., Entrepreneur-in-Residence, Rollins College
Jay Liebowitz, Ph.D., Founding Dir., Center for AI-EDGE, Rollins College
A CEO’s Tech Stack for Stress-Free Living
Erich Hanson, Founder / CEO / Visionary, August Ash
HR / TALENT
The New Age of Outsourcing: How to Adapt to the Changing Labor Landscape
Steve Schad, President, Optima HR Solutions
Compensation Plans That Drive Better Employee Performance and Retention
Joe Raymond, CEO, RVR Consulting
Team Building Analytics: Appling Behavioral and Cognitive Insights to Enhance Performance
Dolly Penland, Business Results
MARKETING / SALES / MEDIA
The New Search Reality: How to Be Found in AI Results
Shalyn Dever, Co-Founder, Engineer, and Fractional CMO, Chatter Buzz Media
Navigating the New Normal: Winning Federal and International Contracts in a Complicated World
Brian Mills, Maynard Nexsen PC,
Mindi Hertzog, Florida High Tech Corridor
How to Use Market Research to Find New Customers
Stephanie Kempton, President, Kempton Research
How to Establish Repeatable and Predictable Sales Processes Key to Scaling a Business
Shannon Muniz, Founder & President, Strategic Sales Management
Customer Profiles: How to Capture and Map What Drives Buyer Behavior
Ken Theriot, CEO, The Riot Agency
The AI Agent Playbook: How CEOs Build and Deploy Game Changing AI
Kai Isaac, CEO, Naura AI
LEGAL
The True Cost of an Exit: How Adjustments, Taxes, and Buyer Tricks Impact Your Net Price
Doug Starcher, Attorney / Managing Partner, M&A Practice Area, Nelson Mullins Law
Mergers & Acquisitions: Understanding the Elements and Process of a Successful Deal*
Bill Lowman, Attorney / Managing Partner, Shuffield Lowman, LLP
Julia Dennis, Attorney / Partner, Shuffield Lowman, LLP
YOUR OWNERSHIP JOURNEY™
The Buyer Showdown: Private Equity vs. Strategic—Which Deal Would You Take?
Chris Swink, Senior Wealth Strategist, Northern Trust
Rob Ashcroft, Dir. Business Advisory Services, Northern Trust
How AI-Driven Wealth Strategies Help Business Owners Invest, Protect, and Preserve Wealth
Riad Shanawany, President & CEO, Myriad Capital
ESOPs as a Strategic Exit: Advisory Insights and Financing Solutions for Business Owners
Chris Cucci, CCIM, Executive Vice President, Chief Strategy Officer, Climate First Bank
Will Stewart, CEO, PCE Investment Bankers
Business Valuation: The One Number That Changes Everything
Michael Shepardson, Partner, PNP Advisory Services
Living the EOS Life: A CEO’s Perspective
Erich Hanson, Founder / CEO / Visionary, August Ash
Hotels / Map
Event attendees have a range of options conveniently located in the area. We have assembled a short list of Hotels that are located near The Lake Mary Events Center.
* Hotels are listed in order by proximity to the event location. Additional hotels are available in the area.
1 — Hilton Garden Inn Orlando North/Lake Mary (2.9mi)
hilton.com… | 705 Currency Circle, Lake Mary, FL 32746 | Google Directions
“We’re off I-4, in walking distance of restaurants, and three miles from Lake Mary Museum. The Central Florida Zoo is a 15-minute drive, and Orlando Sanford International Airport can be reached in nine miles. Enjoy our outdoor pool, restaurant, evening room service, and 24-hour convenience shop.”
Online Reservation — hilton.com/en/hotels/orllmgi-hilton-garden-inn-orlando-north-lake-mary/
Phone Reservation — 407.531.9900
2 — Courtyard by Marriott Lake Mary North (3.3mi)
marriott.com… | 135 International Parkway, Lake Mary, FL 32746 | Google Directions
“Stay focused, stay refreshed at Courtyard Orlando Lake Mary/North.Our contemporary hotel in Lake Mary, FL is designed to help you move forward. Unwind in spacious rooms with plush Marriott bedding, free Wi-Fi, large workspaces, and mini-fridges. Power up at The Bistro with healthy breakfast and dinner options, Starbucks® coffee, Keep your routine going at our 24/7 fitness center or cool off in the outdoor pool. Steps from top dining like FishBones and Giovanni’s, and just minutes from Boombah Sports Complex, Daytona Beach, and Seminole Towne Center. With flexible event venues and a convenient north Orlando location, Courtyard by Marriott Lake Mary North Orlando helps you make the most of every moment.”
Online Reservation — marriott.com/en-us/hotels/mcolm-courtyard-orlando-lake-mary-north/overview/
Phone Reservation — 407.444.1000
3 — Hyatt Place Lake Mary-Orlando North (3.5mi)
hyatt.com… | 1255 South International Pkwy, Lake Mary, FL 32746 | Google Directions
“Enjoy yourself at Hyatt Place Lake Mary/Orlando-North. With 24/7 dining including free breakfast, an outdoor pool and easy access to attractions near our hotel, you can relax and explore on your own time. Visit Daytona Beach, Disney World®, Central Florida Zoo, Lake Mary Event Center and more during your stay at our hotel in Lake Mary, Florida, near Heathrow.”
Online Reservation — hyatt.com/hyatt-place/en-US/mcozl-hyatt-place-lake-mary-orlando-north
Phone Reservation — 407.995.5555
4 — Hampton Inn & Suites Lake Mary At Colonial Townpark (4.4mi)
hilton.com… | 850 Village Oak Ln, Lake Mary, FL 32746 | Google Directions
“We’re off I-4, 10 minutes from central Lake Mary. Colonial Townpark Shopping Center, bites at Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse or Dexter’s Lake Mary, and a local AmStar cinema are steps from our door. Orlando Sanford International Airport is 20 minutes away. Enjoy free hot breakfast, free WiFi, and our outdoor pool.”
Online Reservation — hilton.com/en/hotels/lkmhshx-hampton-suites-lake-mary-at-colonial-townpark/
Phone Reservation — 407.995.9000
5 — Orlando Marriott Lake Mary (4.7mi)
marriott.com… | 1501 International Pkwy, Lake Mary, FL 32746 | Google Directions
“Retreat to Orlando Marriott Lake Mary for a newly renovated hotel in a convenient location. Guests staying with us in the Lake Mary, FL, area have access to fun attractions in Orlando North. Recharge for the day ahead at 1501 Kitchen & Bar, M Club or The Market, our on-site dining with to-go options. Wellness amenities include an outdoor pool, whirlpool spa and all-new fitness center. For business travelers and groups celebrating a special event, our hotel near Orlando Lake Mary boasts one of the largest meeting spaces in Seminole County, FL, with more than 14,000 square feet of space including two outdoor terraces. Work and relax on the road using our laundry facilities. Our 307 newly renovated hotel rooms and suites in Orlando North offer hard floors, elegant bathrooms, 55-inch wall-mounted TVs, free self-parking and free Wi-Fi. Embark on a journey of change at Orlando Marriott Lake Mary.”
Online Reservation — marriott.com/en-us/hotels/mcoml-orlando-marriott-lake-mary/overview/
Phone Reservation — 407.995.1100
6 — The Westin Lake Mary/Orlando North (4.9mi)
marriott.com… | 2974 International Pkwy, Lake Mary, FL 32746 | Google Directions
“Retreat to a signature blend of sophistication and rejuvenation at The Westin Lake Mary. Our hotel boasts an ideal location in an upscale suburban area with convenient access to top attractions, including the Central Florida Zoo, Downtown Sanford, Walt Disney World® and Universal Studios®. Unwind in our stylish rooms featuring luxury bedding, complimentary Wi-Fi and 55″ TVs. Enjoy fine dining at our on-site restaurant, Shula’s 347 Grill, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. Head to our fitness studio for an energizing workout or take a refreshing swim in our outdoor swimming pool. Host an impressive business or social function in our elegant event venue. At Westin, we strive to develop unique programs that help you be at your very best.”
Online Reservation — marriott.com/en-us/hotels/mcowl-the-westin-lake-mary-orlando-north/overview/
Phone Reservation — 407.531.3555
Supporters / Sponsors
Lauren Hodges
CEO and Owner, Performance on Purpose, LLC
Lauren Hodges, Ed.D. is an expert in human performance sciences, an award winning learning designer, author, and owner of Performance on Purpose, a global training and coaching company focused on the intersections of leadership and human performance. She lives in Satellite Beach, FL with her husband and two teenage boys.
What does it take to truly thrive in high demand, high pressure environments? In this interactive session, we’ll unpack four decades of human performance sciences, learn three key skills necessary to thrive and remain mission-driven at work and at home, and identify actionable strategies to use right away.
Mark Brewer, CAP
President/CEO, Central Florida Foundation
Mark has extensive leadership experience in all three sectors, including the private, public, and independent sectors. He has a background in mergers and acquisitions and in building teams and companies from the ground up. His experience in studying and working with all the generational cohorts will fuel this discussion.
This is a discussion about recruiting, retaining, and creating a culture that works for the current three prime generational cohorts. Whether early stage, second stage, or beyond, this is a discussion going on in almost every company as we try to build out teams that can take us to the next stage.
Ralph Betancourt
President & CEO, First Colony Bank of Florida
With 35 years of commercial banking experience, Ralph Betancourt is a banking veteran in the Central Florida area. Ralph is President & CEO of First Colony Bank which opened its doors in Maitland in 2008. With $300 million in assets, First Colony Bank specializes in working with small businesses owners in Central Florida.
Your relationship with your banker is key to the success of your business. Let’s discuss how to foster that relationship and how your bank can help grow your business by providing thoughtful solutions that are right for you including working capital lines of credit, equipment term loans, mortgages and acquisition financing.
Russell Slappey
CEO, Nperspective CFO & Strategic Services
Russell is the founder/CEO and Managing Partner of Nperspective, and is responsible for overseeing the firm and all of the companies divisions. He combines over 20 years of experience in Accounting, Information Systems and Taxation. He takes a hands-on, roll-up-your-sleeves approach in working with business owners.
In this presentation we will discuss the job duties and differences between the CFO, controller & CPA in running the daily business. We will also explore what needs to be prepared to get ready for a transition of the business. Further, we will discuss understanding the role of a CFO in a transition related to forecasting.
John King
Certified EOS Implementer
John helps entrepreneurs and their leadership teams reach their full potential with EOS. He brings 20 years of leadership experience to his clients, and as a Certified EOS Implementer he has delivered almost 500 full day coaching sessions to companies across central Florida.
Often the most confusing of the EOS tools, Scorecards are critical to your business’s success. In this breakout, you will walk away with practical tips that will help clarify what to measure, how to measure, and ways to drive actual accountability so that you improve sales, operational efficiency, and cash flow.
Dave Riley
Certified EOS Implementer
John helps entrepreneurs and their leadership teams reach their full potential with EOS. He brings 20 years of leadership experience to his clients, and as a Certified EOS Implementer he has delivered almost 500 full day coaching sessions to companies across central Florida.
Often the most confusing of the EOS tools, Scorecards are critical to your business’s success. In this breakout, you will walk away with practical tips that will help clarify what to measure, how to measure, and ways to drive actual accountability so that you improve sales, operational efficiency, and cash flow.
Loren Horsager
CEO and Founder, Model Mind AI
Loren is a tech entrepreneur and the dynamic force behind Model Mind AI. Drawing upon 30 years of extensive experience leading software development firms, Loren envisioned a world where AI could be harnessed to propel growth-oriented organizations forward. This led to the creation of Model Mind AI.
With AI transforming industries, effective policies and governance are essential. This session will explore AI’s potential, focusing on data security, protecting your organization, and building a strong AI policy. Learn how to implement AI responsibly to unlock business growth.
John Ohlwiler
CEO & Founder, Sentry Technology Solutions
John Ohlwiler is the Founder and CEO of Sentry Technology Solutions. Sentry serves businesses locally, regionally and across the country by creating custom technology solutions. John is a current member of the Forbes Technology Council and led Sentry to being featured as one of CRN’s Top 250 Next Generation Companies.
When it comes to Cyber Security and AI, diagnosing reality can be a challenge. In this breakout, Founder and CEO of Sentry Technology Solutions, John Ohlwiler, will help you define what you really need to know, understand the impact on your business, and make a plan for what’s next.
Erich Hanson
Founder & CEO, August Ash
Erich Hanson is the Founder and CEO of August Ash, a web dev and digital marketing firm with 25 years of experience in creating innovative digital solutions for businesses. Since 2012, Erich has leveraged EOS to drive the company’s growth. He’s an active member of CEO Nexus and splits his time between Minnesota and Florida.
Uncover the secrets to creating a technology-driven marketing flywheel that powers sustainable business growth. This session discusses an engineered approach to marketing, integrating the principles of EOS/Traction, in order to achieve lasting success by focusing on modern marketing fundamentals.
Joe Raymond
Managing Partner, RVR Consulting Group
Joe is the Managing Partner of RVR Consulting Group Holdings, helping small to mid-market companies maximize potential throughout their lifecycle. A proven leader in launching, growing, and exiting businesses, he also co-founded CECO.org and serves on multiple community boards supporting motor disabilities.
Discover how to design a compensation strategy that drives performance, engagement, and retention. Learn to align compensation with strategic business goals, leverage incentive compensation, and create data-driven plans that meet the needs of today’s evolving multigeneration workforce.
Mindi Hertzog
Senior International Trade Specialist, U.S. Commercial Service
Mindi Hertzog is a Senior International Trade Specialist at the U.S. Commercial Service. She spent 2015-2018 in Brazil serving as a Diplomat and has an extensive career in both government and the private sector. She has an Executive MBA from UCLA, and a BS in Biology from Cedar Crest College.
Discover which international markets offer the best opportunities for your products and services. Learn effective strategies for marketing your offerings globally, and understand how your organization can export without having to leave Florida. Gain insights into export compliance, financing, and more.
Stephanie Kempton
CEO & President, Kempton Research
Stephanie has more than 30 years of marketing and communications experience. Her research and planning expertise has directly contributed to enhanced business performance for a wide range of brands and businesses. She has obtained her Principal Certification from the Insights Association.
I will be speaking to a one page document that will outline types of market research to find new customers, what these market research sources are, how to use them to find new customers and and how to obtain them from research providers in the market.
Shannon Muniz
Founder & President, Strategic Sales Management
Shannon Muniz is the President and Founder of Strategic Sales Management, LLC, which provides Fractional Sales Leadership to small and medium-sized companies. Since founding Strategic Sales Management in 2020, she has helped more than 50 companies develop and implement scalable sales infrastructures to grow revenue.
The 2024 State of Sales will present data collected from more than 4K medium sized businesses across the US. Each of the 4 key areas of sales; Organization, Strategy, Methodology and Analysis, will be reviewed and takeaways to immediately impact your sales organization will be presented.
Bill Lowman
Founder & Managing Partner, Shuffield Lowman
Bill Lowman is a founder & president of ShuffieldLowman, and a seasoned attorney in the areas of corporate, mergers & acquisitions, business taxation, securities, intellectual property, estate planning, planning for high net-worth families, foundations, family businesses, executive compensation planning & tax law.
Our presentation is a comprehensive webinar that delves into the intricate stages of a merger & acquisition transaction. We will beigin with letter of intent, continue through data rooms and the due diligence process, and finish with transaction documentation and the closing.
Julia Dennis
Attorney, Partner, Shuffield Lowman
Julia Dennis joined ShuffieldLowman in 2009 and specializes in mergers & acquisitions, securities law, corporate law, and intellectual property. She has specific experience representing emerging and established companies, private equity firms, and portfolio companies within the manufacturing, technology, restaurant, distribution, and professional service sectors. Her transactional work includes counseling clients on corporate formation and asset protection planning, growth-centric transactions including private offering capital raises, employee incentive planning, strategic partnerships, joint ventures, and exit strategies leading up to and including the ultimate sale of the business.
Will Stewart
Managing Director, PCE Investment Bankers
Will Stewart, a partner at PCE and head of the firm’s Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) practice, is regarded as an expert in the ESOP community. He is a frequent speaker, panelist, and presenter at ESOP-focused conferences and events and has closed more than $3 billion of ESOP transactions.
What is an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) and does it fit for me and my Company? The presenters include an ESOP advisor with experience leading companies through transactions and a business owner who has recently been through an ESOP transaction.
Will Wellons
President, Wellons Communications
Will is a skilled strategic public relations professional who has worked with a broad spectrum of clients, including those in design, hospitality, attractions, real estate and finance. He has vast experience in all facets of public relations; including media relations, investor relations, and crisis management.
Social media continues to change by the day. Companies have to be consistent and up to date on the best practices for social media or their sales and reputation will suffer. We will have a discussion on how to stay ahead of the social media trends.