What an extraordinary week in Orlando!
As we reflect on America’s SBDC 46th Annual Training Event, we’re filled with gratitude and inspired by the dedication and collaborative spirit attendees brought to “The Future of Work.”
By the Numbers
The success of this event is measured in the connections made, knowledge shared, and communities strengthened:
- 1,200 attendees from across our national network
- 289 AI U students who dove deep into cutting-edge technology
- 220 presenters who generously shared their expertise and insights
- 20 sponsors who demonstrated their commitment to our mission
- 15 exhibitors who showcased innovative solutions for small businesses
- 55 State Directors leading the charge across our national network
- 45 Associate State Directors driving excellence in their regions
- 208 events packed into our agenda – workshops, sessions, networking, and more
Transformative Learning Through Dynamic General Sessions
Our two general sessions, sponsored by Visa and Verizon, set the tone for professional growth and innovation throughout the week.
Wednesday’s Visa-Sponsored Session brought together industry leaders Greg Britton, Reamonn Soto, and Karen Arnon, who shared compelling real-world success stories from Florida’s manufacturing sector. Michael Brown’s economic outlook provided critical insights into emerging small business trends, while Mike Berger, Brett Dashevsky, and Kelly Tomera explored how NextGen entrepreneurs are fundamentally redefining the SMB landscape.
Thursday’s Verizon-Sponsored Session focused on unlocking growth opportunities for small businesses. Jim Gowan, Verizon’s SVP and Chief Procurement Officer, and Carrie Hughes, VP of Responsible Business, unveiled Verizon’s ambitious $5 billion commitment to small business suppliers and introduced their game-changing Small Business Supplier Accelerator program. Twyla Garrett delivered a masterclass on winning corporate and government contracts with proven insider strategies, while Vanessa Van Edwards provided research-backed insights on charismatic communication and building authentic professional relationships.
Professional Development at Every Turn
Workshop Excellence: With 200 intensive workshops spanning three days, attendees had unprecedented opportunities to enhance their skills and expand their expertise. From emerging technologies and AI applications to traditional business fundamentals, these sessions equipped participants with practical, immediately applicable knowledge to better serve their small business clients.
Certification Programs: Three specialized certification programs in AI, cybersecurity, and leadership provided structured learning pathways for professional advancement. These programs ensure our network stays proactive to the emerging challenges facing small businesses.
Exhibit Hall Innovation: Our 36 exhibitors transformed the exhibit hall into a hub of discovery, showcasing cutting-edge solutions, tools, and resources that directly impact small business success. The interactive demonstrations and one-on-one consultations provided attendees with hands-on experience with the latest innovations in business support technology.
Highlights We'll Remember
The STAR Reception at Disney’s Swan Reserve provided the perfect backdrop to celebrate our 62 State Stars while experiencing Disney’s signature magic—a well-deserved recognition of outstanding achievements across our network.
Beyond the formal sessions, the countless networking opportunities fostered connections that will strengthen our collaborative efforts nationwide. These relationships and the knowledge shared will continue to generate value long after we’ve left Orlando.
The energy, enthusiasm, and commitment to excellence displayed throughout the week reinforced why America’s SBDC remains the premier resource for small business development across the nation.
Looking Ahead
Mark your calendars for September 26th-October 4th, 2026 – we hope to see you at our 47th Annual Training Event in Atlanta!