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Think Bold Festival & Conference 2026

April 8–12, 2026 | Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront

BOLD STATE OF MIND

This isn’t a conference.

It’s a city-wide movement for entrepreneurs, creatives, executives, investors, and the next generation of leaders.

For five days, Jacksonville becomes the epicenter of:

Entrepreneurship & Wealth Building
Future of Work & Workforce Innovation
Music, Sports, Media & Culture
Real Access to Power, Capital & Opportunity

From curated keynotes and fireside chats…

to private partner mixers, yacht experiences, student workforce activations, and Bold Mini meet-ups —

Think Bold is where relationships turn into revenue and ideas turn into action.

This is where bold brands are built.

This is where leaders are made.

This is where the future of Jacksonville shows up.

Limited Seats. Curated Rooms. Exclusive Partnerships.

If you’re building something that matters — you belong in the room.

Join the Movement. Secure Your Pass.

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Why Think Bold Hits Different

Think Bold Festival & Conference is not an event — it’s an ecosystem.

Over one powerful week, you’ll experience:

The Future of Work Awards with city leadership & employers
Bold Mini Meet-Ups with real operators & founders
Think Bold Honors celebrating cultural and business leaders
Student Workforce Hubs (ALL ACCESS: DECODED)
Private Dinners, VIP Mixers & Yacht Experiences
Real estate, small business, tech, creative & finance tracks

Whether you’re:

a founder scaling your business
an executive seeking pipeline & partnerships
a brand looking for cultural relevance
or a student building your future

Think Bold is designed to move you forward — not just inspire you.

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Partners

ABOUT

Where Entrepreneurship Meets Culture. Where Ideas Become Infrastructure.

APRIL 8–12, 2026 | Jacksonville, FL

THE BOLDEST ROOM IN THE SOUTH

This isn’t a conference. It’s a movement.

Think Bold Festival & Conference is Northeast Florida’s leading platform at the intersection of entrepreneurship, workforce development, innovation, and culture — bringing together founders, creatives, executives, students, investors, and community leaders to shape what’s next.

For five days, Jacksonville becomes the national stage for bold ideas, real conversations, powerful partnerships, and future-defining opportunity.

From boardrooms to ballrooms.

From classrooms to culture.

From vision to execution.

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Tickets

Think Bold Festival & Conference Tickets

General Admission

$59.00

Ticket Access

Access to all Main Stages & Speaker Sessions featuring cultural icons, entrepreneurs, and innovators.
Entry to the Marketplace with bold brands, tech demos, and local businesses.
Community Networking with attendees creatives, and professionals from across industries.
BOLD Magazine and Aficionado Certified Mist

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Decoded Student Access

$119.00

Ticket Access

Provide a student with full-day access to the conference.
Includes workshops, mentorship sessions, curated lunch & networking.
*Special recognition as a Sponsor in event materials.

* For tickets purchased by March 2, 2026

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VIP

$120.00

Ticket Access

Everything in General Admission.
VIP Networking Event: Bold Bites & Cocktails with industry leaders.
Priority seating at all keynotes, fireside chats, and musical performances.
BOLD Magazine, Aficionado Certified Mist, BOLD MINI, and branded t shirt.
Access to the Bold Access Lounge with premium hospitality.

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Platinum

$219.00

Ticket Access

Everything in VIP
Exclusive seating at all keynotes and performances.
Entry to the AMFM Technologies B2B Power Mixer at Morton’s The Steakhouse.
Elevated networking with business leaders in an intimate setting.
*Recognition as a Platinum supporter in event materials.

* For tickets purchased by March 2, 2026

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Diamond

$269.00

Ticket Access

Everything in Platinum
Exclusive Access to Brunch Without Boundaries on Sunday, April 12, 2026
*Recognition as a Diamond supporter in event materials.

* For tickets purchased by March 2, 2026

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Seat at the Table

$1,509.00

Ticket Access

Everything in Diamond
Invitations to the Think Bold Honors & Awards Gala at VyStar on Thursday, April 2, 2026.
*Recognition as a Seat at the Table supporter in event materials.

* For tickets purchased by March 2, 2026

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SPEAKERS

TBFC 2026 Lineup

Carrie L. Davis

President & Chief Executive Officer | Wealth Watchers Inc. Carrie L. Davis, a visionary nonprofit executive, nationally respected thought leader, and proud first-generation wealth builder, is dedicated to expanding equity, resilience, and generational wealth for communities historically denied access to opportunity.

As President and CEO of Wealth Watchers Inc., a HUD-certified Housing Counseling Agency and NeighborWorks® organization based in Jacksonville, Florida, Carrie leads a team that provides services across Florida and Georgia. With over 25 years of experience in housing, community development, and financial empowerment, she has spearheaded multi-million-dollar neighborhood revitalization initiatives that transform both urban and rural communities.

Carrie’s leadership is deeply rooted in her lived experience as a first-generation wealth builder. She understands firsthand the challenges of navigating systems without inherited resources or financial safety nets. This reality fuels her mission-driven approach to leadership, which prioritizes access, dignity, and long-term stability for families and communities. Under her guidance, Wealth Watchers has grown into a nationally recognized nonprofit, implementing innovative housing solutions, financial literacy programs, climate resilience initiatives, and community-based strategies that empower families to thrive.

Carrie’s expertise in building effective public-private partnerships has earned her widespread recognition. She has advised municipalities, financial institutions, and community development organizations across the country, contributing to the national conversation on economic equity and rural development. Her thought leadership has been featured in Investing in Rural Prosperity, published by the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis in collaboration with the Federal Reserve Board of Governors, solidifying her position as a trusted voice in this important discourse.

Beyond her organizational leadership, Carrie has held numerous high-impact governance roles, further demonstrating her commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of communities.

Carrie Davis, a distinguished figure in the housing and business sectors, currently serves as the Chairwoman of the Jacksonville Housing Authority, Chair of the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce’s Lewis and White Business League, and a member of Fifth Third Florida’s Community Advisory Forum. Her current role on the Board of the National NeighborWorks® Association, where she chairs the External Committee, enables her to shape national-level policy and strategy.

Carrie’s academic journey is marked by her exceptional achievements. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from the Harvard Kennedy School’s Executive Education Program with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration. Additionally, she holds an honorary Doctorate recognizing her significant contributions to housing, financial literacy, and community development. Her expertise extends beyond academia, as she is also a certified Housing Counselor, Financial Educator, and Licensed Mortgage Loan Originator.

What truly sets Carrie apart is not just her impressive resume but her unwavering purpose. She leads with a unique blend of strategy and soul, firmly believing that wealth building transcends mere accumulation of assets. Guided by cultural pride and a profound commitment to service, she dedicates herself to nurturing resilience, ensuring that future generations can thrive.

Carrie Davis stands as a living testament to the transformative power of first-generation wealth builders. Her impact extends beyond her immediate family, leaving an indelible mark on history.

Adam Madrid

Adam Madrid, a self-taught filmmaker based in Jacksonville, Florida, made a significant impact in the film industry in 2014. He won both the “Best Film” and “Best Director” awards at the Jacksonville 48 Hour Film Project, which earned him a screening at the prestigious Chinese Theatre in Hollywood, California. His exceptional talent and dedication quickly garnered attention, leading to an invitation to join the gameday crew for the Jacksonville Jaguars the same year.

In 2017, Adam’s skills as a videographer and photographer were recognized when he was hired by PRI Productions. He captured iconic moments at various events, including the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, NASA/SpaceX launch, performances by Celine Dion and Jill Scott, NCAA March Madness tournaments, presidential speeches, and NFL events.
Driven by a passion for showcasing local talent, Adam co-created the LOL JAX Film Festival. This platform is dedicated to highlighting local filmmakers, actors, actresses, and stand-up comedians. The festival’s name, LOL, stands for “Love Our Locals” while “Laughing Out Loud.” After a successful inaugural year, Adam took on the role of the new co-city producer for the JAX 48 Hour Film Project, revitalizing the international film competition.

In 2021, Adam embarked on a new chapter in his career by starting production on his first independent feature film, “Let Me Be Corey,” with Argyle Forest Films. He not only directed but also edited the film. His dedication and creativity were further recognized in 2023 when he was awarded the prestigious Art Innovator of the Year award.

Adam Madrid’s contributions to the film industry have been widely acknowledged. He has received numerous accolades, including Folio Weekly’s Best of JAX awards for “Best Film Festival,” “Best Videographer,” and “Best Creative Photographer.” In 2023, he was selected to be a part of the esteemed group of recipients of the prestigious Art Innovator of the Year award.

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Events

TBFC 2026 Events

Real Estate Power Brunch

April 9, 2026

11:00 AM

101 W 1st St Jacksonville FL 32206

VIP Meet & Greet

April 10, 2026

5:00 PM

76S LAURA ST. JACKSONVILLE FL 32202

What A Leader

April 11, 2026

TBD

Brunch Without Boundaries

April 12, 2026

11:30 AM

Jacksonville's Future of Work Awards

April 11, 2026

12:00 PM

Hyatt Regency

Business 2 Business Power Mixer

April 11, 2026

7:00 PM

225 E COASTLINE DR JACKSONVILLE FL 32202

Greek Meet-Up

April 11, 2026

Greek Meet-Up Vendors

April 11, 2026

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Keynotes, chats, and more

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Hyatt Regency, Host Hotel of Think Bold

HOTEL STAY

Welcome to Hyatt! Host for the Think Bold Conference and Festival! Book now and get a discounted rate for your stay.

Discounted group rate- all reservations must be made prior to the Cut-off Date on March 10th, 2026.

Book Hotel

SPEAKERS

Past Keynote speakers

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Office of the Mayor

Dear Innovators, Entrepreneurs, and Visionaries,

It is my great pleasure to welcome you to Jacksonville for the 2025

Think Bold Festival & Conference an event that has become a comerstone for bold ideas, transformative leadership, and groundbreaking innovation. Whether you have visited previously or are joining us for the first time, we are thrilled to have you in our vibrant city.

Jacksonville is a city built on big ideas and forward-thinking leadership. We are a community that embraces innovation, fosters entrepreneurship, and invests in the workforce of the future. From cutting-edge industries to a thriving small business ecosystem, Jacksonville is committed to creating an environment where ideas flourish, collaboration thrives, and possibilities are limitless.

This festival embodies the very essence of what makes Jacksonville special-our willingness to dream big, challenge the status quo, and take bold steps toward the future. Over the next few days, I encourage you to engage deeply, share your expertise, and explore new opportunities for growth and partnership. As you experience all that Think Bold has to offer, I also invite you to immerse yourself in Jacksonville's rich culture, dynamic arts scene, and renowned hospitality.

Your presence here is a testament to the power of bold thinking and the impact of collective innovation. I am confident that the connections you make and the ideas you generate will help shape the future of industries, communities, and lives. Thank you for being part of this transformative event-your work and vision inspire us all.

On behalf of the City of Jacksonville, welcome and enjoy the 2025 Think Bold Festival & Conference!

Sincerely,

Donna Deegan

Mayor