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2025 Keynotes
Discover the industry leaders and experts who shared their insights and expertise at the Think Bold Festival
Nat Ford Sr.
CEO Jacksonville Transportation Authority
From Bold Vision to Bold Reality: Transforming Jacksonville’s Urban Core
Focuses on infrastructure, transit innovation, and urban development to empower Jacksonville’s growth.
Lil Duval
Entertainer | Entrepreneur
Disrupting Culture, Defining Legacy
Emphasizes cultural impact, entrepreneurial spirit, and breaking boundaries.
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Pinky Cole Hayes
CEO Slutty Vegan | Bar Vegan
Eats, Beats, and Business:
Building Billion -Dollar Brands
Explore the intersection of creativity, grit, and wealth-building in entrepreneurship.
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Mark Lamping
President of Jacksonville Jaguars
Bold Moves in the Next-Gen Workforce: Empowering the Future Sports & Entertainment “Out East” Jacksonville
Address strategies to develop and retain a dynamic, skilled workforce in Jacksonville.
Brett R. Berish
CEO of Sovereign Brands
Icons of Boldness:
How Disruption Fuels Innovation
A look at brand-building, breaking industry norms, and defining modern success.
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Sessions and Panels
Breakout Session Topics
Breaking Barriers: Next-Gen Workforce Strategies for the Urban Core
Focus on talent pipelines and innovative workforce solutions in urban areas.
Breakout Session Topics
Innovation Meets Infrastructure: Reimagining Jacksonville’s Future
Interactive discussions on transformative urban planning and public-private partnerships.
Breakout Session Topics
From Passion to Profit: Unlocking Startup Success in Jacksonville
A practical roadmap for aspiring entrepreneurs to thrive in the local ecosystem.
Breakout Session Topics
Wealth Redefined: Generational Prosperity Through Business Innovation
Insight into financial literacy, investment opportunities, and sustainable growth.
Breakout Session Topics
Cultural Disruption: How to Be Unapologetically Bold in Business
Highlighting authenticity as a competitive advantage.
Breakout Session Topics
The Art of the Network: Building Bridges That Last
Expert strategies for making meaningful connections and collaborations.
Breakout Session Topics
Beyond Boundaries: Leading with Innovation and Impact
A visionary look at leadership that drives change.
Panel Discussions
Bold Jacksonville: Why Our City is the Next Startup Hub
Local entrepreneurs and investors share their journey and insights into Jacksonville’s evolving ecosystem.
Panel Discussions
Innovators & Influencers: The New Rules of Cultural Leadership
Panel of leaders redefining business and creative industries.
Panel Discussions
The Workforce of Tomorrow: Adapting to Change Today
Examines emerging skills and industries shaping the job market.
Panel Discussions
Urban Renewal, Community Revival
Focuses on equity, inclusion, and innovation in urban development projects.
Workshops & Interactive Sessions
Bold Ideas Bootcamp: From Concept to Launch
A hands-on session for early-stage entrepreneurs.
Workshops & Interactive Sessions
Leveraging Jacksonville: Local Opportunities with Global Potential
Explores industries like logistics, entertainment, and tech in Jacksonville.
Workshops & Interactive Sessions
Personal Brand Mastery: Becoming a Thought Leader in Your Field
Taught by industry experts, including conference speakers.
Workshops & Interactive Sessions
Placemaking: Building Bold Communities with Purpose
A deep dive into how placemaking transforms urban spaces into vibrant, inclusive destinations, fostering community engagement and economic growth.
Workshops & Interactive Sessions
Arts & Culture as Economic Drivers
An exploration of how the arts and cultural sectors fuel local economies, enhance quality of life, and create opportunities for bold innovation.
Workshops & Interactive Sessions
Think Bold All Access Teen Hub: Unlocking the Next Generation of Talent
An interactive space for teens to engage in hands-on workshops, mentorship programs, and career exploration in music, sports, and entertainment. This session is designed to inspire young attendees to think big and be bold about their futures.
Signature Activities
Think Bold Live Social Shopping
A dynamic live shopping experience where local and regional brands showcase their products to an engaged audience. Featuring exclusive deals, live entertainment, and influencer-driven promotions, this activity blends commerce and culture to highlight Jacksonville’s entrepreneurial spirit.
Signature Activities
The Bold Startup Boost Pitch Competition
Entrepreneurs pitch their innovative ideas to a panel of investors and industry leaders for funding and mentorship opportunities.
Signature Activities
Think Bold Next-Gen Showcase
Spotlighting youth-driven startups and innovations, this showcase celebrates the bold ideas of Jacksonville’s next generation.
Signature Activities
Bold Connections Networking Lab
Facilitated speed-networking sessions connecting entrepreneurs, professionals, and community leaders.
Sessions and Panels
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