About this Event
The 2026 Orange County Community Conference, "Safer. Stronger. Informed. Together.", educates and engages residents through relevant topics, like "A Chat with Mayor Demings", and features dynamic presenters, interactive resource exhibitors, exciting door prizes, continental breakfast, and an awards luncheon recognizing community associations and civic leaders. This event is attended by about 250 residents, representing homeowners, retirees, HOA's, neighborhood association leaders, and resource providers.
Agenda
🕑: 07:30 AM - 08:10 AM
Registration
🕑: 08:10 AM - 08:35 AM
Welcome, Kick-off Celebration, Honor Guard, Keynote Speaker
🕑: 08:45 AM - 10:00 AM
Lighting the Way
Host: Greg Seel
Info: Discover how the Orlando Utilities Commission, Duke Energy and the Comptroller’s Office work together to illuminate roadways, parks, and neighborhoods. This workshop covers current lighting standards, safety benefits, sustainability goals, and funding considerations. Participants will learn about innovative lighting technologies – such as LED’s and smart systems – and explore how financial oversight and coordinated planning can lead to safer, cleaner and more responsive community lighting solutions.
🕑: 08:45 AM - 10:00 AM
Walkable Neighborhoods: Partnering with Public Works to Improve Local Streets
Host: Eric Haertjens
Info: Join Orange County Public Works for a conversation on how ongoing sidewalk and crosswalk upgrades help prevent accidents, increase pedestrian access, and enhance quality of life. Attendees will learn about safety data, improvement programs, and how to request enhancements for their own streets. The workshop empowers residents to take an active role in shaping safer, more connected neighborhoods.
🕑: 08:45 AM - 10:00 AM
Neighborhood Shark Tank: Effectively Selling your Neighborhood
Host: Planning, Environmental, and Development Services Dept.
Info: This interactive workshop seeks to empower residents by providing the essential tools to establish a clear and unified vision and effectively represent their community. Participants will learn the key steps to gain consensus, set priorities, and create actionable goals. The session also covers practical communication strategies for speaking confidently and persuasively during community meetings and public hearings, ensuring your neighborhood's voice is organized, professional, and impactful!
🕑: 10:00 AM - 10:15 AM
Break, Exhibitor Space
🕑: 10:15 AM - 11:30 AM
Elevating your Neighborhood: A Roadmap from Drab to Fab
Host: Ian Baker; Orange County Beautification & EngagementTeam
Info: This interactive workshop highlights key Orange County programs that support neighborhood improvement, community engagement, and beautification. Attendees will learn how to access resources, funding opportunities, and recognition initiatives. Participants will leave with practical tools to strengthen community pride and enhance quality of life.
🕑: 10:15 AM - 11:30 AM
More than Books: Community Services at Orange County Library
Host: Nathaly Ruiz
Info: Join us for an informative session exploring how the Orange County Library System promotes connection, learning, and creativity for all. This workshop highlights multilingual technology training for diverse learners, Library Social Workers who connect residents with vital resources, vibrant cultural programs, state-of-the-art video/audio production studios, and convenient home delivery options for homebound customers. Attendees will learn how to access these services, learn about their impact and the library’s expanded outreach to meet evolving community needs.
🕑: 10:15 AM - 11:30 AM
A.I.M. Smart Technology, Safer Policing for All
Host: Sgt. Glenn Arguilla
Info: Emerging technology can provide innovative solutions to crime challenges, enhance community relations, and contribute to officer and community safety. The goal of this workshop is to introduce the public to the Real Time Crime Center by Analytics, Intelligence, and Monitoring (AIM). OCSO will highlight its use of various agency technologies, like fixed camera assets throughout the county, to identify criminal activity patterns and trends for operational deployment, tactical intervention, and analysis management.
🕑: 11:30 AM - 11:45 AM
Exhibitor Space
🕑: 11:45 AM - 12:45 PM
General Session / A Chat with the Mayor
🕑: 12:45 PM - 02:00 PM
Awards Luncheon, Closing Remarks
Event venue & nearby stays
Orange County Multi-Cultural Center, 7149 West Colonial Drive, Orlando, United States