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Join us in the entertainment capital of the world, and prepare to get your creative juices flowing!
The 2026 Awesome Summit will be hosted by the Orlando Awesome Foundation chapter, Feb 20–22, 2026.
Get ready for an unforgettable weekend of creativity, inspiration, and connection at the World-wide Awesome Summit, happening February 20–22, 2026, in Orlando, Florida—a city that blends culture, imagination, and sunshine like nowhere else.
Why Orlando?
This vibrant Central Florida city consistently ranks among the Top 10 most diverse large cities in the U.S., making it the perfect backdrop for a global gathering of thinkers, makers, and changemakers. With ideal weather in February (expect sunny skies and temps in the low 70s°F), Orlando offers an inviting environment to spark big ideas and new connections.
Home to a thriving arts scene, Orlando has become a magnet for creativity and innovation. This city champions public art, supports world-class cultural institutions, and fosters a growing network of diverse artists, musicians, and visionaries reshaping the urban landscape.
This isn’t your average summit, it’s a celebration of ideas, artistry, and human connection. Over the course of three days, you'll dive into thought-provoking sessions, join collaborative workshops, and meet a passionate community of global citizens committed to building a more imaginative future.
PLUS, as part of your summit experience, you'll also gain free entry to a renowned arts festival –launched a decade ago with seed funding from the Awesome Chapter – that transforms 10 city blocks into a dynamic canvas of breathtaking performances, evocative installations, and awesome immersive expression.
Delicious food. Surprising moments. Abundant sunshine. This is more than an event, it’s a movement. A chance to reimagine what’s possible, fuel your passions, and leave inspired by the power of creativity and collaboration.
2026 AGENDA
Detailed agenda with times coming in January. Want to help sponsor the summit? Email terry@artsinstigator.org
DAY 1: FRIDAY Feb 20
Orlando will help pick up people at the airport and shuttle them to the AweSummit host hotel.
Connection Time: Opening reception at host hotel. One of the best parts of an Awesome Summit is always meeting others from around the world who have similar goals, while operating with thoughts and processes unique to their situations. Friday's Opening Reception will be a time to discover Awesome board members that you will want to talk with more during the weekend. We’ll have some fun, some drinks, mingle, and set up the weekend to best meet each of our own needs.
Day 2: Saturday Feb 21
Panel discussions, presentations and brainstorming that focuses on specific issues that many of us are currently struggling with and addressing.
We’ll end the day with an awe-inspiring VIP dinner and entrance to the incredible IMMERSE Fest, (ticket value $175, but lucky you, this included free of charge with your Awesome registration)!
Day 3: Sunday Feb 22
Final thoughts about some of the issues that rose to the surface, and a look toward the future of our awesome movement.
Complimentary shuttle runs to the airport.
where to stay
Hotel
February is a VERY popular time to come to Orlando so hotels aren’t cheap but we have a block of discounted rooms at the Hilton Garden Inn Downtown Orlando. Just a few blocks from the free circulator bus that can take you to our off-site meeting locations, and is also close enough to walk to all the locations we’ll visit if you would rather. The room block is good until January 21 and the rooms will probably be sold out by then or by the time of the Summit.
Home Billet
If you’d like free lodging in a volunteer's home, that can be arranged, but it may require finding your own transportation to and from the AweSummit events at your own expense.
Other Accommodations
Here is a list of downtown hotels, and the distance from the center of town where Immerse will take place. We have a preferred rate at Hilton Garden Inn Downtown Orlando, but one of the other options may be right for you:
Hilton Garden Inn Downtown Orlando - 0.8 mi
Aloft Orlando Downtown - 0.1 mi
Eo Inn - Downtown - 1.1 mi
Grand Bohemian Orlando - 0.1 mi
Hampton Inn & Suites Orlando / Downtown South - Medical Center - 0.8 mi
Marriott Orlando Downtown - 0.9 mi
FAQ
How much does it cost?
The AweSummit has a $50 ticket cost to help offset food costs and meeting room costs. Other than that, we recommend you budget for travel, hotel/Airbnb (unless you prefer home billeting), and some food/drinks during the weekend.
Do I have to attend all the events?
No - come to some or all of the weekend, but please let us know if you will not be at meals.
Can I bring a +1 to the Saturday VIP dinner?
Yes. You're welcome to bring a guest, but will need register in advance and pay the awesomely discounted fee of $85/ticket (the Immerse VIP dinner & experience ticket is normally $175).
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