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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 DRAFT AGENDA
Detailed agenda with times coming in January. Want to help sponsor the summit? Email terry@artsinstigator.org
FRIDAY, Feb 20
4 p.m. Come early and join the Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour (established 1938) through beautiful lakes and canals that are in the back yards of wealthy homes.
- 312 E Morse Blvd, Winter Park, 327897 - 9pm "Flamethrowers and Orphans" Reception at Hilton Garden Suites Hotel, 401 N Magnolia, Orlando 32801, 2nd Floor Outdoor/Indoor Patio
- Heavy hoers d’ oeuvres and a free drink provided (plus cash bar)
- Welcome and time to meet the various chapters and attendees who have gathered.
- The time will be structured for introductions and getting an overview of the people and issues you can connect with during the conference.
- Share one “win” and one “challenge” for your chapter or for you as an individual trustee.
- Also posting of last-minute “unconference” session ideas.
Saturday, Feb 21
CityArts, 39 S Magnolia Ave, Orlando, 328801 (5 blocks from the hotel)
8 a.m. Coffee and croissants. The barista will prepare your coffee, just the way you like it.
9 a.m. World-wide Awesome: Where Awesome Came from and Where It Is Now (IHAS)
9:45 a.m. State of Awesome (IHAS)
10:00 a.m. Breakout sessions
- $1K seed grows to $1 million event
- Theme chapters
- Other uniqueness things11:00 a.m. Lightning Talks
11:45 a.m. Dine Arounds: Choose the restaurant type and $$ you like and go as a small group with an Orlando Awesome host
- (Smash Burger, French, Mexican, Greek, Korean, Pizza)1:15 p.m. Breakout Sessions
2:15 p.m. Creativity and Awesomeness talk/panel (Bob Kodzis, Keith Lay)
3:15 p.m. Break
3:30 p.m. Added Value Awesomeness
- hosting artist/donor party for Immerse (Orlando), video reel (Westminster), Gallery show, etc.4:30 p.m. Free Time
5:15 p.m. Head over to IMMERSE 2026
5:30p.m. On-the-street VIP Immerse dinner
- in front of Orlando City Hall, on the street, in front of one of the main stages.7:30 p.m. VIP tickets to IMMERSE - 10 blocks of installations and performances.
11:00 p.m. IMMERSE ends, you are on your own if you are still standing
Sunday, Feb 22
9:00 a.m. Coffee and croissants at CityArts with good conversations
10:30 a.m. Envisioning the Future Breakouts
- Awesome and Politics
- Communicating Awesomeness
- Unconference Session #1
- Unconference Session #212:00 p.m. Final Remarks
12:30 p.m. AweSummit Officially Ends
After-Conference Possibilities
1 pm Daytime Fireworks at Lake Eola, Farmer’s Market, Vendor Market and music at SW Corner of Lake Eola (Central and Eola Drive) (3 blocks to the park)
3 pm Walking murals and public art tour of Downtown Orlando
Monday, Feb 23
Stay another day for an outing in Florida nature and history.
9:30 a.m. Van leaves for the 1 hour drive.
- Board the Sunshine Sally pontoon boat at the “healing waters” DeLeon spring once traversed by Maraca Indians, Civil War Soldiers, and even water-skiing elephants for the river tour.
- Take in iconic views of Spring Garden Lake, Jones Island, and the Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge.
- The tour will be approximately 50 minutes in duration and will include narration on the history and natural resources of our waterway.
- Then experience the Old Spanish Sugar Mill: Step back in time and indulge in a truly unique dining experience at the historic mill, nestled within the beautiful De Leon Springs State Park. Our charming pancake house offers a delightful blend of nostalgia, fun, and flavor. Make your-own pancakes on griddles built into your table. Use batter made from grain ground right there at the mill.
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:
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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