Top Takeaways from the 2026 FPL Northwest Florida Economic Symposium
HHM CPAs was proud to sponsor and attend the 2026 Florida Power & Light (FPL) Northwest Florida Economic Symposium, which brought together business and community leaders from across the Panhandle to discuss the future of the region on March 4–5, 2026.
Centered around this year’s theme, “attrACT,” the symposium focused on the ideas, industries, and innovations shaping economic growth throughout Northwest Florida. Members of HHM CPAs’ Pensacola team attended the event and participated in conversations around regional development, workforce trends, innovation, and opportunities across the Panhandle.
The symposium included a variety of speakers and panel discussions covering topics such as global economic forces, innovation, regional economic vitality, military partnerships, and tourism. We've highlighted a few moments from the event that stood out below.
Relationships Still Matter in an AI-Driven World
During a session led by Shawn Kanungo, disruption strategist and bestselling author, he spoke about how organizations must continue to adapt as artificial intelligence reshapes the business environment. While technology will continue to evolve, he emphasized that the companies that differentiate themselves will be those that prioritize people and relationships.
One quote he shared that made an impact was: “Caring deeply is the greatest strategy.”
That message reflects the values we share at HHM CPAs. We focus on providing a white-glove, concierge-level experience for our clients—being present, accessible, and involved beyond traditional tax and accounting services. We recently created a dedicated Client Concierge department to further formalize the level of service and personal attention that has long been part of our approach.
Quality of Life Plays a Role in Economic Growth
Another notable moment came during the session “A Great Place to Live: The Attractions of Northwest Florida,” led by strategist Sarah Peter. She highlighted the connection between lifestyle, environment, and regional economic development.
One statistic she shared was that children today spend less time outdoors than maximum-security prisoners, a comparison that is scary but also showcases the importance of preserving the outdoor experiences that make Northwest Florida—and all of our HHM office communities—great places to live and raise families.
Legislative Developments to Watch
The symposium also included a Florida Legislative Update from Darrick McGhee, Chief Operating Officer of Johnson & Blanton, LLC. His session focused on legislative priorities and developments expected to impact Florida businesses and communities in the coming year, including discussion around an anticipated tax package expected by late June. As those developments unfold, we will continue to monitor and share updates on our blog page here (link).
The Role of the Military in the Region’s Economy
Another discussion focused on the importance of Northwest Florida’s military presence during the panel “Serving Those Who Serve Our Country.” The session was moderated by Lt. Gen. Michael E. Conley, Commander of Air Force Special Operations Command at Hurlburt Field. Panelists discussed the significant economic and strategic role military installations play in the region and the importance of strong partnerships between the military, businesses, and local communities. It was great to meet some of the military members who attended the conference.
Breaking Out of Autopilot
During the closing keynote, Dr. Kien Vuu, physician and bestselling author, spoke about how individuals and organizations often operate in autopilot or default-response mode. His message focused on the importance of intentionally stepping outside those patterns in order to foster creativity, stronger leadership, and healthier organizational cultures.
As a Silver Sponsor, HHM CPAs was proud to support the symposium and the conversations surrounding the continued growth of Northwest Florida. Members of our Pensacola office enjoyed attending the sessions and connecting with fellow business and community leaders throughout the event.
We also learned that the FPL Northwest Florida Economic Symposium has been around for over 30 years and continues to serve as a valuable forum for collaboration among organizations working to strengthen the region’s economy and future opportunities.
Let us know if you attended and what you took away from the conference at mariazi@hhmcpas.com.