2026 Middle Class Summit Returns to South Florida With Focus on Economic Mobility
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- 2 min read
The 2026 Middle Class Summit will take place Sept. 9–10 at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida, bringing together more than 500 business executives, policymakers, workforce leaders, educators and other stakeholders. The event is organized by OIC of South Florida as the organization marks 25 years of work focused on workforce development and economic opportunity.
The summit's theme, "Imagine. Innovate. Elevate.," reflects its focus on issues affecting the economic mobility of working families. This year's program will examine artificial intelligence and changes in the workforce, affordable housing, healthcare access and the systems that influence long-term economic advancement.
The speaker lineup includes U.S. Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Broward County Mayor Mark Bogen, Broward County Administrator Monica Cepero, Broward County Transit CEO Coree Cuff Lonergan and OIC of America President and CEO Louis King. A Summit Co-Chair panel will also feature leaders from Ballard Partners, Florida Power & Light, South Florida Business Journal and Bilzin Sumberg.
The event is supported by sponsors including JPMorgan Chase, Amazon, TD Bank, SouthState Bank, Uber and CareerSource South Florida. Organizers say the summit is intended to bring business leaders, policymakers and workforce professionals together to discuss approaches to expanding economic opportunity.
Artificial intelligence will receive increased attention in the 2026 program, particularly its potential effects on jobs and career pathways. The agenda will also continue to address workforce development, entrepreneurship and community investment.
"The middle class isn't just under pressure — it's at a genuine turning point, and the decisions being made right now about AI, housing and healthcare will determine whether working families in South Florida move forward or fall behind," said Newton B. Sanon, President & CEO of OIC of South Florida and founder of the Middle Class Summit. "For 25 years, OIC of South Florida has built pathways to opportunity for this region. This Summit is where we put the people building those pathways; business leaders, policymakers and the workforce innovators doing the work every day; in the same room, on the same clock, working toward the same outcomes."
The summit follows the 2024 edition, which brought together hundreds of regional leaders for two days of panels, keynote presentations and networking. The 2026 event expands its focus on how changes in technology, housing, healthcare and workforce systems could affect the ability of working families to achieve greater economic stability.
Registration is open at middleclasssummit.com, with sponsorship opportunities available for organizations interested in participating in the event.