THE FUTURE IS UNDER CONSTRUCTION.

On September 17, we celebrate our first year — and bring the conversation forward.
The SWFL Women in Construction First Anniversary Executive Experience will bring together professionals and leaders from construction, development, architecture, engineering, design, business, government, economic development, healthcare, hospitality, and the industries connected to the continued growth of Southwest Florida.
This is not your typical industry event.
We are creating an evening where the people building, developing, designing, supporting, and influencing our region come together in one room — to connect, exchange perspectives, build meaningful relationships, and be part of the conversations shaping what comes next.
WHAT TO EXPECT
The evening will open with John Talmage, Director of the Lee County Economic Development Office, sharing perspective on our region, the growth happening across Southwest Florida, and the opportunities ahead.
At the center of the evening is an Executive Panel Conversation featuring leaders including:
Joe Bonora, CEO of Catalyst Community Development — bringing the perspective of community development, investment, and the projects helping shape Southwest Florida.
Tyler Kitson, Senior Vice President of Kitson & Partners — sharing insight from the development side, including the long-term vision and growth behind communities such as Babcock Ranch.
Additional industry leaders will join the conversation, bringing perspectives from construction, development, business, workforce, leadership, and the future of our region.
This will not be a generic panel. The conversation will explore the decisions behind growth, lessons learned through change, workforce challenges, business longevity, opportunity, and what leaders believe is coming next for Southwest Florida.
Beyond the panel, guests will experience an elevated evening featuring dinner, interactive experiences, meaningful networking, professional photo and media moments, our first-anniversary celebration — and a few surprises designed specifically for the night.
The support generated through this experience will help SWFL Women in Construction continue developing educational opportunities, business resources, classes, industry connections, and programs designed to create greater access and opportunity for women in construction and related industries.
Some details are meant to be discovered in the room.
VIP LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE | 5:30–6:30 PM
For those who want more access to the room, the experience begins early.
VIP guests will enter an intimate pre-event setting alongside panelists, sponsors, invited industry leaders, and fellow VIP guests — with premium beverages, elevated bites, live music, and dedicated time to connect before the Main Executive Experience begins.
VIP guests also receive preferred seating for the Main Executive Experience.
Come early. Get in the room. Start the conversation.
MAIN EXECUTIVE EXPERIENCE | 6:30 PM
Expect an evening surrounded by professionals from across the industries shaping Southwest Florida — developers, general contractors, architects, engineers, subcontractors, manufacturers, suppliers, business owners, government and economic development leaders, healthcare and hospitality professionals, and industry partners.
Men and women are welcome.
If you are helping build what comes next for Southwest Florida, this is a room worth being in.
Thursday, September 17, 2026
Alliance for the Arts | Fort Myers
Black & White Attire
One year was only the beginning.
Now we build what comes next.
THE FUTURE IS UNDER CONSTRUCTION.