Special AI Workshop & Stakeholder Meetings Set for Sept. 11-12
The future of tourism (and business) will take center stage in a few weeks as AI strategist Matt Clement, managing partner at Madden Media, delivers the keynote address at the 2025 Highlands County Tourism Insight & Awards Luncheon on Wednesday, Sept. 10 at Seven Sebring Raceway Hotel.
Clement’s keynote,“Unlocking the Future of AI in Business,” will blend big-picture insights with practical tools, showing businesses and organizations of all sizes how artificial intelligence (AI) can transform operations, spark innovation, and fuel growth, all without driving up costs. From streamlining daily tasks to unlocking new marketing opportunities, Clement will demonstrate how AI can be a game-changer for anyone, regardless of what organization or business they represent and where they are in their adoption journey.
“AI isn’t the future anymore; it’s here now,” said Clement. “My goal is to show how any business, big or small, can start using AI today in ways that save time, cut costs, and create new opportunities.”
Tourism Luncheon Highlights
The luncheon kicks off at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, Sept. 10 at Seven Sebring Raceway Hotel with networking and a buffet lunch. Alongside Clement’s keynote, the program will feature:
- Presentation of Visit Sebring’s Annual Tourism Awards
- Updates on Highlands County’s Tourism Development initiatives including the TDC’s new Hospitality Training Program
Tickets are just $25 per person, but seating is limited. Advance registration and payment are required by Sept. 5 through the Sebring Chamber at (863) 385-8448 or online at tinyurl.com/TourismLuncheon2025.
The luncheon is presented in partnership with Visit Sebring, Greater Sebring Chamber of Commerce, Lake Placid Chamber of Commerce, Avon Park Chamber of Commerce, and the Highlands County Economic Development Council (EDC).
Free AI Workshop – Hands-On Learning
For those eager to roll up their sleeves, Clement will lead a free, interactive AI Workshop on Thursday, Sept. 11 from 8:15AM-10:15 AM at the Sebring Civic Center (355 W. Center Avenue). Attendees are encouraged to bring a laptop or smartphone to test-drive AI tools on the spot. The workshop is free and open to the public; no registration is required.
Stakeholder Meetings – Shaping the Future of Tourism
In addition, Highlands County will welcome back Shellie Phelps, last year’s inspiring keynote speaker from Wetumpka, AL, for a series of free stakeholder meetings designed to engage and strengthen key sectors of our local tourism economy. All Highlands County tourism partners whose business or organization relate to each stakeholder group are welcome to attend. The meetings are scheduled as follows:
- Thursday, Sept. 11 at 11:00 AM – Arts & Culture Stakeholder Meeting (Sebring Civic Center)
- Thursday, Sept. 11 at 2:00 PM – Restaurant Stakeholder Meeting (Sebring Civic Center)
- Friday, Sept. 12 at 1:00 PM – Hotel Stakeholder Meeting (Inn on the Lakes)
These meetings are coordinated and hosted by Visit Sebring, the destination marketing organization managed by the Highlands County Tourist Development Council (TDC). The mission of the TDC is to contribute to a positive quality of life for the residents of Highlands County through destination promotion, tourism development, advocacy, and resource management – which are foundation pieces for future economic growth. For more information, visit http://www.VisitSebring.com or find us on social media @VisitSebring.
