Program | Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship

Conference Schedule

Get a glimpse of what’s ahead. A detailed schedule for GCEC 2026 will be released closer to the event — check back soon for updates on keynotes and sessions.

GCEC Program: Schedule Overview

This schedule is a sample based on previous GCEC Conferences and is subject to change. Closer to the Conference, we will release the schedule on the Whova Conference App. Please stay up to date with the latest schedule in the app.

Thursday, October 15

9:00am – 7:00pm Conference Registration at Main Conference Hotel
Morning (Optional) Pre-Conference Excursions Depart
Afternoon (Optional) Pre-Conference Excursions Return
6:00pm – 7:00pm Shuttles Depart Conference Hotels for Opening Reception
7:00pm – 9:00pm Opening Reception
9:00pm – 10:00pm Shuttles Return to Conference Hotels
10:00pm – 11:00pm Hospitality Lounge at Main Conference Hotel

Affinity Group Meetings

10:00am – 1:00pm GCEC Advisory Board Meeting
1:00pm – 4:00pm Center Leader Launchpad
1:00pm – 4:00pm JECA (Jesuit Entrepreneurship Center Alliance) Gathering
1:00pm – 4:00pm Show Her the Money Film + Panel
2:30pm – 4:00pm Liberal Arts in Entrepreneurship
5:00pm – 6:00pm New Member Orientation

Friday, October 16

6:30am – 8:00am Breakfast at Conference Hotels
7:00am – 9:00am Shuttles Depart Conference Hotels
7:30am – 4:00pm Registration
9:00am – 10:00am Welcome + Keynote Panel
10:15am – 12:00pm Conference Breakout Sessions
12:00pm – 1:00pm Lunch
1:00pm – 4:00pm Conference Breakout Sessions
4:00pm – 5:00pm Shuttles Return to Conference Hotels
6:00pm – 7:00pm Shuttles Depart Conference Hotels for Evening Reception
7:00pm – 9:00pm Reception Dinner
9:00pm – 10:00pm Shuttles Return to Conference Hotels
10:00pm – 11:00pm Hospitality Lounge at Main Conference Hotel

Saturday, October 17

6:30am – 8:00am Breakfast at Conference Hotels
7:00am – 9:00am Shuttles Depart Conference Hotels
7:30am – 4:00pm   Registration
9:00am – 10:00am Welcome & Keynote
10:00am – 12:00pm Conference Breakout Sessions
12:00pm – 1:00pm Lunch
1:00pm – 4:15pm Conference Breakout Sessions
4:15pm – 5:00pm   Shuttles Return to Conference Hotels
6:00pm – 7:00pm   Shuttles Depart Conference Hotels for Awards Dinner
7:00pm – 9:00pm   Awards Dinner
9:00pm – 10:00pm   Shuttles Return to Conference Hotels
10:00pm – 11:00pm Hospitality Lounge at Main Conference Hotel

Conference Campus Venue

Thursday, October 15 - Saturday, October 17, 2026

Florida State University Student Union

The conference will take place primarily in the FSU Student Union, a modern, centrally located facility designed for large-scale events, featuring ballrooms, meeting rooms, and built-in AV capabilities. Breakout sessions will be held in the student union and also hosted in nearby classroom spaces, located just steps from the Union.

StudentUnion1

Networking Dinner Venues

Thursday, October 15 - Saturday, October 17, 2026

To keep the momentum of the conference moving beyond the meeting rooms, GCEC attendees will experience three iconic Tallahassee venues that showcase the energy, spirit, and innovation of Florida State University and the broader community.

FSU Dunlap Champions Club at Doak Campbell Stadium

Thursday, October 15

Located within Doak Campbell Stadium, the Dunlap Champions Club offers a unique and elevated dining experience overlooking Florida State’s iconic football field. This venue combines panoramic stadium views with upscale event spaces, creating a memorable opening night experience. Attendees will enjoy a distinctive Tallahassee atmosphere that blends collegiate tradition with premium hospitality, making it an ideal setting for networking and welcoming guests to campus.

Proof Brewing Company

Friday, October 16

Experience one of Tallahassee's favorite local destinations at Proof Brewing Company. Situated in the historic Railroad Square Arts District, Proof combines award-winning craft beverages, excellent food, and a welcoming atmosphere, providing the perfect setting to connect with fellow conference attendees while enjoying a taste of the Capital City.

FSU Donald L. Tucker Civic Center

Saturday, October 17

The Donald L. Tucker Civic Center is Tallahassee’s premier large-scale event venue, located just minutes from Florida State University. As the host of major concerts, ceremonies, and university events, the Civic Center provides a high-energy, professional setting for the conference’s closing evening. This space is also home to Florida State University’s basketball team.

Pre-Conference Excursions (Optional)

Thursday, October 15, 2026

Kick off your GCEC experience by building momentum through a selection of optional excursions that showcase the entrepreneurial spirit, natural beauty, and unique culture of North Florida and South Georgia while connecting with fellow attendees before the conference begins. Sign up during registration!

Taste of Thomasville: A Mainstreet Entrepreneurship Experience

Savor your way through one of the South’s most vibrant small towns, where historic charm meets entrepreneurial momentum. Experience a real-world model of small-town economic vitality through a guided culinary walking tour of downtown Thomasville, Georgia.
Estimated Travel Time:
1 hour (one-way)

St. George Island & Apalachicola: A Forgotten Coast Escape

Unwind along Florida’s Gulf Coast while exploring the natural beauty and enduring character of the "Forgotten Coast." This two-stop journey blends coastal relaxation with insight into the region’s evolving economic landscape.
Estimated Travel Time:
2 hours (one-way)

Wakulla Springs: Natural Assets & Conservation Experience

Discover one of the world’s largest and deepest freshwater springs while exploring how natural resources drive community identity and sustainable economic momentum. Immerse yourself in Florida’s natural beauty where conservation, tourism, and history intersect.
Estimated Travel Time:
30 minutes (one-way)

Florida Caverns Adventure

Go beyond expectations and explore Florida’s only air-filled cave system. Venture underground to discover a landscape shaped over millions of years, highlighting the power of exploration and curiosity.
Estimated Travel Time:
2 hours (one-way)

General Inquiries

Have questions about GCEC 2026 or need assistance? We’re here to help.