2023 Winter Conference, Orlando
The 2023 Winter Conference of the Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus at
The Renaissance Airport Hotel in Orlando is around the corner!
February 24 – 26
Florida Democrats and the LGBTQ+ community are under fire from Republicans intent on erasing us and our values from the Sunshine State.
What do we do? RISE UP!
Join the Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus in Orlando February 24-26 for our 2023 Winter Conference. Our sessions and speakers will point the way for our party and our community and outline the challenges facing us in the upcoming legislative session.
You’ll hear from all the candidates running for FDP chair, one of whom will be elected this weekend to rebuild the party. We’ll have panels on how to engage young people, who are our next generation of leaders, and on the new frontline battle on LGBTQ+ and personal freedom issues — Florida’s school boards. We’ll also have a training session from ActBlue on digital fundraising, plus we’ll also hear from a ton of elected officials and policymakers who want to hear from you!
The in-person event with a virtual Livestream option brings together activists, allies, advocates, candidates, elected officials, and policymakers for a weekend of planning and networking.
Why does this matter?
We must RISE UP together now more than ever here in Florida after the 2022 Midterm Elections!
“The contrast of visions for Florida cannot be any starker,” said Stephen Gaskill, president of the Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus. “While Democrats work to lift up and support the diverse community of Floridians, Republicans shamefully hurt their own constituents with culture war attacks designed to distract from Republican inaction on economic issues.”
Our program is in development, and speakers are being added daily. Early registration and ticket prices are in effect until Friday, February 3, at 4 PM. Our special hotel room block runs through that time too and is first come, first served. The event program, ticket, registration, and room links are below.
Registration and Ticketing
For event ticket prices, purchasing, and registration for the membership meeting, click here.
All events and meetings are open press, excluding our Saturday afternoon caucus membership meeting and Sunday drag brunch.
Conference registration includes the Friday Welcome Reception, Saturday’s Continental Breakfast, and Saturday’s Lunch.
Our membership meeting is open to all registered Democrats, although only active Caucus members may participate in voting.
Renew your caucus membership for 2023 and make your voice heard!
Not sure if your membership is active? Please send us an email at [email protected]
All registration fees and tickets are non-refundable.
Venue Location
The Renaissance Airport Hotel (5445 Forbes Pl, Orlando, FL 32812) is a spacious venue allowing for ample social distancing during all programming portions. (Face masks are optional) The conference is open to all registered Democrats.
The Renaissance Airport Hotel offers a discounted room rate of $189/night for a limited number of rooms. The hotel stay includes complimentary internet in your room, meeting room internet, and self-parking. A savings of $140.85 if you were to stay Friday thru Sunday.
The last day to reserve in the caucus room block is Friday, February 3, at 4 PM ET and rooms are first come, first serve.
All funds raised at our Winter Conference support our GOTV campaign fund to elect pro-equality candidates and promote pro-equality policies.
Event Program
Welcome Reception
Friday, February 24
6:30 – 8:30 PM
Includes Hors D’oeuvres and Drinks
Special Guests
Mayor Jerry Demings of Orange County Florida, Val Demings, Former Congresswoman, Patty Sheehan, Orlando Commissioner District 4 and LGBTQ+ Pioneer, FDP Chair candidates, Carolina Ampudia, Alex Berrios, Rick Hoye, Annette Taddeo
Conference
Saturday, February 25
8:00 AM – 3:30 PM
Includes Continental Breakfast and Lunch
Conference Breakfast – Opening Speakers
Stephen Gaskill, President of the Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus
Matthew Inman, President of the Rainbow Democrats of Orange County
Dawn Curtis, Chair of the Orange Democrats
Lynn Moira Dictor, Chair of the Seminole Democrats
2023 Legislative Outlook – How Much Worse Will It Get?
Victor Torres, Jr., State Senator District 15
Rita Harris, State Representative District 44
Carlos Guillermo Smith, Former State Representative
Nathan Bruemmer, Legislative Director for the Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus
The State of Hate: Hate Crimes on the Rise in Florida
Nicole Wilson, Orange County Commissioner District 1
We are confirming additional panelists and will be announcing them soon.
Reading, Writing, Republicanism — The Real Indoctrination in Our Schools
Johanna Lopez, State Representative District 43
Maria Salamanca, Orange County School Board District 2
Kila Murphy, Former Orange County School Board Candidate
Carol Cleaver, VP of Emerald Coast Equality LGBTQ Democratic Caucus and VP of the Escambia Ed. Ass.
What Will It Take to Get Young People Engaged?
Jayden D’Onofrio, President of Voters of Tomorrow Florida
Tyler Williams, President of Florida High School Democrats
Will Larkins, President of Queer Student Union at Winter Park High School
Training Session: Digital Fundraising
Jose Gamboa, Democratic Politics and Elections Associate – ActBlue
Florida’s Transgender Community Confronts the Future
Amy Mercado, Orange County Property Appraiser and Parent of a Transgender Child
Kristen Browde, Past Chair – National Trans Bar Association
Dr. Rafael Piñero, Owner of Piñero Preventive Medical Care
Gina Duncan, Regional Development Leader Central Florida – Equality Florida
Speakers:
Darren Soto, US Congressmen House District 9
Carmen Torres, Candidate for FL Senate District 15
Membership Meeting
Saturday, February 25
3:30 PM – 5 PM
Board Reports
Officer Elections
Saturday Evening Cocktail Reception
Saturday, February 25
7:30 PM – 10 PM
Includes Heavy Hors D’oeuvres and Open Bar
Congressional Keynote Speaker: Maxwell Alejandro Frost
Outgoing President Stephen Gaskill introduces the new President of the Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus
Remarks from the newly-elected Chair of the FDP
Resistance Drag Brunch
Sunday, February 26
11 AM – 1 PM
Includes Food and Brunch Cocktails
We have a wonderful lineup of talented drag queens who will be performing for their lives!
Our Magnificent Emcee is Gidget Galore!
Special Performance by:
Axel Andrews
Divine Grace
Myki Meeks
Marci Mogul
Angelica Sanchez
Music by DJ Scott Roberts
Remember to tip your drag queens!
Sponsorship
Click here to support us as a sponsor!
All funds raised support our GOTV program, which is more important than ever!
