
June 30th, 2019

Florida LGBTA Democratic Caucus
Comments Off on Commissioner Nikki Fried to Keynote Summer Leadership Dinner
US Rep. Kathy Castor, State Rep. Jennifer Webb, Other Elected Officials and Democratic Leaders Slated Throughout the Conference Weekend
Defining and Defending Our LGBTQ Future
July 19-21, Tampa
TAMPA – Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner Nikki Fried, Florida’s only statewide elected Democrat, will deliver the Florida Keynote Address at the Leadership Dinner of the Florida LGBTA Democratic Caucus’ Summer Conference. The conference, Defining and Defending Our LGBTQ Future, is July 19-21 at the Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay.
“Our Summer Conference program takes a look at where Florida’s LGBTQ community stands now, to review what’s working and determine where we need to focus our efforts to continue to secure our civil rights,” said Stephen Gaskill, president of the Florida LGBTA Democratic Caucus. “The timing is more important than ever, in this 50th anniversary year of the Stonewall riot that is seen as the start of the modern gay rights movement, and with an administration in Washington hostile to the LGBTQ community.”
The Summer Conference brings together more than 100 LGBTQ activists and allies from around Florida; federal, state and local elected officials; Democratic Party officials; and subject matter experts on a range of topics. A preliminary schedule follows and will be updated frequently.
Conference registration is $45 until July 19, when it rises to $50, and includes the Welcome Reception on Friday evening, and continental breakfast, lunch and refreshments throughout the conference day on Saturday. Register for the conference
HERE. Tickets for the Leadership Dinner are $90 until July 19, when the price rises to $100. Purchase dinner tickets
HERE.
Our conference hotel room rate is $149 and includes parking and wi-fi, and there are no resort fees. Reserve at the Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay
HERE.
FRIDAY, JULY 19
On-site registration begins 5:30pm.
WELCOME RECEPTION
6:30pm – 8:30pm
Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay
Special Guest: US Rep. Kathy Castor
SATURDAY, JULY 20**
**Program in development and will be updated frequently
8:00am Continental Breakfast
9am to Noon
MORNING SESSION
Welcome Session featuring Tampa officials including Stephen Gaskill, Caucus President; Dave Cutler, President, Hillsborough County LGBTA Democratic Caucus; Les Miller, Chair, Hillsborough County Commission; Luis Viera, Chair, Tampa City Council; and Ione Townsend, Chair, Hillsborough Democratic Party
Why and How LGBTQ Candidates Should Run
State Rep. Jennifer Webb
Pamela Goodman, President and CEO, Ruth’s List
Sean Meloy, Political Director, Victory Fund
LGBTQ Delegate Selection for 2020
Parliamentarian Rick Boylan and Past President Terry Fleming
What’s Your Privilege
Vice President Nik Harris
Noon to 1pm
LUNCH PANEL: Organizing the Tampa Bay LGBTQ Region featuring Dave Cutler, President, Hillsborough County LGBTA Democratic Caucus; Susan McGrath, President, Stonewall Democrats of Pinellas County; Jack Crocetto, President, Pasco LGBTA Democratic Caucus; Joe Agostine, President, Stonewall Democrats of Sarasota County; and Dave Jones, Region 3 Director, for Rainbow Ridge LGBTA Democratic Caucus of Polk County
1pm to 3pm
AFTERNOON SESSION
Panel: Hate Crimes in the LGBTQ Community
Moderator: Kevin Beckner, former Hillsborough County Commissioner
Speakers: Protecting Our Vote
Brandon Peters, Director, FDP Voter Protection Project
Daniel Tilley, Legal Director, ACLU on Amendment 4 Implementation
3:15pm
MEMBERSHIP MEETING
Caucus Business and Updates
Director Reports
Vote on Bylaws Updates
5pm
ADJOURN
6:30pm
COCKTAIL RECEPTION
Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay
7:30pm
LEADERSHIP DINNER
Ballroom, Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay
Florida Keynote: Florida Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services Nikki Fried
SUNDAY, JULY 21
FAREWELL BRUNCH
10am to Noon
Location Pending