Building Vibrant Cities Across America
October 6-8, 2026 | Pensacola, FL
In times of change and uncertainty, strong, vibrant, communities matter more than ever. They help us feel grounded, protected, and empowered. A great community is a safe place to land, a source for local solutions, and a base for economic stability. The Civic Leader Summit offers up three days packed with fresh ideas and proven best practices for making yours even better.
The Summit will help you “get local” with actionable strategies, practical tools and tactics, and impactful connections. The agenda is filled with people who are “in the trenches” doing the work right now and who are committed to bringing tried and true strategies to help solve communities’ toughest problems.
Presenting Sponsors
Quint & Rishy Studer
More 2026 Keynote Speakers Coming Soon!
Quint Studer
Quint Studer is an educator, philanthropist, and leadership expert dedicated to helping organizations and communities thrive. He founded Studer Group, which improved education and healthcare outcomes and earned the Malcolm Baldrige Award before its acquisition in 2015. Quint’s focus was also on community revitalization via the Studer Community Institute (SCI), which advances early brain development and leadership training. He also founded the Center for Civic Engagement. The Center brings in speakers to Pensacola on a wide range of topics aimed at educating citizens and raising civic IQ. He and his wife, Rishy have donated millions of dollars to improve lives for others. This includes helping build the Studer Family Children's Hospital, the YMCA in Pensacola, and hundreds of community programs and projects. Their efforts helped revitalize Pensacola, Florida, driving significant growth and earning national recognition. Quint says, “If one identifies or becomes aware of a problem, they have a human responsibility to help find and implement a solution.”
He has authored 16 books, including The Busy Leader’s Handbook, a Wall Street Journal bestseller, and Building a Vibrant Community, which is a blueprint for creating great places to live, work, and play. A passionate teacher and mentor, he continues to inspire leaders and communities nationwide..
Chuck Marohn
Chuck Marohn is the founder and president of Strong Towns. With decades of experience as a land use planner and civil engineer, Marohn is on a mission to help cities and towns become stronger and more prosperous. He spreads the Strong Towns message through in-person presentations, the Strong Towns Podcast, and his books and articles. In recognition of his efforts and impact, Planetizen named him one of the 15 Most Influential Urbanists of all time in 2017 and 2023.
Getting Here
Pensacola is located on Interstate 10 on the Western Edge of the Florida Panhandle.
Pensacola International Airport is approximately 15 minutes Northeast of our venues, and services flights from Atlanta, Dallas, Charlotte, and Nashville.
Where to Stay
Stay tuned for group rates at hotels close to our venues…
