The Florida Semiconductor Engine Inaugural Conference

Upcoming Event

The National Science Foundation Florida Semiconductor Engine has launched their Inaugural Conference “Powering Prosperity”, where innovation, collaboration, and industry leadership converge.

Taking place in the heart of Florida’s growing semiconductor ecosystem, this milestone event brings together key voices from across the semiconductor industry to exchange critical insights, ignite strategic partnerships, and drive forward the technologies shaping our future.

With influential speakers, high-value networking, and a spotlight on workforce development and emerging tech, the Powering Prosperity Conference is a catalyst for growth, locally and globally.

The event kicks off with the Valencia College Semiconductor Ecosystem Reception on August 27th from 4–6 p.m., offering an early opportunity to connect with fellow attendees and regional partners.

Now more than ever, we are powering prosperity, together.

Thursday, August 28, 2025
10:00 am – 2:30 pm
Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center | Osceola Ballroom C
6000 W Osceola Pkwy, Kissimmee, FL 34746

Registration Price:
$135 per person

Registration is currently closed. For last minute inquiries, please email info@semiconductorengine.org

Know Before You Go

Parking: When you arrive at the main entrance of the Gaylord Palms Hotel, follow the signs to the Convention Center parking, located on the right side of the property. At the parking booth, let the attendant know you are attending the Florida Semiconductor Inaugural Conference. You will be given a parking ticket. Please bring this ticket inside with you.

To receive the reduced self-parking rate of $20:
  • Tell the parking attendant or the on-site event attendant that you are with the Conference.
  • Between 8:30 am and 2:30 pm, you may pre-pay at the Conference networking area.
  • All major credit cards are accepted.
If you do not mention that you are with the event, the standard parking rate of $40 will apply.

Directions To The Ballroom:
 After parking in the designated Convention Center parking lot, enter the Convention Center and take the escalators to the ballroom level on the third floor, and walk to Osceola Ballroom C.
Please be sure to pick up your registration badge at the Registration Desk for admittance into the Ballroom!

 

Agenda:

8:30 am: Registration & Networking
10:00 am: Welcome & Introductions – Dr. Ron Piccolo, CEO, NSF Florida Semiconductor Engine
10:15 am: Panel Discussion with Defense Industrial Base

Title: “What is the Outlook for Florida/Opportunities in the Florida Ecosystem”
Moderator: Matt Walsh, Chief Engineer, Florida Semiconductor Engine
  • Panelist: L3Harris, Speaker Alan Huffman
  • Panelist: Northrop Grumman, Dr. David Shahin
  • Panelist: Micross, Jeremy Adams
  • Panelist: Austin Commercial, Chris Guice
  • Panelist: Skywater Technology, Brad Ferguson

11:30 am – 12:00 pm: Lunch Break
12:00 pm: Lunch & Keynote Speaker – Don Fisher, Osceola County Manager and FSE Board Chairman
12:30 pm: Panel Discussion with Academic Leaders

Title: “Preparing the Semiconductor Workforce in Florida”
Moderator: Paul Sohl, CEO, Florida High Tech Corridor
  • Panelist: University of South Florida, Dr. Sylvia Wilson Thomas
  • Panelist: University of Central Florida, President Alexander Cartwright
  • Panelist: University of Florida, Dr. David Arnold
  • Panelist: Valencia College, President Kathleen Plinske

1:30 pm: Afternoon Keynote – Dr. Michael Peeters, Vice President of R&D Connectivity at imec
2:00 pm: Partner Speaker – Jackie Janning-Lask, CEO, Midwest Microelectronics Consortium
2:30 pm: Closing Remarks – Dr. Ron Piccolo, CEO, NSF Florida Semiconductor Engine

 

Thank you to our sponsors!

Trustee Sponsors:

Florida High Tech Corridor Austin Logo

 

Gold Sponsors:

 

 

 

 

 

Silver Sponsors:

     

 

Friends of the Engine:

Event Overview

Date & Time
August 28, 2025 - 10:00 am – 2:30 pm

Event Description: Mark your calendar for an unforgettable day of insights and collaboration with industry leaders and tech visionaries shaping the future of the semiconductor industry.

Location: Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center, Osceola Ballroom C | 6000 W Osceola Pkwy, Kissimmee, FL 34746