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Host County Proposal Process
The Florida Association of Counties (FAC) is inviting Florida counties to submit proposals to host the 2027 FAC Innovation & Policy Conference, including a full day of Innovation Day programming.
Innovation Day which was added to FAC’s Fall Policy Conference in 2018, gives the host county a high-visibility opportunity to showcase projects, programs, and services that are unique to its community.
Why host as a county?
Hosting the FAC Innovation & Policy Conference is a chance to put your county’s leadership and solutions in front of county commissioners, administrators, and partners from across Florida.
Showcase local innovation through hands-on demonstrations and site visits
Highlight community partnerships (including public/private collaboration)
Share replicable programs and services other counties can learn from
Position your county as a statewide leader in problem-solving and innovation
What kind of innovation FAC wants to see:
Innovation Day proposals may include demonstrations and discussions that feature:
Innovative infrastructure
Innovations in delivering community services
Unique partnerships within the community (public and/private)
Economic development programs
Arts and humanities
Education partnerships and initiatives
Resiliency programs
Parks and recreation programs
Hosting requirements (at a glance)
To be considered, the host county must demonstrate it can meet FAC’s hotel and conference space needs and propose a full day of innovation that includes site visits within the county.
Proposal timeline & key dates
Use these milestones to plan your submission and internal approvals:
Letter of intent due: August 15, 2026 (email)
Full proposal due: August 21, 2026 (email or U.S. mail)
Selection announced: at the 2026 FAC Innovation and Policy Conference (September 16–18, 2026)
Potential 2027 conference dates: September 15–17, 2027 or September 22–24, 2027
Hotel | concession highlights
FAC has received the following concessions from prior host hotels. Counties and facilities may add, delete, or edit as needed to present a competitive package:
Complimentary meeting space (based on an F&B minimum of $35,000)
Complimentary self-parking
Resort fees waived
Room comps: 1 per 40
20% allowable attrition
Suite allowances: 1 complimentary 1-BR Suite for the FAC President (Tues–Fri) and 5 suites at group rate for the Executive Committee (Tues–Fri)
Complimentary Wi‑Fi in meeting rooms
No deposits due prior to arrival (credit card required at reservation to guarantee)
15% discount on in-house A/V
15% discount on published catering menus
Group rate available 3 days pre- and post-conference
Three complimentary room nights for staff site inspections prior to the program date
Application checklist
Submit your county’s proposal with the following components (supporting documents such as photographs, exhibits, or media coverage may be included):
Summary — in 500 words or less, highlight the benefits of hosting in your county
Community Innovation Profile — describe the county and the demonstrations/field trips that showcase innovation in a hands-on way
County Contact — primary contact name, address, telephone number, and email; plus a preliminary list of supporting organizations/people
Conference Facilities information — hotel name, website, sales manager name, email, phone number, and available dates for each facility in the proposal
Contract terms (language overview)
Final hotel agreements must be agreeable to FAC contract terms and incorporated into the facility contracts. In general, FAC’s contract language focuses on:
Sleeping-room rate protection — the group rate should not be undercut by lower promotional rates during the meeting dates, and the group rate should be available three days before and after the program dates (based on availability)
Hurricane flexibility — if a storm threatens, FAC may reschedule within 24 months without penalty; if the event proceeds under threat, attendees can reduce food-and-beverage guarantees and cancel room reservations within a 24-hour period without penalty
Mutual responsibility — each party is responsible for issues caused by its own gross negligence or intentional misconduct
Resell of unused rooms — the hotel should make reasonable efforts to resell unused rooms, with documentation if damages are billed
“Walk” protection — if a confirmed guest is displaced, the hotel provides a comparable or better room within five miles at no cost and provides transportation
Cancellation by hotel — if the hotel cannot provide at least 80% of the room block and event services, it is treated as a cancellation and the hotel assists with alternatives and related damages (as defined in the agreement)
Submit your proposal & questions to:
