Upcoming Events
First 1,000 Days Florida Policy Chats: Looking Ahead to the 2027 Legislative Session
Wednesday, September 16, 2026 | 12 - 1 pm
We are hosting a series of virtual roundtable meetings to help inform a set of concrete policy proposals for the First 1,000 Days Florida ahead of the 2027 legislative session. If you are working in the field, we encourage you to attend to share any challenges you are facing and your ideas for how leaders in Tallahassee might help.
The Future Call
Tuesday, September 22, 2026 | 12 - 12:45 pm
Zoom
The Future Call
Conversations on Florida’s Early Learning Future
This is a community call for Floridians interested in supporting our youngest learners and the adults who help them thrive. It’s an opportunity to share successes and best practices aligned to the recommendations in Florida’s Early Learning Roadmap, and to collaborate for continued progress.
Built to Thrive Summit
Monday, November 9 - Tuesday, November 10, 2026 | All day
Orlando, FL
The Built to Thrive Summit returns in person on November 9-10, 2026, in Orlando, FL.
This statewide gathering will bring together leaders across business, policy, education, health, philanthropy, and advocacy to strengthen partnerships and advance solutions that help Florida’s children and families thrive.
Past Events
Give Miami Day
Thursday, November 18, 2021 | All day
Zoom
Hosted by The Miami Foundation, Give Miami Day is the county's largest philanthropic event of the year. Last year, more than $11.5 million was raised for 750 local nonprofits. Supporters and friends of the Movement may donate online from 12:00 a.m. until 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, November 21. On this day, your donation will be partially matched by local funders and sponsors.
Built to Thrive 2021
Friday, October 8, 2021 | All day
Zoom
For the second year in a row, our agenda included national experts and local change makers, bridging the worlds of politics, business, and early childhood. We brought together more than 700 participants in a live, virtual event
Bosses for Babies Live: How Your Small Business Can Make a Big Impact For Children
Tuesday, March 30, 2021 | All day
John Birney is the founder/owner of JB Financial, a financial consulting firm in Flagler Beach. Throughout his time as a business owner, he led the way for literacy in his community. His story is about leadership and the impact that a galvanized chamber of commerce can bring. Learn about how thousands of children have been served by literacy programs and how he brought those programs to life.
Bosses for Babies Live: What Florida Businesses Can Do To Win The Talent War
Tuesday, February 16, 2021 | All day
The Children's Movement of Florida and Sachs Media partnered to bring Floridians a clear picture of the challenges and experiences parents have encountered relating to child care and employment before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Findings point to family-friendly policies as an easy way to attract and retain the best and brightest talent and diversify your workforce.
Bosses for Babies Live: Family Friendly Pinellas Award Winner: Directions for Living
Tuesday, January 26, 2021 | All day
President Madeleine Thakur spoke with April Lott, CEO of Directions for Living and Dr. Bilan Joseph, Director with Early Learning Coalition of Pinellas County' collective impact Thrive By Five Pinellas, about what it takes to be a standout family-friendly business.
Learn how they are committed to keeping their community competitive and vibrant, while supporting the local economy and wellbeing of families with their focused policies and workplace culture.
Built to Thrive 2020
Tuesday, December 8, 2020 | All day
Ten years after The Children’s Movement of Florida began with a “Milk Party” tour engaging more than 15,000 Floridians all across the state, we decided to convene parents, teachers, business leaders, politicians, and state leaders to again focus on children’s well-being: We launched our Built to Thrive summit with more than 700 participants in a live, virtual event.
Bosses for Babies Live: Meeting Employees' Child Care Needs - A Worthwhile Investment
Thursday, October 22, 2020 | All day
PGT Innovations, headquartered in Venice, FL, designs and manufactures technically advanced and impact-resistant windows and doors. They have long invested in early childhood programs in the community and, in recent years, added a health clinic and on-site child care on their company's main campus. We hear from Debbie LaPinska, Senior Vice President of Human Resources, on the return these investments have brought to the organization.
Bosses for Babies Live: What Can Businesses Do For Child Care -- The COVID-19 Context and Beyond
Wednesday, August 26, 2020 | All day
This conversation features the Association of Early Learning Coalitions Executive Director, Erin Smeltzer, and Gordon Gillete, CEO, Early Learning Coalition of Hillsborough County (former President & CEO, Tampa Electric, and President of Florida Operations, TECO Energy). We discuss how business leaders can partner with Florida’s Early Learning Coalitions to meet the early learning needs of their individual communities.
Bosses for Babies Live: Mark Wilson and Vance Aloupis
Thursday, July 23, 2020 | All day
Enjoy this conversation with Florida Chamber President and CEO Mark Wilson and our CEO Vance Aloupis to learn more about why business leaders should invest in early childhood.