Day 1 · Marquee Event
The Launch Tank
A Shark Tank-style youth pitch competition where students pitch real ideas to local leaders, mentors, and investors — with sponsors seated as judges.
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For Parents & Guardians
A safe, organized place for your student to grow.
Workshops, mentorship, vendor exhibits, and entrepreneurial programming — all hosted in a hospitality-grade venue with clear consent and disclaimer protocols.
August 14–16, 2026 · Palmetto Marriott Resort & Spa + Palmetto Convention Center
- Parent contact, consent & student registration form
- Schedule placeholder — full agenda coming soon
- Scholarship information for indigent Youthpreneurs
- Direct contact inbox for the Launch Pad team
The Experience
Five distinct moments. One unforgettable weekend.
Every component of Launch Pad is designed to put students in the same room as the people, ideas, and opportunities that change their trajectory.
All Three Days
02
Breakout Sessions
P.A.T.H. to Success — career, entrepreneurship, leadership, and skill-building tracks led by industry professionals across multiple paths.
Expo Hall
03
Career Expo
Direct engagement between students, families, sponsors, and businesses — a curated talent and opportunity marketplace.
Mainstage
04
Keynote Speakers
Inspirational and educational presentations from leaders shaping their fields, with prime sponsor participation slots.
Closing Night
05
Awards Banquet
A high-visibility hospitality-grade celebration recognizing student achievement, success, and the partners who made it possible.
Registration
Parent Contact, Consent & Student Registration
Required for student participation. All information is securely stored and only used to coordinate your student's experience.
Venue Sponsor
Palmetto Marriott Resort & Spa and Palmetto Convention Center
Hosted at the Palmetto Marriott Resort & Spa with expanded programming at the Palmetto Convention Center — a premier hospitality and convention environment for sponsors, vendors, students, and families.
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Venue Sponsor
Marriott
Hospitality brand
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Venue Sponsor
Palmetto Marriott Resort & Spa
Host venue & accommodations
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Venue Sponsor
Palmetto Convention Center
Expo & breakout space
Scholarship Portal
Submission Portal for Indigent Youthpreneurs
The Launch Pad is committed to expanding access for young entrepreneurs who may not otherwise have the financial resources to participate. Eligible students may submit a scholarship request for review.
Payment Disclosure
All sponsorship, vendor, attendance, registration, and donation payments for The Launch Pad are processed through the official Launch Pad website and received by Inc. to Inc., the event's fiscal lead and primary charitable beneficiary. Inc. to Inc. may make charitable distributions to Designated Community Impact Recipients from available Net Charitable Surplus after approved expenses and reserves are satisfied.
Get in touch
Contact The Launch Pad Team
Sponsors, vendors, parents, students, community members, and media — we're here.
Hey Tampa Bay! Presents The Launch Pad.
The Launch Pad is led by Inc. to Inc., the event's fiscal lead and primary charitable beneficiary.
The venue sponsor is Palmetto Marriott Resort & Spa and Palmetto Convention Center.
They are recognized as Designated Community Impact Recipients. They are not fiscal agents, event owners, co-hosts, payment recipients, or financial-control parties for The Launch Pad Event.
All sponsorship, vendor, attendance, registration, and donation payments for The Launch Pad are processed through the official Launch Pad website and received by Inc. to Inc., the event's fiscal lead and primary charitable beneficiary. Inc. to Inc. may make charitable distributions to Designated Community Impact Recipients from available Net Charitable Surplus after approved expenses and reserves are satisfied.
Yes. The Child Sponsor level helps fund a scholarship opportunity for one student to attend.
They may apply through the Scholarship Submission Portal.
Yes. Parent/guardian contact and consent forms are required for student participation where applicable.
Yes. Booths are assigned in the order received and capped to keep the expo curated and high-traffic for every vendor.
Yes. Sponsorships at $5,000 and above include invoice / ACH options for procurement and corporate payment workflows.