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 Students
Pitch. Learn. Launch.
Compete in the Launch Tank, attend breakouts and the career expo, get mentorship, and apply for scholarships built for indigent Youthpreneurs.
August 14–16, 2026 · Palmetto Marriott Resort & Spa + Palmetto Convention Center
- Launch Tank pitch competition + Youthpreneur application
- Career expo, breakout sessions, and mentorship
- Entrepreneurship exposure with real founders
- Scholarship submission portal
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.
Get Your Ticket
Three days. One room full of opportunity.
Built for students, families, professionals, and anyone ready to be in the room where momentum happens.
Most popular
General Admission
[GENERAL_ADMISSION_PRICE]
- Full 3-day access
- Keynotes + breakouts
- Career expo + pitch finals
Discounted
Student
[STUDENT_TICKET_PRICE]
- Student-only pricing
- Priority breakout seating
- Mentor matchmaking
Premium
VIP + Awards Banquet
[VIP_PRICE]
- Reserved seating
- Awards Banquet access
- VIP networking lounge
Group of 4 or more?
Group ticket pricing — [GROUP_TICKET_PRICE] per attendee.
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.
Registration
Parent Contact, Consent & Student Registration
Required for student participation. All information is securely stored and only used to coordinate your student's experience.
Feedback
Help Shape The Launch Pad Experience.
Whether you are a student, parent, sponsor, vendor, or community leader, your feedback helps us build an event that creates real opportunities.
Survey embed slot — [SURVEY_EMBED_URL]
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.