Location
Melbourne, Florida, 32940
About this event
On Wednesday, November 18, 2026, the Florida Ocean Alliance will host a Leadership Meeting -
The Ocean & Space Convergence Summit, where space technology, innovation, and resilience converge to shape Florida's ocean future. Alliance members, marine and coastal experts, and advocates from around the state will gather at the Nyami Nyami River Lodge at the Brevard Zoo in Melbourne.
Florida's ocean and coastal ecosystems are not only vital to our environment but also to our economy, supporting industries from tourism to technology. Recognizing this, the Florida Ocean Alliance has been at the forefront of uniting leaders across sectors to champion sustainable ocean practices.
This landmark event will convene aerospace, maritime, technology, and policy leaders to explore how space and air innovations are accelerating the next generation of ocean intelligence and coastal resilience solutions.
Speakers include:
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Michael W. Sole, Former U.S. Marine, Secretary FDEP & VP Environmental Services NextEra Energy Inc.
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Rob Long, President & CEO Space Florida
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Samantha Miles, Executive Director Vertex Applied Innovation Hub, FL Tech
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Captain John Murray, CEO Canaveral Port Authority & Port Director, Port Canaveral
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Colin Polsky, Ph.D., Acting Director, FL Office of the Ocean Economy and Professor Geosciences, FAU
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Paul A. Sohl, Rear Admiral U.S.Navy (ret) and CEO Florida High Tech Corridor
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Lynda Weatherman, CEO Space Coast Economic Development Commission
By accepting this invitation, you join a new innovation ecosystem advancing environmental resilience and shaping future-ready communities that will define Florida’s ocean and coastal future.
We look forward to partnering with you and this first-of-its-kind effort to unite these industries in shaping a resilient and prosperous future for Florida.
We also invite you to subscribe to our newsletter The Florida Ocean News at https://www.floridaoceanalliance.org/newsletter for more information on FOA, our members, and event updates.