Leigh Moore & Jeanne Dailey

Tess Vaccaro, Martha LaGuardia-Kotite, Shannyn Stevenson & Vanessa Bond

Anja Goen & Jodi Pratt

Alisha Hasty & Angela Passehl

Jessica Plowden & Kelly Thompson

Jessica Sheekley & Caroline Boone

T

he Next BIG Thing presented by Fort Walton Beach Medical Center took place at 
the Baytowne Conference Center on August 22. Three hundred attendees enjoyed a 
full day of fueled inspiration and motivation from the 15 dynamic, national and local 
speakers. The event was designed to help individuals and businesses achieve success 

by helping inspire and equip them to take risks for rewards and arm them to lead with passion 
and purpose and to make a positive impact in the world and their workplace. Attendees selected 
from 3 growth tracks focusing on: leadership, entrepreneurs, and women in business. Each track 
featured 4 short Ted-Talk style presenters to keep the day fresh, fast, and fun. Attendees also had 
a great time networking and learning how they could advance themselves and their businesses to 
be The Next BIG Thing.

Attendees enjoyed breakfast, lunch, and a cocktail hour to conclude the day. An exhibit space 

showcasing books, healthcare products, and art was featured to give attendees the opportunity to 
shop from local businesses. All attendees received a business card folio to put business cards in, 
and lastly, there was a silent auction with over $5,000 in prizes.

The Next

BIG Thing

photos & story by

 

Zhalman Harris

Elizabeth Chestnut & Bethany Worley

   VIP Destin at Baytowne Conference Center

92     |    VIPDestinMagazine.com

XX-XX Event_NextBigThing.indd   1

8/29/18   11:17 AM