The Orange County Community Conference is making a comeback this year and you don't want to miss it! Join us this year, for a day filled with informative sessions, engaging speakers, and networking opportunities. Whether you're a resident, neighborhood leader, or non-profit volunteer looking to expand your knowledge of Orange County programs and services, the Orange County Community Conference has something for everyone. Some of the highlights include:
- Seven informative workshops
- A Chat with Mayor Demings
- Citizen of the Year & Community Organization Awards
- Exhibitors with all types of programs and services
Only Credit Card and PayPal payments accepted online until October 9, 2023. If you are registering as a group that includes five or more people, other forms of payment can be dropped off at the Neighborhood Services Division Office.
*We will accept CASH ONLY Walk-ins on Saturday, October 14, 2023.
Community Organization Awards
There are four different categories this year:
- Monica Harris Spires Excellence in Leadership
- Excellence in Community Building Projects
- Excellence in Neighborly Service
- Clean and Attractive Neighborhood of the Year
Schedule At a Glance
7:30 a.m. Registration Opens
8:00 a.m. Opening Session
9:00 a.m. Session A Workshops
10:15 a.m. Session B Workshops
11:15 a.m. Networking Break with Exhibitors
11:30 a.m. Session C Workshop
12:45 p.m. Awards Luncheon
Workshop Descriptions and Sessions
Session A: 9 a.m. - 10 a.m.
Ask A Lawyer – As a board member of a homeowners’ or condominium association, you have a legal responsibility to your community. In return, residents of communities with associations expect their associations to meet certain responsibilities. Do you ever wish you had free legal advice when it comes to neighborhood-related legal documents, processes, or practices? Presented by a local attorney that specializes in this field, this workshop is what you are looking for!
Consumer Protection – The Orange County Consumer Protection Office is tasked with a wide range of consumer safety concerns and conducting free education & outreach programs. This office consists of well-experienced staff, who apply their extensive customer service and investigative skills to help safeguard consumers against unfair, deceptive, and fraudulent business practices. Attendees of this workshop can expect to learn about the complaint types that fall under staff’s purview, including the enforcement authority for Vehicle Trespass Towing and Immobilization Devices, and methods used to conciliate those grievances and raise public awareness about unlawful business practices.
The BIG Merger: Orange County Code Enforcement Merges with Neighborhood Services Division to Improve Communities – The Code Enforcement Division recently merged with the Neighborhood Services Division as part of Orange County’s plan to revamp its approach to code enforcement and gaining compliance. This workshop will explain how the new approach will embrace a smarter, more collaborative, and efficient approach to bring code violations into compliance. Additionally, you will hear how the changes will positively impact your community and get answers to questions about code violations.
Session B: 10:15 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.
Conserving, Protecting, and Enhancing the Environment – Central Florida residents fortunate to call Orange County home are blessed to breathe clean air and be surrounded by numerous lakes, rivers, and springs. This workshop, presented by Orange County Environmental Protection Division, will highlight a variety of programs and initiatives such as sustainability, Florida Friendly Landscaping, and other programs that impact residents, businesses, and associations.
Traffic Engineering: Why It’s Important – Ranking in the top ten in a category is normally celebrated; however, landing on that prominent list for the most dangerous metro areas in the country is alarming to say the least. In August 2022, the Orange County Board of Commissioners adopted Vision Zero, a strategy to eliminate all traffic fatalities and severe injuries by focusing on designing safer roadways. Staff from the Orange County Traffic Engineering Division will detail the County’s strategies for Vision Zero and its goals to eliminate roadway casualties and dangerous conditions for pedestrians and bicyclists by 2040 through its ”4E” approach: engineering, enforcement, education, and emergency services.
Utilizing the Neighborhood Beautification Grant – How does your neighborhood entranceway look? Can it use some curb appeal? Will updating the entryway sign, adding new plants, or fixing the damaged wall help foster pride in your neighborhood? If you answer “YES” to any of these questions, attend this informative workshop to find out how the Neighborhood Beautification Grant can assist your community.
Session C: 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
A Chat with Mayor Demings – Mayor Jerry L. Demings recently started his second term as Mayor of Orange County and continues to be committed to ensuring Orange County provides a quality of life that works for everyone. His commitment drives the initiatives he is implementing, including housing for all, transportation funding, economic development, and increased public safety. This interactive workshop provides the perfect setting to dialogue directly with Mayor Demings about the future and the groundwork being laid to make Orange County the “Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow” by creating a culture of innovation, collaboration, and inclusiveness.