2025 Keynote Speakers
Jessica Harvey, CEO of the Guy Harvey Foundation
Jessica Harvey is the CEO of the Guy Harvey Foundation, an organization dedicated to conserving our oceans through marine science research and education. An 11th generation Jamaican, Jessica was raised in the Cayman Islands and grew up traveling with her father, renowned artist and conservationist, Guy Harvey, on fishing and research expeditions around the world. She holds numerous fishing world records, has SCUBA dived on the planet’s most pristine coral reefs and with some of the ocean’s biggest sharks.
Jessica earned her degree in Zoology from the University of Edinburgh in Scotland and spent several years working for the Cayman Islands Department of the Environment before joining the Guy Harvey Foundation full-time. As leader of the Guy Harvey Foundation, Jessica Harvey uses her everlasting passion for our oceans to better understand the wonders of the undersea world and engage students and the public in efforts to save our seas.
Ramon Ray, Entrepreneur & Author
Ramon Ray is a serial entrepreneur and small business expert, who is an in-demand thought leader on personal branding as a tool for small business success. He inspires and educates thousands of business owners a year through his articles, podcasts, and in-demand media interviews. He's a contributor to Entrepreneur.com, BlackEnterprise.com and publisher of ZoneofGenius.com.
He is a successful entrepreneur, in-demand, motivational speaker, and event host. Ramon has started 5 businesses and sold 3 of them. Ramon has authored five books, including "Celebrity CEO". Audiences around the world are inspired by his high energy and ability to connect and care.
14TH ANNUAL JIM MORAN INSTITUTE CONFERENCE
June 11-13, 2025
James Museum | St. Petersburg, FL
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SPONSOR
We are excited to offer your company an extraordinary opportunity to make connections, increase visibility and get involved at the 14th Annual Jim Moran Institute Conference.
Each sponsorship level provides your company with enhanced benefits, extensive exposure, and many opportunities for networking with entrepreneurs, small business owners, business leaders, corporate decision-makers, business experts and nonprofit leaders.
Thank you to our current sponsors!
Questions? Contact Jaymee Spannring at jaymee.spannring@jimmoraninstitute.fsu.edu for more information.
JAMES MUSEUM OF WESTERN & WILDLIFE ART
The Jim Moran Institute’s 14th annual business leadership conference will be held June 11-13, 2025 at the James Museum of Western and Wildlife Art in St. Petersburg, FL. Through exhibitions and education programs, The James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art emphasizes the core values of the art that moved Tom and Mary James during their collecting: action, fortitude, heritage and integrity. The James Museum joins the Salvador Dali Museum, the Museum of Fine Arts, the Chihuly Collection and the Museum of the American Arts & Crafts Movement, among many other institutions, in affirming St. Pete as a sophisticated arts and cultural destination for visitors and residents alike.
Address:
150 Central Ave, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
For more information, visit thejamesmuseum.org.
hyatt place st. petersburg / downtown
For out-of-town attendees, we encourage you to stay at the beautiful Hyatt Place St. Petersburg / Downtown, conveniently located across the street from the venue.
Known as The Sunshine City, St. Petersburg is a place that is ready to be enjoyed year-round. Hyatt Place St. Petersburg / Downtown is within an arm’s reach of the city's best museums and entertainment such as The Dali Museum, Jannus Live and the Mahaffey Theatre. Experience spacious accommodations in the heart of downtown “St. Pete,” as known by local residents.
hotel info
Hotel Address:
25 2nd Street North, St. Petersburg, Florida, United States, 33701
Group Rate:
$169/night + tax
Attendees are responsible for booking their own rooms.
For reservations, guests may call toll-free 1-888-HYATT-HP (492-8847) and ask for FSU Small Business Leadership Conference rate.
They may also visit: Hyatt | Select Room-FSU and enter the dates they would like to stay.
ParkiNG iNFORMATION
Self-Parking: $18 plus tax per vehicle, per night for overnight guests
transporation
The Hyatt Place St. Pete / Downtown is conveniently located across the street from the venue.
Local Airports:
Hotel Dining
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When cravings strike, head to The Placery located at the lobby bar. Here, you’ll find a thoughtfully sourced, cleverly curated menu that has something for everyone.
*Service & consumption of alcohol is subject to local laws.
Hours: Daily: 6 a.m. - Midnight
*Late night menu available 24/7
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Guests can enjoy a great atmosphere, locally infused cocktails, craft beer and exceptional wine at the HYBAR bar in downtown St. Petersburg. HYbar, open 5 p.m. to close, features happy hour specials, live music and events.
The Small Business Leadership Conference Welcome Reception will be hosted at the HYBAR at 5:00 on Wednesday, June 11.
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Prepare to make decisions regarding the most important meal of the day. Do you build breakfast tacos topped with various condiments? Enjoy our classic cage-free scrambled eggs, sausage, breakfast potatoes, and toast? Or go quick and healthy with fresh fruit, granola, and yogurt? So tough to choose when you can’t go wrong.
Hours: Monday–Friday: 6:30 a.m.–9:30 a.m.
Saturday & Sunday: 7:00 a.m.–10:00 a.m.
Guests looking for even more dining options can explore the extensive selection of restaurants located in the vibrant and picturesque downtown St. Pete. From upscale fine dining establishments to cozy, family-run eateries, downtown St. Pete offers a diverse culinary scene that caters to every taste and preference. Visitors can enjoy everything from fresh seafood and international cuisine to innovative farm-to-table dishes and classic American fare, all set against the backdrop of the area's stunning waterfront views, historic architecture, and lively atmosphere.
“Whether it is really understanding your financials, understanding digital marketing, or moving forward with your business continuity plan, you are going to get a bit of all of it here at the JMI Conference.”
