THE ELEVATED EXPERIENCE
A curated collection of events with our talented clients, partners, and friends
Second Annual Pickleball with a Purpose
Housing Hub's 2nd Annual Pickleball with a Purpose returns Saturday, June 6, at Clifftop Courts in Monteagle, TN, and includes mimosas, munchies, and a $10,000 matching gift opportunity. Whether you're a beginner learning the game with Pro Allen McDonald, leveling up with Pro Kenda West, or just there to cheer courtside, all are welcome. Attendance is free, but RSVPs are required — and every dollar donated goes toward building the kitchen for Housing Hub's House #3.
Whimsical Paper Sculpture Workshop
Fold, glue, and let your imagination take over at Frame Gallery's Paper Sculpture Workshop, led by owner Harriet Runkle on Saturday, June 6, 2026, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in The Studio at Frame Gallery Gifts and Art in Sewanee, Tennessee. Using just three simple folded paper shapes — the teardrop, the accordion, and the spiral — you'll explore how far colored cardstock, glue, and a little curiosity can take you, whether your creation ends up abstract, figurative, or something completely unexpected. This workshop is open to all ages (children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult), with a fee of $20 for adults and $10 for children — all materials included.
23rd Annual Bob Hope Memorial Charity Golf Classic
The 23rd Annual Bob Hope Memorial Charity Golf Classic, presented by USAA, returns May 15–16, 2026 at the Fort Walton Beach Golf Club to benefit the Air Force Enlisted Village. This two-day, four-person captain's choice tournament features skill contests, a silent auction, prizes, and a barbecue lunch — all in support of surviving spouses of retired enlisted Air Force members. Individual golf spots and sponsorships are available now at afev.us/golf.
How PR Pros Can Leverage Influencer Relationships
Join the Emerald Coast Public Relations Organization for a Lunch and Learn on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, featuring Jae Baldizzi of Reli Marketing and Justice Jones of 850 Social Babes. Learn how PR pros can identify the right influencers, build authentic partnerships, and turn collaborations into measurable results — then connect with fellow communications professionals on the Emerald Coast.
What Top Dental Practice Owners Do Differently Now — And Why the Old Playbook Is Costing You Staff
The leadership style that built a dental practice in 2015 may be what's driving great people out of it in 2026. Join Sandy Baird, MBA, and fellow industry experts for a free, live panel on May 4 at 8:00 p.m. ET — designed for practice owners and team leaders serious about culture and retention.
38th Annual ArtsQuest Fine Arts Festival
Meet talented artists, Renee Broxson and Hope Walker Morgan, at the 37th Annual ArtsQuest Fine Arts Festival! Join them—alongside 100+ artists—on May 3-4 at Grand Boulevard in Sandestin, FL. Explore fabulous, juried artwork from 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. on Sunday, and enjoy live music, activities, and various food flavors.
A Lamp, a Ladder, or a Lifeboat: Meditations in Paper Inspired by Rumi
Frame Gallery Gifts and Art hosts an opening reception on Friday, May 1, from 5:00–6:30 p.m. for A Lamp, a Ladder, or a Lifeboat: Meditations in Paper, inspired by Rumi — a paper-cutting exhibition featuring artists Kate Gundersen and Kim Phillips. The public is welcome; artists speak at 5:15 p.m. Light refreshments served. Exhibition runs through May 30.
Yoga in Tuscany Retreat
Experience Driftwood Adventure Trek’s Yoga in Tuscany retreat, May 1–6, 2026. This women’s wellness trip includes daily yoga and pilates, farm-to-table dining, photography workshops, and guided excursions to Tuscan villages, vineyards, and hot springs. Hosted at the eco-friendly Podere Trafonti villa near Siena, this intimate retreat is designed to rejuvenate your mind, body, and creativity. Perfect for travelers seeking a restorative and culturally rich getaway.
I Can Paint Myself Flowers: Mixed Media Workshop with Renee Broxson
As part of Distilled: An Artist Series at Distillery 98, join Renee for a hands-on workshop blending painting and collage into a vibrant, expressive floral piece.
In this guided session, Renee walks participants through her approach to creating a single, style-driven bloom using layered materials, color, and intuitive design. Through a mix of paint and collage, you'll build your own flower — one that reflects your personality, mood, and sense of self.
Accreditation in Public Relations: Learn From Those Who’ve Earned It
Join Emerald Coast Public Relations Organization (ECPRO) on April 14, 2026, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce for an engaging Lunch & Learn titled Accreditation in Public Relations: Learn From Those Who’ve Earned It.
Featured speaker Susan Poole, APR, Corporate Marketing and Public Relations Director for The Westervelt Company in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, will share her journey to earning the prestigious APR credential.
Yard Sale, Shop Sale, and Maker's Market at Frame Gallery
Frame Gallery Gifts & Art is bringing the fun to the Sewanee Community Center's annual community-wide yard sale on Saturday, April 11 (8 a.m. to 12 p.m.). Browse art, books, furniture, and décor outside, score deals on art, frames, and handmade goods inside the Studio — and don't miss the shop's very first Maker’s Market on the same day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (or until supplies last). Create original abstract faces using recycled materials like cardboard, mat board, foam core, and acrylic at Frame Gallery, or take a kit to go.
Distilled: An Artist Series Featuring Renee Broxson
Sip, mingle, and explore at Distillery 98 for an evening celebrating featured artist Renee Broxson. Presented in collaboration with Emerald Coast Storytellers, Distilled: An Artist Series, this free opening night marks the start of Renee's month-long installation (April 1 - 30, 2026)—whimsical, character-driven paintings woven throughout the distillery all April long. Hear Renee speak about her creative process, enjoy drinks, and grab a bite while enjoying and shopping the art.
11th Annual Doggie EGGstravaganza
Dog-Harmony’s 11th Annual Doggie EGGstravaganza returns to Grand Boulevard at Sandestin on Friday, April 3, 2026, from 5:30–7:30 p.m. This canine-only Easter egg hunt features treat-filled eggs, separate hunt areas by dog size, local food and dog treat vendors, music, pet photos, and prizes. Tickets for the canine egg hunt are $20 per dog in advance, with free admission for spectators.
33rd Annual Ocean Springs Art Festival
The 33rd Annual Ocean Springs Spring Arts Festival takes place March 28–29, 2026, in downtown Ocean Springs, Mississippi. The two-day event features artists, makers, plant vendors, live demonstrations, and entertainment. Fine artist Hope Walker-Morgan will be exhibiting her coastal-inspired paintings during the festival weekend.
"Sewanee Purple Through the Years" Art Exhibit
A newly identified wildflower in Shakerag Hollow has inspired Sewanee Purple Through the Year, the sixth annual art exhibit featuring the Nature Journaling Group at Frame Gallery Gifts and Art in downtown Sewanee, Tennessee.
Dr. Jonathan Evans, Director of the Sewanee Herbarium, a sponsor of the exhibit, will also speak about the University of the South's recent discovery of Phacelia Sewaneensis at the opening reception of the exhibit on March 27, 2026.
Women’s History Month Conference
Conexión Media Group invites the community to their annual Women's History Month Conference, Her Impact — Women Leading Change in Our Communities. Featuring a panel discussion with three inspiring local leaders, plus networking, appetizers, door prizes, and more — this free event is open to everyone. Join us Tuesday, March 24, 2026 from 5:30–8:30 PM at Preservation Hall in Fort Walton Beach.
The 7th Annual International Festival
Conexión Media Group's 7th Annual International Festival returns to The Landing in Fort Walton Beach as part of Okaloosa County's celebration of the USA's 250th Anniversary. This free, family-friendly festival showcases more than 60 nations through live music, folkloric dance, international cuisine, and local vendors — all in the spirit of community unity. Join us Saturday, March 21, 2026 from 11 AM to 7 PM.
St. Patrick’s Day Celebration at 3rd Planet Brewing
Experience the luck of the Irish! Indulge in traditional favorites like corned beef & cabbage, shepherd’s pie, and Irish stew, paired perfectly with local craft brews on Saturday, March 14, 2026, between 4:00 and 9:00 p.m. at 3rd Planet Brewery in Niceville, Fla.
Public Relations for Emerging Entrepreneurs
Christie Solomon of Elevate Next presented Public Relations for Emerging Entrepreneurs to the Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce's inaugural Emerging Entrepreneurs cohort on behalf of the Emerald Coast Public Relations Organization (ECPRO). The session offered a practical, accessible introduction to PR for early-stage small business owners — from earning media coverage and crafting a press release, to thinking like a journalist and using AI responsibly in your communications.
Local Media and News Panel Discussion
Join ECPRO on March 10, 2026, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce for a Lunch & Learn featuring a panel of local journalists and media leaders. Gain insider insights on pitching effectively, building media relationships, and securing coverage in today’s digital and print landscape.
4th Annual Chemical Cocktail
Sample, sip, and vote at the 4th Annual My Chemical Cocktail on Saturday, February 28, 2026 from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. This 21+ cocktail mix-off brings science and spirits together with creative drinks, live music, and prizes—all benefiting the Emerald Coast Science Center.
“Seen & Unseen: Landscapes of Presence & Memory” Opening Reception
Frame Gallery Gifts and Art hosts its first art exhibition of 2026, Seen & Unseen: Landscapes of Presence and Memory, opening on February 20 in Sewanee, Tenn., with a reception for the artists from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. The exhibit features two South Cumberland Plateau resident artists, Carole Forêt and Linda Kerlin, whose work offers distinct, yet complementary ways of translating experience through paint and mixed media.
Integrated Influence: Aligning PR and Digital Marketing for Maximum
Join Emerald Coast Public Relations Organization (ECPRO) for a Lunch & Learn on February 10, 2026, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce. Featuring Destin-Fort Walton Beach Tourism’s Nogah Winfield and Stacey Young, this session explores how aligning PR and digital marketing can maximize reach, engagement, and impact.
Share the Love: Frame Gallery's 8th Anniversary Arty Party
Join Frame Gallery Gifts and Art for a special anniversary celebration featuring hands-on art activities and live art demonstrations with local artists Randa Wells and Connie Keetle in Sewanee, Tennessee, on Saturday, February 7, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Themed “Share the Love,” Frame Gallery’s 8th Anniversary Arty Party is a free event designed for all ages. Art supplies, party favors, and refreshments will be provided for guests and party participants.
Insurance Untangled Live: Redefining Success 2026
Join Sandy Baird, MBA for a free live webinar on February 5 from 8–9 PM EST focused on building strong, forward-thinking dental teams. Sandy will share practical strategies for streamlining systems, improving training, strengthening leadership, and keeping teams aligned with long-term goals. Attendees will earn 1 CE credit and have the opportunity to participate in a live Q&A session.
🎟️ Reserve your spot today—this free webinar is designed for immediate, real-world application.
A Symphony of Taste: Mardi Gras Food & Wine Festival
Enjoy a festive afternoon of food, wine, and live jazz at A Symphony of Taste: Mardi Gras Food & Festival on February 1, 2026. Sample cuisine from local restaurants, explore a silent auction, and support the Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra’s youth programs at this annual Mardi Gras–inspired tasting event.
Dog-Harmony's 6th Annual Hops for Hounds Dog Walk & After Party
Join Dog-Harmony on Sunday, January 18 for the 6th Annual Hops for Hounds at Props Craft Brewery Hammock Bay — a community dog walk and after-party celebrating canine companionship and compassion. Proceeds support therapy-dog and child humane-education programs across Northwest Florida.
A Case Study in Success: How to Turn Strategy into an Award-Winning PR Campaign
Join ECPRO on January 13, 2026, for a Lunch & Learn with Melissa Watson of Sandestin Investments. Get an inside look at the award-winning 2025 PR campaign—from concept and vendor buy-in to a high-impact FAM event and the strategy that earned a Visit Florida Flagler Award.
Alys Classics: Home Alone
Enjoy a festive, family-friendly outdoor screening of Home Alone at Alys Beach, complete with a curated picnic, open bar, and cozy blankets in a beautiful Gulf-front setting.
Frame Gallery's Third Annual Nativity & Icon Exhibition
Celebrate the season at Frame Gallery’s 3rd Annual Nativity & Icon Exhibition on Friday, December 19, from 4:00 to 6:00 PM. This special one-night event features nativities and religious icons from community members’ private collections, along with an expanded display of handcrafted nativities and icons from around the world. Featured icon writers include Sr. Eliseea Papacioc, a Romanian Orthodox nun represented by Frame Gallery, and local Sewanee artist Martha Keeble, who also teaches icon writing in the area. Join us for an evening of beauty, tradition, and Christmas spirit.
A Very Merry Quizmas with Johnny C.
Ring in the holiday season with ECPRO on December 9 at 11:30 a.m. for A Very Merry Quizmas featuring guest host Johnny C. of Ace 50 Media! Expect engaging conversation, yuletide delights, and spirited trivia that blends the best of PR, communications, and Christmas cheer.
Tennessee Craft-South’s 2025 Artists’ Holiday Tour
Tennessee Craft–South invites the public to the 2025 Artists’ Holiday Tour on Saturday, December 6 (10:00 AM–5:00 PM CST) and Sunday, December 7 (11:00 AM–4:00 PM CST) in Sewanee, Monteagle, Wartrace, and Bell Buckle, Tennessee.
Now celebrating its 30th anniversary, Tennessee Craft–South is the regional chapter of Tennessee Craft, a statewide organization dedicated to supporting and promoting handmade arts and crafts throughout Tennessee.