LiGHTx 2025 Recap: A High-Energy Look Back at an Unforgettable Conference
LiGHTx 2025 proved to be the premier cross-industry event of the year, delivering on its promise of an “immersive, high-energy week” packed with dynamic speakers, groundbreaking strategies, and invaluable networking . Held at the Omni Orlando Resort (ChampionsGate, FL) from October 26–29, 2025 , the conference brought together visionary leaders, innovators, and industry legends under one roof. Below is a recap of the event’s highlights – from inspiring keynotes to vibrant networking events – giving a taste of what future LiGHTx attendees can look forward to.
Sunday: Opening Night
Warm Welcome Reception: LiGHTx 2025 kicked off on Sunday evening with a high-energy welcome reception . Attendees mingled over cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, setting the tone for a friendly, collaborative atmosphere. Unique Floridian touches – including a cigar-rolling station, custom glass engraving, and even a tequila tasting led by a Tequila Master – made the night memorable.
Casual Networking: Sunday’s informal events (preceded by an afternoon golf outing) gave participants a chance to relax and connect before the main sessions. By the end of the night, new connections were already forming, priming everyone for the days ahead.
Monday: Inspiring Keynotes and Legendary Panels
Monday’s agenda launched the conference into full swing with engaging keynotes and star-studded panels:
Morning Motivation – Chris Lieto: Each day began with a “Morning Momentum” fitness and inspiration session led by Chris Lieto, a champion triathlete turned coach. On Monday, Chris also delivered a rousing opening keynote, “Powering the Impossible: What Business Can Learn from the World’s Toughest Races,” drawing lessons from his Ironman experiences . His personal stories of endurance inspired attendees to tackle business challenges with resilience and vision.
Ken Coleman’s Breakthrough Insight: Mid-morning, renowned author and broadcaster Ken Coleman took the stage with “Blindspots to Breakthroughs: Self-Awareness as the Bridge to Execution.” Ken’s talk emphasized how leaders can uncover hidden obstacles in their mindset and turn them into opportunities for growth . As a three-time best-selling author and host of Front Row Seat , Ken brought an energetic delivery and practical tips on leadership clarity that had the audience buzzing.
Global Impact with Lindsay Hadley: Another Monday highlight was a session by Lindsay Hadley, co-founder of Global Citizen, titled “From Local to Global: Operationalizing Impact at Scale.” Lindsay shared how businesses and nonprofits alike can scale their impact globally without losing sight of local communities . Her passionate examples of global campaigns and sustainable growth strategies resonated strongly with LiGHTx’s theme of innovation meeting execution .
Panel – Principles of Excellence: Late morning, a panel of cross-industry experts discussed enduring principles of operational excellence that transcend industries . Seasoned executives from sports, tech, and finance shared how core values like integrity, adaptability, and team empowerment remain constant whether you’re in manufacturing or media. This session reinforced LiGHTx’s cross-industry flavor – lessons from one field often sparked ideas in another.
Legacy in Motion” Panel Featuring David Letterman: Monday afternoon delivered perhaps the most anticipated event – a panel aptly named “Legacy in Motion: Lessons in Leadership & Excellence.” This session featured David Letterman, the legendary late-night host and co-owner of Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing, alongside racing icons Bobby Rahal and Mike Lanigan (his co-owners) and IndyCar executive Jay Frye . Moderated by LiGHTx host Joseph Anderson, the panelists shared leadership lessons learned from high-octane worlds of entertainment and motorsports. Attendees were treated to humorous anecdotes (Letterman’s trademark wit was on full display) as well as profound insights on building winning teams, embracing innovation, and leaving a legacy of excellence. This rare chance to hear a TV icon and racing legends talk business was a standout moment of LiGHTx 2025.
Evening Festivities: To cap off Day 1, attendees enjoyed an “Around the World” themed dinner, sampling cuisine from various cultures. The night concluded with a live concert by the Beach Buffett Band and a spectacular fireworks finale under the Florida sky. After a day of intense learning, this fun-filled evening allowed everyone to unwind, celebrate new friendships, and reflect on the day’s inspiration.
Tuesday: Technology, Collaboration, and Purpose
Tuesday’s program kept the momentum going with a focus on technological innovation and purposeful leadership:
Tech & AI Insights: The morning featured forward-looking tech talks, including a keynote by Jamie Kimes on “The Unspoken Choices – Three Decisions Everyone Needs to Make about AI.” Jamie’s session challenged attendees to think deeply about adopting AI in business . Another talk by Dylan Neal of Harman Automotive showcased how disciplined process management can drive digital transformation at scale – a real-world case of turning complexity into clarity. These sessions underscored LiGHTx’s commitment to addressing cutting-edge topics like AI and digital strategy in a practical, accessible way.
Collaboration Panels: Collaboration emerged as a key theme on Tuesday. In a lively panel on “Deploying AI – Separating the Noise from the Nuggets,” experts from different sectors (engineering, IT, and operations) debated how to filter hype from reality when implementing AI solutions . Another discussion, “Ecosystem Thinking: Transcending Industry Boundaries,” brought together innovators like Susanne Lauda (industrial manufacturing) and Phil Zahn (entertainment media) to explore how partnerships across industries can spark creativity and growth . Attendees learned the value of looking beyond one’s own industry “silo” and building an ecosystem of collaborators.
Hollywood Meets Purpose – Mark Koch: A notable afternoon keynote came from film producer Mark Koch, who spoke on “From Hollywood to High Impact: The Power of Purpose-Driven Leadership.” Mark drew parallels between producing blockbuster movies and leading business teams, emphasizing storytelling, vision, and purpose as drivers for success . His Hollywood anecdotes illustrated how purpose-driven leadership can elevate projects in any domain, leaving the audience both entertained and enlightened.
Racing Toward Diversity – Breaking Barriers Panel: LiGHTx also showcased diverse leadership stories. In the “Breaking Barriers – Leading at Full Throttle” panel, trailblazers like Katherine Legge (a professional racecar driver and team president) discussed overcoming barriers in traditionally male-dominated fields . Their experiences – from the racetrack to the boardroom – offered inspiration on championing diversity and leading fearlessly under pressure.
Choose Your Own Adventure (Evening): To wrap up Tuesday, attendees were treated to an open evening with curated experiences. LiGHTx organized several optional activities (from local outings to intimate meetups) allowing guests to tailor their networking night. Whether relaxing with new friends at the resort or venturing out for Orlando attractions, participants had the freedom to recharge on their own terms before the final day.
Wednesday: Grand Finale and Forward Vision
Though shorter in duration, Wednesday’s sessions delivered powerful closing insights and set the stage for the future:
Morning Highlights: Wednesday opened with one last Morning Momentum boost (led again by the energetic Chris Lieto and team), fueling everyone for the conclusion of the conference. Sessions that morning delved into quality management and operational precision, reflecting LiGHTx’s core focus on execution excellence. For instance, speakers like Martin Haket and Martijn Dullaart shared advanced strategies for enterprise configuration management – showcasing how attention to process can be a true competitive advantage in any industry .
Closing Keynote – Trust & Loyalty: The grand finale was a compelling closing keynote titled “Traceability, Trust, and Loyalty: The Future of Customer Connection,” delivered by Bobby Tinsley, a leader in customer engagement . He underscored how in the digital age, businesses must build trust at every touchpoint, using transparency (traceability) and authenticity to foster lasting customer loyalty. This forward-looking talk left the audience with plenty of food for thought on cultivating trust – a perfect bridge to what’s next beyond LiGHTx 2025.
Fond Farewell: LiGHTx 2025 concluded with closing remarks from Joseph Anderson, the conference’s host and driving force . He recapped the week’s major themes – innovation, execution, collaboration, and purpose – and thanked the community of attendees for their enthusiasm. The atmosphere in the room was electric and bittersweet: electric from the knowledge and energy shared, and bittersweet because no one wanted the experience to end! As attendees exchanged final handshakes and hugs, many were already buzzing about implementing new ideas back at their organizations, and eager to reunite at LiGHTx 2026.
Key Takeaways and What's Next
World-Class Content: LiGHTx 2025 set a high bar with its content – from celebrity thought leaders like David Letterman to industry gurus like Ken Coleman, the conference delivered insight after insight. Attendees walked away with actionable strategies on everything from leveraging AI to scaling social impact. If 2025 is any indication, next year’s lineup will be just as impressive, if not more.
Cross-Industry Networking: The real magic of LiGHTx is the cross-pollination of ideas across industries. A tech startup founder could swap ideas with a former state governor (indeed, Indiana’s former Governor Eric Holcomb was in attendance ), while a manufacturing expert might learn from a marketing exec. LiGHTx 2025 proved that when diverse minds meet, innovation sparks. For 2026 attendees, this means unparalleled networking with a diverse, elite crowd that can broaden your perspective – and maybe even become future partners or mentors.
Memorable Experiences: Beyond the talks and panels, LiGHTx is simply fun. The 2025 event blended professionalism with play: exclusive dinners, live music, fireworks, and unique activities turned the conference into an experience, not just an event. This energetic vibe is what makes LiGHTx special – you’ll learn a ton and have a great time doing it. Expect 2026 to continue this tradition of mixing business with memorable leisure.
LiGHTx 2026
The LiGHTx 2025 conference was a resounding success, living up to its name as a place where “visionaries meet velocity” in the business world. It was informative, inspirational, and yes, a little bit sensational. For those considering attending LiGHTx 2026, let this recap serve as a preview of what awaits. Picture yourself in the room with industry legends, absorbing breakthrough ideas, and forging connections with fellow change-makers. If you’re hungry for knowledge, energized by innovation, and ready to be part of a vibrant community, LiGHTx is the place to be.
Mark your calendars for 2026 – we’ll be there with even more to offer, building on the momentum of 2025. Don’t miss the chance to experience it for yourself. We can’t wait to see you at LiGHTx 2026, ready to light up the future together!
