AUTOMATIC

Florida 2026

Jan 27, 2026

We’ve all witnessed instances where a passionate restaurateur opens somewhere and the area suddenly becomes more desirable. Soon, other restaurateurs and retailers join in and a domino effect occurs. Sketchy or just overlooked areas are replaced with bustle and property values improve.

Another way to think about it: a good coffee shop sells espresso. A great coffee shop sells hotel rooms, office space, and residences.

This powerful concept is the root of Automatic. But not every retailer or restaurateur has this power, only a small subset have captured the lightning in a bottle required to transform neighborhoods.

Automatic identifies great retail and hospitality operators and connects them to top property developers. This relationship is valuable for both sides - for those that make their properties more desirable, developers are happy to offer attractive terms.

And when property values have the prospect of jumping, capital providers see opportunity. And when there’s a chance to transform properties, there’s an important role for visionary designers. Add in leading contractors, artisans, and intermediaries and an entire mixed-use development ecosystem is created.

Automatic brings together industry leaders, makes introductions, and provides a place where new opportunities are born.

The Florida Flagship Event

On February 22nd & 23rd, Automatic comes to Tampa, Florida for an epic gathering. It’s Florida-centric but attendees are registered from around the country. And it’s not only for people with Florida properties, it’s also for those interested in taking ideas and relationships back to their home markets.

Automatic’s value is in the people participating. Joining, either for a single event or for membership, is by invitation only.

Water Street Tampa

And for anyone interested in what mixed-use development looks like when taken to the quality extreme, Water Street Tampa is a required study.

Automatic attendees will get an insider’s tour from the team at Strategic Property Partners, the developers of Water Street, of both what’s been created and what’s next.

New developments of this scale rarely have a soul, but Water Street has built something very special because of the people involved. Automatic will spend time with the visionary operators who’ve come together at Water Street, including Next Level Brands’ Jeff Gigante of Boulon:

And Jordan Johnson of Naked Farmer and Max Chillura of Chill Bros Scoop Shop will share their entrepreneurial journeys.

The Edition Hotel will host a series of talks and Automatic can tour the property with the team of visionary architects at Morris Adjmi.

St. Pete

Sometimes the energy of an emerging market becomes palpable - St. Pete feels as if it’s on the cusp of a raging boil.

Automatic will spend time with some of those at ground zero like Nate Siegel of Please & Thank You Co. Nate started his hospitality career washing dishes for Keith McNally and is now building his own hospitality empire.

Mohan Kumar founded Oddfellows Ice Cream in Brooklyn. Now he’s taking his hospitality mindset to real estate development in St. Pete.

Ybor City & Gasworx

Automatic will experience the power of place in Ybor City, a cultural Cuisinart and historic heart of Tampa. Cocktails at a “drinkeria," locally-rolled cigars, world-renowned food, and a glimpse into what’s next for this exploding district.

Building on the heritage of Ybor City, Kettler is launching Gasworx - a six million square foot mixed-use development.

Ybor City is a National Historic Landmark District. Automatic will hear from Kettler’s President of Development, James Nozar, on how the Gasworx team is working to protect that heritage while bringing new vibrancy and activity.

The Program

Automatic creates serendipity by bringing together people that would gladly do business with one another given the right opportunity, and then providing the forum for them to find that opportunity.

All Automatic attendees join together for the famous opening party.

And a second day of music, food, and talks designed to make relationship building effortless.

And tastings from chef & restaurateur John Fraser and coffee from Friend of Automatic, Intelligentsia.

And a Finale Party.

Some program highlights:

Kevin Pikus will share insights on how (and where) he’s helping grow luxury hospitality brand Sant Ambroeus.

tvg hospitality’s Ashley Gregg will host a panel discussion with industry experts on the role of live music venues in mixed-use developments.

And one of the country’s most remarkable real estate minds, Matthew Vander Werff of MVW Partners, will join Automatic.

Matthew will share the story behind Little River where he’s assembled 140 properties to create an authentic neighborhood rooted in Michelin-level hospitality and creativity.

A Deeper Dive - Membership

For those interested in even more of the Automatic experience, Premium Membership options (for both company and individuals) provide access to more intimate programming.

CEO Insights

Premium Members will meet hospitality and development founders and CEOs for special events including tapas and wine with Adam Halberg, CEO of Barcelona Wine Bar to discuss his journey building a neighborhood restaurant to national scale.

In another gathering, Gin Design Group’s Gin Braverman will host a conversation with The Proper House Group’s Ferrell Alvarez, James Beard semifinalist for Best Chef South. Over cocktails, they’ll explore the intersection of design, hospitality, and places.

Automatic Dinner

Premium Members will join a private dinner on Sunday evening February 22nd with leading retailers, restaurateurs, and capital providers at Predalina, hosted by the talented gang at Oxford Commons.

Peer Groups

Automatic’s most popular program is the Peer Groups where Premium Members join a hand-selected group of 8-12 other industry leaders in a moderated discussion. These off-the-record forums foster new ideas and professional growth.