The Frontline Founders experience: rockaway beach
National first responders week | October 25-28, 2026
Non-Profit Price $2999
For profit Price $3750
The Frontline Founders Experience is the premier annual business planning experience for first responder and veteran business owners building the future of their local communities.
This an investment in the time your business deserves to prepare for 2027.
Intentional Structure
We blend guided working sessions, social connection, and space to reflect—so you can grow your business through “what’s possible” and real-time productivity.
Collaborative Energy
Connection among the Frontline Founder community is a key part of the process. You’ll pick up new techniques, and create leverage for your mission, from the group as from the content itself.
Expert Facilitation
Hear from Fortune 500 insiders who made the jump to community-impact entrepreneurship. These industry experts are first responder and veteran allies who will translate corporate best practices into approachable concepts, encourage discussion and Q&A, and leave you with relevant tactics you can implement right away in YOUR business.
A Supportive Space
Strategic planning is not exclusive to corporate leadership, but it can feel like a luxury you can’t afford when you are building something of your own.
The FRONTLINE FOUNDERS EXPERIENCE is a moment to learn and grow as a leader and business owner in a room built on shared values.
The experience is held at The Rockaway Hotel + Spa during “locals summer” in Rockaway Beach, NY. Rockaway Beach is a neighborhood built on the love and respect for our veterans and first responders, and local businesses honor our frontlines and their commitment to public service everyday.
We believe first responder and veteran entrepreneurs are one of the most powerful, under-recognized economic forces in America.
what to expect
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welcome dinner & fireside chat
10.25.26 | 5:00 - 10:00 PM
WELCOME + PANEL DISCUSSION
We kick off on Sunday with a leisurely check-in to the Rockaway Hotel + Spa, and come together for a welcome dinner on the rooftop in time for an autumn sunset overlooking the city skyline.
Meet other Frontline Founders over dinner and cocktails.
Attend a panel of advertising industry experts to discuss the power of the frontline founder economy.
We will discuss topics like:
Frontline Families as a consumer segment
Frontline Founders as a brand partnership segment
Frontline focus in Corporate Social Responsibility strategies
OUTCOME:
A impact multiplier strategy co-owned by Frontline Founders & Corporate Social Responsibility teams. -
Developing your tactics for 2027
10.26.26 | 8:00-5:00PM
Operational plan design for 2027: develop a 12-36 month plan, set 90 day + 4 quarters goals (KPIs) and data frameworks to assess if their plan is working.
Working breakfast, lunch, coffee breaks and dinner included.
OUTCOME:
Understand which measures matter most to assess your business’ performance. -
Expert Panels + Breakout Sessions
10.27.26 | 8:00-5:00PM
Attend panel discussions and breakout sessions with subject matter experts including revenue growth, talent management, social media strategy, communication development. This is a great time to choose the track that feels like the biggest mystery and ask all the questions that will help you break it all down.
Working breakfast, lunch, coffee breaks and dinner included.
OUTCOME:
Small group coaching with experts to get feedback on your specific business strategy.KEYNOTE SPEAKER: Meredith Hudson, SLB
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national first responders day
Together we will celebrate National First Responder Day and the kick-off for Veteran Small Business Week with a close out breakfast with special guests.
Then lock in your follow up plans so that your business strategy is set for the future!
The rest of the day is yours to enjoy the amenities at the spa and soak in the impact of the last few days!
event Speakers
Founder & CEO of SLB | Former D1 Athlete | Sports Mom
Meredith Hudson
Meredith is a former advertising sales insider with over 20 years of experience at consumer companies like Google, Snap, Amazon and Roku.
As a sports mom, she started SLB to solve a problem for female athletes. In 18 months, Meredith grew her brand to $1M in revenue and sold 30,000 bags through her highly engaged community of 3,000 female athlete ambassadors.
As our Keynote Speaker, Meredith will share insights on she leveraged corporate know-how, and where frankly none of that matters as an entrepreneur - leading to her blowout success.
marine corp veteran | Founder & Managing director, NMG Ventures (NMGv) | Chair, NMGv EmpowerYou foundation
Matthew king II
Matthew King II is a visionary entrepreneur, Marine Corps Veteran, and seasoned business professional with over 30 years of cross-functional experience navigating finance, real estate, and venture creation. As the Founder and Managing Director of NMG Ventures, Matthew sits at the intersection of technology and economic empowerment, leveraging AI solutions to drive extraordinary success for enterprises, governments, and diverse entrepreneurs.
A former banker specializing in commercial real estate and business lending, Matthew possesses a unique, highly strategic lens for capital structuring and identifying funding opportunities. He channels this financial expertise and his deep-seated belief in disciplined, mission-focused execution into his role as Chair of the NMGv EmpowerYou Foundation. The foundation is fiercely dedicated to supporting First Responders, Firefighters, and Veterans, while actively empowering women, BIPOC, and LGBTQ+ individuals with the tools for economic self-sufficiency and holistic well-being.
Driven by the spirit of Aloha and a relentless pursuit of excellence, Matthew specializes in building self-sustaining business ecosystems where capital meets community impact. For the 2026 Frontline Founders Experience, he is focused on bridging the gap between frontline entrepreneurs and socially responsible institutional capital to unlock.
Rockaway Beach, NY is a neighborhood built on the love and respect for our veterans and first responders, and local businesses honor our frontlines and their commitment to public service everyday.
Your Questions, Answered
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Hotel accommodations from Check-In Date: Sunday, October 25th - Check-Out Date Wednesday, October 28th.
Sunday Night: Welcome Dinner, Headshots and Business Branding Activities, all event materials.
Monday: Breakfast, Lunch, Coffee + Snacks & Dinner, all event materials
Tuesday: Breakfast, Lunch, Coffee + Snacks & Dinner, all event materials
Wednesday: Breakfast, Lunch, all event materials
How It Works
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We have different pricing structures available for non-profits, for-profits and some non-profit sponsorships.
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Link to Form
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After booking, we'll send you a Welcome Packet with everything you need to know—detailed schedules, packing list recommendations, add-ons to consider, and more.
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We'd recommend booking your transportation to and from the event as soon as possible, to ensure you can arrive without any complications or delays.
JFK airport is just 25 min from the airport. Earliest check in date is Monday evening.
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Now all that's left to do is pack your bags and get excited for your new adventure.