Candidate for Vice President for Conference Services Fabian De La Espriella, AICP
My experience in planning, leadership, and coordination has prepared me well for the role of APA Florida Vice President of Conference Services. Over the past 22 years, I have built a career focused on collaboration, project management, community engagement, and creating meaningful professional experiences through planning initiatives. Professionally, I have led multidisciplinary teams, facilitated workshops and public engagement efforts, and managed complex projects throughout Florida and nationally.
My leadership within APA has been equally important in shaping my qualifications for this role. For the last seven years I have been actively involved with the Gold Coast Section, first serving as Vice Chair and later as Section Chair through 2024. During that time, I worked closely with board members, planners, and partner organizations to strengthen member engagement, support programming, and advance collaboration across the section.
In 2025, I took on the role of Host Committee Chair for the upcoming Florida Planning Conference in Miami. This experience has given me direct exposure to conference logistics, coordination, and attendee experience planning at the statewide level. I believe these combined professional and APA leadership experiences have prepared me to successfully support and enhance future Florida APA conferences
What are the three most important challenges facing APA Florida?
APA Florida faces three major challenges as an advocate for the planning profession. First, the organization must continue advocating for local planning authority and elevating the value of planning amid increasing policy preemptions and funding uncertainty. Second, the rapid emergence of artificial intelligence is transforming how planners analyze data, engage communities, and make decisions, creating both opportunities and ethical challenges that APA must help members navigate responsibly. Third, housing affordability and rising costs of living, is reshaping communities across Florida. APA Florida must continue supporting planners with tools, education, and advocacy strategies that promote equitable and economically sustainable communities.
What do you most want to accomplish during your term?
During my term as VP of Conference Services, I want to strengthen the support structure and resources available to future host committee teams so they can successfully plan and deliver outstanding statewide conferences. Having served as Gold Coast Section Chair and currently as Host Committee Chair for the 2026 Florida Planning Conference in Miami, I understand both the opportunities and challenges involved. My goal is to improve coordination, communication, and knowledge sharing between conference cycles so that each host committee feels equipped to create meaningful experiences that reflect the diversity of the planning profession across the state.
How would you make sure your efforts are successful?
I would ensure success by maintaining strong coordination and communication with APA Florida chapter staff, whose institutional knowledge and experience from previous conferences are invaluable. Chapter staff provide continuity between conference cycles and understand the operational, financial, and logistical aspects necessary to deliver successful events. I believe the VP of Conference Services should work collaboratively with staff and host committees to establish a leadership structure and clear expectations, timelines, and communication channels to ensure successful outcomes.