ORLANDO—Florida is once again in the crosshairs of developers from around the world. At the same time, widespread infrastructure upgrades are underway. Set against those realities, Florida's top real estate gurus and policymakers will gather in Orlando for the Urban Land Institute's (ULI) statewide summit in June.

The conference, which will take place June 12-13 at Walt Disney World's Swan Resort, is expected to attract hundreds of development professionals and land use experts who will tackle the most significant issues facing Florida today. Panel discussions, featured speakers and break-out sessions will explore topics in public-private partnerships, urban infill development, sustainability, the future of residential development, financing trends, university-led development, passenger rail and transit oriented development and more.

“Much more than a networking event, ULI's Florida Summit is a forum for sharing ideas and an opportunity to equip our members and thought leaders across the state with the information and resources they need to make smart real estate and land use decisions,” says Eric Swanson, chairman of the 2014 summit. “As our keynoter, Carl Hiaasen will close the conference with a well-deserved dose of comedy following a substantive, issues-driven conference.”

Known for his comic style and thrilling plot lines, author and journalist Hiaasen is an outspoken champion of Florida's environmental resources and an advocate for smart, sustainable development. Hiaasen's bestselling novels include Star Island, Nature Girl, and Skinny Dip. He also writes a regular column for The Miami Herald.

“ULI's statewide summit packs a big punch into two days,” says Jacksonville real estate developer Peter Rummell, who has attended the first two Florida conferences, and served as the global chairman of ULI from 2011 to 2013. “This is the one event each year that draws the brightest real estate minds from the public and private sectors. It's simply a must-attend conference for anyone looking to do business in Florida.”

Sponsors of this year's summit include: Bank of America/Merrill Lynch, Akerman, Bilzin Sumberg, Greenberg Traurig, Gunster, Schwartz Media Strategies, Minto, Barron Collier Company, Franklin Street, and Newland Communities. Registration is now open at www.florida.uli.org. Attendees who enroll before May 15 will receive a discounted early-bird rate starting at $325 for members.