From AI investing to defense tech and city infrastructure, the focus was on turning momentum into results “Our moment is here and now. We are open for business in Miami Beach.” These words from Miami Beach mayor Steven Meiner kicked of the second main conference day of eMerge, the annual conference aiming to showcase everything #MiamiTech to the rest of the world. Local developer Stephen Ross may be one of the people in South Florida taking most advantage of this exact moment. “There’s so much change happening right now, and this is the moment when growth is going to take off here, especially across South Florida,” he told attendees from the main stage. “Florida is probably the best business state in the country,” Ross added. “People just don’t recognize it yet because there hasn’t been as much business activity here historically. Our job is to get the message out and bring people here to South Florida, because the benefits are already here.” Tim Tebow on mindset, purpose, and building for more than yourself Tim Tebow’s conversation with Melissa Medina drew parallels between professional sports and building, leading, and living with purpose. The former Heisman Trophy winner, ESPN analyst, and founder of the Tim Tebow Foundation framed impact as a choice. “You have to stand for something to have impact,” Tebow said, arguing that respect lasts longer than being liked. For entrepreneurs, his strongest point was about where drive gets aimed. Competitiveness is useful, he suggested, but only if it serves something bigger than personal success. “You want to live a meaningful and purposeful life? Make it about everybody else,” Tebow said. He also connected that mindset to technology, especially AI, calling it “one of the most vital pieces” in fighting child exploitation and trafficking. For a room full of founders