Behind the PINC curtain: How the annual experience has pioneered Sarasota's creative pulse
DreamLarge founder Anand Pallegar welcomes guests at the Sarasota Opera House. Photo provided by DreamLarge.
What does it take to turn a bold idea into a community institution — and keep it thriving for a decade?
For Anand Pallegar, founder of DreamLarge, it began with a vision: a space where curiosity could flourish, creativity could soar and perspectives could be challenged. That vision took shape as PINC — a full-day conference of People, Ideas, Nature, and Community — that started in the Netherlands and made its way across the Atlantic Ocean to Sarasota in 2014.
Pallegar believed there was an opportunity to create something new in the community that could cross ages, interests, and issues in a creative and engaging way so he and his team took a chance and PINC Sarasota premiered to a sold-out audience at Florida Studio Theatre. The inaugural PINC conference was a catalyst for the region, sparking a decade of transformative conversations and community impact.
Described as a “bubble bath for your brain,” PINC has grown into one of Sarasota’s most anticipated events, blending global perspectives with the city’s unique cultural fabric. It’s a celebration of knowledge, community, and the power of big ideas to inspire action.
As the conference marks its 10th anniversary Thursday at its longtime venue Sarasota Opera House, Pallegar and the DreamLarge team are pulling back the curtain to reflect on the challenges, triumphs, and bold vision that have shaped PINC into a beacon of creativity and philanthropy in Sarasota.
A Decade of Creative Philanthropy
The driving force behind PINC, DreamLarge founder reflects on the conference’s journey with pride and humility as his team gears up for the event this weekend.
“When we first brought PINC to Sarasota, the community took a chance on this magical endeavor,” Pallegar said. “It’s grown into a magnificent day of creativity and imagination, connecting our city to the world and leaving lasting ripples of inspiration.”
At its core, PINC reflects Sarasota’s values of art, sustainability and philanthropy. Over the years, it has showcased diverse speakers whose stories push boundaries and inspire action. From globally renowned thought leaders to unique local voices, each speaker embodies the event’s mission: to spark curiosity, challenge norms and foster a sense of community.
What to Expect This Year
The 10th-anniversary event will feature an eclectic lineup of speakers, interactive experiences and, as always, a few surprises. Expect sessions that touch on everything from innovation to giving back, with opportunities to reflect on how creativity fuels meaningful change. A line-up of 10 speakers from across the globe will take the stage at the Sarasota Opera House to discuss everything from adoption to hurricane research to indigenous peoples' civil rights.
This year’s theme focuses on connecting attendees to their “why” in philanthropy, encouraging them to think boldly about their role in shaping the future. As Pallegar puts it, “PINC combines inspiration with action, helping attendees turn transformative ideas into tangible impact.”
This year's conference is highlighted by the addition of the PINC Ideas Dinner, an open-air dinner party featuring a multi-course dinner and discussion in Overtown Square Park.
The now multi-day event, which includes the addition of the PINC Ideas Dinner Friday, sells out each year at the Sarasota Opera House with hundreds of engaged attendees, volunteers and community supporters.
"PINC wouldn’t be possible without the incredible support of our community. From the organizations and volunteers who bought into our vision from Day 1 and continue to do so year after year to the hardworking students and teachers at the Ringling College Design Center who reimagine PINC visually each year, it’s truly a team effort. Local creatives help bring the stage to life, volunteers go above and beyond...It’s a testament to the power of collaboration and the belief that bold ideas can change the world,” Pallegar said.
PINC is supported by local philanthropic organizations and community partners including the Gulf Coast Community Foundation, Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation and the Ringling College of Art & Design.
A Stage for Bold Thinkers
Over the past decade, PINC has hosted an eclectic array of speakers from around the world, each sharing insights that have resonated far beyond the stage. Past speakers have included design legend Stefan Sagmeister, autism self-advocate Temple Grandin and polar explorer Robert Swan, among others. These thought leaders represent a wide spectrum of fields — from cutting-edge technology and neuroscience to the arts and global sustainability — giving attendees a rare glimpse into groundbreaking ideas and creative problem-solving.
Looking Ahead
As PINC celebrates this milestone, DreamLarge is already setting its sights on the next decade. Pallegar envisions expanding the conference’s impact beyond Sarasota while continuing to nurture its roots in the city that embraced it from the start.
"We hope to continue this relationship for years to come. Looking ahead, we aspire to expand that magic - making it the most transformative day not just in Sarasota, but across Florida, the US, and beyond," Pallegar said.
To learn more about PINC, visit pincexperience.com/
