florida Florida A dynamic destination for dynamic meetings
Links to love No trip to Florida is complete without a few swings on one of the state’s scenic courses, and TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach offers two top-ranked, championship courses.
It may be the land of sun and fun, but Flori- da is uniquely positioned to host successful meetings and conventions. The state’s lush, subtropical landscape and endless ocean vis- tas help break down the barriers that often exist in the everyday ofice environment, and indeed, once meeting attendees cross the Florida state line, it’s almost impossible not to relax and bond with colleagues. But care- free doesn’t mean work-free, and among the palm trees, Florida is filled with state-of-the- art facilities suited to virtually any group size and budget — from one of the state’s many large convention centers down to polished boardrooms set within intimate boutique hotels.
Meanwhile, off-site venues for breakout
sessions and other group events help plan- ners push their creative boundaries. Ever host a reception beneath a 6.2-million-pound
moon rocket? Or a cocktail party in an ice lounge complete with a bar, chairs, and ped- estals made of ice along with frosty works of art? How about a breakout session over- looking a championship-level pool where Olympic swimmers train? Or an awards cer- emony surrounded by NASCAR vehicles and other racing memorabilia? All this and more is available to planners bringing groups to the Sunshine State. Even the experts in recreation and family
fun — the theme parks — can get down to business with exclusive areas and themed events created just for groups, including behind-the-scenes activities and experiences not available to the general public. If a more tranquil atmosphere suits the agenda, parks and nature preserves throughout the state can accommodate groups in on-site meet- ing facilities, including classrooms, outdoor
pavilions, and amphitheaters. Of course, once the PowerPoint presen-
tations have been packed away, meeting attendees are just like any visitors to the Sunshine State, eager to hit the golf course or the beach, paddle a pristine inland water- way, indulge themselves at a spa, or sample savory specialties — whether it’s Caribbean fare in South Florida or Southern-fried favor- ites in North Florida. So it’s no surprise why planners report increased attendance when their meeting is set there, and why so many attendees return with their families later. Must be the sunshine.