< Previousmeeting space — a $2 million restoration overseen by Wimberly Interiors. The project included a complete refurbish of the indoor meeting space, with a floor-to-ceiling transformation of walls, carpeting, light fixtures and furniture, drawing design inspiration from the vibrant desert color palette surrounding it. Furthermore, the property boasts nearly 36,000 sf of indoor and outdoor meeting space, including three ballrooms, several smaller breakout rooms, boardrooms and more. • This fall, Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Gainey Ranch will debut its newest outdoor venue — the Desert Garden. The space, located in a serene courtyard and surrounded by a grove of mesquite trees, includes a 1,600-sf lawn and a 3,700-sf patio. It was designed for casual group gatherings, such as team- building activities, outdoor breakouts, fitness classes and more. Hyatt Regency Scottsdale offers 70,000 sf of indoor and outdoor function space. • The Ritz-Carlton, Paradise Valley, which is set to open in fall 2022, will offer 20,000 sf of event space, and will feature 215 hotel rooms with private entrances, detached casitas, bungalows and oversized suites spread across 20 verdant acres. The ultra-luxe resort will showcase modern and sleek interiors, stunning views of Camelback Moun- tain, a 16,000-sf spa, and is located just minutes from downtown Scottsdale. • In 2023, Caesars Entertainment Corporation will open Caesars Repub- lic Scottsdale, its first non-gaming hotel in the United States. The 11-story glass structure will house 256 rooms, a bar and coffee shop, two signature restau- rants from Chef Giada De Laurentiis, a rooftop pool and a fitness center. While Scottsdale is typically known for its first-rate resorts, spas and golf courses, it is also a wonderland for those who love the outdoors. The Scottsdale McDowell Sonoran Preserve — untamed, protected desert land span- ning 35,500 acres — makes up a third of the city’s land mass. There, travelers can find 225 miles of trails for hiking and mountain biking of every level of difficulty, and hundreds of the city’s themeetingmagazines.comASSOCIATION CONVENTIONS & FACILITIESNOVEMBER 2021 Top, Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Gainey Ranch offers 70,000 sf of space; middle, attendees meet at an American Dental Hygienists’ Association event in Phoenix; bottom, the Phoenix Valley Metro Rail arrives. AMERICAN DENTAL HYGIENISTS’ ASSOCIATION 30trademark, statuesque Saguaro cacti. It also takes many visitors by surprise that there’s water in the desert. Attend- ees can enjoy guided kayak excursion trips to unexpected oases found on the Lower Salt River and Saguaro Lake with the chance to see bald eagles, river otters and wild horses. The wide range of outdoor options, from rugged treks through the desert via mountain bike or ATV to a serene hot-air balloon tour, or horseback ride, make the city an optimal choice for groups who want to experience nature. For those looking for a less action- packed, but equally as engaging experience, Scottsdale is home to a number of museums and attractions that will leave guests in awe, includ- ing UNESCO World Heritage Site and Scottsdale National Historic Landmark, Taliesin West, the former winter home and studio of famed architect, Frank Lloyd Wright. Not only is it a working architecture school and great for an afternoon architecture tour, it is also a breathtaking space for an evening event, in which attendees can stroll through its dramatic terraces and gar- dens overlooking the beautiful Sonoran Desert at sunset. As Blubaum explains, Scottsdale is teeming with venue options aplenty. One such venue is Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia. Nestled at the base of Camelback Mountain, this resort Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia is a destination for meet- ings and events that allows its group clients the opportunity to reach their potential. The meetings and events experience will be enhanced by Mon- telucia’s famous old-world charm, arch- ing entryways, splashing fountains and meandering walkways. With more than 29,000 sf of total meeting space, Omni Montelucia also offers meeting plan- ners a wide range of venues ranging from the elegant Alhambra Ballroom to showstopping outdoor spaces comple- mented by breathtaking views of iconic Camelback Mountain. With access to three sparking pools, newly refreshed kitchen and bar at Oasis Pool with pri- vate cabanas, the property’s 31,000-sf landmark Joya Spa, and decadent Span- ish-Inspired dining, attendees will have everything they need at their fingertips. PHOENIX Phoenix has outstanding weather, great outdoor venues and spaces, a plethora of signature hotel and resort choices with sophisticated service, and a variety of entertain- ment and activities throughout the destination. Phoenix is also one of a handful of cities that has a thriving downtown environ- ment for both urban meetings and conventions, along with more than 40 resort choices. “Metro Phoenix is one of the hottest markets in the U.S. for hotel development,” says Ronnie Collins, director of sales at Visit Phoenix. “We currently have several projects in construction, as well as many others in the pipeline. In addition, Phoenix is a large sports market with all major sports repre- sented. Visitors can catch a game at State Farm Stadium, home of the NFL’s Arizona Cardinals and the site of Super Bowl LVII in February 2023; the newly named Footprint Center, which is home to the NBA’s Phoenix Suns and WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury; and Chase Field, home of MLB’s Arizona Diamond- backs. Several concert venues, art gal- leries and live theater options are also in the mix. “With the majestic Sonoran Desert as our backyard, hiking, biking, hot-air ballooning, cookouts and other adventures in the desert are available NOVEMBER 2021 themeetingmagazines.comASSOCIATION CONVENTIONS & FACILITIES The Tucson skyline, pictured. The Tucson Expo Center is strategically located near Tucson International Airport, and features 155,000 sf of space ready for meetings and special events. Ronnie Collins Director of Sales Visit Phoenix Hiking, biking, hot-air ballooning, cookouts and other adventures in the desert are available for every type of traveler and event. 31The Pima County Health Department is dedicated to protecting the public health. As businesses reopen or resume more normal operations, it is imperative that they take measures to protect employees and the public from the spread of COVID-19. The County has adopted a set of minimum protective health and safety measures for restaurants, bars, fitness centers, and hotel and resort pools to follow. Participating businesses have pledged to adhere to these guidelines and are certified for compliance by the Pima County Health Department. Our shared responsibility to protect public health FIND OUT MORETucsonOnUs.com for every type of traveler and event,” Collins says. For Leah Johnson, CMP, DES, director of meetings & conventions at the American Dental Hygienists’ Association, a few key factors con- tributed to the association’s selection of Phoenix for a three-day confer- ence consisting of education sessions, keynote speakers and a trade show for dental hygienists. “We had just over 1,000 attendees and exhibitors attend the conference, which is about 60% of our normal numbers. The event was held at the Phoenix Con- vention Center,” Johnson says. “The factors that helped us select Phoenix were the overall costs at the conven- tion center, which was appealing for our group. In addition, the hotels offered affordable room rates for our attendees, who are very price sensi- tive. Another factor was the upcoming development in the downtown area, including more restaurants, retail, residential and off-site venue options. The convenient location of the air- port, the downtown tram system and the overall walkability in the area also were a plus.” Johnson says meeting planners should make sure to use the resources that the Visit Phoenix team and the convention center team provide. “They have so much to offer, including the Ambassador program,” Johnson says. “Both partners truly are full service, and genuinely want to make sure you have a successful event. They are your biggest allies.” Phoenix, and nearby areas such as Tempe, are teeming with hotels and resorts that offer ideal options for meetings and events of all sizes. With convenient accessibility to nearby Phoenix, and as the largest new hotel to debut in Tempe, in nearly four decades, The Westin Tempe features a new signature restaurant and the Valley’s highest open-air rooftop bar and lounge. The full-service hotel boasts 290 spacious guest rooms and suites and approximately 21,000 sf of indoor and outdoor event space. In contrast with its ground-level coun- terpart, Skysill Rooftop Lounge soars above the city on the hotel’s 18th floor, making it the highest open-air roof- top bar in town. During the day, the venue offers a hip, relaxing escape with its rooftop pool, jacuzzi, daybeds and cabanas, and large video screen overlooking the vast metropolitan Phoenix area. As the sun sets over the mountain horizon, it then transitions to a luxurious lounge where all levels of service and experience are elevated. TUCSON Tucson is home to the idyllic El Conquistador Tucson, a Hilton Resort, which offers nearly 45,000 sf of indoor meeting space. Offering two 12,000-sf ballrooms, an executive conference center, as well as spectacular outdoor venues with beautiful views of the surrounding mountains, El Conquista- dor Tucson can accommodate groups both large and small. While the property was last renovated in late 2017, it recently built a new standalone spa, SpaWell, in fall 2020. El Conquistador Tucson offers an array of indoor and outdoor activities to keep attendees refreshed, relaxed and inspired. For planners looking for expansive options for large-scale events, the Tuc- son Expo Center is an ideal option. Strategically located near Tucson International Airport, the Tucson Expo Center features 155,000 sf of space ready for meetings, special events and confer- ences. Located on a 17-acre property with more than 1,000 parking spaces, the Tucson Expo Center features ample renovated exhibit space, which acts as a multipurpose facility that can accommodate a variety of events. With the capacity to hold up to 900 exhibit spaces, the Tucson Expo Center also features ballrooms and halls that offer a range of sizes. Located on 100 acres in the Sonoran Desert, the 398-guest room Loews Ven- tana Canyon Resort in Tucson is a warm weather, nature lover’s paradise that offers a little something for everyone. From the resort’s beautiful Window Walk nature trail, and quick access to Ventana Trail and Sabino Canyon for hiking, to the 80-foot natural waterfall and award-winning Lakeside Spa, meet- ing attendees can experience relaxation and adventure all in one place. Relaxation and adventure — that sums up Arizona perfectly. | AC&F | themeetingmagazines.comASSOCIATION CONVENTIONS & FACILITIESNOVEMBER 2021 Attendees at the American Dental Hygienists’ Association event enjoy the festivities. The three-day conference consisted of education sessions, keynote speakers and a trade show. Leah Johnson, CMP, DES Director of Meetings & Conventions American Dental Hygienists’ Association Both partners truly are full service, and genuinely want to make sure you have a successful event. They are your biggest allies. AMERICAN DENTAL HYGIENISTS’ ASSOCIATION 32The Pima County Health Department is dedicated to protecting the public health. As businesses reopen or resume more normal operations, it is imperative that they take measures to protect employees and the public from the spread of COVID-19. The County has adopted a set of minimum protective health and safety measures for restaurants, bars, fitness centers, and hotel and resort pools to follow. Participating businesses have pledged to adhere to these guidelines and are certified for compliance by the Pima County Health Department. Our shared responsibility to protect public health FIND OUT MORETucsonOnUs.comDESTINATIONREPORT Meetings on the Rise in the Sunshine State themeetingmagazines.comASSOCIATION CONVENTIONS & FACILITIESNOVEMBER 2021 D ana Young, president & CEO of Visit Florida, says domestic visitation to the state is up 6% from 2019 levels. And, in spite of continued restrictions on interna- tional travel at the time, estimates are that 1.1 million international travelers visited Florida in Q2 of 2021 — an 854% increase over 2020. “Florida tourism’s skyrocketing growth in Q2 2021 is an incredible achievement for our state’s economic recovery and underscores the effectiveness of Visit Florida’s market- ing,” Young says. While those numbers aren’t specific to meetings and conventions, we had no trouble finding groups to verify that in- person meetings are back in the “Sun- shine State” — at times in new ways. Building on a PCMA meeting for- mat from January 2021, ASAE held a virtual annual convention, but added pop-up, face-to-face meetings in 10 destinations to give attendees the option of in-person networking and learning. One of those pop ups took place in late summer at the Palm Beach County Convention Center (PBCCC), hosted by Discover The Palm Beaches (DTPB). “We partnered with ASAE to give members the abil- ity to reconnect at an in-person event, and to show planners how they could successfully hold meetings in these unprecedented times,” says Jorge Pes- quera, president & CEO of Discover The Palm Beaches. “We provided over 70 association professionals with edu- cation and inspiration from our local leaders, and challenged them to think differently when it comes to planning their own meetings. Finally, we took the opportunity to highlight The Palm Beaches, and attendees were able to see and hear firsthand the distinct features and offerings that set our destination apart. This includes our meetings-ready area hotels, culinary scene, attractions and more.” Dan Melesurgo, alliance partner growth & strategy leader with ASAE, agrees that, overall, the concept was successful. “Since the 2021 meeting was going virtual, we thought this would be the perfect opportunity for mem- bers to engage F2F in various markets around the country. We also thought this would be a great way to engage our alliance partners by offering them the opportunity to host a pop-up event.” He does wish that they’d been able to engage more people via the pop-ups. Not surprisingly, some locations were more successful than others. “Wash- ington, D.C. and Chicago were the best attended,” Melesurgo says, adding that both have large association communi- ties, which drove attendance. Certainly pop-up attendees were happy to be back in a creative, F2F BY CHRISTINE LOOMIS Florida ETHOS EVENT COLLECTIVE / THE RITZ-CARLTON, AMELIA ISLAND 34environment. One aspect of that may be related to the fact that partners, includ- ing DTPB, offered additional destina- tion activities that, Melesurgo says, “provided a robust networking and learning opportunity for attendees.” Is this a blueprint for future meet- ings? Pesquera thinks it could be. “The ASAE pop-up event was a fabulous blueprint for The Palm Beaches and other organizations on how to exe- cute a hybrid event successfully and collaborate with partners to provide a safe, experiential and memorable meeting,” Pesquera says. “ASAE mem- bers received inspiring and educa- tional content while getting to enjoy Florida’s finest travel experience and our signature hospitality. We were able to bring our community partners together, like our local artists, coffee roasters and even fresh coconut ven- dors, to emphasize how collaboration and partner activation customizes events and benefits everyone.” Pesquera thinks hybrid meetings are here for the foreseeable future. “We believe the hybrid meeting format is viable for months and even years to come,” he says. “It provides in-person attendees with a safe event experience and a feel for the destination, while still allowing organizations to reach a more expansive audience, and the opportunity to upgrade content with talent and speakers from anywhere in the world.” Whether ASAE will retain this exact concept going forward remains uncer- tain. “We haven’t finished the evalua- tion process,” Melesurgo says, “but I do think our goal will be to drive F2F attendance in the future.” CHANGES TAKING PLACE In-person meetings are back in Miami, too. In early fall, an associa- tion group of 750 financial and insur- ance professionals met for an incen- tive program at Loews Miami Beach Hotel. Joe Fijol, DMCP, and principal, ETHOS Event Collective, says COVID- 19 has created many changes in the meeting planning process — including where groups meet. “We’ve needed to rethink meetings from start to finish,” Fijol says. “[Such as] adjusting our planning and operating procedures for things like transportation, seating, off- site experiences, hotel check-ins, reg- istration and dine-arounds. Today, we must carefully manage expectations, as 35 NOVEMBER 2021 themeetingmagazines.comASSOCIATION CONVENTIONS & FACILITIES Above, Florida offers an abundance of venues that allow for receptions, dinners and other types of beachside activities. Left, ETHOS Event Collective recently hosted a Backyard BBQ event, complete with live music, at the The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island near Jacksonville on Florida’s Atlantic coast. © LEE COUNTY VISITOR & CONVENTION BUREAUdetails often change from planning to execution. In terms of destinations, COVID has changed how planners make selections. In fact, the meeting [at Loews Miami Beach Hotel] was moved from an international destina- tion as they could no longer travel out of the country.” Travel is still a powerful incentive. “The client polled attendees to gauge interest and concerns, and found most wanted to travel,” Fijol says. This meeting was fully in-person, and Fijol adds that he’s seeing interest in virtual meetings declining dramatically com- pared to even six months ago. “Most companies are looking for our assis- tance to meet responsibly in-person,” he says. He adds that the group chose Miami for its weather, cultural offer- ings and outdoor activities. “Miami,” he says, “is a top destination for meeting and event planners because it always offers something new and cutting edge. It has A-list appeal, an array of unique cultural experiences and an energy that creates excitement the minute attendees land.” Also key was Miami’s flexibility, given that the client had trouble finding avail- ability for a group of its size on short notice. “Miami and The Loews Miami Beach were able to make accommoda- tions,” Fijol says. He also has high praise for the [Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau]. “The [GMCVB] offers a great way for planners to get a high- level view of any destination and deter- mine the best fit for their group. For this program, they provided real-time infor- mation about local COVID-19 cases and changes to restrictions,” Fijol says. “As this meeting was moved to Miami from another destination, up-to-date infor- mation was critical for the three months leading up to the event. Additionally, Miami’s weather and large number of open-air venues, restaurants and experi- ences make it easier for groups to socially distance. Moreover, Miami has the appeal of an international destination with its unique range of cultural experiences.” Fijol calls Miami “a market that’s constantly changing” and says the CVB is “a great partner and resource for information, as well as a leader in pro- moting Miami both domestically and abroad to drive group business.” The Loews was also a valuable part- ner in the meeting’s success. “The Loews Miami Beach was able to provide the space and amenities needed on very short notice,” Fijol says. “It’s in the heart of South Beach, attend- ees were in safe walking dis- tance to most experiences and had premier access to the beach.” Additional standouts at the property for this group, Fijol says, include “ample outdoor space, beach services and the overall range of amenities that offered activities for smaller groups. For other groups, the unique opportunity to do an event on the beach is a popular reason for select- ing this property. This group had never been to Miami,” he adds. “Following their experience, they expressed an interested in returning. Our team has been doing events in Miami for over a decade, and has worked with the Loews Miami Beach to plan and execute meet- ings and events for five years. It’s a spe- cial destination and hotel.” For those planning a meeting in these challenging times, Fijol advises: “Allow for more time in the planning process to build in contingencies that support operations when changes occur. There are so many new questions that need to be asked to ensure program success and attendee safety,” he says. “Lean on local experts to help identify potential issues and leverage past expe- rience. In some ways, it’s a whole new world, so local experience navigating these recent challenges is important to mitigate risk. For Miami, consider a meeting or event in the summer or early fall, as price and availability are better than in winter and spring months.” ‘ALMOST HEAVEN’ Orlando is one of the country’s premier meeting destinations, and the choice for the late spring 2021 Chris- tian Music Broadcasters Momentum conference more than 700 attendees. The event was based at the Loews Sap- phire Falls Resort. Like other planners, Michelle Younkman, executive direc- tor, Christian Music Broadcasters, has made adjustments during COVID. “In themeetingmagazines.comASSOCIATION CONVENTIONS & FACILITIES Loews Sapphire Falls Resort hosted the 2021 Christian Music Broadcasters Momentum conference. The more than 700 attendees enjoyed the resort’s many amenities. Joe Fijol, DMCP Principal, ETHOS Event Collective Miami is a top destination for meeting and event planners because it always offers something new and cutting edge. NOVEMBER 202136addition to our annual Momentum event, we offer smaller events through- out the year. We’ve moved four of those to virtual,” she says. “We’re planning three more in-person meetings in 2021. Attendance is significantly impacted by COVID, but we’re not offering a vir- tual component with these upcoming events because we’ve found that our attendees have Zoom fatigue. In-person events are necessary for mentoring and hands-on opportunities. Our attendees are ready to get back to being around their industry peers. Bringing our com- munity together is essential to creating the inspiration, direction and purpose that our industry is craving right now.” Orlando is a good fit. “Everyone wants to go to Orlando. Throw in the theme parks and it’s almost heaven,” Younkman says. “When we did a cost analysis, overall, Loews Sapphire Falls Resort was the best fit financially for our attendees as well. Most of our attendees come from the nonprofit world, so to attend an event at such a luxurious resort is a huge benefit to them. A significant number of attendees bring their families so they can enjoy the resort post conference. The conve- nience of the theme parks is a big win.” But Loews offers something even more significant. “Everyone involved on the conference side — from sales to the conference manager, to cater- ing — is exceptional to work with. They all go above and beyond for our group. We’ve had many challenges throughout the years [hurricanes and COVID], and we’ve weathered them together. Their partnership means so much to us that we’re not willing to move locations. They play a vital role in the success of our Momentum event,” she adds. Additionally, Younkman notes, “I love that the hotel is adjacent to the convention space. That makes it very appealing. The pricing is respectable, and the brand is a trusted name.” But it’s the Loews Sapphire Falls team that really stands out. “[The] complex man- aging director welcomed us with open arms. [And] our convention manager went above and beyond for our group. She had just returned from being fur- loughed and was amazing to work with. We can’t say enough great things about [our convention manager]. [Also], our sales rep is definitely the best in the business and always made us feel like we were his top priority. The team at Loews Sapphire Falls is like family to us.” The group previously met at the Loews Royal Pacific Resort, also in the Universal Orlando Resort complex. “We love the space at Loews Royal Pacific,” Younkman says, “but Loews Sapphire Falls has a more fresh and warm appeal to it.” Her tip for those considering Loews Sapphire: “Know that this hotel is very flexible. They will make sure your attendees understand that their safety is the top priority. One tip is to use their beautiful outdoor space. It’s very unique.” BACK UP YOUR PLANS Walt Disney World Swan and Dol- phin Resort is another superb Orlando meeting property with easy access to theme parks. In early summer, the Metal Powder Industries Federation (MPIF) ran its hybrid PowderMet2021/ AMPM2021 meeting with a total of 530 attendees. However, Diane Haggerty, CMP, director, events, exhibits & adver- tising, says 850 to 900 is typical. Like other planners, Haggerty emphasizes the necessity for back-up plans — “and back-up plans to those back-up plans. With COVID causing such a fluid environment, we need to adjust how we execute meetings and the protocols we put in place. We need to share and relay that information to attendees, so they know what to expect on-site,” she says. “Our attendees want to get back out, travel again and meet in person. How- ever, their corporate policies may restrict them from doing so. We started to see travel restrictions being relaxed, but with the surge of the Delta variant in many areas, these restrictions [were] being instituted again.” For the recent event, Haggerty says, “We felt it was important to offer the in-person experience for those who were comfortable and willing to travel, but we also needed to provide for those who were not able to attend, whether because of international restrictions or company restrictions,” she says. “The next meeting coming up this year will be fully in-person, and we’re expecting around 100 people.” Orlando, Haggerty notes, works well for this group. “It’s a great location and easy for our attendees to travel to. It’s also great because many of our attendees bring their families along and make a vacation before or after the conference,” she says, adding that the resort is also a good fit. “We selected The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin because of its outstanding convention services and themeetingmagazines.comASSOCIATION CONVENTIONS & FACILITIES Michelle Younkman, executive director, Christian Music Broadcasters, says one of the reasons they chose Loews Sapphire Falls is because the resort’s team ‘is like family to us.’ Michelle Younkman Executive Director Christian Music Broadcasters Everyone wants to go to Orlando. Throw in the theme parks and it’s almost heaven. The convenience of the theme parks is a big win. NOVEMBER 202137Southwest Florida’s inspirational surroundings that help you lead more productive meetings Expert conference services team for a seamless experience between planning and event Wide variety of accommodations and meeting rooms near Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) Health and safety are a top priority Planning is different now. We can help. Call 1-800-237-6444 or submit an RFP at FortMyers-SanibelMeetings.com WE HELP YOU MAKE IT LOOK EASY. YOU’RE THE ONE WHO innovation. SPARKS reputation for hosting meetings. The service we receive at the property is exceptional,” Haggerty says. “The staff is accommodating, supportive, personable and on top of all the details. Our confer- ence fits perfectly within the meeting space at the Dolphin; we can keep our meeting self-contained with sleeping rooms and meeting space in the same building. We can work with the staff to customize menus and talk through room set-ups. You can tell they’re listening and absorbing all the details of our meeting as they don’t miss a beat. The location is fan- tastic, being right on Disney property.” Haggerty calls the resort’s conven- tion services manager exceptional. “I can’t put into words how wonderful it is to work with him. No matter what I threw [his] way, he was able to help come up with a great solution and I always felt he had our best interest in mind. He has a calming demeanor that makes me feel confident in his abilities and puts my mind at ease. He’s so detailed oriented — he remembers everything,” she says, “Not one detail goes undone, and he executes his job flawlessly. I wish there was [one like him] at every property I work with, as it would certainly reduce my stress levels.” Haggerty also lauds the F&B. “We held a dinner at the property where we worked with our catering manager to create a food-truck environment. The hotel was able to showcase its house- made barbecue sauces and all of the food was phenomenal,” she says. Haggerty has extensive experience with the resort, both with a previous organization and with MPIF. “We’ll absolutely return,” she says. “We like to keep Orlando, and the Swan and Dol- phin, on our rotation every few years. I never had any concerns about the hotel. They have their protocols in place and they walked us through everything. They had groups in-house early in the pandemic, which gave them the advan- tage to see how the new normal works best and ways that protocols can be improved. The property is clean, and I would see hotel staff throughout the themeetingmagazines.comASSOCIATION CONVENTIONS & FACILITIESNOVEMBER 2021 Top, Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort offers more than 300,000 sf of meeting space; middle, Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood offers 13.5 acres of recreational waterscape; and bottom, Captiva Island offers beautiful, white-sand beaches on Florida’s Gulf Coast. PHOTO BY BRIAN TIETZ 38Southwest Florida’s inspirational surroundings that help you lead more productive meetings Expert conference services team for a seamless experience between planning and event Wide variety of accommodations and meeting rooms near Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) Health and safety are a top priority Planning is different now. We can help. Call 1-800-237-6444 or submit an RFP at FortMyers-SanibelMeetings.com WE HELP YOU MAKE IT LOOK EASY. YOU’RE THE ONE innovation. SPARKSNext >