< Previousnightlife, shopping and across from the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. After years of litigation delays, the $500 million Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans opened late last summer. It’s a three-year transformation of one of the city’s most prominent buildings, the 34-story, former World Trade Cen- ter designed by celebrated Modernist architect Edward Durell Stone, who is also responsible for Radio City Music Hall and the Kennedy Center for Per- forming Arts. The building — added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2014 — sat vacant for years at the foot of Canal Street, just steps from both the French Quarter and the Mis- sissippi River banks. Two separate restaurants at the Four Seasons, Miss River and Chemin à la Mer, prepare regional cuisine in an elevated fashion, along with offering innovative takes on classic New Orleans cocktails. An extensive art collection featuring local and international artists is displayed throughout the building, and the 33rd and 34th floors are home to an indoor/outdoor observation deck and cultural exhibit featuring the only 360-degree panoramic riverfront views of New Orleans. It’s a spectacu- lar venue available for private events. The hotel offers 341 guest rooms, plus 92 private residences, and 29,000 sf of flexible meetings space on one level, making it one of Four Seasons’ largest properties in the world. Not to be outdone, The Ritz-Carl- ton, New Orleans, which offers 35,000 sf of meetings and events space, used the pandemic to complete a renovation of its spa and add a new rooftop suite, The Residence. The 3,200-sf, two-bed- room penthouse suite includes a fully equipped kitchen and a dining room for 10, a fireplace in the primary bedroom and a curated art collection showcas- ing regional artists. The suite’s 3,500- sf terrace offers sweeping panoramic views of New Orleans. With more than 1.1 million sf of con- tiguous event space, the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center remains the nation’s sixth-largest con- vention facility. In 2018, the convention center embarked on a five-year, $557 million capital improvement project. Completed to date: New digital signage for all meeting rooms; a new, centrally located transportation center and shut- tle hub; renovation of all 35 restrooms and creation of a new linear park that converted 7.5 acres fronting the facility into a lush pedestrian park with water elements, live event spaces and public art installations. This year, the convention center anticipates upgrading all 140 meet- ing rooms and overhauling the facil- ity’s technology — cables and Wi-Fi — along with repurposing some the exist- ing public spaces and a $40 million replacement of the center’s roof, along with other back-of-house improve- ments. The overall project is expected to be completed by the end of 2023. Always a Go-To Destination New Orleans has always been a go-to site for the annual meeting of one finan- cial services company. “The city’s loca- tion makes it an easily accessible destina- tion for those who not only live nearby, but for those who must fly in as well,” says the regional manager, who over- sees planning for the company’s Annual Top Producer Meeting. “There is a lot of culture in the city that helps to set some of the backdrop for an off-site meeting and event. When looking for a venue, New Orleans offers quite a variety in the accommodations department. Price is a concern, but we have not had to sacrifice quality due to the variety of hotels.” For the 75-attendee gathering that took place early this year, the company Courtesy of Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans The New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center is in the midst of a five-year, $557 million capital improvement project. Photo courtesy of New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans offers 341 guest rooms, plus 92 private residences, and 29,000 sf of flexible meetings space on one level. 50 February/March 2022 | Corporate & Incentive Travel | TheMeetingMagazines.comchose the Higgins Hotel & Conference Center, an unusual spinoff from the acclaimed National WWII Museum, located in the Warehouse District less than a half-mile from the city’s conven- tion center. Named for Andrew Higgins, who designed and built more than 20,000 boats in New Orleans that were used in every major amphibious assault of World War II, the museum focuses on the contribution made by the United States to Allied victory during the war. The facility has long been a popular venue for hosting meetings and events, and features several unique private events spaces, including the U.S. Freedom Pavilion, capable of seating 650 for dinner beneath six vin- tage WWII aircraft. Just prior to the start of the pandemic, the 230-room Higgins Hotel & Conference Center opened adjacent to the museum, replete with specialty suites, a full-service restaurant, lounge and rooftop bar. Now part of the Curio Collection by Hilton, the hotel’s sec- ond-floor conference center offers more than 18,000 sf of meetings and events space, including the 6,566-sf Arcadia Ballroom. “We chose The Hig- gins because we were looking for more than just a hotel experience,” the plan- ner says. “The hotel offered a glimpse back in time regarding our rich history within the U.S., a hotel experience we have not had in the past. The Higgins provides a feeling that takes a person back in time for a glimpse of what our previous generation sacrificed for us as Americans. The WWII décor lent itself for added conversation with our team.” The pandemic forced the company to postpone its annual event several times. “But we stayed in contact with The Hig- gins and were finally able to move for- ward,” she says. “Planning an event was not easy during the pandemic, but the hotel’s staff was patient, understanding and ready when we were finally able to hold our event. We were given COVID protocols from the venue, as well as for the city of New Orleans. By having the protocols early on in our planning, we were able to let our attendees know well in advance what would be required of them for this group meeting. Our attend- ees were more than prepared to attend.” The planner says the Higgins’ on-site event manager took time to understand her vision for the meeting and accommo- dated several walk-throughs to review all of the potential meetings spaces and sleeping room options. “The meeting space was more than adequate and felt warm and inviting,” she says. “The hotel was very clean, hotel staff was very polite and accommodating, the price was good and the meeting space served our needs.” She notes that the hotel’s F&B depart- ment was easy to work with, offering a large selection of food that was delicious. The planner also notes the Rosie the Riveter-themed rooftop bar and lounge that accommodates 175 for recep- tions or 140 seated. “It is an inviting outdoor space for entertaining, with the downtown city lights offering a scenic backdrop. And the WWII Museum provided an incred- ible space to have our dinner event, rich with history,” she says. “The Higgins is a worthwhile destination and offers so much to do around the hotel, with the WWII Museum across the street where one could spend days wandering the halls of history.” Much like New Orleans itself, one might say. C&IT The unique culture of New Orleans, rooted in music, food and history, has long kept the city atop the list for meeting planners and attendees. Below, the National WWII Museum offers a glimpse of the sacrifices made to win the war. Photo courtesy of National WWII Museum Photo by Todd Coleman TheMeetingMagazines.com | Corporate & Incentive Travel | February/March 2022 51Puerto Rico Attractive Island Offers Plenty of Tradition and Culture BY NANCY MUELLER DESTINATION // 52 February/March 2022 | Corporate & Incentive Travel | TheMeetingMagazines.comhe allure of beautiful Puerto Rico as a meet- ings destination shines bright, attracting wellness seekers rejuvenated by year round tropical weather, warm local hospitality, and diverse culinary and cultural experiences — all within easy access from mainland USA. No need for a passport, customs check, cur- rency conversion, or international phone plan when flying or cruising to the “Isla del Encanto” — Island of Enchantment. Infused with a unique culture in a festive atmosphere set in colorful surroundings, Puerto Rico offers old- and new-world charm with plenty of opportunities for relaxation, celebration and adventure. About 100 miles long, 35 miles wide and comprising seven unique regions, Puerto Rico is the easternmost island among the Greater Antilles. Most visi- tors enter the island by way of the capi- tal city, San Juan — parts of which are a UNESCO World Heritage site — rich in 500 years of indigenous, European and African influences. And where bet- ter to enjoy the home of the piña colada or savor mofongo —the ultimate comfort food of deep-fried plantains mashed with garlic and salt-fried pork or pork cracklings with butter or oil? Yet, beyond the traditional foods and craft cocktails that define the essence of Puerto Rico’s flavors, the cuisine scene’s constant evo- lution invites discovery around every culinary corner, cementing Puerto Rico’s status as a foodie paradise. “We are proud the island is listed on Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel list for 2022, proving interest in Puerto Rico is still strong,” says Brad Dean, CEO of Discover Puerto Rico. “To meeting planners looking to book upcoming meetings on the island, I recommend immersing your group in many of the experiences we have. Immerse in our culture. Planners constantly tell us that they are so glad they built in free time for their attendees to explore the island or planned pre- and post-days into their itineraries. They also tell us how warm and friendly our residents are — so be sure to find that local tour guide or uti- lize one of our amazing DMC partners to customize an authentic experience your attendees will never forget.” When it comes to local attractions, El Yunque Rainforest — the only rain- forest in the U.S. forest system — pink salt flats and three of the world’s five bioluminescent bays offer abundant opportunities to renew body, mind and spirit. Outdoor activities on the island include the longest zip line in the Americas — “El Monstruo” at Toro Verde Adventure Park, scuba diving at several sites across the island’s waters, golfing and rainforest hiking among the plethora of available options. For guided tours, Dean recommends SPOON, “Puerto Rico’s highest-quality culinary and cultural tourism com- pany, to learn about Puerto Rico’s his- tory, architecture and gastronomy,” as well as “sample both modern and tra- ditional Puerto Rican cuisine and cock- tails.” And in celebration of San Juan’s 500th anniversary, Dean cites “a new walking tour that takes attendees down the cobblestone streets to explore colo- nial architecture and secret pathways to learn about the island’s history as one among several transformational experi- ences unique to the island and traveler.” MEETING VENUES Dean cites more than 163 hotel options on the island, and nearly 14,500 hotel rooms open and operating that are endorsed by the Puerto Rico Tour- ism Company (PRTC), including a total of eight, 5-star properties and 15, 4-star properties.” In addition to world-class hotels and resorts, meeting spaces range from the 600,000-sf Puerto Rico Conven- tion Center (PRCC), to intimate coffee haciendas, historic homes, family-oper- ated paradores, museums and rum distill- eries, and all provide endless possibilities for creating magical, memorable events. Described as “the largest and most technologically advanced meeting facil- ity in the region,” the centrally located PRCC is “also one of the greenest,” Dean says, “with a 20,000-panel solar array and numerous other initiatives focused on sustainability.” With state-of-the-art video conferencing capabilities, an on- site lobby lounge, 152,700-sf exhibit hall and 15 meeting rooms that can be recon- figured into 28 breakout rooms, PRCC provides meeting space for 10 to 10,000 attendees. In addition, PRCC serves as anchor to the vibrant Convention Cen- ter District, with the recent opening of Distrito T-Mobile, a 5-acre complex that offers a multisensory, audiovisual and technologically advanced experi- ence, combining the best in global retail, destination dining with 12 eateries, art, entertainment, music, technology, and hospitality, notes Dean, with proximity to San Juan neighborhoods and Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport. Meeting services at PRCC include a dedicated Sales & Destination Support Services Team to assist with all meeting needs, such as site selection, transporta- tion, marketing and group excursions, plus advice on activities — cultural, team building and volunteer projects that sup- port corporate social responsibility (CSR). A PRIME LOCATION The iconic Fairmont El San Juan Hotel’s prime location is one of the hotel’s unique attributes, notes Tara Leigh Dickie, director of event sales & Photos courtesy of Discover Puerto Rico Puerto Rico offers some of the world's most beautiful beaches, left. Above, some of the many experiences on the island include helicopter tours. TheMeetingMagazines.com | Corporate & Incentive Travel | February/March 2022 53services. It can be found on 2 miles of award-winning Isla Verde Beach, just five minutes away from Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport and 15 min- utes away from historic Old San Juan. “If these walls could talk,” Dickie says, “they would share stories of 1960s society headliners crooning in the nightclub, and generations of locals celebrating life’s greatest milestones in the ballrooms.” She adds, “Fairmont El San Juan Hotel offers guests genuine Puerto Rican hos- pitality and a luxury lifestyle experience complete with a luxe full-service spa, world-class fitness center, retail shops, lively entertainment and non-stop gam- ing action at the newly renovated Fox- woods El San Juan Casino.” The property operates under Accor’s ALLSAFE certification label and PRTC’s Health & Safety Seal. A variety of newly renovated guest rooms at Fairmont El San Juan provide several options, from suites to poolside to oceanfront villas. “In the Banyan Villa Room, the essence of Puerto Rico’s rainforests surround our guests,” Dickie says. “A one-story room features one king bed, an oversized dual- head shower, and a private terrace with direct access to the pools and beautiful gardens. Floral aromas waft over from the gardens, while guests can also enjoy the island’s nature from the comfort of their private enclosed terrace.” With nearly 30,000 sf of versatile indoor/outdoor meetings space, a ball- room, theater and nine meeting rooms, conference organizers have a host of options for scheduling their meetings, from intimate board retreats to full-scale galas. “Our Fairmont hospitality is well known with event planners around the world,” Dickie says. Meeting attendees can immerse themselves in traditional San Juan culture from the moment of arrival, while hotel ambassadors can assist with logistics, such as airport trans- fers, spouse tours, off-site events and more. “Visiting delegates will have an array of exciting options without having to leave the property,” Dickie says. “Our advice: Be sure to allow time in their busy schedules to enjoy it all.” That includes the casino, with 15,000 sf of non-stop gaming action, including nearly 300 slot machines and 14 tables featuring favor- ites such as craps, roulette and blackjack. Guest fitness programs range from group exercise classes to private yoga instruc- tion, to Sound Therapy and Float Fit, a group paddleboard workout. In dining, “Crudo Sushi & Asian Plates at The Lobby are very popular right now,” Dickie says. “Here, guests have the opportunity to savor signa- ture cocktails, sushi and more delicious Asian dishes, all by the radiant aura of our Czechoslovakian crystal centerpiece. Among our signature rolls, guests can indulge in the classic EL SAN JUAN roll made of pork recaíto, maduros, refrito and chicharrones.” Echoing what many in the travel and tourism indus- try think, Dickie recognizes that “People are ready to meet again, as they have missed human interaction after all this time in quaran- tine and isolation,” she says. “They are tired of looking at faceless boxes on a computer screen, and are excited to go back to connect personally again with others at a beautiful location like Fair- mont El San Juan.” Another iconic venue on the island is the Caribe Hilton Hotel. Vionesse Serra, president of Serra & Serra Group, has coordinated several medical educa- tion events at the venerable resort. “The Caribbean is undoubtedly one of the most complete and attractive tourist des- tinations worldwide,” Serra says. “For our event, we sought a hotel that also had a historical background representative of our island. The Caribe Hilton brand is synonymous with Puerto Rico, and we wanted our international guests to have a first-class Puerto Rican and Caribbean experience at a Puerto Rican icon.” Letty Rivero, director of sales & marketing at Caribe Hilton, cites the property’s outstanding event features, which include 652 recently renovated guest rooms with balconies, garden or ocean views and Serenity beds. “[There is] more than 65,000 sf of versatile meeting space, which incorporates two ballrooms and plenty of picturesque outdoor event spaces, inclusive of the resort’s beach, sprawling oceanfront pool area, sweeping gardens, gazebo, terraces and more,” Rivero says. “In addition to plenty of outdoor space, the hotel provides groups with the option to keep accommodations within one building or wing of the hotel to Courtesy of Discover Puerto Rico Fairmont El San Juan Hotel offers 30,000 sf of versatile indoor/ outdoor meetings space, a ballroom, theater and nine meeting rooms. 54 February/March 2022 | Corporate & Incentive Travel | TheMeetingMagazines.com We wanted our international guests to have a first-class Puerto Rican and Caribbean experience at a Puerto Rican icon. VIONESSE SERRA President, Serra & Serra GroupMEET IN PUERTO RICO. The colors of Puerto Rico are ready to inspire you. Green to encourage balance. Blue to improve performance. Orange to promote enthusiasm. Our vivid color palette, along with vibrant immersive experiences, creates the perfect backdrop for your next meeting. You won’t even need a passport to get inspired. Meet in full color in Puerto Rico. Learn more at DiscoverPuertoRico.com/Meetings.minimize interactions with other guests. Our meeting and event space is big enough to accommodate convention- sized groups, yet the property offers a true leisure feel so groups get the best of both worlds and enjoy San Juan in style.” With so many planners seeking “unique local experiences representative of the destination’s heritage and culture,” Rivero says, “Caribe Hilton continues to look for innovative experiences that do just that. Two very popular experiences happen to be the mofongo-making and the piña colada demonstration. Caribe Hilton is the birthplace of the famed cocktail, after all.” Additional on-site group amenities include a secluded beach, oceanfront swimming pools, snorkeling and ‘snuba’ diving — a com- bined snorkeling/scuba diving experi- ence for novices — Zen Spa Océano and tennis clinics at the Monica Puig Tennis Courts. The hotel’s 11 restaurants cover local and international cuisine from tra- ditional Puerto Rican cuisine to Italian and a world-renowned steakhouse. “We’re proud to say our team can make just about any meeting a reality,” Rivero says. “Our ‘Yes’ attitude further drives this messaging home. We enjoy seeing visions come to life before us.” Based on her group’s experience at Caribe Hilton, Serra couldn’t agree more: “One of the most outstanding was the XXIX Annual Congress of the Ibero- Latin American Society of Diagnostic and Therapeutic Neuroradiology (SILAN). This event was attended by about 400 people from various countries in Latin America, Europe and the United States. The support we received from the hotel staff to manage the transfers and stays of our guests at that time was exceptional.” EASE OF TRAVEL When Ron Hersh, president of World of Travel, had to move his event location for 75 attendees from Curaçao due to COVID-19 restrictions in early 2022, the group headed to Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Puerto Rico Golf & Beach Resort. “The responsiveness from booking to each component of the meeting was excellent, and made for a smooth pro- gram,” Hersh says. “The group made use of golf, the casino, all food outlets and meeting facilities, and the facility, pools, beaches and level of service was top-notch.” He adds, “The feedback was excellent from all attendees. The ease of entry to Puerto Rico now and the lack of testing returning to the USA makes this a very timely selection. With no need for passports, it also opens up a wider mar- ket for marketing to members.” Ease of travel ranked high when planning for the NHDA’s annual lead- ership retreat as well, according to Heather Hall, director of meetings and events. “We wanted travel to be as easy as possible for our attendees given the constantly changing travel restrictions due to COVID. With our attendees trav- eling from the U.S., and Puerto Rico being a U.S. territory, we thought this option would be a great choice, “ Hall says. “The hotel had an on-site trans- portation company that made it easy for guests to get to and from the airport, along with travel to Old San Juan for a day trip. There was also a desk dedi- cated to helping guests book any excur- sions they wished to do during their stay. The Wyndham Grand Rio Mar property offered everything we needed — beauti- ful meeting space, numerous restaurant choices and on-site amenities for our attendees, such as golf and spa.” With 400 spacious rooms for up to 2,300 guests in a range of accommoda- tions, more than 48,000 sf of flexible indoor meeting space — including 24 meeting rooms — and an additional 58,000 sf of outdoor space, Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Puerto Rico provides the perfect setting for hosting memo- rable meetings in paradise. An on-site Photo by Omark Reyes / Discover Puerto Rico Courtesy of the Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Pictured, a cruise ship in Old San Juan. In celebration of San Juan’s 500th anniversary, a new walking tour can teach attendees the island's history. Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Puerto Rico Golf & Beach Resort offers golf, gaming, pools, excellent restaurants and plenty more for attendees seeking a variety of activities. 56 February/March 2022 | Corporate & Incentive Travel | TheMeetingMagazines.comdestination management company is also available to handle meeting plan- ner needs. Guest rooms, designed in soothing palette colors, reflect the sur- rounding island environment to pro- mote an ambiance of “tropical tranquil- ity.” Private balconies offer ocean, pool or rainforest views, while additional amenities include plush bedding, and BABOR skin care and bath products. PLENTY TO DO For on-site activities, Wyndham Grand Rio Mar features two 18-hole championship golf courses: the Ocean Course, designed by award-winning golf course architects Tom and George Fazio, situated between the El Yunque Rain- forest and Atlantic Ocean; and the River Course, designed by two-time major champion, Greg Norman, that follows along the Mameyes River. “Some attend- ees also booked tee times — a great oppor- tunity to catch-up with other business associates in attendance,” Hall says. “Sev- eral of our attendees used the spa during their free time, and could not stop raving about their experience.” With a 7,000-sf sanctuary of signature wellness services and luxurious botanical treatments at Mandara Spa, it’s easy to see why. Special features include Oceanfront Meditation, a Relaxation Room and steam rooms. Additional activities include an on- property casino offering a variety of slots and table games, as well as the resort’s state-of-the-art tennis ameni- ties featuring 13 tennis courts. Also on- site, 2-miles of beach, a 20,000-sf sun- deck, and three lagoon-style pools offer more options for play and total relax- ation. “The newly constructed Beach Deck provided a great location for guests to enjoy ocean views, adding an extra-special touch to our event,” Hall says. Private cabanas are also available. With nine restaurants, including bistros, bars and cafes, dining options abound at Wyndham Grand Rio Mar, whether seeking Italian cuisine and sea- food with a Caribbean twist at Palio, or scenic vistas overlooking golf courses at Iguanas Cocina Puertorriqueña. Another guest favorite, Roots Coastal Kitchen, offers Caribbean comfort food such as guava barbecue spare ribs. Or, for those who prefer a beach vibe, the Tiki Hut’s scintillating food fare offers a tropical theme with Caribbean-inspired dishes. “The restaurant options were superb at the resort” Hall says. “From newly reopened Palio — the Italian/steak place, to Roots, a casual farm-to-table dining option, to Iguanas located at the Golf Course Club House with authentic Puerto Rican flavors offering spectacu- lar views of the mountains and resort. The restaurants also provided opportu- nities for our guests to host small group dinners with their colleagues. Our attendees raved about the service and food options throughout their stay.” About the group’s overall food and beverage service, Hall found: “The food choices were great. Extensive banquet menus provided numerous options for our group receptions and dinner.” When planning the meeting menu, “I always try and choose options from the menu that offer a local flair,” Hall says. For this group, “The ceviche shots and the lobster medallions with tuna tartare were huge hits and standouts with our attendees. We chose the Taste of Puerto Rico buffet for our group dinner, which offered our guests a great variety of authentic Puerto Rican-flavored dishes to enjoy. I cannot say enough about the banquet events staff at the Wyndham,” Hall says. “Superb to say the least. From the beginning of the planning stages to the very last guest check out ... the convention services manager and my daily contact made sure every detail of our contract was executed. [The] entire staff was wonderful to work with. They were professional, attentive and ready to handle any issue that came up. I would choose this beautiful location again just to work with [the staff].” For other planners considering Puerto Rico as a meetings destination, Hall says: “It’s a great choice for those looking for a tropical location with minimal travel restrictions. With travel requirements changing literally some- times by the day, keeping your attend- ees updated with the most up-to-date information helped alleviate any stress with traveling they may have had.” Hall continues, “I was able to do a site visit six months prior to our event, and it was very helpful with the planning process.” As far as attendee feedback of their experience at Wyndham Grand Rio Mar, Hall says: “Our attendees had nothing but positive things to say about this property and the event. The resort staff was top-notch, [there was] beauti - ful meeting space that had giant win- dows to enjoy the views, a variety of res- taurants to enjoy and amenities within their reach, including spa and golf.” The one thing Hall would do differ- ently next time? “I’d definitely consider a group excursion to Old San Juan if we were to return. Several of our attend- ees visited on their own and had such a great time.” C&IT What’s Ahead Dean cites “a series of upcoming hotel openings and developments in the works, expanding Puerto Rico’s lodging portfolio even further,” including the following: • San Juan Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino: Just finished a ballroom renovation and will be renovating their Main Tower rooms in 2022. • Punta Borinquen Resort (Aguadilla): Has completed a substantial renovation with a total of 92 rooms, along with a restaurant, a swimming pool and a 22,000-sf convention center. • Hotel Ponce Intercontinental: Reopening in 2022 as a Sonesta after a $20M investment. • LoopLand Hotel: Opening this year, and the first hotel to open on the former Roosevelt Roads Naval Base following $200M investment. • Wyndham Palmas Beach and Golf Resort: The Palmas del Mar Resort in Humacao is being rebranded. • Residence Inn San Juan Isla Verde: Opening this year. C&IT TheMeetingMagazines.com | Corporate & Incentive Travel | February/March 2022 57The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort and Swan Reserve together offer a total of 350,000 sf of meetings and events space. Courtesy of Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort Orlando A Sun-Kissed Oasis That Meets Every Need BY DAVID SWANSON DESTINATION // 58 February/March 2022 | Corporate & Incentive Travel | TheMeetingMagazines.comO ptimal airlift, plen- tiful entertain- ment and oppor- tunities for team building abound in Orlando, Florida, says Leona Labruyere, CMP, director of events with EMPG, LLC. “Orlando simply checks all the boxes for our conferences,” Labruyere says. “As an event executive, Orlando provides me with fresh and excit- ing opportunities.” Labruyere’s company chose Orlando for a late winter 2022 annual conference due to its easy accessibil- ity for East Coast members, and the driving distance for those living in the Southeast. “By making it as easy as possible for our attendees to travel to a destination, we find they are happier once they arrive.” Adding to the appeal of Orlando as a convention destination is a long list of hotels with large ballroom spaces that provide meetings planners a vari- ety of choices for conference venues. “A convention center layout is simply too large for our needs and budget,” Labruyere says. “Our conferences are best fit within a specific hotel that can accommodate our ballroom space requirements, as well as our room block needs. Due to our targeted member group, quality catering and hospitality is essential, which is something that I scrutinize during the initial site visit and conversations.” Labruyere chose the 781-room Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld for the 300-attendee conference, and she effused over the hotel team with which she worked. “It is clear when you walk onto a property for the first time and witness cheerful team members work- ing harmoniously together that they are cared for and enjoy a balanced work culture. Longevity and tenure speak volumes, and many have been at the property for more than 20 years. When you talk with just about any team mem- ber, the joy in their voices and energy they have is contagious. Their positive energy shines through during an event, resulting in happy attendees.” Following a major meeting space expansion in 2019, the Renaissance now has 161,000 sf of meetings space, including three ballrooms ranging up to 36,288 sf, and a plethora of breakout spaces. “Each of the ballrooms are easily conformed to create appropriate spaces for any event and are easily accessible with the atrium-style floor plan of the hotel,” Labruyere says. “Each of these spaces are near one another, so if mul- tiple ballrooms are needed, the walk- ing distance is short in comparison to other properties.” She adds: “The Pen- insula Ballroom, which is the newest, offers what I would call ‘smart meet- ing space’ that can be configured into different sizes to meet any needs due to the airwall placement and capabil- ity. The reception desk offered an extra lockable storage office behind the desk, along with a small meeting room with floor-to-ceiling glass walls for private conversations. Due to the atrium layout, all the ballrooms have easy access to the outdoors and open floor plan lobby. Restaurants are all near one another — Tradewinds, Boardwalk, Mist Wine Bar and Starbucks — and the hotel also has two beautiful outdoor event locations adjacent to the pool area. Depending on your specific event needs, these are perfect locations for a welcome cocktail reception or a mid-size dinner to allow attendees the opportunity to enjoy a bit of fresh air and Florida sunshine.” An on-site FedEx Office for ship- ping and last-minute printing requests, the Privai Spa and oversized, well- appointed guest rooms — which will undergo a complete renovation in 2023 — are among the other things Labruyere cited as assets for her event. But one other detail was essential for her group: quality catering. “Our attendees are discerning of food and beverage, so it was impor- tant that the hotel provided unique experiences during our conference,” Labruyere says. “They did not disap- point, creating two custom menus that included items that are not on their standard banquet menus. The care that they took for developing these menus was unparalleled and, trust me, our members noticed. In our post-confer- ence surveys, many said, ‘Best confer- ence food ever.’ That says a lot.” Labruyere applauded members of the Renaissance team that helped ensure the success of her event. “We could not have completed our event without these true professionals,” Labruyere says. “We compiled 60-plus hand-written notes, along with gratu- ities, and submitted them to all the team members at the hotel that touched our event. It takes a village to pull off an event, and we wanted people to know how much we appreciated them for making our event such a success.” Courtesy of Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld now offers 161,000 sf of meetings space after a major expansion in 2019. TheMeetingMagazines.com | Corporate & Incentive Travel | February/March 2022 59Next >