< Previousin your success?” Mantel asks. “Who understands your client objectives and respects the relationship between you and your client? These are the things to look for, really anywhere, but even more so in a city with so many options.” Orlando has welcomed several new properties, including The Swan Reserve at Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin resort, JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek Resort & Spa, Lake Nona Wave Hotel, AC Hotel Orlando Down- town and Tru by Hilton Orlando Con- vention Center Area. Renovated and reimagined properties with meeting enhancements include the Caribe Royale Orlando, Orlando World Center Marriott and Hyatt Regency Orlando. Located just minutes away from Walt Disney World Resort and Disney Springs, Caribe Royale is emerging from a $127M reimagination that includes a full remodeling of the proper- ty’s 1,215 one-bedroom suites, the all-new 50,000-sf Palms ballroom, and an inviting new lobby that includes an elevated arrival experience, complete with an art installation and Rum Bar by Bacardi. Set to become the heartbeat of the resort, the lobby is the ideal location for guests to work, play, drink coffee, collaborate and indulge with additional offerings, including an on-site Starbucks and multilevel sports bar equipped with private VR suites coming next year. Caribe Royale Orlando’s renovation also includes a revamp of the property’s group programming. The resort now offers group experiences led by the hotel’s innovative pastry kitchen team, as well as a Curated Cocktail program, which provides groups the opportunity to create unique, hand-crafted bever- ages based on their corporate colors, palate preferences and more. Beyond Orlando’s hotels and resorts, exciting new venues offer unique meet- ing space or options for buyouts. Stein- metz Hall at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts opened early this year in the heart of downtown Orlando. The hall is available for groups and can accommodate 850 for a reception, 600 banquet and 1,700 theater-style. “Our destination was built to be a center of hospitality, and we want every group to feel that welcoming spirit from the moment of their arrival,” Matej says. “There is an assumption that DMOs only assist with larger groups host- ing their event at a convention cen- ter, but we can provide resources to every group meeting in the destina- tion — whether it’s an in-house or city- wide event. Visit Orlando’s Destina- tion Experience team can become an extension of a planner’s own team. Our meeting professional experts can pro- vide customized support for every step of the event, from arranging site visits to distributing RFPs and even making venue recommendations for an unfor- gettable reception or dinner event.” The Palm Beaches The Palm Beaches is a region that offers exciting and distinct “between- the-sessions” experiences where plan- ners can not only elevate meetings, but redefine what it looks like beyond the boardroom to provide memorable moments for attendees during their entire visit. “We offer a multitude of open spaces and outdoor places where guests can enjoy the Florida sunshine in an ideal year-round climate, cool ocean breezes, and 47 miles of beauti- ful pristine beaches,” says Kelly Cavers, senior vice president of group sales & destination services for Discover The Palm Beaches. With the 350,000-sf Palm Beach County Convention Center, more than 200 hotels offering 18,400+ guest rooms, and proximity to three inter- national airports, Palm Beach County offers a variety of options for plan- ners. “We offer planners a vibrant and walkable convention district in downtown West Palm Beach where guests are within steps to exceptional arts and culture, plenty of nightlife, a robust culinary scene and world-class shopping, as well as beaches and outdoor recreation,” Cavers says. “Planners can also opt for more luxurious, secluded and private meetings at one of our elevated signature properties where our destination services team will help bring the enter- tainment to them.” Rhonda Brewer, vice presi- dent, sales with Motivation Excellence Inc., is planning an incentive industry event at The Boca Raton early this fall, and just recently completed the site inspection. The event will be for about 320 attendees, and will also use other properties within the area for various activities and events. “The greatest draw to the Palm Beaches is all the incredible options. There truly is something for everyone with every kind of budget and desired experience,” Brewer says. “Your first contact should be with [Discover The Palm Beaches]. They are incredibly supportive of not only buyers, but all their local partners in the area. They can help guide you to the right property for the experience and you are looking to deliver.” Key properties in the Palm Beach area have recently undergone an evolution, and are ready to welcome business travelers for an entirely new and elevated experience. As Cavers explains, The Boca Raton reopened after completing a $200 million reimagination and ushered in a luxurious lifestyle that pays homage to Courtesy of Rhonda Brewer Rhonda Brewer, vice president, sales with Motivation Excellence Inc., says the Palm Beaches area has many incredible venue options. 38 June/July 2022 | Corporate & Incentive Travel | TheMeetingMagazines.com SOUTH SEAS ISLAND RESORT Turn events into experiences at South Seas with 2.5 miles of beach and Gulf-front meeting venues. SouthSeas.com/Groups/ 239-579-1482 Inspirational surroundings Expert conference services team Wide variety of accommodations and meeting rooms near RSW airport Health and safety are a top priority Planning is diff erent now. We can help. Call 1-800-237-6444 or submit an RFP at MeetInFortMyers.com. YOU’RE THE ONE WHO WE HELP YOU MAKE IT LOOK EASY. LEADS THEM TO Innovation.SOUTH SEAS ISLAND RESORT Turn events into experiences at South Seas with 2.5 miles of beach and Gulf-front meeting venues. SouthSeas.com/Groups/ 239-579-1482 Inspirational surroundings Expert conference services team Wide variety of accommodations and meeting rooms near RSW airport Health and safety are a top priority Planning is diff erent now. We can help. Call 1-800-237-6444 or submit an RFP at MeetInFortMyers.com. YOU’RE THE ONE WHO WE HELP YOU MAKE IT LOOK EASY. LEADS THEM TO Innovation.the resort’s remarkable history. “PGA National Resort has also undergone a stunning and extensive $100 million transformation, revitalizing every feature and creating another luxury travel experience,” Cavers says. “We are looking forward to the opening of Amrit Ocean Resort & Residences [next year] and Banyan Cay Resort & Golf later this year, and are excited to showcase new indoor meeting space and outdoor event space at one of our star attractions, Loggerhead Marinelife Center.” Jacksonville The Jacksonville area is another Florida gem that offers incredible value and an easy experience for visi- tors. “We have unique meeting spaces with everything from [the Prime F. Osborn III Convention Center] in a historic train depot, to rooftop restau- rants and bars with views of the sky- line and the oceanfront, museums and riverfront gardens, sporting arenas and live music venues,” says Michael Cor- rigan, president and CEO of Visit Jack- sonville. “Jacksonville also consistently has some of the lowest hotel rates in the state of Florida. Depending on the time of year and the part of town you book in, it’s easy to get an affordable rate to stay within budget.” Outdoor activities are so abundant in Jacksonville — from hiking, running and biking trails, to kayaking, paddle- boarding and surfing in the ocean, St. Johns River or Intracoastal Waterway — that many people find themselves spending time outdoors when they visit. “Our beaches are wide, allow- ing plenty of space for people to relax and enjoy the scenery or have a picnic lunch,” Corrigan says. Jacksonville also is made up of diverse neighborhoods, each with their unique offerings, and most people find at least one neighborhood that speaks to them. The Riverside & Avondale and Ortega neighborhoods are rich in his- tory and architecture, with stunning views of the St. Johns River. The Beach communities offer the relaxed vibe one would expect of a beach town. Spring- field, Murray Hill Heights and the Rail Yard District offer a creative scene with many local artistic touches. “If visitors would like to attend a stage show or musical performance, we have historic, as well as state-of-the-art, venues,” Corrigan says. The Florida Theatre is rich in history — Elvis performed there — and regularly hosts comedians, musical acts and thought leaders. The Alhambra Theatre is the oldest contin- ually operating dinner theater in the U.S.; the Ritz Theatre & Museum is an iconic part of the area’s Black history and regularly hosts blues, jazz and R&B performers; Daily’s Place is an outdoor amphitheater welcoming major coun- try, rock, alternative and hip-hop acts; and Vystar Veterans Memorial Arena is home to many major musical acts as well as sporting events. As Corrigan explains, the newest options in meetings within Jackson- ville are off-site, indoor and outdoor venues. Jacksonville has a thriving craft beer and distillery scene, and sev- eral offer the perfect evening activity for a large group. Riverfront Plaza in Downtown is a wide-open green space available for a group to make their own. Strolling receptions can be set up along Downtown river walks on both sides of the river, and the St. Johns River Taxi can host groups on their boats for sun- set cruises or river tours. Coming soon, Downtown Jacksonville will have its own Navy destroyer, the USS Orleck, as a museum and events venue situated right on the Northbank Riverwalk. “The destroyer is here, and we’re hoping it will open for business this summer,” Corrigan says. In addition, construction is underway for Dennis + Ives, a mixed-use development in Jacksonville’s Rail Yard District. The space is large — 7.15 acres — and will have space for meetings and events, as well as a new live entertainment venue. Tampa Bay Thanks to Tampa Bay’s ability to host high-profile gatherings safely and successfully last year, including Super Bowl LV and Wrestlemania 37, numerous organizations have consid- ered Tampa or moved their meetings to the destination. As an added bonus, Tampa Bay’s sunny weather, vibrant downtown, cultural attractions and water-based activities have enticed meeting attendees to book pre- and post-stays. According to Adam DePiro, vice president of convention sales at Visit Tampa Bay, after a refresh completed in 2020, the Tampa Convention Center (TCC) is undergoing its larg- est expansion ever. Next spring, 18 new waterfront meeting rooms will debut. “The Tampa Convention Center is also conveniently located along the Tampa Riv- erwalk, which links together some of downtown Tampa’s most popular attractions, parks, ven- ues, restaurants, as well as several hotel properties, making it easier than ever for convention-goers to explore all that Tampa’s downtown has to offer,” DePiro says. As DePiro explains, another rea- son planners look to Tampa for their meetings is the city’s walkability. The compact convention district has thou- sands of rooms within five blocks of the Tampa Convention Center, all connected by the 2.6-mile Tampa Riverwalk, which links some of the city’s hotels, restaurants, attractions, parks and venues. “As one of the most up-and-coming cities in the nation, Tampa Bay offers a diverse array of dining, nightlife, his- tory and award-winning attractions,” DePiro says. While there is a wide array of new developments in the destina- tion, Tampa Bay also offers authentic 40 June/July 2022 | Corporate & Incentive Travel | TheMeetingMagazines.com MISW. WARMRECEPTION Combining sophisticated amenities with relaxed Southern vibes, South Walton is ideal for gatherings of any size. We’re home to more than 150,000 square feet of diverse meeting space, plus a wide range of accommodations from boutique hotels to full-scale resorts. Unique beach neighborhoods offer personalized experiences for each group – enjoy abundant outdoor activities, award-winning restaurants, a thriving arts scene or simply some down time on the sugar-white sand. MIRAMAR BEACH • SEASCAPE • SANDESTIN • DUNE ALLEN • GULF PLACE • SANTA ROSA BEACH • BLUE MOUNTAIN BEACH GRAYTON BEACH • WATERCOLOR • SEASIDE • SEAGROVE • WATERSOUND • SEACREST • ALYS BEACH • ROSEMARY BEACH • INLET BEACH The greatest draw to the Palm Beaches is all the incredible options. There truly is something for everyone with every kind of budget ... RHONDA BREWER Vice President, Sales Motivation Excellence Inc.MISW. WARMRECEPTION Combining sophisticated amenities with relaxed Southern vibes, South Walton is ideal for gatherings of any size. We’re home to more than 150,000 square feet of diverse meeting space, plus a wide range of accommodations from boutique hotels to full-scale resorts. Unique beach neighborhoods offer personalized experiences for each group – enjoy abundant outdoor activities, award-winning restaurants, a thriving arts scene or simply some down time on the sugar-white sand. MIRAMAR BEACH • SEASCAPE • SANDESTIN • DUNE ALLEN • GULF PLACE • SANTA ROSA BEACH • BLUE MOUNTAIN BEACH GRAYTON BEACH • WATERCOLOR • SEASIDE • SEAGROVE • WATERSOUND • SEACREST • ALYS BEACH • ROSEMARY BEACH • INLET BEACHarts and culture. The Straz Center for the Performing Arts is the largest per- forming arts center in the Southeast United States, and venues such as Ama- lie Arena, Raymond James Stadium and the MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre regularly bring in world- renowned performances. Just east of downtown Tampa is the fourth-largest casino in the U.S.: 245,000 sf of gaming space at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino - Tampa. The hotel recently underwent a massive $700 million ren- ovation that added a new hotel tower, events center, multiple pools, eateries, a spa and expanded the casino floor. New high-end hotel open- ings are giving meeting planners more options than ever. High- lights include the highly antici- pated The Tampa EDITION, opening later this summer, the first hotel to open in the des- tination as a five-star; the JW Marriott Tampa Water Street, which opened early last year; and the boutique Hotel Haya in Ybor City, Tampa’s historic Latin Quarter, named one of USA Today’s 10 Best New Hotels in 2020. “Encompassing more than 70 acres, with some 9 million sf of space under development at a cost of $3.5 billion, Water Street Tampa is the neighborhood transforming Tampa’s downtown,” DePiro says. Water Street unveiled a handful of major compo- nents since late 2020, including two new residential towers, an office tower and a JW Marriott hotel. Pulling together Westshore and Downtown with an energetic, contem- porary neighborhood, the $500 million Midtown development offers 1.8 mil- lion sf of retail, residential, entertain- ment and hospitality space, including Tampa’s second Aloft property and Element by Westin. The seven-story, dual-branded hotel features 226 rooms, a rooftop terrace, pool and lounge. Central Florida Central Florida’s Polk County — between Orlando to the east and Tampa to the west — is proving to be a wonder- ful option for those seeking a quieter region of the state. As Al Snow, tourism sales representative, conventions, meet- ings and events at Visit Central Florida, explains, the area’s claim to fame is its wide-open spaces and outdoor ameni- ties. “Being removed from the beaches and theme-park corridors, our cities are uncrowded, walkable and our region is home to 550 lakes,” Snow says. “Plan- ners like the ability to offer something different for off-site events and recre- ation offerings after the meeting agenda has ended each day rather than the ‘nor- mal’ Florida theme park or beach vibe. Our venues, such as our convention center, are big enough for large confer- ences and meetings to social distance, but small enough to offer exclusive use.” Indeed, Central Florida is home to more than 7,000 hotel rooms, as well as more than 7,000 vacation rental homes. In addition, the RP Funding Center boasts more than 100,000 sf of space, including conference/meeting/event spaces plus an arena and full Broad- way production theater. Other favorite meeting and event venues in central Florida include the Streamsong Resort, which features 228 guest rooms and suites, more than 25,000 sf of indoor meeting space and 60,000 sf of outdoor space, three championship golf courses all ranked in the Top 26 courses in U.S., six restaurants, a grotto-inspired spa, as well as sporting clays and trophy bass fishing on site. Also, as the larg- est dude ranch east of the Mississippi River, Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo features 200+ rooms, including standard hotel rooms, glamping tents, railcar cabins and cottages. The venue also boasts 16,500 sf of indoor meet- ing space and is situated on more than 1,700 acres with many unique outdoor meeting/team-building options. The SUN ‘n FUN Expo Campus includes 200 acres with more than 100,000 sf of meeting and exhibit spaces, including a 727 airliner converted into an executive boardroom. And Advent Health Fieldhouse includes more than 37,000 sf of expo/exhibit space, 7,000 sf of meeting spaces, and a 330-seat theater. The RP Funding Center is completing the final phase of a renovation of its arena, the- ater, public spaces and all of its meeting/expo spaces. “In addi- tion, a unique SpringHill Suites hotel opened in July 2020 at the convention center,” Snow says. “Many upgrades have taken the property beyond a standard lim- ited-service hotel with the addi- tion of pool cabana rooms — poolside rooms with their own private cabana — 7,000+ sf of meeting/event space, expanded food and beverage options, indoor/outdoor lounge and expansive presidential and hospitality suites.” The Terrace Hotel, a historic bou- tique hotel just off the city square and overlooking Lake Mirror in Lakeland, reopened late last year as The Ter- race Hotel Lakeland, Tapestry Collec- tion by Hilton. And Streamsong Resort recently announced the addition of a fourth golf course at the resort. Late last year, the resort completed renova- tions to the property to increase seating at one of its award-winning restaurants, rebranded two other restaurants, and added a new lobby bar to its food and beverage offerings. Miami Carol Motley, senior vice president of convention sales and services at Daytona Grande Oceanfront Hotel / Courtesy photo Planners agree: Florida’s many beaches and other activities keep the ‘Sunshine State’ at the top of their lists. 42 June/July 2022 | Corporate & Incentive Travel | TheMeetingMagazines.com me co DnY With a perfectly walkable, always accessible waterfront Convention District filled with cutting-edge venues, award-winning menus and stylish hotels, Tampa Bay can create your meeting’s success story. ta MEtiSome co DnY With a perfectly walkable, always accessible waterfront Convention District filled with cutting-edge venues, award-winning menus and stylish hotels, Tampa Bay can create your meeting’s success story. ta MEtiSothe Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau (GMCVB), says today’s meeting planners are becoming more selective in their decision process on destinations. “They want to ensure the destination they select will offer a return on investment and create business-to-business opportunities for their attendees,” Motley says. “Miami is easily accessible and offers exceptional meeting places, including Miami Beach Convention Center, which has undergone a $620 million renovation. Miami also offers a diverse community and endless entertainment possibilities, increased attendance and beautiful year-round weather.” If a meeting planner is looking to boost international attendance, Miami is the gateway to Latin America. With more than 400 daily flights in and out of Miami International Airport, it is an amazing opportunity to attract more international attendees. “Besides amazing beaches, Miami offers many cultural areas so that attendees can come early and stay longer after their meeting,” Motley says. In addition, the region offers a wealth of venue options meeting all budget and space needs. One of the biggest areas of renewal within the meetings and events space in greater Miami is the reimagined, state-of-the-art Miami Beach Conven- tion Center (MBCC). The convention center campus features the Fillmore, New World Symphony, the Clubhouse and Collins Canal Park. Coming in the fourth quarter of 2025, the campus will open an 800-room headquarters hotel, which will be attached to the conven- tion center via a skywalk. “When plan- ning an event in Miami, utilize the CVB,” Motley says. “We are your one- stop shop, an extension to your team that can assist you in maneuvering through your initial RFP process and offer world-class service once your meeting is booked.” Amelia Island A combination of island life and Southern hospitality make Amelia Island the perfect destination for plan- ners and attendees. Marilou Welling, director of interactive engagement at Visit Amelia Island, says that Amelia Island is just 30 minutes from Jack- sonville International Airport, and is an unparalleled corporate getaway destination. “Adventurous activities, explorable historic sites and excur- sions on the water get your attendees engaged and refocused,” Welling says. “Relax along the 13 miles of beautiful shoreline, swing away at our champi- onship golf courses or shop for trea- sures and keepsakes in our walkable downtown, Fernandina Beach.” She adds, “You can design and deliver unforgettable business experiences to craft the perfect stage to showcase your organization beyond the presenta- tions and speakers.” According to Jon Snider, manager of curriculum at HCA Healthcare, the Omni Amelia Island Resort has been home to HCA Healthcare’s service line’s national meeting three out of the last five years. “Each year has been a success, but we continue to elevate the overall experience in partnership with the entire team at Omni Amelia Island. The property’s staff embodies what it means to serve others with qual- ity, authenticity and professionalism,” Snyder says. “What I have enjoyed about working with the property’s staff is that they become a member of my planning team, willing to coach me to utilize the conference and meeting spaces to its fullest capacity based on my agenda, but push me with innova- tive solutions to solve challenges in my programming.” He continues, “My meeting participants love what Amelia Island has to offer. The amenities, such as the pool area, mini-golf, luxurious golf courses and a gorgeous beachfront, are often reflected throughout my post- meeting evaluations.” Courtyard/SpringHill Suites Ame- lia Island by Marriott opened early last year and features 239 total hotel rooms between the two properties. Amenities include a fitness center, business cen- ter, resort-style pool, three dining out- lets, walking distance to the beach and neighbor to Fort Clinch State Park. The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island recently renovated all guest rooms and meeting spaces, and the pool-deck restaurant and poolside cabana experience fin- ished early last year. Fort Myers Located in Lee County, the Fort Myers area is on Florida’s southwest coast abutting the Gulf of Mexico. It is home to an array of islands, as well as the cit- ies of Fort Myers, Cape Coral and Bonita Springs. Here, meeting planners will find more than 12,000 hotel rooms, ranging from inexpensive to full-service resort properties, 290,000 total sf of meeting space and 50 miles of white-sand beaches. There are also spectacular natural attractions, as well as historical and cultural gems that provide unique entertainment options for meeting attendees. For example, when it’s time to take a break from meetings, attendees can experience guided wildlife, sunset and shelling eco-tours, or explore the more than 90 golf courses dotting the region. A top-to-bottom conversion of the former Hotel Indigo is underway, as it is transformed into the Banyan Hotel Fort Myers, Tapestry Collection by Hil- ton, featuring new meeting and event options located a mere two blocks from the Caloosa Sound Convention Center & Amphitheater. For an interesting meeting and event space, the new Topgolf in Fort Myers features 70 climate-controlled hitting bays, full-service restaurant and bars, 200 HDTVs, rooftop terrace, meeting rooms and private event space. C&IT 44 June/July 2022 | Corporate & Incentive Travel | TheMeetingMagazines.com The All-New CARIBE ROYALE Discover a di erent level of luxury during your next gathering at the all-new Caribe Royale Orlando. Emerging from a $127 million renovation project that’s touched immersive atmospheres and innovative experiences, this Floridian-inspired destination brings productivity, play and imagination together like never before. • 220,000+ sq. ft. of meeting & event space, including the new 50,000 sq. ft. Palms Ballroom • New networking spaces, including an on-property Starbucks® & Rum Bar featuring BACARDÍ Rum • 1,335 newly reimagined one-bedroom suites & two-bedroom villas • Team of creative meeting professionals bringing your vision to life CARIBEROYALEMEETINGS.COM 407 2388000 IMAGINE YOUR ORLANDO MEETING EFFORTLESSLY Reimagined Besides amazing beaches, Miami offers many cultural areas so that attendees can come early and stay longer after their meeting. CAROL MOTLEY Senior Vice President of Convention Sales and Services Greater Miami Convention & Visitors BureauThe All-New Discover a di erent level of luxury during your next gathering at the all-new Caribe Royale Orlando. Emerging from a $127 million renovation project that’s touched immersive atmospheres and innovative experiences, this Floridian-inspired destination brings productivity, play and imagination together like never before. • 220,000+ sq. ft. of meeting & event space, including the new 50,000 sq. ft. Palms Ballroom • New networking spaces, including an on-property Starbucks® & Rum Bar featuring BACARDÍ Rum • 1,335 newly reimagined one-bedroom suites & two-bedroom villas • Team of creative meeting professionals bringing your vision to life CARIBEROYALEMEETINGS.COM 407 2388000 IMAGINE YOUR ORLANDO MEETING EFFORTLESSLY ReimaginedDESTINATION // T here’s a palpable magic to meetings set on trop- ical islands that can’t be duplicated on the mainland. Islands pro- vide idyllic spots for playing and relaxing — ideal for incen- tive programs — but they also facilitate productivity, team building, education and any other ROI companies require. Best of all, meetings in the Bahamas and Caribbean are back. Aruba This balmy, compact island in the southern Caribbean is the setting for a saga that planners these days can relate to, and proof that no matter what COVID-19 throws at us, perseverance and strong partnerships can overcome it. Julie Johnston McManus, president/ owner of World Travel International Inc., works often with corporate and incentive planners. Pre-pandemic, she was involved with a program for 200 incentive award winners at the Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino. Her experience encapsulates what planners have faced the past two years. “This was to be an in-person sales incentive trip for 200 with a beach party and meeting space, booked for April 2020. We had to cancel and rebook the entire group for October 2020. As the pandemic raged on, the group was again rescheduled for April of 2021. Each time, the Marri- ott was gracious enough to allow us to reschedule without charging penalties. I cannot describe the amount of work this was for everyone involved. I had to reis- sue air tickets as well,” McManus says. When Aruba wouldn’t allow a group that large to gather in the meeting space or have a beach party, it was back to the drawing board. That’s when McManus and Amanda Warner, senior sales executive for Marriott in the Caribbean and Latin America, began brainstorming on how to salvage the program. “Amanda and the Marriott group came up with a new program called ‘Celebrate your Way.’ This allowed accounting to keep it as a group, now down to 120, but people would travel as individuals in a nine-month time frame with costs still covered by the master account. A $250 room credit was issued to make up for the loss of the beach party. Individual airport transportation was arranged as well, Bringing a Touch of Magic to Meetings & Bahamas Caribbean BY CHRISTINE LOOMIS 46 June/July 2022 | Corporate & Incentive Travel | TheMeetingMagazines.comand I reissued a fourth set of air tickets.” Among the helpful resort staff, McManus says, were the on-site senior sales manager and her assistant. “They did a wonderful job of coordinating the room requests and the shuttle ser- vice to match whatever flights I had scheduled. They also assisted with the COVID-19 antigen tests required for guests to return to the United States.” The result after two years of cancel- lations and changes? “Our guests came back thrilled. They loved the room accommodations, service, beach and location. They enjoyed the restaurants and were able to walk to the shops and local restaurants as well. There’s a beau- tiful walking/bike trail that goes for sev- eral miles along this incredible beach right behind the Aruba Marriott. Every- one was friendly and all health and safety protocols were followed to the letter. The entire group felt welcomed and secure at the resort, on excursions or while exploring the fabulous shops, restau- rants and casinos. Everyone was so glad we didn’t give up and figured out a way for them to still receive their incentive.” McManus can’t say enough about Marriott and its sales team. “I strongly encourage any corporate travel lead- ers looking for a wonderful experience to give [Marriott and the sales team] throughout the Caribbean and Latin America a chance to show what excel- lent service looks like. Throughout this challenging process, we never pan- icked and were able to come up with solutions. I didn’t just have a sales rep; I found a friend willing to fight for me and my business.” As to what makes Aruba ideal for meetings and incentives, Darysse Croes, account executive with De Palm Tours Destination Management Ser- vices, points out that most resorts are just 10 to 20 minutes from the airport, U.S. dollars are accepted everywhere and there’s everything from adven- ture to pure relaxing available. “We have UTV tours, for example, as well as a natural pool safari and catamaran sails,” she says. “Carnival is huge on the island. An easy way to incorporate carnival is to include it in the welcome or farewell event. Bringing in a brass band instantly captivates guests, and attendees have an opportunity to dance alongside the carnival dancers in their elaborate and colorful costumes.” Croes advises groups to experi- ence local culture via walking tours and through the island’s diverse food, thanks to some 70 nationalities repre- sented on Aruba. “But for a magical eve- ning under the stars,” she says, “there’s Ayo Rock Formations, a one-of-a-kind venue surrounded by Aruba’s nature. Ayo Rock Formations’ towering stone boulders create a sense of awe and an understanding of why the area was once considered a sacred site by the island’s original inhabitants. Rock drawings dat- ing back thousands of years are found at this site. The boulders create a beautiful backdrop for an event. We bring every- thing in from tables to chairs, décor, entertainment and lighting, creating a beautiful setting in nature.” Croes emphasizes that Aruba is safe. “Attendees are able to leave their hotel and roam the island freely and really experience Aruba’s beautiful sights, amazing cuisine and friendly people.” Additionally, she says, “The Aruban government has done a great job man- aging the pandemic. We’ve received very good feedback from the pro- grams we’ve carried out so far. Guests felt really safe with how Aruba and all stakeholders are handling COVID pro- tocols. Aruba is definitely ready.” Puerto Rico Just 100 miles long and 35 miles wide, Puerto Rico is rich in cultural her- itage, compelling history and diverse beauty — and it’s a U.S. territory, so no passports are required. Significant ren- ovations include Fairmont El San Juan Hotel, San Juan Marriott Resort & Stel- laris Casino, Punta Borinquen Resort and El Conquistador Resort. Brad Dean, CEO of Discover Puerto Rico, says the island is poised for a busy and successful rest of the year. “We’re excited and optimistic about the state of meetings for 2022. Puerto Rico hosted some 67 events in 2021, from conven- tions and sporting events to trade shows and conferences. We have an exciting lineup of future events and trade shows throughout 2022, including Connect Spring Marketplace. And of course,” he adds, “the exciting Distrito T-Mobile entertainment complex has been a game changer in terms of how meeting planners view the meeting and enter- tainment options around the Puerto Rico Convention Center, which itself has undergone substantial renovation and added robust hybrid capabilities.” One meeting that took place this year is the annual conference of The Guard- ians Inc. and its alliance of successful entrepreneurial business leaders. The conference, with 500 attendees and 100 speakers, exhibitors and vendors, took place in mid-spring. Next year’s confer- ence is even larger. Paul Michael Raspa Jr., The Guardians Inc. COO, says, as a Puerto Rico-based company, there’s a strong commitment to “enriching the island, its citizens and its economy.” And, he adds, “The warmth, beauty and diverse geography make it an easy sell to our attendees, speakers and vendors. Who wouldn’t want to spend a week at a private resort in the Caribbean? Puerto Ricans have an innate sense of hospital- ity, care and adaptability. That creates a special environment for participants, but also for event producers.” The group held its 2021 event at the Caribe Hilton in San Juan. “We were the first large group since the start of the pandemic. We made a profound economic impact. The hotel was able to bring back 30 people off furlough to serve our participants. In turn, the hotel personnel and local citizens made such an impression on our participants that we made the commitment to return for many years to come,” Raspa says. “This year, [we ventured] to the east side of the island for a more secluded and exclusive experience at El Conquista- dor Resort. The property is gorgeous, the views are stunning. The Guardians [were] the first large-scale conference for the hotel since Hurricane Maria in 2017. We’ve also already contracted for our 2023 event at the El Conquistador Resort. The property is expansive and The islands of the Caribbean/ Bahamas region offer plenty of activities for attendees, including salsa lessons, snorkeling, horseback riding and more. Courtesy of Darysse Croes TheMeetingMagazines.com | Corporate & Incentive Travel | June/July 2022 47Next >