< PreviousWorld Las Vegas, and more than 2 mil- lion sf of meeting and convention space with the addition of the West Hall expansion at the Las Vegas Convention Center, CAESARS FORUM and The Venetian Resort’s Stella Studio. Station Casinos has long been syn- onymous with the Las Vegas’ meetings and events industry. Here’s why: Station Casinos offers several different resorts and hotels, some of which include Red Rock Resort, Casino & Spa; Green Val- ley Ranch Resort, Casino & Spa; Pal- ace Station; Sunset Station; Boulder Station and Santa Fe Station. And the meeting and event offerings are as dis- tinct as the properties themselves. For example, Red Rock Resort Casino & Spa welcomes groups from 10 to 1,500 attendees in its 100,000 sf of indoor and outdoor meeting spaces. SAHARA Las Vegas also is unveiling a refreshed, spacious conference space with a new contemporary look for groups of all sizes. In addition, Resorts World and Hilton partnered to bring three of Hilton’s brands together for a $4.3 billion integrated resort. Opened last summer, Resorts World includes a 3,500-room resort, as well as a 5,000- seat state-of-the-art theater, 350,000 sf of meeting and convention space, and a 220,000-sf pool complex. And while many planners are aware of MGM Resorts International’s robust convention spaces at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, MGM Grand Las Vegas Hotel & Casino and The Mirage Hotel & Casino, some planners may be unaware that the company also offers a unique, elevated meeting experiences at the Bellagio Resort & Casino, ARIA Resort & Casino, Vdara Hotel & Spa and Park MGM. Caesars Palace has long been a top option for meetings and events, and the new arrival experience will further welcome attendees, providing an open- air lounge experience they didn’t have space for previously. Also, Nobu Hotel Caesars Palace, the luxury boutique hotel within the iconic Las Vegas resort, introduced 182 redesigned guest rooms and suites after completing a multimil- lion-dollar refresh. The world’s first Nobu Hotel now features a more mod- ern, residential feel. And after a recent expan- sion, Tropicana Las Vegas - a DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel’s all-new confer- ence facility is divisible into as many as 38 break- out rooms and includes a 25,000-sf ballroom, an expansive Trinidad pavil- ion featuring 27,000 sf of space ideal for large general sessions and exhibits, and elaborate venues, such as the state-of-the-art Tropicana Theatre. EMBRACING CHALLENGES Las Vegas’s greatest asset, the sheer number of available venues and styles, is also its greatest challenge. As Staf- ford explains, there is no one “feel” to the town, rather the meeting planner is left to cultivate a thematic experience. For example, if you are meeting in Memphis, the event will likely have a barbecue flair, while a meeting in Park City, Utah will have a relaxed outdoor feel to it. “Las Vegas meetings can take place in hotels themed as different coun- tries, modern venues, traditional venues and almost everything in between,” Stafford says. “All culinary and cultural options are available. Therefore, the meeting planner must put forth extra effort to curate a cohesive event.” Miller also recommends meeting planners carefully market to attendees, as there are so many hotel options close to one another and most often close to your meeting venue. “It is very diffi- cult to capture and keep your audience in your room block. Educating your attendees is key, letting them know why it’s so important to book within their group’s room block,” Miller says. “Creativity also is key to make sure attendees are incentivized to stay in the official room block, or the group may experience costly attrition and the meeting networking dynamic will likely change if the group is diluted among various hotels.” And remember that audio and visual costs are quite expensive in Las Vegas, some planners say, as are labor charges and overall resort fees, so be sure all fees are clearly stated and approved. “Ask a lot of questions and get everything in writing in the contract,” Moore says. “Las Vegas is a bit different in that there are a lot of add-on fees for things that you would not necessarily be charged for at other properties in other cities. If you have a budget that you need to strongly adhere to, know that you can have a great meeting in Las Vegas, but just make sure the budget will stretch to cover everything that you truly want to experience at a meeting or event in Las Vegas.” There are two recurring critiques that Gentry has heard across multiple events held in Las Vegas. “First, most events take place indoors during the day, denying attendees a chance to take advantage of all the natural sunlight and the city’s many outdoor experi- themeetingmagazines.com 20 APRIL 2022 | INSURANCE & FINANCIAL MEETINGS MANAGEMENT Park MGM is the Las Vegas Strip’s first smoke-free resort, which also features the 40,000-sf, vibrant Italian marketplace, Eataly, among other dining and cocktail experiences. Susan Stafford Co-founder, The Event Architects Las Vegas meetings can take place in hotels themed as different countries, modern venues, traditional venues and almost everything in between.ences, like beach and pool parties,” Gentry says. And second, given that many hotels and resorts have casi- nos in their lobbies, attendees often have to pass through smoking areas to access events. If it can be arranged, it’s important to work with the venue to move these areas off the beaten path, so non-smoking attendees aren’t pass- ing through clouds of smoke to get to meetings or breakouts. With more than 20 years in the events industry, Desiree Wolfe, owner and meeting planner at Desiree Wolfe Consulting, has worked at full-service event planning and catering companies, large resort hotels, as well as corporate event management for private com- panies. She is currently working as an event manager for a startup cybersecu- rity company. Being in Las Vegas for the last 17 years has given Wolfe experience as both the client and the venue when it comes to events. She has been involved in large conventions and corporate events, as well as intimate weddings on and off the Las Vegas Strip. “When you have a convention and tourist city like Las Vegas, the biggest challenges are going to be timing. We have city-wide conventions that take up thousands of hotel rooms, which often means an increase in prices across the board — from room rates to dinner parties,” Wolfe says. “During these large events, ride shares and taxi fares increase and wait times become even longer. It can be challenging navigat- ing negotiations during peak season as well, because the hotels know they can get higher room rates due to the supply and demand of space.” Another challenge can be keeping your attendees engaged with so much distraction. If your group likes to party or gamble, it can be tough to make sure they return to your event the next day as it’s easy for people to get caught in the excitement Las Vegas has to offer. “My advice is to consider the off-peak sea- son for events in Las Vegas. You’ll have more negotiating power and options,” Wolfe says. “Don’t be afraid to shop around. The largest resorts don’t always offer the best value. Consider the profile of your attendees and match a location they can enjoy and afford. If you’re not familiar with Las Vegas, reach out to a local hospitality professional or utilize the [Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Authority] for help.” ADDITIONAL STEPS TO SUCCESS When organizing an event in Las Vegas, Stafford has two main tips: First, be sure to book early and include an outdoor option. As a meeting planner, Stafford always makes it a point to keep all of the meeting events within a close, walkable perimeter. “Las Vegas is deceptively large, so while a venue may only be a quarter mile as the crow flies, there might be numerous stairs, bridges or angles involved in getting from point A to point B on foot, and traffic conges- tion might render the drive far longer than anticipated,” Stafford says. “If you book early enough, it is possible to select a hotel and supporting venues all within easy access of each other.” Stafford also finds it imperative to offer an outdoor activity at every Las Vegas meeting. While some are happy to stay inside for the entirety of the event, most people want to see the sky and breathe fresh air. Some of Stafford’s most well-received outdoor activities have been a helicopter ride to the floor of the Grand Canyon for a champagne lunch and light hiking in Red Rocks. “The more outdoor-inclined attendees also enjoy kayaking on the Colorado River, although that is a full-day activ- ity,” Stafford says. One of the most important tips that Gentry can’t stress enough is to research potential event dates. There are a lot of conferences in Las Vegas, and meeting planners considering this location want to ensure that their ideal venue isn’t booked, and that the city won’t be so crowded that all the best attractions are sold out. Additionally, Gentry says, it’s cru- cial to keep your client’s goals front and center. “In a city like Las Vegas, it’s easy to get blinded by the glitz. Certain ven- ues have strong name recognition and will get attendees excited,” Gentry says. “But it doesn’t make sense to host a con- ference at the MGM Grand if it doesn’t meet your space requirements, or if it’s too far away from other conference elements. Think about the attendee experience and the ultimate goals of the event, and then pick an event space that satisfies everyone’s needs.” Although attendees should have some time to explore the city on their own, meeting planners should pull together at least two nights of planned entertainment in Las Vegas. For exam- ple, get everyone tickets to Cirque du Soleil’s The Beatles LOVE one night and Shania Twain on another night. “This ensures that you’re emphasiz- ing the unique appeal of the city and giving attendees a memorable experi- ence,” Gentry says. And on the logistical side, provide shuttle buses to get attendees from one spot to another — as cab lines are long and are sure to ruin tight timetables — set a realistic budget that takes enter- tainment costs into consideration, and offer attendees guidelines on proper attire. “Las Vegas is quite warm most of the year, and there’s a lot of walking,” Gentry says. “So comfortable shoes are a must. You’ll have no problem logging 10,000 steps each day.” I & FMM INSURANCE & FINANCIAL MEETINGS MANAGEMENT | APRIL 2022themeetingmagazines.com 21 The Colosseum at Caesars Palace offers more than 4,300 seats and is located right in the heart of the Las Vegas Strip. Current or upcoming residencies include Adele, Rod Stewart and Sting. W hen the call goes out for a stellar meeting destination that hits all the high notes, Florida soars. With perpetual sunshine, award-win- ning beaches, easy air- port access, and no shortage of attrac- tions and activities, planners have all the makings for creating world-class, memorable events. JACKSONVILLE Accessibility and affordability set the stage for Jacksonville’s status as a top-notch meeting destination. Located in Northeast Florida, the city of nearly 900,000 residents is just a hop, skip and a jump away from “more than 30 U.S. cities offering non-stop flights, plus two major highways intersecting here [Interstate 10 and Interstate 95],” says Michael Corrigan, president & CEO of Visit Jacksonville. “It’s easy to get here. Once here, it’s easy to get in and out of the airport. The rental cars are on-site, no shuttle needed.” And when it comes to lodging costs? “Jacksonville con- sistently 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.” Meeting planners enjoy a wide range of indoor/outdoor event spaces in Jacksonville — which is celebrating its bicentennial this year — from the bus- tling business energy of the downtown riverfront to a more easy-going vibe that comes with oceanfront meetings steps away from the beach scene. “And in between the two are unique, diverse, his- toric neighborhoods with their own per- sonalities and entertainment districts for visitors to enjoy,” Corrigan says. For planners looking for a downtown site with water views, the Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront, adjacent to the landmark Main Street Bridge, is a favor- ite option. The hotel boasts 951 guest rooms, including studios and suites, and features free Wi-Fi access. For events, the hotel boasts 110,000 sf of versatile meeting and exhibit space, a nearly 29,000-sf Grand Ballroom, 41 meeting rooms and an additional expansive out- door space overlooking the St. John’s River. Culinary choices include simple grab-and-go options of coffee, pastries and sandwiches at the Market, to sit- down dining at the SHOR Seafood Grill with signature dishes such as Bourbon Glazed Grouper, and favorite craft beers and cocktails at the Tavern. For groups with a preference for ocean views, AAA four-diamond, Forbes Travel Guide four-star property, One Ocean Resort & Spa in Atlantic Beach, offers 10,500 sf of flexible indoor/ outdoor beachfront, obstruction-free meeting spaces. Special resort ameni- ties include unique coastal cuisine at the Resort’s signature restaurant, Azurea; VIP spa packages featuring signature experiences, such as the Healing Sea Cocoon body treatment and Ocean Pol- ish & Marine Detox Wrap; exclusive golf partnerships with world-class champi- onship courses, such as TPC Sawgrass and Queens Harbour; and proximity to Atlantic Beach Town Center for retail therapy, dining and entertainment. Also, in downtown Jacksonville, Corrigan suggests Riverfront Plaza, “a wide-open space available for a group to make their own,” and where “stroll- ing receptions can be set up along our Downtown riverwalks on both sides of the river.” For evening receptions or an overview of the area, he says, “St. Johns River Taxi can host groups on their boats for sunset cruises or tours around the river.” And he adds, “Coming soon, Downtown Jacksonville will have its own Navy destroyer, the USS Orleck, as a museum and event venue situated right on the Northbank Riverwalk.” For more fun off-site venues, con- sider The Cocktail Room at Manifest Distilling; or Intuition Aleworks Bier Hall for an evening reception; or roof- top bars, a popular trend among locals, Corrigan recommends. “Most recently,” he says, “Estrella Cocina opened Down- town with great views of the skyline and river, and O-Ku Sushi opened at the beach with great ocean views. Other rooftop options are Cowford Chophouse Downtown, as well as River & Post and Black Sheep Restaurant in our historic Riverside – Five Points neighborhood.” Jacksonville’s unique meeting venues further include a professional sports facility at TIAA Bank Field, where the NFL’s Jacksonville Jaguars play, or 121 Financial Ballpark, home stadium of the Jacksonville Jumbo DESTINATIONREPORT themeetingmagazines.com 22 APRIL 2022 | INSURANCE & FINANCIAL MEETINGS MANAGEMENT Attractions and Activities That Appeal to All BY NANCY MUELLER FLORIDAShrimp Minor League Baseball team. “Imagine a pool party on the deck at Jaguars stadium,” Corrigan says. “For art and garden lovers, there’s the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens that overlooks the St. Johns River.” In dining experiences, Corrigan rec- ommends two culinary must haves for a visit to Jacksonville that are always trending — craft beer and shrimp. “We have the Jax Ale Trail, a self-guided tour of more than 20 — and growing — local craft breweries, offering everything from IPAs to stouts to sours. Each brew- ery has its signature drinks and feel. Food-wise, Mayport shrimp is our sta- ple. [The shrimp are] caught fresh each day off the coast of Jacksonville and sold in a small fishing village called Mayport, and served throughout Jacksonville in a variety of ways — everything from shrimp and grits, to tacos to Po boys.” For planners considering Jackson- ville as the site for upcoming meetings and events, Corrigan says, “Jacksonville is a perfect destination for medium- sized groups; meetings with 250-500 attendees thrive here in ‘Jax.’ Here in our city, your group can be the big fish in the little pond. Every group that comes to visit us means a lot, and we want to be sure that when you are here, you feel the love from our city. Our team works to make sure every group gets the best possible service when planning their meeting and the opportunity to make your event special for your attendees.” DAYTONA BEACH The city of Daytona Beach owes its claim to fame to a 23-mile stretch of wide-open, hard-packed, white sandy beaches, attracting beach lovers and car enthusiasts alike. Host to NASCAR’s Daytona 500 at the Daytona Interna- tional Speedway since 1959, the desti- nation offers “The Ultimate Daytona Beach Trail Guide,” a compendium of “cars, craft and culture” tours for visitors to explore. From historic landmarks to mural art, biking and hiking trails, to artisan foods and spirits, there’s something here to pique everyone’s interests. For travel, lodging and meeting information, the Daytona Beach Area Convention & Visitors Bureau is a good place to start. The city’s award- winning Ocean Center is Florida’s fifth-largest convention center. Home to sports, entertainment, conferences and meetings, the center features more than 200,000 sf of flexible indoor/outdoor space that includes a 42,000-sf, 9,600-seat arena; 36 breakout rooms, plus an executive boardroom and VIP suite; a 12,000-sf banquet hall with banquet seating for 850; exclusive in-house caterer and more than 2,500 on-site parking spaces. Partner hotels of the Daytona Beach Area CVB feature more than 200 prop- erties and 12,000 guest rooms, offer- ing a wide range of unique options for event organizers. In describing one such venue, the Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach, Kathy Masterson, director of sales, says: “We are a Hard Rock Hotel — which itself makes us very unique. But add to that our location on a beauti- ful stretch of legendary Daytona Beach, and that makes our property offering even more distinctive. Our music-cen- tric property features many Hard Rock exclusive amenities, such as the Rock Spa & Salon, a Rock Shop for collectible merchandise, Sessions Restaurant and a Sound of Your Stay program, where you can borrow a Fender guitar or Crosley record player and a set of 10 vinyl records during your stay,” she says. “Additionally, the uniqueness of our music experiences from a catalog of live bands to custom- curated, music-centric activations are always popular with attendees.” After all, where better to channel your inner rock ’n’ roll artist? And at “just 4 years old,” Masterson adds, “so much is still very new. We are always offering new types of entertainment offerings and activations, however.” INSURANCE & FINANCIAL MEETINGS MANAGEMENT | APRIL 2022themeetingmagazines.com 23 PHOTO COURTESY OF VISIT JACKSONVILLE Left, Tampa offers activities such as a water taxi that can ferry attendees to off-site activities. Above, attendees at a recent event in Jacksonville move about one of the city’s convention facilities. Myra Harper Director of Hospitality Sports Dimensions Inc. Our attendees ... come from the New England or Upper Midwest area — so Daytona Beach in February is a great escape.The hotel’s 200 guest rooms include deluxe accommodations, plus Rock Royalty, Celebrity and Courtyard Suites at Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach. Among the VIP amenities are ocean- front views from private balconies; Oceanfront Sun Porch Rooms with extended balconies; floor-to-ceiling windows; plush bedding and Rock Spa bath amenities. For a unique yoga and music experience to start or end the day, the hotel’s branded Rock Om program in partnership with Manduka yoga products and DJ Drez, Sound Ambassador, offers a series of three on- demand videos available on the TV in the guest room or on personal devices. When it comes to meeting trends, “We are seeing smaller-sized meetings, or large meetings and events being bro- ken into multiple smaller meetings,” Masterson says. The variety of venues in size and function at the Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach provides plentiful options to meet those needs. More than 20,000 sf of event space includes a 6,200- sf ballroom, and an open-air, oceanfront Wave Terrace together with on-site catering, A/V equipment and support. Myra Harper, director of hospitality for Sports Dimensions Inc., has booked her client event for NASCAR race series sponsors at the Hard Rock Hotel Day- tona Beach for the last four years. “Our program consists of smaller meetings throughout the day on Saturday, and then a more formal dinner on Saturday night in the ballroom. [The hotel doesn’t] “offer the breakout rooms and meeting spaces for large conventions, of course, but for small-midsize groups/meetings/ events in the Daytona Beach area, this is the spot.” She continues, “Our attendees love this property. Many come from the New England or Upper Midwest area — so Daytona Beach in February is a great escape from the cold and snow. And the location is very convenient to Daytona International Speedway.” But what makes this property unique from all others, Harper says, is “The people and personal service. They literally treat you like a rock star. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a beautiful hotel with stunning views of the beach, and the rooms are gorgeous and modern. But the staff goes above and beyond every single day for every single guest.” If there’s one downside, Harper says, it’s that “There’s not a lot of shops/res- taurants within a reasonable walking dis- tance. But that’s certainly not the hotel’s fault. The hotel has everything you need on-site — great restaurant, coffee shop, spa — and I firmly believe that if you needed something they didn’t have, their staff would go get it on your behalf.” When it’s time for play and relax- ation, the music-infused, family- and pet-friendly hotel features an ocean- front pool with expansive pool deck and spellbinding views of the Atlantic Ocean, beachfront activities and the Hard Rock Roxity Youth Club for younger rockers. For rock-star treatments, head to Rock Spa and Salon where the “signature Rhythm & Motion menu is more Zep- pelin than Zen, but definitely relaxing.” As for dining experiences, guests can experience beachside dining at the resort’s Sessions Restaurant for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and Constant Grind, for espresso coffees, gelato and tasty treats. “One trend we have been seeing is buf- fet dinners requested to be served at the table,” Masterson says. “There has also been an increase in requests for vegan and gluten-free buffets and entrees. We always work to provide locally sourced options, which is quite popular as well.” Harper makes a point of mentioning the hotel’s new chef, who has “elevated the F&B program to a new level. It’s hard to serve filet and lobster to 100 people and every plate come out per- fect, but he did that [for us].” Harper sums up her advice for other meeting planners succinctly: “Book this prop- erty. Don’t waste time with RFPs from other properties in the area.” TAMPA BAY South and west across the Florida peninsula sits Tampa Bay, which offers its own beautiful beachfront amenities, on the Gulf of Mexico. Looking for great airlift? Tampa International Airport (TPA) is located in the city’s center — close to the downtown area, as well as attractions — and offers nonstop flights from dozens of cities. TPA recently also expanded its main terminal and added a new rental car facility. A second phase of expansion will include new curbside express lanes, an atrium, a new pedes- trian bridge and a 170-acre commercial development with two new hotels that will make the travel process for attend- ees much smoother. The 600,000-sf Tampa Convention Center (TCC), which has a picturesque waterfront location, is in the midst of a $30 million capital improvement plan. The job entails adding new waterfront meeting spaces, upgraded facilities and the addition of local restaurants. Also part of the improvements: 18 waterfront meeting rooms will span 16,000 sf, and two stories will be added with a terrace and outdoor spaces for attendees to enjoy expansive waterfront views. One popular attraction, the Tampa Riverwalk, stretches 2.6 miles, and offers attendees a trip through Tampa’s most popular attractions and runs past numerous museums, attractions and water activities along the Hillsborough River. Meanwhile, the city also offers the $500 million Midtown development, with 1.8 million sf of retail, residential, entertainment and hospitality space. themeetingmagazines.com 24 APRIL 2022 | INSURANCE & FINANCIAL MEETINGS MANAGEMENT Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa offers a 1,500-seat venue on the second level of the hotel’s casino complex, nearly 29,000 sf of meeting and event space and other fantastic activities.Some of the convention hotels include the Sheraton Tampa Riverwalk Hotel, which is within walking distance of the TCC and offers more than 12,000 sf of total event space and six event rooms. JW Marriott Tampa Water Street, which opened in 2020, is also near the TCC. The 519-room hotel offers 100,000 sf of meeting space downtown. The recently renovated Tampa Marriott Water Street is connected to JW Marriott Tampa Water Street via skywalk, and together they offer a combined 1,256 guest rooms, 150,000 sf of event space, and eight food and beverage offerings. Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa boasts a 1,500-seat venue on the second level of the hotel’s casino com- plex, and nearly 29,000 sf of meeting and event space. Seminole Hard Rock Tampa also offers an array of entertainment and gaming options to keep meeting and event attendees engaged for hours. Yet another venue adjacent to the TCC is the Embassy Suites by Hilton Tampa Down- town Convention Center. This water- front hotel is connected to the TCC by a skybridge, and offers more than 11,000 sf of flexible meeting space all on one floor, including the Bayside Ballroom, capable of accommodating up to 375 people. Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay recently renovated its meeting rooms by adding large windows to bring in natural light. In addition, the hotel offers 33,000 sf of event space and features a series of unique outdoor spaces with waterfront views. Finally, Hilton Tampa Down- town also offers a large array of event options, including ballrooms, breakout rooms, pre-function space and more than 38,000 sf of event space. FORT WALTON BEACH “In Florida, we like to say that the sand, the salt and the sunshine have a way of soothing your soul,” says Rhian- non Reynolds, general manager of the Hilton Garden Inn in Fort Walton Beach. “Visitors return from a Florida conven- tion more relaxed and ready to conquer the months ahead.” Reynolds portrays the Florida panhandle as “a special place, defined by Southern hospitality and emerald green waters, [where] we believe in bringing sunshine and peace- ful vibes into everything we do.” Located in the heart of the “Emer- ald Coast,” Fort Walton Beach offers visitors endless ocean vistas and sugary, white sandy beaches with front-row seats to the Gulf of Mexico. “If you have not yet had a chance to spend the last few minutes of your lunch break listen- ing to waves crash from the deck of a pool, you’ve not been attending the right meetings,” Reynolds says. “Meeting- goers value the opportunity to learn and grow through the events we host, while also letting go of stress and anxiety with a Gulf-front view and the soothing sounds of waves crashing on the shore.” As evidence, Reynolds describes an enticing scene at the Hilton Garden Inn: “From the moment you walk through the front door and look straight through the lobby and the glass wall to the lazy river, sand dunes and finally the emerald waters of the Gulf of Mexico, you can feel some of your stress easing,” she says. “Once you have arrived in our building, you can let us handle the rest. Your attendees will be entertained, your meals will be deli- cious, and your toes will have unlimited access to the sugar-white sands.” The property offers 178 guest rooms and more than 5,000 sf of versatile meet- ing space, including three breakout rooms and Gulf views for up to 500 guests. “No matter the scope of your imagination, the events team at the Hilton Garden Inn Fort Walton Beach can turn it into a reality,” Reynolds says. “A small hybrid meeting in our executive boardroom or a large pool deck social gathering with fire dancers and a s’mores bar – anything is possible.” When it comes to health and cleanliness protocols, Reynolds says, “We are able to work with meeting guests to provide a customized level of pandemic response. Florida guidelines allow us to work with our clients and their preferred level of caution for each event. We can plan outside distanced meetings, or if the client feels comfortable, can have a tradi- tional indoor meetings with spacing that will work for your guests, and events that will fit your price point and engage your employees. Masks are no longer required on-site, but are recommended for those not vaccinated.” The hotel property features a Great American Grille Restaurant on-site and a tiki bar. Guests can “Enjoy a cool and refreshing salad adorned with fresh local produce or a basket of parmesan garlic-butter pretzels bites. Then, after an enriching day of meetings, a specialty frozen daiquiri poolside or a locally brewed craft beer while walking in the breaking waves can restore balance to your day, and an ice cream sundae in a souvenir sand pail serve our young-at- heart guests with a sweet treat to cel- ebrate a day well lived.” From the beachfront property, off- site explorations of Okaloosa Island include nearby Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park and Okaloosa Island Pier. The Destin-Fort Walton Beach Convention Center sits across from the property and features 32,000 sf of flexi- ble indoor space while multiple outdoor patios offer additional meeting options. In addition to the 21,200-sf Grand Ballroom, five smaller breakout rooms range from 425 to 1,575 sf. For outdoor venues, Bayview Plaza provides 30,000 sf additional meeting space together with several outdoor terraces. A full range of innovative catering services and A/V equipment is also available. “We crave new and exciting visions, and will always collaborate fully to integrate our team and yours,” Reynolds says. “A seamless meeting experience and happy guests are always INSURANCE & FINANCIAL MEETINGS MANAGEMENT | APRIL 2022themeetingmagazines.com 25 PHOTO COURTESY OF DANA NOLES Dana Noles, vice president, community & corporate advancement for the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce, says the Ritz Carlton, Amelia Island, was the ideal venue for one of the chamber’s events.possible at the beach. Come to visit us and truly open your mind to growing, and open your body to those soothing Gulf smells and sounds.” AMELIA ISLAND Not to be missed in an exploration of Florida’s abundant charm is beau- tiful Amelia Island located along the state’s east coast just south of Georgia. Johanna Marlin, director of sales & marketing for The Ritz-Carlton, Ame- lia Island, calls the area “an unparal- leled corporate getaway destination, a paradise for meeting-goers given the island’s combination of mild, year- round climate, its rich history, 13 miles of pristine uncrowded beaches, world- class restaurants, championship golf courses and unique local activities.” Dana Noles, vice president, commu- nity & corporate advancement for the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Com- merce, recommends The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island to “anyone looking to host their next board meeting, leadership retreat or conference.” Noles has booked multiple conferences for between 500 and 700 attendees at the property, with future contracts already set in place. “The staff has always been willing to assist with our ideas to execute the vision we see for our event,” Noles says. “They have helped us greatly in unique sponsor requests to help provide expo- sure, and the overall property creates an unforgettable experience for attendees.” Offering luxurious oceanfront accommodations and venues, The Ritz- Carlton, Amelia Island celebrated its 30-year anniversary last summer with a multimillion-dollar renovation. As part of the hotel redesign, all 446 guest rooms have undergone “a dramatic visual and functional transformation” drawing on the site’s unique sea and sky coastal elements to create the ulti- mate sanctuary for rest and relaxation. Spacious living areas, luxurious bath amenities and expansive balconies are among the enhanced features. In addition, The Ritz-Carlton, Ame- lia Island has opened three new food and beverage outlets as part of the resort’s transformation. Tidewater Grille pres- ents a casual ambiance for American grill classics and “fresh-from-the-boat” coastal cuisine uniquely prepared using the chef’s own family recipes together with a selection of regionally brewed beers. Coquina showcases a culinary menu reflecting the island’s Spanish heritage, where guests dine al-fresco while enjoy- ing ocean views. For locally roasted cof- fee, fresh juices, handcrafted milkshakes and smoothies, and bites with carry-out options, First Drop Espresso & Brew Bar is the resort’s newest F&B addition. Among the popular upgraded F&B activities, Marlin references the resort’s Salt Infusion class “where guests blend their own salts under the direction of our Salt Chef” and the launch of “our chef’s theater series, which can be re- created as a group activity.” Guests enjoy an intimate chef cooking demonstration, followed by having guests experience the featured dishes and wine pairings. Conference and meeting amenities include more than 48,000 sf of versatile meeting space, a Conference Concierge and Event Coordinator, wellness programs and A/V experts among its offerings. MIAMI High on the list of desirable destina- tions for meeting attendees, Miami’s mag- ical appeal derives from “offering great business amenities and an endless array of entertainment day and night,” says Carol Motley, senior vice president, con- vention sales and services at the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB). “Miami’s world-class meeting facilities, surrounded by a sophisticated tropical playground, draw convention and business travelers in droves each year — more than 1.3 million to be exact. Miami is a sure bet for meeting planners looking to build attendance and entrepre- neurs looking to seal the deal.” With more than 58,000 hotel rooms — from chic boutiques to the luxurious beach and golf resorts for all budgets, and ample meeting, convention and trade show options, Miami provides endless opportunities for creating one- of-a-kind events, Motley says. Among hotel developments in 2022, Atwell Suites, a new hotel brand for InterCon- tinental Hotels Group (IHG), will open its first location in downtown Miami. Designed to inspire community and collaboration, Atwell Suites features spacious suites, flexible co-worker meeting and lounging spaces in the lobby, and The Study, a bookable small meeting room for up to eight people. Focusing on “affordable luxury,” Citi- zenM Miami will open two new hotels, one located in the Miami World Cen- ter and another in the Brickell area of Downtown Miami in 2022. Called Soci- etyM, innovative meeting rooms are designed to inspire with “lightning-fast Wi-Fi,” stylish Vitra furniture, walls to write on, unlimited coffee, tea and water, A/V equipment, stationery for “old-fashioned note-taking” and art. In the works to open in 2025, Miami Beach Convention Center (MBCC) expects to unveil its new headquarter hotel, the Grand Hyatt Miami Beach. Conveniently located within walk- ing distance of the beachfront, shop- ping and entertainment adjacent to the MBCC, the 800-room hotel will feature 12 floors of guest rooms, two floors of meeting spaces, a resort-style pool deck and an elevated skybridge connecting the hotel to the convention center. I & FMM themeetingmagazines.com 26 APRIL 2022 | INSURANCE & FINANCIAL MEETINGS MANAGEMENT Carol Motley, senior vice president, convention sales and services at the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau, left, says Miami is “a sure bet” for meeting planners and attendees. tbcvb_46710_02_fp_MeetingsMag_Ad_M.indd 111/9/21 12:32 PMA s the worst of the COVID- 19 pandemic eases into the rear-view mirror and site inspections ramp up, entry protocols from one country to the next have been an impediment for meeting planners looking to research options abroad. But in the Bahamas/Caribbean region, things are looking up. Joe Lipman, New Jersey-based president of Summit Management Services, had an ingenious solution that allowed him to efficiently canvass meeting locations on seven different Caribbean islands in one week. With two events to plan in the region — one just three months away — on just two days’ notice, he and his wife booked a Royal Caribbean cruise out of San Juan. The itinerary for Explorer of the Seas called on smaller islands that conve- niently top the list for many planners seeking a tropical backdrop for their meeting or incentive program. “I booked my cabin on Friday at noon, and was onboard the ship Sunday afternoon,” says Lipman, who handles insurance, financial and pharma clients. Denise Hunter, of Destination Hospitality Link, assisted Lipman with some of the hotel and transfer arrangements. “I chose a cruise specifically so I could see these islands, because I cannot recommend something for my clients that is not fully open. I needed to see it for myself, and the ship and ports allowed me to come back knowledgeable and ready to make budgets and presentations. I did not have to pack and unpack, spend thousands of dollars on airfare, or waste countless hours flying. I visited six islands, plus an overnight in Puerto Rico, to understand the requirements of the islands as far as COVID goes for the immediate future. Ultimately, I can really be helpful to my clients in making a decision.” SO MANY CHOICES Lipman notes that two of the region’s destinations opened for tourism well ahead of the others: the Dominican Republic and Mexico’s Caribbean coast areas, such as Cancun and Riviera Maya. Additionally, both of these destinations are dominated by all-inclusive resorts, which has strong appeal to many plan- ners for helping control costs. While all-inclusive properties are found on many other islands, Lipman was eager to find traditional European Plan (EP) hotels that offer accommodations only and could compete on price. “Mexico and the Dominican Repub- lic have managed to incorporate excel- lent food at higher-end resorts that is really world class and make it fully inclusive,” Lipman says. “Their rates are really, really good, and I’m only paying a surcharge for the big bash on arrival. Places like Puerto Rico, Barba- dos, St. Kitts and St. Thomas are very much EP hotels only. They’ve tried to create a meal and drink package, but when you add that on, your pricing is way over the other side of the moon. I’ve found I have to be very creative. For instance, I’ll take the room rate, include breakfast, provide a per diem for meals and put it on a master account.” He continues, “What we saw that week was nations anxious for tourists to come back. They’ve all been through a very tough time with COVID, and they DESTINATIONREPORT themeetingmagazines.com 28 APRIL 2022 | INSURANCE & FINANCIAL MEETINGS MANAGEMENT Reopened and Ready for Meetings and Events BY DAVID SWANSON CARIBBEAN BAHAMAS &need the tourist dollars to come back. They’ve rebounded, they’re ready for our guests to visit, and they’re willing to negotiate. They understand they’re in competition with two countries that were open first, Mexico and the Domin- ican Republic.” Among the islands Lipman called on for a day, St. Kitts was a standout. “It’s a beautiful island,” Lipman says. “I like it because it seems like the govern- ment is really taking care of the roads, that they’re working with the people — they’re happy and proud. It’s a pleasing destination, and the St. Kitts Marriott Resort & The Royal Beach Casino is a phenomenal property; the rooms are in great shape, the pools are nice, and they’re putting money into things.” Following the cruise, Lipman checked out El Conquistador Resort, located on the eastern tip of Puerto Rico. The 750-room hotel, the island’s largest, was distressed and abandoned following Hurricane Maria in 2017. Two years later, a group of Puerto Rican businessmen took on a renovation of the iconic property, which is projected to cost $220 million when completed. A soft reopening took place last year, and 299 rooms are now open, with an addi- tional 75 Deluxe Marina Rooms slated to open soon. “I was there in April 2018, and they were feeding FEMA workers after the storm,” says Lipman, adding that he has been using the property for meetings for 25 years. “Today, it’s a totally pristine and new resort. I love a ballroom that you can put a 747 in; that’s how big it is. With the new carpet, the finishings and air walls, it’s going to be conducive for meetings. It’s got everything you could possibly imagine. It’s ideal for groups in the 200 to 500 range, but you can do an event into the thousands and still feed them and do your meetings.” While fully operational today, the hotel’s convention center is scheduled for a renovation in late summer, and the 303-room Vistas building will be com- pleted by early next spring, according to Luis A. Méndez, the resort’s director of sales and marketing. OVERCOMING CHALLENGES Puerto Rico has had a succession of challenges, dating back to the Zika virus that emerged in 2016. Hurricane Maria in 2017 caused $90 billion in damage, there were earthquake swarms in 2019, and then COVID arrived to wreak havoc with the island’s vital tourism industry. But Puerto Rico has emerged from the pandemic with flying colors: The island has a higher vaccination rate than any mainland U.S. state, and hurricane dam- age that blighted San Juan a couple years after the storm has been cleaned up. Most of the island’s hotels have had at least a face-lift since the hurricane, and some have gone much further. The San Juan Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino is completing the renovation of its 513 guest rooms this year, and last Novem- ber, the hotel debuted a $2.9 million redesign of its 7,000-sf Grand Ballroom and foyer. In all, the San Juan Marriott features 14,000 sf of meeting space. The iconic Fairmont El San Juan Hotel completed back-to-back renova- tions on either side of the hurricane, totaling $125 million. Opened in 1958, the beachfront resort was designed by mod- ernist architect Morris Lapidus, famed for the Fontainebleau Miami Beach and Eden Roc Miami Beach. The lobby, a time-honored gathering place for san- juaneros, has an unexpected European feel, with acres of hand-carved cherry mahogany paneling and a sunken lobby bar. Floating above is a hand-blown, Czechoslovakian oval chandelier, said to be the third largest in the world. In its heyday, the hotel’s Tropicoro stage drew such legends as Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., Tony Bennett and Liza Minelli. The setting proved optimal for Equi- table Financial Life Insurance Company, which used the resort for its Top of the INSURANCE & FINANCIAL MEETINGS MANAGEMENT | APRIL 2022themeetingmagazines.com 29 COURTESY OF DISCOVER PUERTO RICO Left, Puerto Rico, a U.S. territory, offers the benefits of a Caribbean destination, but English is widely spoken, there is no currency exchange and no passport is required. Above, El Conquistador Resort was distressed and abandoned following Hurricane Maria in 2017, but it has been refurbished. The resort offers 100,000 sf of flexible meeting and event space. 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