< PreviousA Stunning Blend of History, Culture, Food and Amenities BY MAURA KELLER “We treat thousands of attendees with the same atten- tion and hospitality given to a single, lifelong friend,” says Stephanie Turner, senior vice president of convention sales & strategies for New Orleans & Company. “We have access to the best locations to inspire meaningful interactions that continue long after you've left town. And we can do all of it within walking distance of world-class hotels.” The team at New Orleans & Company and its hospitality partners are experts in COVID-19 safety protocols, offering among the strongest safety guidelines, including GBAC certifications, and are committed to the health and safety of all attendees, exhibitors and customers. As Turner explains, New Orleans is “Built to Host” meet- ings and conventions of all sizes. More than 26,000 hotel rooms, major restaurants, venues and attractions are all within walking distance of major hotels. The walkability of the city, combined with the food, music, culture and architecture pro- vide a uniquely New Orleans experience. “The New Orleans & Company team understands the city's unique and authen- tic culture, and can connect planners with business partners themeetingmagazines.com 20 DECEMBER 2022 | INSURANCE & FINANCIAL MEETINGS MANAGEMENT DESTINATION REPORT New Orleans has a distinctly unique flavor that keeps the destination at the top of the list for meeting planners and attendees alike. New Orleans F rom historic rooms and courtyards, to breathtaking architecture with a view, New Orleans offers some of the best meetings and events experiences in the country. INSURANCE & FINANCIAL MEETINGS MANAGEMENT | DECEMBER 2022themeetingmagazines.com 21 COURTESY OF JEFF O'HARA needed to produce world-class meetings,” Turner says. “Our sales leaders are experts in understanding the unique needs of the insurance and financial meetings industry, and are actively involved in Financial & Insurance Conference Profes- sionals [FICP].” New Orleans & Company also offers a suite of compli- mentary services to help customers get the most out of their meetings — from planning to organization to promotion. “We are a knowledgeable, experienced team of profession- als ready to assist you through the planning process — even before the planning begins,” Turner says. “We are a one- stop shop for both sales and service departments, with a team of more than 1,100 members. And, we offer custom- ized marketing and attendance-building tools to help you boost attendance.” Appealing to Planners & Attendees From the attendees’ perspective, the unique culture, cui- sine and general joie de vivre are a huge draw for New Orleans. As Jeff O’Hara, CMP, DMCP, president of PRA New Orleans, says, New Orleans’ cuisine is built on a blend of Caribbean, Creole and Cajun ingredients, bringing a burst of flavors to the dining experience. “New Orleans regularly rates among the most-awarded cities in the United States for our restaurants,” O’Hara says. “New Orleans is also a city the has preserved its history, while most of the big cities in the U.S. have bulldozed theirs to make way for high-rise buildings and office parks. From the wrought-iron Spanish architecture of the French Quarter, to the grandeur of the mansions in the Garden District, it is a fine reflection of the unique history of the city. And, of course, meeting attendees are drawn to the revelry of the French Quarter, which an astute planner can have them experience in an upscale environment.” From the planners’ perspective, New Orleans hotels are all built specifically for the group meeting market. As O’Hara explains, as New Orleans is not a large transient business travel market, hotels are built to cater to group events. Flex- ible meeting spaces, large ballrooms and even exhibit areas are the norm. “Next, the compactness of the city is a great convenience to meeting planners,” O’Hara says. “Many of the venues they will use are within walking distance of the hotel core, and nothing is more than a 10-minute transfer. So it takes the cost and logistics of transferring people to popular venues out of their stream of worry for events in New Orleans.” And where else can you create a full Mardi Gras parade to escort guests to their evening event? But as O’Hara adds, it is not just the hotels that are built for corporate meetings, the city’s restaurants and venues are as well, with multiple private spaces the norm. “In fact, Arn- aud’s restaurant has 17 private dining rooms and Antoine’s has 14. These are just two examples of the many restaurants that cater to corporate events,” O’Hara says. Christina Chifici, audit director at LaPorte CPAs & Busi- ness Advisors, recently orchestrated an event at The Higgins Hotel New Orleans, Curio Collection by Hilton. “We selected the Higgins Hotel as the venue for our 2021 [annual confer- ence],” Chifici says. The event had been at a hotel nearby in the New Orleans Warehouse District for several years, but had outgrown the capacity to handle the conference. “Further, the new close-by location of The Higgins Hotel was better planned as a conference hotel than our previous venue, and could handle the capacity we needed for both programs and sponsor exhibit space,” Chifici says. In the past, the group had alternated this conference between Baton Rouge and New Orleans. “We found that our highest attendance occurred when the conference loca- tion was held in New Orleans,” Chifici says. “The Higgins Hotel was a preferred location due to its walking distance to fabulous restaurants, as well as the renowned WWII Museum across the street. We held our networking cocktail reception at the museum. The museum is also an attrac- tion for attendees that may want to expand their stay to tour the museum.” Indeed, as Marc Becker, director of marketing and sales for The Higgins Hotel, explains, you will find a superior con- ference center, all on one level, with natural light and 12,000 sf of meeting and event space, plus pre-function spaces. “It offers an atmosphere of interest and quality that represents the city and proximity to the city’s No. 1 visitor attraction: The National WWII Museum,” Becker says. “The opportunity to combine activities at The National WWII Museum’s various spaces, along with the Higgins, and the fact that proceeds from the hotel benefit the ongoing educational programming of the museum, are both additional ‘feel goods.’” New Orleans also is the perfect setting for a meeting with cultural offerings unlike any other. “Reward your hard-working team with unmatched experi- ences like a private fishing charter featuring a celebrity chef who cooks what you catch, or get together in exclusive, luxury suites at the Cae- sars Superdome or Smoothie King Center and experience world-class sports and entertain- ment,” Turner says. “Celebrate your achieve- ments with a private concert from local legends like Trombone Shorty and Irma Thomas at Preser- vation Hall, followed by a chef’s-table experience with award-wining chefs.” themeetingmagazines.com 22 DECEMBER 2022 | INSURANCE & FINANCIAL MEETINGS MANAGEMENT These are not the meeting spaces you’re used to. From historic rooms and courtyards, to breathtaking architecture with a view, New Orleans spaces are Built to Host. We treat thousands of attendees with the same attention and hospitality given to a single, lifelong friend. We have access to the best locations to inspire meaningful interactions that continue long after you’ve left town. And we can do all of it within walking distance of world-class hotels. Call the New Orleans & Company Convention Sales Team at 877.393.5836 , email at cnvsales@neworleans.com or visit NewOrleans.com/Meetings. BOOK YOUR MEETING WITH NEW ORLEANS © 2022 New Orleans & Company All Rights Reserved. NewOrleans.com | @VisitNewOrleans Jeff O'Hara, CMP, DMCP, President of PRA New Orleans, touts the city's small size as one of the many things that attracts meetings and conventions, as attendees appreciate its walkability. Christina Chifici Audit Director LaPorte CPAs & Business Advisors We found that our highest attendance occurred when the conference location was held in New Orleans. KELLI PRICE PHOTOGRAPHYThese are not the meeting spaces you’re used to. From historic rooms and courtyards, to breathtaking architecture with a view, New Orleans spaces are Built to Host. We treat thousands of attendees with the same attention and hospitality given to a single, lifelong friend. We have access to the best locations to inspire meaningful interactions that continue long after you’ve left town. And we can do all of it within walking distance of world-class hotels. Call the New Orleans & Company Convention Sales Team at 877.393.5836 , email at cnvsales@neworleans.com or visit NewOrleans.com/Meetings. BOOK YOUR MEETING WITH NEW ORLEANS © 2022 New Orleans & Company All Rights Reserved. NewOrleans.com | @VisitNewOrleansA Mix of Old and New Some of the newest hotels to grace New Orleans are the Four Seasons New Orleans; Virgin Hotels New Orleans and Kimpton Hotel Fontenot. Recently open, Vue Orleans, located on the 33rd and 34th floors of Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans, is an indoor and outdoor observation deck and exhibit featuring the only 360-degree panoramic riverfront views of New Orleans and beyond. For food connoisseurs in any group, the Southern Food & Beverage Museum is offering an in-depth look into how to create delicious, traditional dishes that can be found nowhere else in the world, while discussing their cultural and his- torical origins. Of course, while New Orleans celebrates new and updated hotel and venue offerings, the classic standbys are sure to please both meeting planners and attendees alike. Jen Pace, CMP, program design & sourcing manager, consulting solu- tions with Event Travel Management, says there are many different hotels for planners to choose from to fit the needs of their program — budget, quality and size — from bou- tique to large convention hotels, with a variety of rooms and function spaces. “New Orleans also offers history, culture, great dining and fun, which is a great draw for events,” Pace says. “There are some great new hotels that have opened in the last year, spe- cifically the Four Seasons and the Virgin Hotel. I think new hotels are always a big draw for a destination. Also, the ware- house/art district is growing, and has created new areas to stay and visit, alongside all the new restaurants. Eating and drinking are always a big draw for the Big Easy.” Tod Chambers, general manager at The Roosevelt New Orleans, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel, says the hotel is an ideal spot for both social and professional groups in the region. The hotel offers more than 60,000 sf of event space, includ- ing the historic Blue Room, which is one of the original sup- per theaters from the 1930s and 1940s. “That room and the Waldorf Astoria Ballroom are the favorite venues for many social events,” Chambers says. “Our largest ballroom is 20,000 sf, which is an excellent facility for many mid-size convention groups. Lastly, when not attending meetings, enjoy a cocktail in the historically significant Sazerac Bar, which is a true memorable experience.” The Roosevelt recently completed a full $40 million renovation of all guest rooms and public spaces, including the hotel’s banquet space. “I absolutely loved working at this hotel. It genuinely feels like a family,” says a meeting plan- ner who worked with The Roosevelt for an event. “Almost without exception, the staff are invested, friendly and want to help. I have been doing this for 22 years, and have seldom experienced such warmth from such a close-knit professional team. The client and the guests loved the hotel. I cannot, hand on heart, remember when I have had a large event like this and not received one single complaint about any aspect of the hotel. Everything was top-notch and excellent.” In fact, New Orleans’ roster of large convention hotels, cou- pled with numerous choices for boutique and historic proper- ties, make it an ideal location for meetings of all sizes. “For the large meetings, we have four hotels over 1,000 rooms, and a con- vention center with 1.1 million sf of convention space,” O’Hara says. “On the other end, historic favorites, like the Royal Sonesta and Monteleone, are joined by newer boutique properties like the Ace and the Virgin.” JW Marriott New Orleans also offers an exceptional meet- ings retreat for planners and attendees alike. Upon arrival, attendees are welcomed into one of the 501 richly appointed guest rooms, dressed in modern luxury and offering a peaceful retreat above the busy streets of New Orleans, with a choice of city or French Quarter views. “The meetings and events spaces offer intricate details, such as magnificent glass chandeliers and New Orleans- inspired crown molding, which blend modern elegance with Old-World charm,” says James Mollere, director of hotel sales at JW Marriott New Orleans. Seat up to 750 guests theater-style in the 6,000-sf Ile de France Grand Ballroom, the hotel’s largest event space, with a balcony overlooking Canal Street. Additionally, the hotel’s eighth-floor Executive Meeting spaces offer a unique atmo- sphere to foster engagement and productivity with semi- private terraces. “With a variety of unique features, such as natural light- ing and indoor/outdoor access throughout several of the 19 meetings and events spaces, planners can select from a vari- ety of floor plans to best suit their needs,” Mollere says. “JW Marriott New Orleans is an ideal all-inclusive option to plan every type of event a meeting planner would need to provide attendees a holistic experience from start to finish. From a welcome reception in a bi-level suite, to a large reunion in our Grand Ballroom or post-meeting celebration on one our outdoor terraces, there is something for everyone.” themeetingmagazines.com 24 DECEMBER 2022 | INSURANCE & FINANCIAL MEETINGS MANAGEMENT COURTESY PHOTO Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans is home to Vue Orleans, on the 33rd and 34th floors, which is an indoor/outdoor observation deck and exhibit with 360-degree panoramic riverfront views.INSURANCE & FINANCIAL MEETINGS MANAGEMENT | DECEMBER 2022themeetingmagazines.com 25 In a city known for its distinct celebrations and unique ambiance, Hyatt Regency New Orleans is another premier hotel destination hosting some of the city’s prestigious meet- ings and events. Located in the heart of downtown and adjacent to the Caesars Superdome, Smoothie King Center and Cham- pions Square, the hotel boasts nearly 1,200 guest rooms with fantastic city views, and more than 200,000 sf of event space. This space includes 70 breakout rooms, seven boardrooms, two 25,000-sf ballrooms and 75,000 sf of exhibition space. Located in downtown New Orleans, the Hilton New Orleans Riverside also offers attendees an idyllic destination on the banks of the Mississippi River. With more than 130,000 sf of renovated space, the Hilton New Orleans Riverside can accommodate a variety of meetings and events, including self- contained small- and medium-sized meetings in its dedicated Riverside Complex, which boasts additional guest rooms and amenities. A mere four blocks from the Canal Street shops and the French Quarter, attendees can engage in the favorite hot spots of New Orleans, while enjoying the quieter area of the city’s Warehouse and Arts District. While New Orleans is teeming with unique Spanish and French architectural nuances, the Omni Riverfront Hotel boasts a more contemporary flair. Omni Riverfront Hotel is located one block from the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, and is convenient to other attractions in the Warehouse and Arts District. Its close proximity to the convention center makes the Omni an ideal venue. Plenty to Explore O’Hara advises meeting planners to take advantage of the unique culture and include it in your program. Bring your group to their evening dinner in a Mardi Gras parade, as it is one of the experiences that always wows even the most- seasoned travelers. “Then we have many ways of creating an upscale experience while your group enjoys the revelry of the French Quarter, whether it is from a venue with private bal- cony overlooking Bourbon Street or in a private room in one of our historic restaurants,” O’Hara says. He encourages planners to include something that takes their group to parts of the city they may not explore on their own. For instance, the Garden District is only 10 minutes from the city center, or perhaps host a dinner for attendees in a historic man- sion and transfer them there in a private streetcar through the majestic oak trees of St. Charles Avenue. Or better yet, a late afternoon zooming through the bayous on an airboat, followed by a Cajun cookout is an ideal team-building experience. “A big issue post-pandemic, and we saw the same thing post-Katrina, is that it has been difficult financially on all of the hotels, restaurants and venues. Many old favorites have gone out of business and many are not up to their previous standard,” O’Hara says. “It is important to have a local partner on the ground in a destination to guide you through the best options for your group who knows the current state of each venue. Fortunately, New Orleans is a hospitality city, with most of our venues and restaurants being locally and/or family owned, providing that extra level of resilience and care — so there are a lot of great choices. I & FMM COURTESY OF LOUISIANA OFFICE OF TOURISM The iconic St. Louis Cathedral, overlooking Jackson Square in the French Quarter, is one of New Orleans' most notable landmarks. Jeff O'Hara, CMP, DMCP President, PRA New Orleans It is important to have a local partner on the ground in a destination to guide you through the best options for your group who knows the current state of each venue.Planners and Attendees Keep This Destination Atop Their Lists BY KEITH LORIA Tons of Attractions Greater Fort Lauderdale is packed with tons of attractions from the shore to the suburbs. Whether one wants to embrace the great outdoors at the many parks and natural wonders — the grand dame of them all being the Florida Everglades — snorkel or sunbathe along 24 miles of beautiful beaches, or eat and drink one's way around world-class bars and restaurants, Greater Fort Lauderdale has plenty to offer in every neighborhood. The city is currently offering an incentive for citywide conventions at its newly expanded Greater Fort Lauderdale/ Broward County Convention Center. “Visit Lauderdale is giv- ing away $10 million in meeting space for events booked at the Convention Center during eligible 2022-2025 dates,” says Camila Clark, senior vice president, marketing and communi- cations for Visit Lauderdale. “Also, eligible group meetings will receive a cash incentive of up to $3 per consumed room night.” Greater Fort Lauderdale has a welcoming hotel for every variety of vacation or traveler, as well as a searchable database of all hotels. “Find superb places to stay that offer spa-tacular ser- vices, luxury amenities, and easy access to airports, cruise lines and the beach,” Clark says. “Greater Fort Lauderdale’s hotels are not just a place to stay, they’re a place for visitors — no mat- ter your interests — to play. Much of Greater Fort Lauderdale is within a seashell’s throw of the ocean or waterways, but the region’s many beach hotels put you right near the shoreline.” In Fort Lauderdale, attendees looking for a relaxing diver- sion in nature can visit Hugh Taylor Birch State Park, which is known for paddleboarding — particularly through coastal dunes. Rent a board at Park & Ocean, the concession area, where seating is available for lunch and craft brews once attendees have worked up an appetite. If the event is occur- ring around the full moon, there’s even a kayak tour complete with glow sticks helping light the way. Just a stone’s throw north in Pompano Beach, Hillsboro themeetingmagazines.com 26 DECEMBER 2022 | INSURANCE & FINANCIAL MEETINGS MANAGEMENT DESTINATION REPORT Florida I t’s no surprise that Florida continues to be a top destination for meeting planners in the financial and insurance industries, as the state offers ideal weather, plenty of activities and some of the most advanced places to host events. Although the COVID-19 pandemic put a damper on the industry for almost two years, things are back in full swing, and planners are bringing their big meetings and trade shows back to the state in numbers that are matching and, in some cases, even exceeding 2019 levels. Florida offers access to large convention centers, such as the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, below, and exclusive accommodations such as Hawks Cay Resort in the Florida Keys, right. COURTESY OF VISIT ORLANDOINSURANCE & FINANCIAL MEETINGS MANAGEMENT | DECEMBER 2022themeetingmagazines.com 27 Inlet Park offers views of the historic Hillsboro Lighthouse, fol- lowed by dinner at the historic Cap’s Place. Originally a speak- easy from the 1920s, and visited by everyone from the Rockefell- ers to George Harrison — the restaurant is only reachable by boat shuttle, and the menu varies depending on the catch of the day. Greater Fort Lauderdale is considered by some to be Florida’s LGBTQ+ capital, and one of the most progressive destinations in the United States. It was also recently named one of the Top Four places for LGBTQ+ travelers post-COVID. “We celebrate diversity and inclusion in every way, each day, where pride is the daily way of life,” Clark says. “We are espe- cially proud that Fort Lauderdale earned a perfect score on the Human Rights Campaign’s Municipal Equality Index. We embrace every segment of the LGBTQ+ community to make everyone feel welcome, comfortable and safe.” Additionally, Broward County is emerging as the most diverse area in the country, as it’s the gathering place of choice for large professional organizations, including some of the country’s most influential African American groups. The Urban League, the Newspaper Publishers Association and 100 Black Men of America have all made recent visits to plan their national social justice agendas. “Even if you’re on a budget, there are plenty of free events and attractions around Greater Fort Lauderdale, including beachside yoga, local live music and NHL practice sessions for the Florida Panthers hockey team,” Clark says. “From muse- ums and galleries to shopping, sports and resort spas, Greater Fort Lauderdale offers tons of ways to zen out, indulge, or make the most of a rainy day.” Convention hotels and venues abound, and include Bahia Mar Fort Lauderdale Beach - a DoubleTree by Hilton, which offers 296 guest rooms and 25,000 sf of flexible meeting space; Conrad Fort Lauderdale Beach, which offers 30,000 sf of indoor and outdoor event space; The Diplomat Beach Resort, offering 1,000 guest rooms and 209,000 sf of flexible function space; Fort Lauderdale Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa, offering 650 guest rooms and 50,000 sf of meeting space; and Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort, which offers 369 guest rooms and 30,000 sf of combined indoor and outdoor event space. Just a few minutes south sits the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood, which offers 1,275 guest rooms and 120,000 sf of event space. Drive a couple of hours south to Duck Key in the Florida Keys, and you will find Hawk’s Cay Resort, which offers a plethora of activities and amenities. The 60-acre resort is ideal for groups interested in the Florida Keys experience. After a day of meetings, attendees can enjoy activities centered on fun in the sun with vir- tually every water-related activity imaginable, including stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, snorkeling excursions, sunset cruises, island tours and even a private boat charter with a captain. The resort boasts 427 villas and hotel rooms, six restaurants, a saltwater lagoon, five swimming pools and a full-service spa, Most accommodations have balconies with ocean views or direct access to the adults-only pool in Oasis Cay or the main Resort Pool. The resort is capable of delivering seamless meetings, con- ventions and conferences. Hawks Cay Resort has the largest waterfront meeting space of any resort in the Florida Keys, with 48,760 sf of indoor and outdoor meeting and banquet space that can accommodate up to 480 guests in the Dolphin Ballroom and 450 guests in the Overseas Ballroom. The combination of indoor waterfront meeting space, a variety of outdoor venues and even a private-event catamaran, ensures groups will never have to meet in the same space twice. State-of-the-art A/V and modern technology capabilities are available, and an on-site technology director and dedicated event team ensures flawless operation. COURTESY PHOTONo. 1 Meeting Destination Continuously ranked as Cvent’s No. 1 meeting destination in the country, Orlando offers world-class event spaces, approxi- mately 480 hotels, MICHELIN Guide-recognized dining, a state- of-the-art convention center and larger-than-life entertainment. Plus, there’s increased ease of accessibility in and out of Orlando as Orlando International Airport recently opened its new South Terminal Complex — adding 15 gates — and can accommodate 10 million to 12 million passengers annually. In addition, connected to the new Terminal C, Brightline trains are expected to soon begin to carry passengers from Miami to Orlando International Airport. “The award-winning Orange County Convention Center, located in the heart of the Convention Center District and only 15 minutes from the Orlando International Airport, provides a multitude of meeting options within 7 million square feet of combined meeting and exhibit space,” says Mike Waterman, chief sales officer for Visit Orlando. “Orlando offers immersive experiences and unique venues for groups of all sizes. And as the entertainment options continue to expand every year, there are always new opportunities for attendees to experience.” Orlando boasts a multitude of convention space and ven- ues, such as Universal Orlando Resort. The resort offers eight hotels, each with a unique theme and amenities. They include Universal's Endless Summer Resort - Dockside Inn and Suites and a sister hotel, Surfside Inn and Suites; Universal's Aven- tura Hotel; Universal's Cabana Bay Beach Resort; Loews Sap- phire Falls Resort; Loews Royal Pacific Resort; Hard Rock Hotel and Loews Portofino Bay Hotel. Set aside specifically with meeting planners in mind, the Loews Meeting Complex at Universal Orlando connects the meeting space of Loews Sapphire Falls Resort and Loews Royal Pacific Resort to offer 2,000 rooms and 247,000 sf of meeting space. Together, the Meeting Complex and the rest of the campus offer 295,000 sf of meeting space and 9,000 guest rooms. Also, attendees at Universal’s resorts get special park passes, early admission and other benefits to Universal's Islands of Adventure, Universal Studios Florida, Universal’s Volcano Bay and Universal CityWalk. With so much to see and experience in Orlando, attend- ees are encouraged to factor in a few days before and/or after to enjoy the destination. “Attendees will want to spend some time experiencing the world-class theme parks, dining options, shopping and even outdoor adventures,” Water- man says. “Adding a few extra days for leisure pursuits can turn a business trip into a ‘bleisure’ experience that can gear up attendees for the meeting, or help them relax after the event is finished.” Orlando is the most-visited destination in the U.S., and the “Theme Park Capital of the World.” Home to seven of the world’s top theme parks — as well as water parks, outdoor thrill rides and dynamic dining and entertainment — Orlando is a diverse, welcoming and inclusive community for travelers of all ages. One new addition to the mix this year is Gateway: The Deep Space Launch Complex at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. The 50,000-sf, multilevel attraction features a showcase of NASA and commercial spacecraft hardware with immersive displays, as well as a “journey” through space, unique launch viewing opportunities and more. Plus, Orlando’s dining scene is on the rise and growing stron- ger every year with nationally recognized chefs, new restaurants from celebrity chefs and diverse cuisines for every budget and taste. There are more than 6,000 restaurants representing 40 dif- ferent international cuisines. This year, the MICHELIN Guide released a guide to Florida, highlighting 33 Orlando restaurants, including four restaurants earning a coveted MICHELIN star: Knife & Spoon, Capa, Kadence and Soseki Modern Omakase. Sun-Kissed Sand The Palm Beaches offer a beautiful, vibrant and inspiring destination for groups and conventions thanks to more than 18,000 guest rooms and proximity to three major airports set along 47 miles of Atlantic coastline. “Our 39 cities and towns each have their own unique charm and are made up of a dynamic blend of people and cultures that welcome all,” says Kelly Cavers, chief sales officer for Discover The Palm Beaches. “Our downtown West Palm Beach Convention, Arts and Entertainment Dis- trict provides a 350,000-sf Convention Center within walking distance to hotels, arts and cultural institutions, outdoor waterfront recreation, and robust culinary and entertainment options.” themeetingmagazines.com 28 DECEMBER 2022 | INSURANCE & FINANCIAL MEETINGS MANAGEMENT Universal Orlando Resort offers a variety of activities at its three theme parks, and entertainment and shopping at Universal CityWalk. Kelly Cavers Chief Sales Officer, Discover The Palm Beaches We are known as ‘America’s First Resort Destination,’ where business leaders, celebrities and even presidents have basked in our luxurious resorts and legendary playground since the 1890s. COURTESY PHOTO HawksCay.com | (855) 421-2896 | Sales@HawksCay.com Put paradise on the agenda when you plan a meeting or event at Hawks Cay Resort. Spanning across 60 resort acres on the secluded island of Duck Key in the Florida Keys, Hawks Cay boasts the amenities, experiences and professional events staff you need to plan an inspiring, engaging and successful gathering. on board All Crew MEETINGS & EVENTS AT HAWKS CAY RESORT 20,000 Sq. Ft. of Oceanfront Meeting Space Full-Service Spa & Fitness Center 6 On-Site Restaurants 427 Hotel Rooms & Villas Custom Group Activities Saltwater Lagoon & 5 Pools Watersports, Fishing Excursions & MoreHawksCay.com | (855) 421-2896 | Sales@HawksCay.com Put paradise on the agenda when you plan a meeting or event at Hawks Cay Resort. Spanning across 60 resort acres on the secluded island of Duck Key in the Florida Keys, Hawks Cay boasts the amenities, experiences and professional events staff you need to plan an inspiring, engaging and successful gathering. on board All Crew MEETINGS & EVENTS AT HAWKS CAY RESORT 20,000 Sq. Ft. of Oceanfront Meeting Space Full-Service Spa & Fitness Center 6 On-Site Restaurants 427 Hotel Rooms & Villas Custom Group Activities Saltwater Lagoon & 5 Pools Watersports, Fishing Excursions & MoreNext >