< PreviousDesiano urges planners to consider staying at a hotel on their own before or after an official site visit. She says, “When doing a site, I suggest you stay at the hotel pre or post to really get a feel for the day-to-day experience — outside of being a meeting planner and the hotel so graciously hosting you. As a regular guest, you can get a true sense of the operations.” Doing this, she adds, also affords you the time to walk the surrounding area on your own, which enables you to sell the location to your executives, if that’s required in your approval process. “JW Marriott Tampa Water Street has its own unique- ness that stands out from other JW/Marriott properties and I’m happy to be bringing two programs to the hotel before the secret gets out. I’m always looking for something differ- ent with an amazing ‘wow’ factor, and this location checks all the boxes.” Tampa Bay is well underway with its Water Street revi- talization. Tampa Convention Center is in the process of expanding its waterfront meeting space and adding inno- vative touches, all expected to wrap this year. The Tampa EDITION, Tampa Bay’s first five-star hotel, opened in the fall with 172 guest rooms and six F&B outlets. Meanwhile downtown, the Floridan Palace Hotel is rebranding as a Hilton Tapestry Collection property and undergoing a $25 million renovation. While “unique” is vastly overused these days, Ybor City’s newly renovated J.C. Newman Cigar Co.’s Museum & Cigar Shop, the oldest family-owned cigar fac- tory in America, is truly unique and well worth an off-site visit for groups. Located on the west coast of Florida, just 30 minutes north of the Tampa International Airport, sits Florida’s Sports Coast, formerly Visit Pasco in Pasco County. The area offers guests easy access from key direct flights in markets from across the country. Home to 742 square miles of rolling green hills, scenic coastlines, countless amateur sports ven- ues and complexes, picturesque trails and rich culture, there are game-changing experiences for attendees to enjoy — all situated on the picturesque Gulf of Mexico. The area is home to 65 world-class locations offering first-rate amenities, fantastic team-building exercises and delectable dining options. Whether planning a seminar for a thousand people or a meeting for a dozen co-workers, the area offers everything a planner might need. Outside of the top-notch event spaces, attendees will be able to experi- ence award-winning restaurants, newly constructed hotels, unique attractions and myriad ways to enjoy the year- round warm weather. The Palm Beaches It’s no surprise that Palm Beach appeals to incentive plan- ners and groups. It has long had considerable cache in the realm of upscale and exclusive. Kim Savransky, CITP, CIS, V.P. of operations for Georgia-based Fab at Incentives, worked on a program for a group of 200 recently, based at the Four Sea- sons Resort Palm Beach. She says the group recently rebooked for 2024 “at another of the iconic Palm Beach resorts.” Like many planners, Savransky finds that some discussions with clients have an added focus in the post-pandemic era. “For planning incentives, our discovery meeting with clients has become a focus for discussing destinations and what the landscape is like in these destinations post-COVID. It’s important for our clients to understand what it will be like to travel to these destina- tions as there may be changes and challenges that affect the incentive/meeting. Once we’ve determined the destination, we highly recommend a site visit so that our clients can expe- rience what the program could be like for the attendees and to ensure that the destination is providing the backdrop the client is looking for.” Because Savransky works primarily on incentive programs, she notes that these groups don’t lend themselves to virtual or hybrid events, so they’re definitely back in person. “Our registrations are close to pre-pandemic levels,” she says. “In the spring, there were a few people Courtesy Photo The Tampa Convention Center is expanding its waterfront meeting space. 58 January 2023 | Corporate & Incentive Travel | TheMeetingMagazines.comFrom unique meeting spaces and hotel accommodations to an exhilarating evening, a Universal Orlando meeting or event is perfect for groups of any size. Treat the team to great food, amazing surroundings and one-of-a-kind rides and attractions. It’s an event they won’t miss. And never forget. ONE DESTINATION. A UNIVERSE OF POSSIBILITIES. WIZARDING WORLD and all related trademarks, characters, names, and indicia are © & ™ Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Publishing Rights © JKR. (s22) TRANSFORMERS and its logo and all related characters are trademarks of Hasbro and are used with permission. © 2022 Hasbro. Sapphire Falls Resort TM & © 2022 UCF Hotel Venture III. Universal elements and all related indicia TM & © 2022 Universal Studios. All rights reserved. U220907-1/DP UOMeetingsAndEvents.comthat were hesitant to register, but for the most part, those who weren’t able to attend didn’t indicate that it was due to the pandemic.” As to why Palm Beach works so well for incentive pro- grams, Savransky says, “It provides fun and sun, as well as four- and five-star rated resorts, which are important factors to the group’s leadership team. The airlift into the area is also a positive aspect with Palm Beach and Fort Lauderdale/ Hollywood International Airports close by. This destination also provides a variety of restaurants, shopping and enter- tainment venues that work well for incentive groups. For activities, there’s something for everyone — beaches, fish- ing, golf, the Everglades, shopping, foodie tours, kayaking and so much more. Palm Beach is a planner’s dream as there are so many options to really curate a memorable experi- ence for attendees.” Savransky says as soon as they started considering Palm Beach as a potential destination for the incentive group, they reached out to Discover the Palm Beaches, the area’s convention and visitor’s bureau. “We were familiar with Miami, but not Palm Beach when we started our journey, and we felt they would be able to provide us with some valuable insights.” They met with a CVB representative and then toured the destination. “During our meeting, we were able to com- municate what we were looking for in a destination, and the CVB did a fabulous job of taking that information and curat- ing our tour to highlight venues they thought would work for our group. There are a multitude of venues in the Palm Beach area that can cater to all types of incentives and meet- ings. Depending on what the objectives are, there are unique, historical spaces or, if the convention center is more appropriate, it provides state-of-the-art meeting space.” In this case, the client chose the Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach. “It has a retro Palm Beach vibe that our cli- ent was drawn to, and it’s a more of a boutique-size property, which our cli- ent prefers for this group,” Savransky says. “Other aspects of the property that were a draw for this client were close proximity to the airport, rooms facing the water, a beautiful white-sand beach that’s swimmable, and a pool area cen- trally located on the property. There’s also a good-sized ballroom space to accommodate the group, and there’s space for after-hours hospitality, which is also important to our client.” Savransky says the Four Seasons staff also set it apart from many other properties the group has been to in the past. “They really embrace what ‘hospitality’ means and they perform their job functions so effortlessly. Hospitality starts at the front desk at check-in and continues throughout the property. Whether you’re relaxing on the beach or chilling by the pool, there’s always someone there to elevate your experience. Other spe- cial features of this property are the mixologist, who designs specialty drinks that are truly works of art and also quite tasty, and the ‘water sommelier’ who will educate you on the differences in bottles of water from around the world — who knew? The spa is also an experience not to be missed.” For planners looking for “that special hidden gem,” Savransky suggests Palm Beach and the Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach. “Palm Beach is often overshadowed by Miami and Fort Lauderdale, which are great Florida destinations, but very different than what you’ll find in Palm Beach,” she says. “But beware, Palm Beach is known by many groups; planners are just not as vocal about it as they like to keep this area on the down-low. Repeat business is prevalent at many of the resorts in Palm Beach, so don’t hesitate to reach out if you’re Universal Orlando Resort ©2021. All rights reserved Loews Royal Pacific Resort at Universal Orlando is part of the Loews Meeting Complex, which, in total, offers 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. 60 January 2023 | Corporate & Incentive Travel | TheMeetingMagazines.comDESIGNED FOR THINKING BIG HOME TO CHAMPIONSHIP GOLF COURSES, A TROPICAL POOLSIDE OASIS, AND AN IMPRESSIVE ARRAY OF VENUES. WE SET THE STANDARD IN LUXURY MEETINGS & EVENTS. 4400 N.W. 87TH AVENUE MIAMI, FL 800.713.6725 TRUMPHOTELS.COM/MIAMI Trump National Doral Miami features more than 100,000 sq. ft. of indoor meeting space and 75,000 sq. ft. of outdoor event space, exceptional services, and unique venues. The magnificent Crystal Ballroom, with stunning outdoor terraces overlooking the famed Blue Monster, provides an engaging and intimate atmosphere. For larger functions, the DJT Grand Ballroom and Patio is elegantly designed, ideal for functions with a maximum capacity of 2,000 attendees. Home to 643 deluxe guestrooms and suites, four iconic golf courses, a world-class spa, premier dining, and unparalleled amenities, we set the standard of excellence for gatherings of all sizes.looking for beachfront and luxury for your next incentive trip.” Additionally, Savransky encour- ages planners to reach out to the CVB. “They’re experts in this area, have devel- oped relationships with the vendors and can provide you with details and contacts to get started. Don’t forget to ask about any incentives available for your group, as they may have a special incentive that could entice your clients to consider Palm Beach as the destination for them.” In addition to the tried-and-true historic properties in the area, the Palm Beaches have much in the pipeline or recently opened, most notably the health-centric Amrit Ocean Resort & Residences on Singer Island, Mandarin Oriental in Boca Raton and the Banyan Cay Resort & Golf West Palm Beach. The 158-room Mandarin is the brand’s second property in Florida, and Banyan Cay Resort, a new build, will be the first full-service Hyatt-branded property in Palm Beach County. As for renovations, The Colony and Boca Raton Tower wrapped up renovations this year, and The Breakers and Jupiter Beach Resort will complete renovations soon. Check with Discover the Palm Beaches on the many restaurants, museums and other venues that have recently opened or are coming soon. In Broward County to the south sits Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood, home of the iconic Guitar Hotel. The resort underwent a $1.5 bil- lion resort-wide expansion a couple of years ago, and now offers 1,275 guest rooms and 120,000 sf of event space. The space includes a 38,000-sf exhi- bition hall large enough to host trade shows, conventions and large corpo- rate groups. There are also 46 unique spaces, which can be reconfigured to accommodate groups as large as 5,000 or smaller, more intimate groups. Addi- tional event space is available at DAER South Florida, the resort’s nightclub/ dayclub complex, which is a 44,000- sf, customizable space that includes an indoor nightclub; a day club with resort-style pool oasis and bungalows and a rooftop bar. There is also a 13.5-acre pool lagoon with activities such as kayaking and paddleboarding and is perfect for team-building activities or for attend- ees looking to relax after a day of meet- ings or to cool off. Hard Rock Live, the resort’s concert venue, offers unob- structed sightlines from every seat in the house, and with Hard Rock Live and a comedy club with weekly pro- gramming, attendees will find plenty to do. Not to be overlooked, live music can Courtesy Photo Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood offers a 13.5-acre pool lagoon perfect for team-building activities or for attendees to relax after a day of meetings. Kim Savransky, CITP, CIS, right, says a recent client was very pleased to host an event at The Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach. Courtesy of Kim Savransky 62 January 2023 | Corporate & Incentive Travel | TheMeetingMagazines.combe found at the resort’s signature bars, ranging from jazz to upbeat rock cover bands and everything in between. Naples & Marco Island Although the area on Florida’s south- western Gulf Coast suffered from the impacts of devastating Hurricane Ian, it may surprise planners to learn that the Paradise Coast is open and ready for business. The Naples, Marco Island, Everglades CVB wants planners to know it’s definitely time to visit. Lisa Cham- berlain, CMP, group sales manager at the CVB, says, “Our destination rebounded at a staggering pace. Just two weeks post- storm, two of our largest resorts, the JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort and the Naples Grande Beach Resort, hosted full conference buyouts. Currently across the destination, over 88% of our hotels and resorts are open and maintaining high occupancies. Our famed 5th Avenue South restaurants are welcoming guests with white-linen tablecloths, and our retailers and art galleries are filled with shoppers.” She continues: “There are multiple opportunities to enjoy arts and cultural performances in our theaters, museums and performance centers. The feedback we’ve received from meeting planners is extremely positive, and many have expressed the desire to support our destination as we put our ‘best foot for- ward’ to host their events.” “We’re eager,” Chamberlain adds, “to relay the message that our destina- tion is open for business and welcom- ing back groups that have a long his- tory with us, as well as those that may have just discovered us. Meeting pro- fessionals seeking ways to support the region are encouraged to submit RFP’s and have a discussion about upcoming meetings. Your support is invaluable, as our dedicated teams of professionals across the destination prepare to wel- come you with legendary hospitality and first-class service.” Destin-South Walton The Emerald Coast, on Florida’s northwestern stretch of the Gulf of Mexico, is also evolving. A former Best Western in Fort Walton Beach will undergo extensive renovation and rebrand as Beal House Destin-Fort Walton Beachfront, a Tapestry Collec- tion by Hilton. A new Tru by Hilton soon will also open in Destin. Upcom- ing renovations include Four Points, which will rebrand as a Marriott prop- erty; the Holiday Inn Resort; Best West- ern Sugar Sands and Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park, an off-site option, which will unveil its new multimillion- dollar dolphin habitat next spring. The South Walton area offers 16 beach neighborhoods, each with its own, distinct personality, and also offers more than 15,000 guest rooms and 155,000 sf of meeting space — ideal for everything from a 20-person executive retreat to a 1,500-person convention. There are also four state parks, the 15,000-acre Point Washington State Forest, 15 rare coastal dune lakes and easy access to the Gulf of Mexico along the area’s stun- ning beaches — which means there are plenty of outdoor activities for attendees to enjoy after a day inside. TheMeetingMagazines.com | Corporate & Incentive Travel | January 2023 63 Do You Have wHat iT Takes? # mEeTinGchAmp Show your attendees you really are the best leader on Florida’s Sports Coast. BEcome a lEgEnDary lEaDer flsportscoast.comConvention hotels include Hotel Effie Sandestin, located at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, which opened its doors early last year. It offers more than 20,000 sf of meeting and event space, and features the only rooftop pool with lounge and event space on the Emerald Coast. In addition, this luxury hotel features 250 guest rooms with hand-selected furnishings and sophisticated décor. Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa offers 590 spa- cious guest rooms and suites divided among two towers, Emerald and Spa, as well as 40,000 sf of flexible indoor meeting space. It also has an expansive, 22,500-sf beach- front deck, the AAA Four-Diamond Seagar’s Prime Steaks & Seafood and six other eateries, and the 14,500-sf Seren- ity by the Sea Spa. Orlando As usual, there are a slew of new dining, attraction and entertainment options already open or on the horizon. But of particular interest to planners may be the partnership between Visit Orlando and not-for-profit Orlando Health. The new alliance designates Orlando Health as the official health and wellness partner of Visit Orlando and offers health-related benefits for millions of visitors, including meeting and convention attendees. It provides customizable health solutions specifically for conferences and attendees via an Orlando Health Virtual Care Center, which will open at the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC). Medical providers will be available virtually 24/7, and during major conventions the clinic will be staffed by clinicians. The South Terminal Complex is now open at Orlando International Airport, adding 15 gates and a state-of-the-art baggage system. The new train system is soon also scheduled to start carrying passengers. Walt Disney World Resort will complete its multiyear transformation of EPCOT by late this year, and Journey of Water, inspired by the movie “Moana,” will also open late this year. In the Magic Kingdom, groups can look forward to a new nighttime spectacular over Cinderella Castle next year, and Disney’s sixth ship, Disney Treasure, will set sail next year. It will feature a Grand Hall inspired by the gran- deur and mystery of a gilded palace, with Asian and African influences and paying homage to the distant land of Agra- bah — yes, magic carpet included. Finally, the largest cel- ebration in Disney’s history, Disney 100 Years of Wonder, recently kicked off. Orlando’s other resort that boasts theme parks is Universal Orlando Resort, which offers eight hotels, each with a unique theme and amenities. They include Universal’s Endless Sum- mer Resort - Dockside Inn and Suites and a sister hotel, Surf- side Inn and Suites; Universal’s Aventura Hotel; Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort; Loews Sapphire Falls Resort; Loews Royal Pacific Resort; Hard Rock Hotel and Loews Portofino Bay Hotel. Set aside specifically with meeting planners in mind, the Loews Meet- ing Complex at Univer- sal 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 cam- pus 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. The Sunshine State is geographically and culturally diverse, with cities and towns for planners to consider from the Atlantic to the Gulf Coast, from the Keys to the Georgia border. Florida draws attendees with its sun and beaches, but it draws them back with all of the many other attributes that make it so ideal for incentives and meetings. C&IT The South Walton area offers 16 beach neighborhoods, each with its own personality. Courtesy of Visit South Walton 64 January 2023 | Corporate & Incentive Travel | TheMeetingMagazines.com We’re eager to relay the message that our destination is open for business and welcoming back groups that have a long history with us, as well as those that may have just discovered us. LISA CHAMBERLAIN, CMP, Group Sales Manager, Naples, Marco Island, Everglades CVBmeet Vibrantly Tampa Bay is where dynamic meetings come together nearly effortlessly. With cutting-edge waterfront venues, award-winning menus and an array of accommodations — all with a stress-free vibe. tampameetings.comSCOTTCITZMANBROWNTAYLORMATSUDA ON THE MOVE // King Kamehameha Kona Beach Resort has hired Sara Scott as director of sales & marketing. Scott has more than two decades of experience in the hos- pitality industry. Most recently, she was working as director of sales & marketing at the Outrigger Kona Resort & Spa. Pacifica Hotels has hired Ana Citzman as regional director of sales. With about two decades of experience, she is well versed in the industry. Most recently, she worked at OTO Development as regional director of sales and marketing. She has also worked with Hyatt Hotels & Resorts, Hilton Hotels & Resorts and Crescent Hotels & Resorts. Virgin Hotels New York City has hired Melissa Brown as director of sales & marketing. Brown has worked for more than 20 years in the industry, including at hotels and resorts such as World Hotels, Luxe Collection Hotel, Paramount Hotel, Park Hyatt, Hotel Nikko San Francisco, W Hotel, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Trump International Hotel & Tower New York, Luxe Collection Hotels and elsewhere. Destination Cleveland, the destina- tion marketing and management orga- nization for Greater Cleveland, has pro- moted Gordon Taylor III to chief sales officer from his position as vice presi- dent of sales and services. He has been with Destination Cleveland for more than three years. Altogether, this industry vet- eran has more than 20 years of experi- ence, including working with brands such as Marriott International, Hyatt Hotels & Resorts, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, Carl- son Rezidor Hotel Group and others. Halekulani Resort and the Halepuna Waikiki Hotel Halekulani have hired Lisa Matsuda as director of sales and mar- keting. Matsuda has worked with Hilton Hotels, Marriott International and Hyatt Regency. She will oversee domestic and international markets and be responsi- ble for creating revenue strategies and marketing plans. C&IT 66 January 2023 | Corporate & Incentive Travel | TheMeetingMagazines.com CENTRE’D AROUND YOU. Make an impact with your next event at Boise Centre. Our versatile meeting and event spaces, modern amenities, and expert event planning team is at your service to ensure an unforgettable event experience. Located in the middle of the city’s energetic, walkable downtown Boise Centre is surrounded by local breweries, restaurants, shops, hotels and is minutes from outdoor adventures. boisecentre.com • Convenient downtown location • Numerous direct flights and seven minutes from the airport • Surrounded by restaurants, breweries, and nightlife • Over 1,300 hotel rooms within walking distance • Outdoor activities close by including hiking, rafting, biking, and moreCreate your memorable meeting experience at Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace. This Official Walt Disney World ® Hotel features an incredible location, steps from Disney Springs ® , with over 150 shopping, dining, and entertainment options. With 120,000 sq. ft. of newly redesigned meeting and event space, combined with our award-winning catering & events team, your next meeting or event will stand out above the rest. SPECIAL TEAM BUILDING EVENT OFFER & GET 5X HILTON HONORS POINTS Experience Meetings Above the Rest Offer applicable to meetings contracted by December 31, 2023 and actualized between 2023 and 2024. Applicable to new bookings only. Offer is not retroactive on previously contracted business. Minimum of ten (10) rooms on peak required to qualify. Offer cannot be combined with any other offer or discount. Some restrictions apply. 1900 E. Buena Vista Drive Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830 | www.buenavistapalace.com (407) 827-2727 | mcobu-salesadm@hilton.comNext >