< Previousof the many options to enjoy some family fun. We typically see a pick up in registration for the reasons mentioned above. For our last several trips to Orlando, we have booked Univer- sal Studios for our Ace After Hours event, which is always a great time for all of our attendees.” The Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) provides the bulk of the space and service. “One of the clear advantages of OCCC is space,” Harris says. “We require a lot of square footage to host our conventions. The OCCC’s proximity to most of our hotel blocks cannot be understated as a positive.” Another aspect that makes OCCC a nice fit for Harris’ group is the catering. “Orlando was our first show back after the pandemic,” he says. “Obviously, there was some angst with some of our attendees. The OCCC catering team were so great at accommodating our requests with special setups for food service, which helped allay some of our attendees’ fears.” As for hotels, Harris says, “When we bring our conven- tion to Orlando, we have designated either the Hilton or the Hyatt as our headquarter hotel. We do this for several rea- sons. Their proximity to the OCCC is chief among them. Additionally, we typically get larger blocks of rooms, thereby offering that proximity convenience advantage to a larger number of our attendees. I don’t discount that both of those properties are also very well run, look beautiful and offer a number of meeting spaces where we conduct some off-site meetings. Their staffs are attentive and provide excellent service to our attendees and staff.” But, with a group of this size, they need hotels beyond the headquarters hotel. “I don’t want to isolate the praise to just those two properties, though,” Harris says. “We also partner with 21 other hotel properties in Orlando, which offer differ- ent price points and amenities that appeal to the varied tastes and budgets of our guests, vendors and suppliers.” To meeting planners looking for a destination for their company or clients, Harris says, “Orlando has to be on your list of cities to visit and consider. You can’t beat the sunshine.” Contracts Protect for Certain Challenges A representative from a South Carolina-based build- ing products company brought a group of 1,350 to Univer- Loews Royal Pacific Resort’s proximity to Universal Orlando’s theme parks gives attendees a lot of options for additional entertainment. © Universal Orlando Resort. All rights reserved © Universal Orlando Resort. All rights reserved 60 March 2023 | Corporate & Incentive Travel | TheMeetingMagazines.com It goes without saying that the weather is a big plus. Beyond that, Orlando has ample lift, so ease of getting there is a definite advantage. CLINTON HARRIS National Conventions, Meetings & Travel Manager, Ace Hardware CorporationFrom 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.comsal Orlando in February. Loews Royal Pacific Resort served as the group’s headquarters hotel. The representative says the group is fully back in person and, in fact, this meeting — the first in-person event since the pandemic — had record- breaking attendance. That said, the pandemic is still impacting contracts. “One major change is that we are much more careful about the language in contracts to protect us against cancelled events due to things that we cannot control,” the rep says. “We take a whole lot of hand sanitizer and also bring masks and testing kits to have just in case.” In terms of the destination, Florida’s weather is a major draw. “We have a large attendance from the Midwest and for them to get out of that winter weather in February is a huge plus,” the rep says. “In addition, the draw of being on the Universal property is also a huge plus, as this is turning into more of a family-friendly event.” Added to the destination itself, the representative says another big selling point was the free Universal Express Unlimited from the hotel, which allows guests to skip the regular lines at participating rides and attractions at both Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adven- ture. “As a planner,” the rep notes, “being able to be so close to the Universal property and host fantastic events was terrific.” Loews Royal Pacific Resort worked well for the group in multiple ways. First, the hotel’s meeting space was a good fit. “The resort has great space options with a good mix for what we need as far as trade show space, general ses- sion space and also small breakout rooms,” the rep says. “We were very satisfied. The Wi-Fi was terrific, and as this event was very digitally focused, it was important that it performed well. We worked with Encore and the AV support was great.” Additionally, the rep says, “The proximity to Univer- sal Orlando’s theme parks was a big selling point and gave attendees a lot of options for additional entertainment. Our group also hit all of the hotel dining outlets very hard, and I only heard great things about them. The same with the staff, which was amazing. This was the first time hosting our event at this property so there is always some trepidation about that. But, they did a fantastic job.” As is true for real estate, often a successful meeting des- tination is all about location, location, location. “The Loews Royal Pacific Resort location is wonderful,” the rep adds. “Being at Universal makes attendees happy. Also, the free Universal Express Unlimited is a great perk. In addition, we needed last-minute overflow rooms, so having Loews Sap- phire Falls Resort, Universal’s Aventura Hotel and even Uni- versal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort so close made it better for those last-minute needs.” Erin Cook, president and general manager at Florida- based e2Destination and Event Management, says group travel to Florida is busy. And while there’s much to keep groups engaged in Orlando, she points out that there’s a lot just outside the city to consider. “Just outside of the Orlando area are many smaller com- munities that maintain the Florida charm without the same numbers of tourists as Orlando,” she says. “Winter Garden is a very walkable city filled with local shops; it’s known for Plant Street Market, an indoor artisan market with a diverse assortment of vendors featuring natural, organic foods and handmade products. Crooked Can Brewing, a local and national favorite, rounds out the market.” She notes that Winter Park, just north of Orlando, and Clermont, west of Orlando, are both excellent locations for teambuilding, pri- vate tours and offsite dinners. Courtesy Photo Orlando has plenty of nature areas for attendees as well, some of it ideal for teambuilding and offsites. Rosen Shingle Creek — located just one mile from the Orange County Convention Center — offers a championship golf course and 524,000 sf of meeting space. 62 March 2023 | Corporate & Incentive Travel | TheMeetingMagazines.comTriple The Points, Triple The Options * Offer valid for new business booked by June 30, 2023 and consumed by December 31, 2023. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Offer expires December 31, 2023. We also reserve the right to end this offer at any time. Other restrictions may apply. Contact us for complete offer details. swandolphin.com/meetings | 407.934.4290 We invite you to meaningful, productive meetings in-person. For any events or group bookings contracted by June 30, 2023, for arrival through December 31, 2023, we are offering: Triple Marriott Bonvoy™ points on eligible meetings. OPEN PATTERNS AVAILABLE 1st Quarter 2023 Take advantage of newly available dates for January - May 2023More Than Just Magic Of course, Orlando itself has plenty of riches when it comes to what it offers groups — and it’s not all about fantasy and magic. Security, for example, is an important element of many corporate meetings and conferences, whether VIPs or high-level executives are in attendance, or whether con- tent includes sensitive proprietary information. Cook, whose company is part of the Hosts Global network, notes that Four Seasons Resort Orlando is located within a gated community. Additionally, she says, “any of the hotels on Disney property have a guard gate that all visitors must pass through.” Planners looking for that wow element to elevate their conference have a lot to choose. For an upscale venue that will introduce visitors to the cultural side of Orlando, Cook suggests the Dr. Phillips Performing Arts Center and its new acoustically perfect Steinmetz Hall. “The performing arts center is centrally located in downtown Orlando and offers one-of-a-kind skyline views,” she says. “Orlando also has many facilities able to accommodate large groups for recep- tions, such as Mango’s Tropical Café, which will entertain your group all night long.” She adds that Topgolf and Andretti Indoor Karting & Games can be part of a block party to create an impressive opening reception. “This block-party concept is great because it can accommodate 3,500 guests and is walkable from the Orange County Convention Center.” As much of a draw as Orlando’s ever innovative theme parks are, they are by no means the only excitement in town. Like most of the rest of Florida, Orlando has plenty of natu- ral spaces to engage and thrill attendees as well. Some of it ideal for teambuilding and offsites, but it’s another option for attendees who want to combine their business conferences with a family vacation before or after the event. “We encour- age planners to check out Florida’s natural areas,” Cook says. And there’s a lot for groups to choose from. Wekiwa Springs State Park, for example, is just 30 minutes away. “Kayaking there will take groups past many bird spe- cies, beautiful old oak trees and other wildlife,” she says. “And in Kissimmee, close to many of the convention hotels, there’s kayaking on Shingle Creek, the headwaters of the Everglades.” Cook suggests Blue Springs and Silver Springs state parks as great places to spot manatees, just 45 and 90 minutes away, respectively. “There’s also off-roading nearby,” she adds, “and in Clermont, you can ride a monster truck through an active citrus grove. Where else can you do that but in Florida?” What’s New in Orlando Orlando is always inventing new ways to entertain guests, as well as bring substantial ROI to meetings, such as through increased attendance. Experiencing what’s new in a favorite destination is a proven enticement to attendees. Here’s some of what is new in Orlando: Grande Lakes Orlando unveiled the completion of its newly reconfigured and expanded Grande Lakes Water Park at JW Marriott Orlando, including a lazy river, multiple waterslides, the AquaVenture obstacle course and new pool- side dining. The Ritz-Carlton Orlando also recently debuted new amenities, among them poolside cabanas with a private butler, Wi-Fi, HDTV and more. Over in the Disney Springs area, the Drury Plaza Hotel Orlando opened with 604 rooms and 17,000 sf of meeting and event space. The Drury Plaza is an official Walt Disney World Hotel, and as such offers free shuttle service to all four WDW theme parks, as well as early entry to the parks. Groups looking for an exclusive venue for its C-suite execs or VIPs should consider Foreigner Restaurant, and interactive culinary concept from Chef Bruno Fonseca. The 10-seat restaurant in the Audubon Park district offers a five-course “trust-the-chef” dinner (the chef chooses the menu), during which attendees can also watch the busy kitchen at work. Orlando’s globally renowned theme parks “are rolling out a host of new attractions this year,” Cook says, “including Tron Lightcycle Run at Magic Kingdom, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind at EPCOT, and Pipeline: The Surf Coaster at SeaWorld Orlando.” Cook says that the soon-to-open Brightline rail station is a game changer. It is currently scheduled to open in Orlando International Airport’s new Terminal C in the second quarter of 2023. The train will connect the airport with Miami and two levels of service will be available. The truth is, no matter how many times a group meets in Orlando, it never gets old. There’s always something new to keep conferences fresh, engaging and, often, magical, with something to ramp up a meeting’s ROI. C&IT Brightline’s new rail service will connect Orlando with Miami. The much talked about rail station is scheduled to open in Orlando International Airport’s new Terminal C in the second quarter of 2023. 64 March 2023 | Corporate & Incentive Travel | TheMeetingMagazines.comRETURN TO GRAND SPACES AND LIMITLESS POSSIBILITIES Orlando’s premier convention hotel is independently owned and nationally celebrated. Return to Rosen Shingle Creek and experience proven expertise. 524,000 sq. ft. of revitalized meeting and event space 1,501 refreshed guestrooms and suites AAA Four Diamond Hotel No Resort Fee Complimentary In-Room Wi-Fi RFID Key Locking System 407.996.4890 Sales@RosenHotels.com RosenShingleCreek.com/MeetingsLEWISPALM POITRAS DALE CONNELLYBRZOZOWSKI MOJICAWOODLEY ON THE MOVE // Hyatt Regency Lake Washington At Seattle’s Southport hired Melissa Woodley as director of sales, marketing & events. Woodley, who has more than 15 years experience, also has worked for Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa and Casino, and the Resort at Squaw Creek as well as Hyatt in Lake Tahoe, Maui and San Diego, among others. The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas, has appointed Maggie Mojica as its new director of sales and marketing. With 25 years of experience under her belt, Mojica most recently worked with The Ritz-Carlton New York, NoMad. She also worked with The St. Regis New York, The Waldorf Astoria New York and elsewhere. Atlantis Paradise Island in the Bahamas has announced that it has hired Liliana Dale as its director of national accounts for the international segment. Dale has more than 20 years of experience, most recently as senior sales manager at The Diplomat Beach Resort, Curio Collection by Hilton, in Hollywood, FL. Lake George Regional Convention & Visitors Bureau has announced that it has brought in Tyler Poitras as senior sales manager. He originally lived in Saratoga Springs, NY, and is happy to return to his home region. He started his career working for Walt Disney World in Florida as well as within the finance sector. Hard Rock International has hired Colleen Brzozowski , CIS, CITP, as its regional director of global sales - midwest. This hospitality veteran most recently worked as director of venue sales for Sodexo Live! She has a background in sales and management, having worked with many hotels and resorts as well as for a DMC. Visit Seattle hired Chris Connelly as senior director of sales. In the industry for 11 years, Connelly has worked for many Hyatt properties in Chicago, San Francisco and San Diego. Most recently, he was the area director of group & transient sales at Hyatt’s three downtown Seattle loca- tions: the Hyatt Regency, the Grand Hyatt and Hyatt Olive 8. Ocean Edge Resort & Golf Club has brought in Gordon Palm as director of sales & marketing. Palm has more than three decades of experience. Before this position, he worked with Widewaters Hotels. He also has worked with Hyatt, Hilton, Embassy Suites and Sheraton at various properties throughout the years. The Driskill has appointed Adreanne Lewis as director of sales, events and marketing. Lewis, who has been in the industry for more than a decade, has also worked in other locations, such as Fairmont Austin, Fairmont Olympic and Pan Pacific Seattle. Now, she will be managing sales and meeting spaces for conferences and events at the 137-year-old hotel. C&IT 66 March 2023 | Corporate & Incentive Travel | TheMeetingMagazines.comA SHORT WALK TO success Get from your room to one of our iconic meeting spaces in minutes! No need to walk through acres of property to get to where you need to go. Here at SAHARA, we’re giving you a shortcut to success. 2535 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109 702.761.7111 | saharalasvegas.com/meetings-eventsNext >