< PreviousAs Goffredo explains: “Our Orange County Convention Center-plus-anchor hotel approach with Hilton Orlando, Hyatt Regency Orlando, Rosen Centre Hotel and Rosen Plaza Hotel is an optimal strategy to serve the various attendee types that make up our total attendee base. As event registrations increase close-in we’re able to add additional sleeping room inventory with existing and new properties. We are excep- tionally appreciative of the Orlando hotel community as a dynamic partner that is willing and able to quickly adjust as event conditions change.” “We enjoy committed, long-standing partnerships with the people and places that make things happen there,” says Goffredo. “This is bolstered by ease-of- use and cost-effective infrastructure com- ponents, such as an easily accessible interna- tional airport in close proximity to hotel products that meet a variety of attendee-driven needs, as well as leisure-oriented attractions that give us the chance to wow our attendees.” Goffredo says the convention center is the core of SAP Sapphire, and says this year they were delighted with Cen- terplate’s innovative approach to deliver unique food experi- ences. “The Sapphire Lunch Bowls were excellent and super popular,” she says, adding, “Having produced this program over 20 times, we are in lock-step with building management and the various departments and staff that come together in careful and complex coordination, enabling SAP to aspire to the height of brand optimization and customer care.” The continually expanding city has new developments and improvements on the horizon. Opening later this year, the Conrad Orlando will debut with 433 rooms, 40,000 sf of indoor meeting space, a full-service spa, multiple dining options and a signature rooftop experience. The hotel will be part of the massive, 10,000-bedroom resort complex, Ever- more Orlando Resort, offering an array of stay experiences from single homes to villas, flats and hotel guest rooms, and located immediately north of Walt Disney World. The 247-room Grand Bohemian Hotel Orlando, Auto- graph Collection, located in downtown Orlando, completed a comprehensive renovation with new additions, such as the upscale Altira Rooftop Pool Lounge offering seasonally influ- enced dishes and specialty cocktails — and reimag- ined spaces like the property’s signature restau- rant, The Boheme. The hotel features 10,107 sf of meeting space. And the Caribe Royale Orlando, which just completed a $125 million renovation, including a new 50,000 sf ballroom, will be adding an additional purpose-built space for meetings this fall, The Grove. The new 20,000-sf outdoor green space offers meeting planners added flexibility for groups up to 2,000 people, allowing them to customize both indoor and outdoor expe- riences for events there. The property currently features 220,000 sf of total meeting space, and the 1,215 one-bedroom suites and 120 two-bedroom villas feature spacious interiors. Miami New hotels in Miami include Arlo Wynwood, which debuted last year. This is one of the first opened in the cul- tural district and features 8,662 sf of meeting space. There’s also Loews Coral Gables Hotel, which opened last year, with 30,000 sf of meeting space and offering 242 modern guest rooms as well as a spa, a fitness center and a rooftop pool featuring city views. Meanwhile, the 800-room Grand Hyatt Miami Beach is under construction and slated to open in 2025, creating an anchor hotel for the Miami Beach Convention Center. The 17-floor hotel will have a signature restaurant, lobby lounge and bar, gym, a resort-style pool deck with panoramic views, and four floors of meeting space and ballrooms. An elevated skybridge will enable event attendees to move freely between the hotel and the state-of-the-art Miami Beach Convention Center, which features four main exhibition halls tallying close to 500,000 sf of modifiable space in addition to dozens of other smaller spaces for breakouts. Also happening in Miami will be renovations to nearby Lincoln Road, eight blocks of walkable outdoor dining and shopping. A $60 million renovation will add new fountains, and park and event space, and other improvements. And, after leaving a mark on the New York City area and Los Ange- les, Smorgasburg, the nation’s largest open-air market, is now integrated into Miami’s burgeoning culinary scene, and open every Saturday and Sunday. Caribe Royale Orlando is adding a 20,000 sf outdoor green space for meetings called The Grove. Courtesy of Caribe Royale Orlando Resort 60 June/July 2023 | Corporate & Incentive Travel | TheMeetingMagazines.com Greater Miami & Miami Beach is a global destination where our meeting venues place attendees near iconic beaches, multicultural neighborhoods, best-in-class hotels, Michelin- starred restaurants, shops, culture, entertainment, and more. It is also centrally located to Miami International Airport (MIA), the gateway to the Americas. Choose from various meeting spaces including the award-winning reimagined, Miami Beach Convention Center. Enjoy meeting in a tropical metropolis, adding golden sunsets, warm sand, and unique experiences to your meeting itinerary. Contact our sales team at MiamiMeetings@GMCVB.com or MiamiMeetings.com to check out our destination incentives available for a limited time. MEET IN GREATER MIAMI AND MIAMI BEACH © Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau — The Official Destination Sales & Marketing Organization for Greater Miami and Miami Beach Miami Beach Design District Maya Hayuk, Wynwood Walls Corp and Incentive_Print_8.125x10.875_MEETING GRID copy.indd 14/11/23 5:16 PM Orlando, which hosted 74 million visitors last year, remains America’s No. 1 meeting and convention city . Greater Miami & Miami Beach is a global destination where our meeting venues place attendees near iconic beaches, multicultural neighborhoods, best-in-class hotels, Michelin- starred restaurants, shops, culture, entertainment, and more. It is also centrally located to Miami International Airport (MIA), the gateway to the Americas. Choose from various meeting spaces including the award-winning reimagined, Miami Beach Convention Center. Enjoy meeting in a tropical metropolis, adding golden sunsets, warm sand, and unique experiences to your meeting itinerary. Contact our sales team at MiamiMeetings@GMCVB.com or MiamiMeetings.com to check out our destination incentives available for a limited time. MEET IN GREATER MIAMI AND MIAMI BEACH © Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau — The Official Destination Sales & Marketing Organization for Greater Miami and Miami Beach Miami Beach Design District Maya Hayuk, Wynwood WallsA winning casino resort Moving up the coast, and inland, the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood recently played host to a North America Sales Meeting for Primo Water, an American-Cana- dian company providing water dispensers, filtration appli- ances and self-service refill machines. The company worked with Visit Lauderdale to identify available hotels nearby with meeting space that met its priorities, and worked with a very tight turn-around —barely two months to plan and host the event. “We usually have four to six months to plan a meeting,” says Ann Martin, vice president of agency services with Lighthouse Marketing, which oversaw plan- ning. “Our meeting was planned, start to finish, in about eight weeks — a tough turnaround time. It was important that we partner with a team that could help us meet that timeline, and we selected the Hard Rock Hotel after visiting the prop- erty in late December because we felt confident that the staff would be able to work with us to quickly plan and execute a flawless event.” Located less than 10 miles inland from the coast, the 1,271-room Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, originally built in 2004, received a $1.5 bil- lion renovation in 2019 and expansion to add a 450-ft. high guitar-shaped building that has become an icon for the surrounding Hollywood commu- nity. The “guitar hotel,” as it known to many, features 120,000 sf of meeting space, including a 37,611-sf ballroom. “Our sales manager worked closely with us to ensure all of our needs were met and the contract was solid,” adds Martin. “High on our list of priorities was a comfortable general session space plus breakout session rooms on the same floor and in close proximity. Once we were turned over to Convention Services, our new contact continued with the same level of service helping us to plan a welcome reception, breakfast, lunch and break menus that were praised by the meeting attendees. They were also able to accommodate dietary restrictions. The light show at the guitar tower was a fun surprise for guests during our poolside welcome reception. The casino also offered the meeting attendees additional evening entertainment opportunities to enjoy on their own.” Martin continues: “It’s always important to us that we have the same AV staff support throughout our meeting, and both the onsite AV service, Seminole Media Produc- tions, and the Convention Services teams were outstand- ing. The tech, equipment and sound quality were top notch, and both teams assigned a direct point of contact that was available at a moment’s notice throughout the meeting to help us fulfill any detail or request.” Although Primo Water elected to host two offsite events, Martin says it would be easy to plan a meeting and provide unique evening enter- tainment options without ever leaving the property. “The property is easy to navigate. Aside from the casino, there are multiple restaurants, bars and a theater on site, while the meeting space is set apart from the casino and entertainment areas. Palm Beach For an investors retreat that included a fundraising dinner and gala, Rebecca Gallagher, founder and president of Wanderlust Meetings, used the Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach for a 300-person event at the end of last year. The event included two nights at the resort — 100 rooms on peak — while additional support staff, sponsors and influ- encers were accommo- dated in 75 rooms at the Hilton West Palm Beach, eight miles away. Gallagher says many people have preconceived or outdated notions of what this destination is like. “Some people find Palm Beach to be older, stuffy, or dated, per- haps,” suggests Gallagher. “But it is evolving so quickly, while still keeping some classic Florida charm intact. The Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach embraces that culture, from the ambiance of the guest room décor to the classy and retro vibe of the lobby bar, pool deck, gelato stand and chairs on the beach. It’s all in the simple details — demure, yet effective style and service. Yes, it comes at a cost, but in a time when clients are paying exorbitant rates for incon- sistent product at other properties, I can confidently say the Four Seasons delivers close to perfection, and that is valuable in this industry. If you haven’t had a chance to get to know the area, now is the time to get acquainted, as it’s well worth the visit.” In addition to the level of luxury promised, the Four Seasons was selected due to its proximity to the beach and the meeting space capacity. The resort features 21,128 sf of Courtesy Photo Grand Hyatt Miami Beach, pictured in this rendering, will create an anchor hotel for the Miami Beach Convention Center when completed. 62 June/July 2023 | Corporate & Incentive Travel | TheMeetingMagazines.com WHERE IMAGINATION KNOWS NO LIMITS Meet the Moment Innovation is only the beginning. Discover a new standard of luxury at the reimagined Caribe Royale Orlando. Emerging from a $140 million complete evolution, the exceptional has been made incomparable at this stunning all-suites meetings hotel. Meet us where productivity and play come together like never before—and embrace each moment as your next Orlando meeting exceeds every expectation. • 240,000 sq. ft. of meeting and event space all on one level including the new 50,000 sq. ft. Palms Ballroom and The Grove, a new 20,000 sq. ft. outdoor event lawn, opening Fall 2023. • The new Stadium Club, a two-level sports bar and entertainment venue for up to 600, featuring pro-level sports simulators and a dedicated Skybox Suite, opening Q1 2024. • 1,337 newly reimagined one-bedroom suites & two-bedroom villas CARIBEROYALEMEETINGS.COM 407 2388000 SALESCARIBEROYALE.COMWHERE IMAGINATION KNOWS NO LIMITS Meet the Moment Innovation is only the beginning. Discover a new standard of luxury at the reimagined Caribe Royale Orlando. Emerging from a $140 million complete evolution, the exceptional has been made incomparable at this stunning all-suites meetings hotel. Meet us where productivity and play come together like never before—and embrace each moment as your next Orlando meeting exceeds every expectation. • 240,000 sq. ft. of meeting and event space all on one level including the new 50,000 sq. ft. Palms Ballroom and The Grove, a new 20,000 sq. ft. outdoor event lawn, opening Fall 2023. • The new Stadium Club, a two-level sports bar and entertainment venue for up to 600, featuring pro-level sports simulators and a dedicated Skybox Suite, opening Q1 2024. • 1,337 newly reimagined one-bedroom suites & two-bedroom villas CARIBEROYALEMEETINGS.COM 407 2388000 SALESCARIBEROYALE.COMtotal meeting space. “The client has hosted this program at the resort for the past several years and the turnout is always very strong,” explains Gallagher, who adds that the group has a large, affluent, often notable attendee base, who sometimes decide to attend at the last minute. “The hotel has always been very helpful in assisting with rooming list changes and guest room requests, even just hours before the event kicks off. To have that additional support and flexibility is very important. They convey to their guests the confidence that anything they need can be accomplished. The Four Seasons quality, the high service levels and above-and-beyond experiences attendees have continues to support the overall success of the program. When your attendees are happy, it makes a planner’s job that much easier.” Gallagher continues: “In the years of experience work- ing with Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach team, they have always provided myself and my client an excellent experi- ence. Sometimes, once a contract is signed, a hand-off occurs and the salesperson is never involved again — that’s not the case here, and to have that additional support throughout planning and execution of a program is vital.” Tampa Bay On occasion, a meeting planner finds a destination to adopt as their own — literally. “I fell in love with the Tampa Bay area seven years ago on my first site visit to the Tampa Marriott Water Street,” explains Kristin Tol, event director for Mainline Information Systems. “I moved to St. Peters- burg three years ago to enjoy everything this great part of the country has to offer.” Tol continues: “Our company has always had a remote workforce, so getting together once a year for our annual sales meeting not only meets the broader business purpose of reviewing the past year and setting goals for the next, it also gives employees the chance to socialize, network and re- connect. Doing this in a sunny climate gives many a reprieve from the cold, while also providing a setting which is relax- ing and encourages networking. Since our employees live all over the country, a convenient airport with a lot of lift is crucial — for both our budget as well as ease for our traveler. Many arrive into Tampa on direct flights, the cost is relatively low and the 20-minute airport to hotel transfer is an added bonus. Upon arrival, attendees can relax on the Tampa Riv- erwalk, go for a run or explore the booming city rather than be stuck on a bland hotel campus in the middle of nowhere.” With many of Mainline’s business partners attending to showcase their capabilities, a large ballroom is needed in order to set up a trade show floor. The 727-room Tampa Marriott Water Street features 42,608 sf of meeting space, including the Grand Ballroom, measuring 17,169 sf. Mainline has secured Tampa as the host for its Annual Sales Kickoff Meeting for four out of the past six years. “It’s not only because Tampa ticks all of the boxes but also because employees have come to love the area,” says Tol. “Tampa has so much to offer, and every year we’ve offered our employees a different experience, such as a Tampa Bay dinner cruise on the [Yacht] StarShip for all 400 attendees, organized an opening dinner in the Aquarium, participated in a brewery pub crawl in the downtown area, set up a food truck and music event, and last year, we bought out a local sports bar to host our Awards Dinner. All were successful and loved by the employees. Tol continues: “The Tampa Marriott Water Street, and now the 519-room JW Marriott Tampa Water Street across the street, provide updated sleeping rooms, convenient and walkable meeting spaces, outside event spaces, a great lobby bar and meeting spaces with large windows and lots of light. The event team is amazing, the F&B is top notch, and the hotel’s location can’t be beat. The new JW is stunning, and although more expensive, being able to put some of our exec- utive team here was a fun perk.” “Come enjoy the Tampa Bay area,” Tol adds. “There are also many great hotels in the downtown St. Pete area and I’ve started to use hotels here for executive and team meetings. The Tampa airport is easy, the weather is great, and down- town St. Pete has so many restaurants and activities to offer to attendees post their work day.” C&IT JW Marriott Tampa Water Street Courtesy Photo 64 June/July 2023 | Corporate & Incentive Travel | TheMeetingMagazines.com THE WESTIN CAPE CORAL RESORT AT MARINA VILLAGE Connect and collaborate at The Westin Cape Coral Resort, and let our waterfront resort set the stage for an energizing event. westincapecoral.com 239-541-5040 Inspirational surroundings Expert conference services team Wide variety of accommodations and meeting rooms near RSW airport Ready to connect? We can help. Call 1-800-237-6444 or submit an RFP at MeetInFortMyers.com YOU’RE THE ONE WHO WE HELP YOU MAKE IT LOOK EASY. LEADS THEM TO Innovation. LEE500-37361 - June Corporate & Incentive Travel Print Ad_Co-op.indd 15/2/23 3:30 PM The new JW is stunning, and although more expensive, being able to put some of our executive team here was a fun perk. KRISTIN TOL Event Director, Mainline Information SystemsTHE WESTIN CAPE CORAL RESORT AT MARINA VILLAGE Connect and collaborate at The Westin Cape Coral Resort, and let our waterfront resort set the stage for an energizing event. westincapecoral.com 239-541-5040 Inspirational surroundings Expert conference services team Wide variety of accommodations and meeting rooms near RSW airport Ready to connect? We can help. Call 1-800-237-6444 or submit an RFP at MeetInFortMyers.com YOU’RE THE ONE WHO WE HELP YOU MAKE IT LOOK EASY. LEADS THEM TO Innovation.SOLLY ON THE MOVE // NÚÑEZGARDNERBUCHANANGRAZETTI Tracy Solly has been appointed as director of sales and marketing at Trump National Doral Miami. With more than two decades of experience in the hospitality industry, Solly has held senior director-level positions spanning two continents: in the U.S. with Perfor- mance Hospitality and Aimbridge Hos- pitality and in the U.K. with Cameron House, Macdonald Hotels and Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group. Visit San Antonio recently made several new hires and promotions. Caroline Gardner has been added to the team as director of mid-atlantic sales, managing the organization’s Washing- ton, D.C. office. Gardner brings more than 25 years of experience to the role, including positions at Destina- tion D.C. and Choose Chicago. Gard- ner will be responsible for developing and maintaining strategic account rela- tionships within the association and corporate markets. Néstor Núñez has been promoted to Visit San Antonio’s director of corporate sales citywide, handling Texas and the West Coast for corporate citywide events. Núñez has 14 years experience selling the San Antonio market. Colleen Buchanan has been pro- moted to Visit San Antonio’s senior sales manager position, handling the northeast market with a focus on cor- porate citywide events. Erik Grazetti has been hired as Viceroy Chicago’s director of sales & marketing. He last worked at The Peninsula Chicago, but throughout his more than three decades in the hospitality industry, he has been an integral part of five opening hotel teams, working with such properties as The Jefferson Washington DC, Loews Chicago Hotel and Sofitel Chicago Water Tower. C&IT 66 June/July 2023 | Corporate & Incentive Travel | TheMeetingMagazines.com vv Imagine a world where “can’t” doesn’t exist. Located just 15 minutes from DFW International airport, Arlington o ers everything you need to make your next event memorable. Arlington is also growing by the day. Our new 888-room luxury hotel and Arlington Convention Center is opening in 2024. So whether you’re planning for an event in the next few months or next few years, Arlington is ready. Email us at sales@arlington.org, and let’s talk about what we CAN DO for you. NEW CONVENTION CENTER OPENING IN A convention that doesn’t feel so conventional?UNFORGETTABLE SETTINGS FOR Experience retreat destinations like no other. Host your next event at either of our two spectacular destination resorts with flexible indoor and outdoor meeting space and custom activities designed to meet your needs. Inspirg events SANCTUARY (480) 607-2350 sales.sanctuary@gurneysresorts.com MONTAUK (631) 668-1888 sales.montauk@gurneysresorts.comIf you’re looking for something fun to do in between your meeting or event, Dallas boasts twenty entertainment districts with walkable access to live music, boutiques, art and, of course, amazing food. Start planning at DallasDelivers.com This news is too exciting not to share: In 2028, Dallas will unveil a new convention center and entertainment experience. Get an early look at VisitDallas.com/ConventionCenter Omni Dallas Hotel, Downtown