< PreviousU.S. and Canada. Highlights of the Stadium Club menu include the chefs’ famous sweet tea brined fried chicken and Philly cheesesteak sliders with braised beef brisket. Also set to open in the early part of this year at the property is a number of sport options, including two pickleball courts, half-court basketball and more. Last fall, Caribe Royale added The Grove, a 19,000-sf palm tree-lined green space that accommodates up to 1,500 people for an outdoor reception. In total, the property has an expansive 240,000 sf of meeting space, including a new 50,000-sf ballroom. The Rosen Centre Hotel is one of the most unique hotels on Orlando’s International Drive. And now is even better thanks to new, redesigned VIP suites with an impressive view of the city, perfect for corporate and incentive planners looking to combine business and pleasure. In all, the Rosen Centre has 150,000-plus sf of creative, dedi- cated high-tech meeting space, along with exceptional, personalized ban- quet and dining services. The property is connected by skybridge to the Orange County Convention Center, itself the second largest such facility in the U.S. Faruggia is clearly a fan of Orlando. “Orlando has an extensive list of ameni- ties and activities to offer planners and attendees. It has incredible options for shopping — whether it be finding great deals at any of Orlando’s several outlet malls, high-end shopping at traditional malls, or locating unique souvenirs from theme parks and resorts.” He continued, “I think another ben- efit to meeting planners is that Orlando is a hospitality-focused city. It has the infrastructure to support transporta- tion logistics for large groups. The peo- ple ‘live and breathe’ hospitality and are incredibly well-equipped to host events of all types, such as incentive trips and corporate meetings. There is no short- age of entertainment venues, unique dining experiences, themed resorts, high-end resorts, etc. Orlando literally has something for everyone.” Miami In Miami, where celebrities come to play and there are diverse cultures — the Greater Miami Convention & Visi- tors Bureau reports that several hotels are debuting or renovating. Opening in 2026, the 800-room Grand Hyatt Miami Beach Hotel & Convention Cen- ter will feature a whopping 90,000 sf of indoor meeting space plus another 10,000 sf outdoors. Adjacent to the Miami Beach Convention Center, the hotel will emphasize sustainability. The legendary 1,504-room Fon- tainebleau Miami Beach renovated its all-suite Trésor Tower while the Hil- ton Cabana Miami Beach Resort redid all 231 rooms last year. The 40-year old InterContinental Miami, the city’s Bayfront icon that lies along the down- town waterfront and was built around Henry Moore’s famous sculpture, “The Spindle,” re-did its 653 guest rooms. The club lounge also underwent a $36 million redesign. From exquisite Pan- Latin flavors and rooftop elegance overlooking Biscayne Bay to one of the best breakfasts in Miami, attendees won’t need to go far for renowned din- ing. And speaking of good food, bolster- 50 January 2024 | Corporate & Incentive Travel | TheMeetingMagazines.com (Right): The Sunshine State offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor events; Below: The Orange County Convention Center has been approved for a 140,000 sf expansion currently in development. Courtesy of Marc Farrugia / Sun Communities & Sun Outdoors at Elevate Courtesy of Orange County Convention Centering Miami’s restaurant scene, celebrity chef Daniel Boulud updated his Boulud Sud location at the JW Marriott Mar- quis Miami while Top Chef contestant CJ Jacobson brought an outpost of Mediterranean chain Aba to Bal Har- bour. Also, Rum Room opened at the Convention Center last year, replacing the Carl Fisher Clubhouse. The spot offers contemporary food and drinks from a rotating roster of local chefs. For groups looking to create monu- mental moments, the iconic, stylish and luxurious Trump National Doral Miami is one of Miami’s legendary golf resorts with breathtaking views. Conveniently located eight miles from Miami International Airport, Trump National Doral Miami is infused with the Trump standard of excellence. Boasting four championship golf courses, among them the legendary Blue Monster, the prestigious Trump National Doral Miami offers various recreational spaces, the Royal Palm Pool with 18 cabanas and a 125-ft slide, the brand new Har-Tru tennis courts and a clubhouse — the hub of the resort. With more than 100,000 sf of Miami event space options, like the Donald J. Trump Grand Ballroom, 643 exqui- sitely appointed accommodations, and premier dining at BLT Prime, Cham- pions Bar & Grill and Palm Grill. The 48,000-sf The Trump Spa creates an oasis for attendees to rejuvenate after a day of meetings and gatherings. Fort Lauderdale | Hollywood Just a short distance from Miami is Fort Lauderdale. The city is famous for its beaches, arts, culture and events. Meeting planners looking to cre- ate memorable experiences for their attendees will find a plethora of tours and activities at a variety of historical landmarks, which adds a charming and distinctive tropical touch to meetings. One of the most iconic landmarks is Las Olas Boulevard, which is lined with stores and restaurants of all kinds serv- ing all tastes or the famous wave wall on Fort Lauderdale beach. Greater Fort Lauderdale also has an eclectic food scene, acclaimed restaurants dotting restaurant row on Las Olas Boulevard include YOLO (because “you only live once”), Louie Bossi’s and Lobster Bar Sea Grille. Lively lounges and cafés with sidewalk seating provide the perfect places for people-watching and color- ful nightlife. Attendees can take a tour of Fort Lauderdale’s oldest and most historically significant surviving struc- ture, the Historic Stranahan House Museum, or walk in the magical estate, Bonnet House Museum and Gardens. The Omni Fort Lauderdale will be opening in late Fall 2025 in the heart of Fort Lauderdale, and is accepting group booking requests for 2026 and beyond. Giving the city a group selling point, Omni Fort Lauderdale will connect to the Broward County Convention Center, which is undergoing an 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.com TheMeetingMagazines.com | Corporate & Incentive Travel | January 2024 51expansion that will add over 525,000 sf of function space for a total of 1.2 million sf. Significant upgrades to the building’s technology are also planned. Once completed, the hotel will offer 801 guest rooms and suites, along with over 120,000 sf of indoor and outdoor meeting and event spaces that include pre-function space with waterfront views. Attendees will enjoy Floridian-Carib- bean comfort food at the Mangrove Pool Bar & Grill or all- day dining at Hidden Key. During the day, they can pop into Sand Bar Lobby Lounge or relax on IBIS Rooftop Lounge, take a dip in the pool, browse the retail outlets or venture to Mokara Spa for an indulgent massage. Known as The Guitar Hotel, the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, is truly an architectural marvel that redefines the South Florida skyline. With 638 luxury guest rooms and suites, and designed to resemble back-to-back guitars, complete with guitar faces and brightly lit strings — this masterpiece reaches 450 feet into the sky, outfitted with floor-to-ceiling glass panes. The Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino offers event spaces for small gatherings and large-scale events. Equipped with state-of-the-art audio-visual facilities, no doubt, their venues will certainly leave a lasting impres- sion on attendees. The Palm Beaches The Palm Beaches has much to crow about. Ameri- ca’s first resort destination is home to world-class dining and some of the best golf, spa and events in South Florida. According to the official tourism marketing corporaton for the county, “The diversity of options for planning a meeting in the Palm Beaches are seemingly endless.” The county has over 18,000 guest rooms at 200 hotels, 1 million sf of meet- ing space to choose from and two walkable downtown meet- ings districts featuring dining, entertainment, cultural and wellness options. Their inspiring oceanfront event venues, resorts and restaurants share the stage with vibrant communities and breathtaking natural beauty — ideal for attendees looking for a memorable experience. 52 January 2024 | Corporate & Incentive Travel | TheMeetingMagazines.com Positioned strategically in the heart of Fort Lauderdale, The Omni Fort Lauderdale, which is attached to the Broward County Convention Center, is slated to open next fall. The Guitar Hotel at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino has redefined the South Florida skyline. Courtesy Photo Courtesy Photo When you partner with Disney for your meeting or event, you get access to best-in-class planners, industry-leading technology, world-class culinary experts and unforgettable entertainment. But, most importantly, you’ll get Disney’s legendary creativity, storytelling and attention to detail. When you use our imagination, you will transform your meeting into something incredible only found at Disney. Use Our Imagination. Visit us at disneymeetingsandevents.comWhen you partner with Disney for your meeting or event, you get access to best-in-class planners, industry-leading technology, world-class culinary experts and unforgettable entertainment. But, most importantly, you’ll get Disney’s legendary creativity, storytelling and attention to detail. When you use our imagination, you will transform your meeting into something incredible only found at Disney. Use Our Imagination. Visit us at disneymeetingsandevents.comOn the hotel front, Hilton Singer Island Oceanfront Palm Beaches Resort is set to unveil a renovation of its 223 guest rooms this year, as well as its meeting space, dining concepts and public spaces. It will reopen as The Singer Oceanfront Resort. Hilton West Palm Beach revealed a $25 million facelift last year, with spruce ups of its 400 guest rooms and four res- taurants, plus new wellness activities. Attendees are within a 15-minute drive of Port of Palm Beach and The Square — one of its downtown’s dining, arts, entertainment and shop- ping havens. This 4-star hotel is 0.2 miles from Palm Beach County Convention Center and half a mile from Clematis Street — the city’s heart — which is surrounded by four walk- able, diverse historical districts. Palm Beach Airport is also undergoing a multi-million renovation that will add a 3,000-sf restaurant and even a sen- sory room to create a calming space for travelers with autism, among other enhancements. Tampa Bay/St. Petersburg Some of America’s award-winning, “sugar-sand” beaches can be found along the coast of Tampa Bay and St. Petersburg. Downtown St. Pete is home to the world- renowned Salvador Dali Museum with the largest collec- tion of Dali’s work outside of Spain. There, attendees can find top-rated restaurants, the beautiful Fort De Soto Park and the Chihuly Collection on Central Avenue to witness mind-blowing glasswork. With so many things to do — from dining to entertain- ment, the waterfront escape is the perfect getaway for attendees after a day of meetings. In Tampa Bay, Koya, Lilac and Rocca restaurants their first-ever Michelin stars last year. The eateries, respectively, offer food that’s Japanese; Greek and Turkish influenced, from Michelin-starred John Fraser; and Italian. Meanwhile in 2023, the Tampa Convention Center added 18,000 sf of space during a $38 million upgrade, and the Epicurean Hotel, a ‘foodie-centric’ property within Marriott’s Autograph Collection, has undergone a $21 million expansion that adds 51 guest rooms and a 1,138- sf rooftop terrace that can host up to 130 people, with 44 seated guests. The main hotel has 137 rooms and 5,200 sf of meeting space. Visit Tampa Bay sees itself as more than a destination marketing organization because it actively engages with community leaders across various sectors. Those connec- tions are advantageous for event professionals when they seek local expertise. For example, the destination market- ing organization recently facilitated a visit from Water Street Tampa at a large financial services organization’s conference that was focused on sustainability. The Pink Palace of St. Pete Beach, aka The Don CeSar — which gets its nickname from its pink exterior — completed a multi-year, multimillion renovation in 2021. It features 38,000 sf of meeting space and unique activity offerings, like moonlight kayaking, dolphin watch excursions and more. A member of the National Trust’s Historic Hotels of America, The Don CeSar has 277 guest rooms. Meeting planner Haley Brust, senior account executive, Talley Management, has brought three groups of up to 325 attendees to The Pink Palace recently because it is “a stun- ning hotel in a great location with many amenities.” The area surrounding the hotel features many restaurants and stores selling items at a wide range of prices, which can’t always be found in other destinations. Continuity with the staff also is key, she said. “We keep coming back because I trust the sales team and Don CeSar team members. The longevity of the staff is a plus; we know them and they know us.” 54 January 2024 | Corporate & Incentive Travel | TheMeetingMagazines.com Attendees are drawn to The Don CeSar hotel in St. Pete Beach for its welcoming staff and nearby amenities. Courtesy of Haley Brust / Talley Mgmt GREATER MIAMI AND MIAMI BEACH © Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau — The Official Destination Sales & Marketing Organization for Greater Miami and Miami Beach When an engaging brainstorming session in one of Miami’s picturesque meeting spaces is followed by unwinding on iconic beaches, you’ve experienced what we call, “brainsanding”. It’s just one of the many unique experiences you can have in Miami. Discover this experience and learn more about our destination incentive available for a limited time at MiamiMeetings.comGREATER MIAMI AND MIAMI BEACH © Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau — The Official Destination Sales & Marketing Organization for Greater Miami and Miami Beach When an engaging brainstorming session in one of Miami’s picturesque meeting spaces is followed by unwinding on iconic beaches, you’ve experienced what we call, “brainsanding”. It’s just one of the many unique experiences you can have in Miami. Discover this experience and learn more about our destination incentive available for a limited time at MiamiMeetings.comFrom a meetings perspective, she noted, “The Don CeSar boasts amazing function space with natural light and beauti- ful outdoor space. With its four retail shops, five restaurants, Uncle Andy’s marketplace, two pools and on-site water sports, the Don CeSar encour- ages our attendees to make the most of their stay.” In terms of cost and convenience, she said, flights into Tampa International Airport are rea- sonable and plentiful while the drive to, or from the airport is short, making it convenient for fli- ers to drive or hire a car, which comes at a fair price given the short distance. Gulf Coast Along the Gulf Coast is Sanibel, where pastel colored shells from the Gulf of Mexico wash up while the golf courses, fishing and boating are reportedly in a league of their own. In fact, Sanibel Island is home to J.N. “Ding” Dar- ling National Wildlife Refuge, which houses endangered species and 6,000 acres of mangrove jungles and wetlands. Overlooking the island is the Marriott Sanibel Har- bour Resort & Spa, where a renovation of the property’s 45,000 sf of meeting space — indoor and outdoor — was done last year. The hotel features 278 guest rooms and all six of the hotel’s restaurants have been refreshed as well. The Courtside Steakhouse is an OpenTable 2023 Diner’s Choice Award Winner. Additionally, following damage caused by Hurricane Ian in 2022, the property’s 40,000-sf spa was upgraded last year. The facility has new recreation options, including eight pickle ball courts and three tennis courts. Emerald Coast The Emerald Coast got its name for its clear, emerald- green water and sugar-white sands. But it is actually the coastal area on the Gulf of Mexico that stretches about 100 miles of sandy beaches and five counties: Santa Rosa, Escambia, Okaloosa, Walton and Bay. The most popular destinations there include Pensacola Beach, Destin and Pan- ama City Beach. The Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa in South Walton, near Destin, has become an unforgettable venue for countless attendees. Last year, it underwent a $35 million renovation, refurbishing all 590 guest rooms, guest floor hallways and design elements of its 60,000-sf of indoor and outdoor meeting space. Additionally, the property’s six res- taurants were refreshed, and their outdoor spaces, which include three connecting expansive beachfront decks, offer planners a variety of food choices and events right on the sand with the most fantastic views in Florida. “Florida is a safe destination that offers rich cultural diversity and culinary experiences,” concluded Farrugia. Beyond enchanting parks, innovative outdoor events and a healthy dose of sunshine, blue skies and fresh, salty waters, Florida is the perfect destination for planners because there’s an endless array of hotel types, welcom- ing convention centers and activity choices for attendees. Besides, everything is better by the beach — meetings and events included. C&IT 56 January 2024 | Corporate & Incentive Travel | TheMeetingMagazines.com The Marriott Sanibel Harbour Resort & Spa offers a captivating setting for Florida meetings and events. Sanibel Harbour Marriott Resort & Spa provides a destination that pairs modern luxury with a breathtaking waterfront location. Over 30,000 square feet of sea-inspired meeting space is available for you to customize and make your own. We also offer our own private yacht, ideal for receptions and post meeting events that are sure to wow attendees. MAKE MEETINGS A BREEZE SANIBEL HARBOUR MARRIOTT RESORT & SPA 17260 HARBOUR POINTE DRIVE, FT. MYERS, FL 33908 239.466.4000 SANIBELMARRIOTT.COM The Don CeSar boasts amazing function space with natural light and beautiful outdoor space. HALEY BRUST Senior Account Executive, Talley ManagementSanibel Harbour Marriott Resort & Spa provides a destination that pairs modern luxury with a breathtaking waterfront location. Over 30,000 square feet of sea-inspired meeting space is available for you to customize and make your own. We also offer our own private yacht, ideal for receptions and post meeting events that are sure to wow attendees. MAKE MEETINGS A BREEZE SANIBEL HARBOUR MARRIOTT RESORT & SPA 17260 HARBOUR POINTE DRIVE, FT. MYERS, FL 33908 239.466.4000 SANIBELMARRIOTT.COML as Vegas crossed the finish line this past year with a host of new headline-worthy proper- ties, experiences and attractions, from the recently opened Fontainebleau Las Vegas to the first Formula 1 Grand Prix down the Las Vegas Strip. With more than 15 million sf of meeting and exhibit space, and a lot more coming, The City of Lights plays host every year to millions of attendees who see the value of in-person meetings and events for networking, team-build- ing, training and overall connections. “Formula 1 has given another opportunity for groups to come to Las Vegas,” said Stephanie Glanzer, chief sales offi- cer and senior vice president at MGM Resorts International. “Many companies worked with our properties last year to host their teams or their customers as a ‘WOW’ experience during F1. Whether it was buying tickets at the exclusive Bel- lagio Fountain Club or just being in town for all the exciting events and activations, groups were able to either meet or relax during the day then enjoy the excitement at night.” Estimates put the numbers at 315,000 spectators and an economic impact to the city of $1.2 billion. Formula 1, which started last November and has a 10-year agreement to put on the Las Vegas Grand Prix, is just one of many recent invest- ments in Las Vegas. Over the next several years, the city expects more than $15 billion in new investment. At the heart of that is an expansion of the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC), operated by the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA). The LVCC hosted 56 conventions in 2022 with a combined attendance of more than 840,000, accounting for $2.2 billion in direct and induced economic impact, according to data published by the LVCVA’s Research Center. As of an October 2023 report, the facil- ity had hosted 35 tradeshows for the year, with an estimated atten- dance of 900,000. “We are in the middle of a $600 mil- lion dollar renovation of the facility’s legacy campus. The renovation will extend the con- temporary design, architecture and customer expe- rience of the 1.4 million-sf West Hall, which debuted in 2021,” said Rebecca Deluca, vice president of destination sales for the LVCVA. “Work will continue through 2025, with construction designed to accommodate and minimize dis- ruption to scheduled tradeshows.” The current renovation includes the addition of an out- door plaza and indoor lobby to the South Hall, as well as a grand lobby between the North and Central Halls. Other improvements include an interior concourse between the North and South Halls and a newly designed parking lot with a Vegas Loop station for the nearby Wynn resort. The Vegas Loop, an underground transportation sys- tem from Elon Musk’s The Boring Company, has four sta- tions at the convention center. Plans are approved to expand the Vegas Loop for 29 miles throughout the resort corridor including Downtown Las Vegas, Allegiant Stadium and Harry Reid International Airport. One of the properties that benefits from the Vegas Loop is Resorts World Las Vegas, located near the convention center. “The LVCVA and their customers have been great partners to us at Resorts World Las Vegas since opening. Being in close proximity to the convention center has also been a benefit to us, especially with the launch of the Boring Tunnel as it has Las Vegas BY MARLENE GOLDMAN The City of Lights Races Ahead 58 January 2024 | Corporate & Incentive Travel | TheMeetingMagazines.com DESTINATION UPDATEcreated a unique and convenient opportunity for our guests,” said Jason Glascock, vice president of sales at Resorts World Las Vegas. “When larger conventions are taking place, the Boring Tunnel has allowed guests to attend private and after- hour events at our property in two to five minutes, with no traffic, whereas it could take 30 minutes to an hour to get to another property on the Strip.” Resorts World Las Vegas has seen a large boom with cor- porate and incentive groups. Recently, it hosted Incentive Research Foundation’s Educational Invitational, which had record attendance. “We are seeing a growing demand for unique and expe- riential events,” Glascock said. “We expect there will be an increase in incentive business due to dispersed workforces, building engagement and retaining talented employees this (Top): The Venetian recently announced a $188 million renovation of its convention center; (Above): One of the newest attractions in Las Vegas is Sphere, which offers private group experiences and the option of a full buyout for up to 17,600 attendees. TheMeetingMagazines.com | Corporate & Incentive Travel | January 2024 59 Courtesy photosNext >