< PreviousStunning Beaches, Beautiful Weather BY MARITZA COSANO T he Bahamas is more than just stunning beaches; but it is the allure of the Bahamian islands. Insurance and financial event profes- sionals look no further than The Bahamas for a postcard-perfect relaxing beach setting. They know attendees want a pivot from a con- stant state of presence to a desire to escape to a place where they can soak up the sun, get immersed in the Caribbean islands’ surrounding reefs, or swim with turtles, snorkel with seahorses and spy whales in the winter months. With 16 major islands, the Bahamas is an unmatched desti- nation across 100,000 square miles of the world’s most incred- ibly clear waters. But with all its splendor, event planners should consider the beautiful Bahamas for novelty and simplicity — two features most people seek in every aspect of their daily lives. BAHA MAR And at the center of it all, providing that and more is Baha Mar. With three iconic oceanfront hotels — Grand Hyatt, SLS and Rosewood, it showcases the picture of novelty, simplicity . . . and luxury. The resorts offer over 300,000 sf of indoor and outdoor meeting space, stunning views and over 45 restaurants and lounges by world-renowned chefs. “We have several clients with large programs,” says Jennifer Mazza, vice president of Travel Operations at Next Level Per- formance in New Brunswick, NJ. “So, finding a large, offshore, quality property that can manage large groups well, and with good airlift, can be challenging. Baha Mar checks all the boxes.” With attendees coming from all over the U.S., finding a quality resort to meet the needs of a wide range of attendees was critical to Mazza’s group. Baha Mar was the perfect choice, from the pools and beaches to the casino, retail shop- ping, various restaurant options and world-class golf. “Baha Mar is an outstanding property,” Mazza explains. “The entire complex is impressive! The grounds are well kept, guest rooms and public spaces are clean and luxurious, and the casino provides top-notch nightlife.” She adds, “The quality of the room product, public spaces, event venues, a convention center with more than 200,000 sf of flex- ible indoor- and outdoor-event spaces that incorporate the Bahamian culture throughout, and the excellent restaurants — Baha Mar is unparalleled for large resorts in the Bahamas. Ease of access is also critical, and Nassau offers good flight lift from most major airports in the U.S.” Mazza offered her attendees a variety of excursions — from a round of golf at Royal Blue, a dolphin swim at the blue lagoon, a catamaran snorkel sail at Sandy Toes Rose Island, to a Nassau Jeep Adventure and spa services at the Caribbean’s COURTESY OF ATLANTIS PARADISE ISLAND BAHAMAS | DESTINATION UPDATE | themeetingmagazines.com 30 APRIL 2024 | INSURANCE & FINANCIAL MEETINGS MANAGEMENT THE ALLURE OF THE BAHAMAS Atlantis Paradise Island boasts plenty of amenities, including a casino, golf course, water park and more.only Education Spa [ESPA]. But in the Bahamas, you can be more than just a tourist, she says. “As part of a recent large incentive, we designed a CSR event for a local food bank that delivered 37,000 cans of food to the people of Nassau fighting food insecurity,” adds Mazza. “This event was produced in conjunction with Baha Mar and the local DMC, and was held at Jasmin Garden. As a result, Next Level Performance was the 2023 SITE Crystal Award Winner for Most Impactful Effort Toward CSR as part of an incentive travel program. We are very proud of our impact on hundreds of Bahamian families!” Taylor Gough, account director of Fenix Event Manage- ment in Pickering, ON, was also wowed by the beauty of the Bahamas and Baha Mar’s service and offerings. “We looked to the Bahamas as it provided easy access for attendees across Canada. We were hosting an event for a luxury automotive client, so choosing a hotel with sophisticated and contempo- rary hotel accommodations and amenities, along with excellent service and food and beverage offerings, was crucial. SLS Baha Mar hit the mark on all accounts. And the Baha Mar Convention Center is also the most beautiful of its kind in the Caribbean if not all of North America,” he says. Operated by Grand Hyatt, the Baha Mar Convention Center is one of the largest event venues in the Caribbean, offering 200,000 sf of flexible indoor and outdoor spaces. Designed to be the ultimate destination for business meets pleasure, it’s the perfect venue for conventions, conferences, events and corporate retreats. For Gough’s group, providing a good balance of leisure and structure was paramount. SLS Baha Mar helped them exceed this goal, working with them to customize a program that was very unique to their needs. “Our attendees were not only thrilled to stay somewhere as exciting as SLS Baha Mar, but came away feeling the event was truly special,” he says. According to Gough, SLS Baha Mar did a phenomenal job with all the food and beverages. In addition to paying great attention to detail, they creatively tied in local flavors. Their diverse event culinary team offered different types of cuisines, including Indian and Kosher meals. In addition, the resort’s restaurants and lounges feature culinary options from all over the world. ATLANTIS PARADISE ISLAND BAHAMAS Atlantis Paradise Island Bahamas was launched 25 years ago as a marvel of nature and engineering. Since then, the oceanside resort on Paradise Island in the Bahamas has rivaled other top venues worldwide. With five miles of white-sand beaches and crystal blue waters, it is accessible to Atlantis’ The Coral, The Royal, The Cove, The Reef and Harborside guests. Like everything at Atlantis Paradise Island, the 3,400 luxurious rooms, suites and villas with ocean views exceed every expectation. Attendees can embrace the Bahamian relaxed ‘island time’ pace and explore its rich culture — vibrant music, cuisine and customs — for an authentic island experience and a taste of the region’s heritage. Atlantis Paradise Island offers diverse dining selections from restaurants helmed by Michelin-starred chefs to Bahamian cafes. With its award-winning Mandara Spa and Fitness Center, Ocean Club Golf Course and world-class shopping, Atlantis redefines luxury and amplifies fun and adventure. At the resort’s heart is the 141-acre Aquaventure — a waterpark with over a dozen pools, water slides and river rides, as well as six exhibit lagoons, including a transparent underwater tunnel in a shark habitat. When it’s time to get down to business, Atlantis Paradise Island Resort offers over 500,000 sf of flexible indoor and outdoor meeting space with state-of-the-art technology, plus endless interactive experiences customizable for groups of 10 to 25,000. “Groups will find a variety of ways to entertain all attend- ees with Atlantis’ vast offering of amenities,” says Steve Sil- verman, SVP group sales, Atlantis Paradise Island. “There are so many unforgettable authentic Bahamian experiences to groups of all sizes, including complimentary opening recep- tion entertainment with traditional Bahamian Fire Dancers, Limbo Dancers and Junkanoo Rush performers.” One of the highlights of Atlantis Paradise Island is Cove Beach, which offers an unparalleled feeling of privacy and relaxation, he says. The beach is home to Sacred Space, a breathtaking sculpture on The Cove peninsula designed by Bahamian artist Antonius Roberts. The Seven Dancing Women represent the connection of the Bahamian past to the future, the ocean to the land, and the 700 Bahamas islands to Paradise Island. Beautiful Bahamas at its best. I & FMM COURTESY OF ATLANTIS PARADISE ISLAND BAHAMAS COURTESY OF BAHA MAR INSURANCE & FINANCIAL MEETINGS MANAGEMENT | APRIL 2024themeetingmagazines.com 31 (Top): Natural beauty meets modern sophistication at the spacious Grand Hyatt Baha Mar. (Bottom): The Ocean Club Golf Course offers guests of Atlantis every element for the perfect round. This 18-hole par 72 championship course stretches over 7,100 yards on Atlantis.EVERYTHING YOU EXPECT. MORE THAN YOU IMAGINE.1-800-722-2449 A TRANSFORMING EXPERIENCE AWAITS AT THE ROYAL Step inside this legendary property and be captivated by the all-new design. Whether you want to relax in one of our newly renovated rooms, play in our reimagined casino, or enjoy a meal prepared by one of our three Michelin-starred chefs, there’s nothing better than bonding and team building in Paradise.A Favorite, Year-Round Destination BY CHLOE LABELLE F lorida is recognized as a top destination for meetings and events year after year. From its pristine coastlines to its amusement parks and award-winning resorts, Florida has become the ideal destination for financial and insurance meetings. Last May, Cvent announced its list of “Top Meeting Destinations” worldwide and Florida had five cities ranked in the Top 25 for North America, includ- ing Orlando (#1), Miami (#12), Fort Lauderdale (#19), Kissim- mee (#22), and Tampa (#24). Cvent also indicated that the state had a record 137.6 million visitors in 2022, which is 12.9% higher than in 2021, and 5% higher than in 2019. “The energy the cities are getting from pent-up travel demand is truly palpable, and it’s helping Florida stay top of mind for event planners as they look to deliver the most memorable and exciting event experiences,” says Stacey Fontenot, Cvent SVP of marketing. So, what makes Florida such a popular destination? Weather is always a top reason. “Planners want to minimize travel or flight mishaps while giving attendees a vacation- like experience,” Fontenot says. Florida not only provides that sunny, carefree environment, but its airports have earned accolades aplenty for accessibility, convenience and overall environs. “State-of-the-art convention centers, award-winning dining, vibrant nightlife and robust entertainment options are also key elements that planners look for — and are what continue to help attract events to Florida,” Fontenot says. “In addition, as we see business travel increasingly paired with leisure travel, cities across Florida have continued to see people book their business events with a side of vacation, be it family or solo.” JACKSONVILLE Stacey Bowers, marketing events administrator at Reinke Manufacturing, chose Jacksonville, FL, as the destination for a Reinke’s national sales convention and hosted over 600 attendees at the Hyatt Regency Jacksonville. From Bowers’ perspective, Jacksonville is a perfect mix of Florida flair and southern hospitality. “The location made work feel like a vacation,” Bowers says. “An unforgettable destination with miles of beaches, Jacksonville also offers amazing golf courses, world-class shopping and delectable dining options. It’s a culturally rich city with amazing historic architecture, vibrant street art, an array of museums and a creative craft beer and local food scene.” Specifically, Reinke held its national sales convention with over 600 attendees in attendance at the Hyatt Regency Jacksonville. “At the time, the USS Orleck was docked right outside the hotel and we hosted an event on the ship. What an amazing opportunity,” Bowers says. “The airport is a short taxi or Uber ride from downtown and the flight schedules worked well for our group, which came in from all over the U.S. and Canada. Downtown Jacksonville’s development is on the rise and with so many areas of town, such as Five Points, Riverside, Mayport and San Marco, there is something for everyone. Take your time to explore and you’ll find the perfect venue and itinerary for your attendees and their guests.” ORLANDO For more than two decades, SAP Global Marketing has held Sapphire, the company’s largest global customer event, in Orlando more than 20 times. As Stefanie Goffredo, category manager — GPO marketing: events & sponsorships NA at SAP Global Marketing, Inc., explains, the partner- ships in-place within Orlando — including Visit Orlando, the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC), the robust hotel community and so many other in-destination resources and service providers — form a stable base for SAP to optimize COURTESY OF GREATER MIAMI CONVENTIONS & VISITORS BUREAU | DESTINATION UPDATE | themeetingmagazines.com 34 APRIL 2024 | INSURANCE & FINANCIAL MEETINGS MANAGEMENT FABULOUS FLORIDA Seen as the gateway to the Americas, Miami features a Latin vibe and urban feel, as well as stunning waterfront views, sandy beaches, and an electric nightlife.their corporate brand and achieve event-marketing driven business goals in an exceptionally unique and successful way. “Sapphire is a business event that’s been co-located with The ASUG Annual conference since 2006. This combina- tion offers the ‘ideal state’ to our customers; one event that provides access to both SAP and America’s SAP User Group (ASUG),” Goffredo says. “We create a fully immersive show floor experience that articulates the SAP ecosystem — SAP, partners and ASUG — delivering content within interactive demos, multiple theaters, substantial meeting centers and curated networking spaces.” For over 30 years, SAP has been masterful in delivering an inspired show floor atmosphere that’s uniquely its own. “We are both proud and humbled by the year-over-year anticipation and delight of repeat attendees when they arrive and see, hear and feel this year’s Sapphire,” Goffredo says. SAP Sapphire North America 2023 attracted over 10,000 people to the Orlando I-Drive District; the primary event location was the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) with accommodations across multiple hotel properties — the core four being the OCCC, adjacent Hyatt Regency Orlando and Hilton Orlando along with the Rosen Centre and Rosen Plaza. These are bolstered by a spectacular private celebra- tion evening at Universal Studios featuring Grammy Award- winning R&B superstar Usher. “We worked very closely with the many people and depart- ments that are Team OCCC,” Goffredo says. “It’s important to point out the multitude of things that go well — the unrec- ognized things that, if they didn’t go well, would be visible to attendees and potentially negatively impactful to SAP and Sap- phire. Thanks to teams that make this type of magic happen.” What’s more visible and equally impactful on attendee impressions are food and beverage functions. Sapphire at The OCCC enjoys a reputation of dining excellence, and 2023 was arguably the best year yet. “We challenged Centerplate to go where they’ve not yet gone, and everyone was highly impressed with the creativity and quality of this year’s lunch bowls,” Goffredo says. “F&B is a notable part of the attendee experi- ence and having this type of culinary expertise in a convention center is a competitive advantage for Orlando.” In addition to unique culinary experiences in Orlando, there are also a wealth of new venue offerings for meeting planners to consider. As Casandra Matej, president & CEO at Visit Orlando, explains, Conrad Orlando includes 40,000 sf of indoor meeting space, a tranquil spa, numer- ous dining options and a signature rooftop experience. “The Grand Bohemian Hotel Orlando, in downtown Orlando, completed a comprehensive renovation with new additions — like the upscale Altira Rooftop Pool Lounge where attendees can savor seasonally influenced dishes and specialty cocktails,” says Matej. “The hotel includes over 10,000 sf of meeting space.” JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes recently completed several multimillion-dollar renovations. The property’s new amenities and offerings include an expansive water- park, refreshed guest rooms and suites, the introduction of inspired executive family suites, and a redesigned and upgraded lobby lounge. Waldorf Astoria Orlando unveiled the new Central Park Ballroom which offers an 8,000-plus sf ballroom, nearly 2,600 sf of pre-function space and a planned 8,700-sf covered outdoor patio. As Matej explains, this addition brings the property’s meetings and events offering to nearly 60,000 sf of multi-functional meet- ing space. “Currently, the Waldorf Astoria Orlando is undergoing a comprehensive, multi-phase reimagina- tion that will encompass the resort’s rooms and suites, lobby space, and select culinary outlets, Waldorf Astoria spa and prestigious 18-hole golf course,” she says. MIAMI Miami is consistently introduc- ing and improving venues, facilities and other key offerings for corporate and incentive programs. According to Carol Motley, senior vice president of convention sales and services at the Greater Miami Convention and Visi- tors Bureau (GMCVB), worth mentioning, and amongst the newest hotels, is Arlo Wynwood, which opened last autumn. This 217-room property is one of the first opened in the Wynwood Arts district. In addition, the Loews Coral Gables, COURTESY OF VISIT ORLANDO INSURANCE & FINANCIAL MEETINGS MANAGEMENT | APRIL 2024themeetingmagazines.com 35 Stacey Bowers Marketing Events Administrator Reinke Manufacturing Take your time to explore and you’ll find the perfect venue and itinerary for your attendees and their guests. Orlando is often ranked No. 1 when it comes to meetings for good reason. Besides its well-known theme parks, the city offers a plethora of meeting spaces and hotels, easy access and world class dining options.© Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau — The Official Destination Sales & Marketing Organization for Greater Miami and Miami Beach work end”“ When you come to Miami for your meeting, but extend your stay to rejuvenate at the spa and a show, you’re sure to have the best “workend” ever. That’s my Miami. Learn more at MiamiMeetings.com GREATER MIAMI AND MIAMI BEACH opened last fall, with 242 modern guest rooms as well as a spa, a fitness center and a rooftop pool featur- ing city views. “Both are fantastic options for planners to consider,” Motley says. And the Elser Hotel & Residences features 646 rooms and suites, all just steps from museums, parks, Art Deco South Beach, the Miami Design District and Wynwood. Notable renovations and revamps in Miami include Lincoln Road — eight blocks of walkable outdoor din- ing and shopping that have become a staple for attendees in Miami. The changes will include a $60 million renovation to add new fountains, park space, event space and other much-needed improvements to the attraction. Lincoln Road is part of the City Center District, and across the street from the Miami Beach Convention Center (MBCC). “We’re also excited about Smorgasbord: the nation’s largest open-air market, open every Saturday and Sunday. After leaving a mark on the New York City area and L.A. the market is now integrating into Miami’s culinary scene,” Motley says. “Both attractions are great resources for plan- ners looking to organize activities beyond the Miami Beach Convention Center.” Motley also wants planners to know that there are plenty of outdoor and adventure activities to pair with an event in Miami. “People think of Miami, and they imagine clubs and shopping — sure — but we also have some of the most attractive natural resources in southern Florida at our fingertips,” Motley says. “The Everglades are our backyard and Biscayne Bay is basically our front yard. We can help planners organize all sorts of unique excursions whether it’s an airport tour through the Everglades or a kayaking journey around the bay.” Miami’s multicultural neighborhoods like Little Havana and Little Haiti, showcase the traditions, and of course the cuisine, of the people who have built Miami. The city’s “artsy” neighborhood Wynwood Arts District is located just north of Downtown Miami and west of Miami Beach. “This Greater Miami neighborhood was once a collection of warehouses and in recent years it has been transformed into one of the world’s hippest hangouts,” Motley says. “Full of eclectic restaurants, bars and shops, Wynwood also offers visitors countless opportunities to enjoy the best of international contemporary art.” Neighboring Wynwood is the Miami Design District, a luxury shopping destination dedicated to innovative fashion, design, archi- tecture and dining experiences. As Motley points out, organizing events or visits to these neighbor- hoods are engaging ways to show attendees that Miami is more than its beautiful beaches. Planners should also take advantage of the Miami region’s restaurants to plan meals and gatherings that attendees will be talking about long after events have passed. “Greater Miami and Miami Beach were granted the title of “2023 Food City of the Year” by Bon Appétit just earlier this year in March,” Motley says. In April, the new Rum Room restaurant and Venu meeting space opened on the MBCC campus. Venu is a newly renovated space for elegant private events and upscale meetings, and Rum Room, located right next door, is a 1920s restaurant with an entic- ing tapas-style menu and local South Florida rums. When it’s time to get down to business, the Miami Beach Convention Center (MBCC) features four main exhibi- tion halls boasting over 490,000 sf of modifiable space in addition to dozens of other smaller spaces for breakouts. An onsite headquarter hotel — the 800-room Grand Hyatt — is slated to open in 2025: “The MBCC is conveniently close to all of the amenities that make it such an alluring destination for attendees,” Motley says. “This makes planning events outside of the MBCC easy, but also creates more of a draw for attend- ees since they know they can take full advantage of their time after the conference to enjoy some of the local sights and flavors.” For Carrie Zack, owner of Carrie Zack events, Miami, and Miami Beach, is easy to get to, offer both city and beach life, and is a great destina- tion full of culture, entertainment, sightseeing, food and beverage. “It’s very diverse, there is really something for everyone,” Zack says. “After a long day of meetings, clients can have the experience of being on vacation.” A few years ago, Zack planned an event for Nestle that was a little more unconventional, where details, themeetingmagazines.com 36 APRIL 2024 | INSURANCE & FINANCIAL MEETINGS MANAGEMENT Carrie Zack Owner, Carrie Zack events It’s very diverse, there is really something for everyone. After a long day of meetings, clients can have the experience of being on vacation. COURTESY PHOTO Opened at the end of last year, Loews Coral Gables Hotel offers plenty of meeting space with great rooftop views just four blocks south of Gables’ iconic Miracle Mile with high-end shopping and dining.© Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau — The Official Destination Sales & Marketing Organization for Greater Miami and Miami Beach work end”“ When you come to Miami for your meeting, but extend your stay to rejuvenate at the spa and a show, you’re sure to have the best “workend” ever. That’s my Miami. Learn more at MiamiMeetings.com GREATER MIAMI AND MIAMI BEACHpersonalization and cus- tomization were key in the planning and executing of the event in Miami. “We also have done a few events for one of the Amazon teams, where from the arrival amenities to the activities and restaurants, they got a great taste of Miami and Miami Beach each day after full days of meetings,” Zack says. TAMPA BAY Stacy DeMarse, president of DeMarse Meetings & Events, hosts events across the country but her “go to” and favorite place for events is Tampa Bay. “Tampa Bay is a transforming city,” DeMarse says. “The transformation of Water Street is only halfway done, but what has been completed has already doubled the footprint of downtown Tampa and has made it into a Tier 1 meeting destination. The investment group behind the growth has really looked at all aspects of the city and created a ‘live and work’ environment that is also growing the meeting and tourism industry in Tampa.” As a native of Tampa Bay, DeMarse says downtown was previously a hard sell to clients. It was hard to navigate, very dark with very little within walking distance of hotels. “The transformation over the last few years has been incredible,” she says. In addition, the area’s two-mile River- walk connects everything a group could want. “A plethora of activities, both for individuals at leisure and for private group buy-outs, any type and price point of dining options, including a Michelin-Star restaurant as well as green space, complimentary trolley transporta- tion and the cities com- mitment to accessibility, make it an easy sell for us,” DeMarse says. There are a variety of hotel options downtown at various price points, with several of the larger hotels having meetings space large enough to host a 300- to 500-person meeting. “The addition to the JW Marriott has opened Tampa Bay up to some of our clients who previously would not fit into one hotel,” DeMarse says. “We are able to utilize both the JW Marriott and the Marriott Water Street, which are con- nected via a walkway, making ease of movement between the two hotels simple.” The highlight and hot ticket for the entire program is the Pirate Cruise complete with “glam station,” DeMarse adds. “Attendees will be made over in full make-up and accessories prior to boarding the pirate ship to set sail for the evening voyage. We work with clients to theme their educational session titles to match the theme so it’s all encompassing. It’s definitely my favorite theme to bring to life with clients who select Tampa Bay to host their event.” Because Tampa is being discovered and space is getting harder to secure, it is important for planners to book early. “Tampa Bay is attractive to both group and individual tourism with a ton of activities happening throughout the year,” DeMarse says. “So even if you are not over a city-wide or busy time, transient business is booming with all the din- ing and activities so hotel room occupancy runs high.” I & FMM themeetingmagazines.com 38 APRIL 2024 | INSURANCE & FINANCIAL MEETINGS MANAGEMENT ORLANDOMEETING.COM Make meetings that make memories. Continuously ranked as Cvent’s Number 1 meeting destination in the country, Orlando offers event spaces, hotels, dining and entertainment unlike anywhere else. When collaboration fuels enthusiasm, attendees leave so inspired they might just wear their badges on the flight home. WHERE MATCHING LANYARDS ARE WORN PROUDLY To make the most of what Florida has to offer, Stacey Fontenot at Cvent recommends financial and insurance meeting planners consider the following tips: • Leverage all Florida has to offer when marketing your event by highlighting local attractions, restaurants and other activities attendees can enjoy. • Partner with local boutique vendors or business own- ers to give your attendees a truly unique experience, while bolstering the local economy. • Avoid the hottest months of the year when outdoor events can quickly turn uncomfortable. • When looking for a venue, it’s critical that planners know the meeting objectives and requirements. Think about whether the goal is team building, networking, training, or a combination of these. Having a thorough understanding of what attendees need — and what ROI looks like — can not only help planners pick the right hotel or venue, but also reduce time and energy spent on the sourcing process. • Leverage virtual tours or immersive online experi- ences to get a better taste of a hotel or destination. Many hotels offer 3D tours of their meeting space and Orlando offers meeting planners the ability to “travel” to more than 1,100 locations from the convenience of their home or office with immersive virtual tours. • If this is an annual event, take any feedback from past attendees into account. Ultimately, attendees need to feel like an event is worth their time, and using tools that can track how certain sessions are doing, or that can compare event data across dates and locations can help planners fully leverage Florida’s charm as an event destination and choose the right venue/city. Tips To Take COURTESY OF VISIT TAMPA Attendees can take a water taxi, trolley or other unique mode of transportation to explore Tampa, an always evolving city that remains a top choice for planners.ORLANDOMEETING.COM Make meetings that make memories. Continuously ranked as Cvent’s Number 1 meeting destination in the country, Orlando offers event spaces, hotels, dining and entertainment unlike anywhere else. When collaboration fuels enthusiasm, attendees leave so inspired they might just wear their badges on the flight home. WHERE MATCHING LANYARDS ARE WORN PROUDLYNext >