In Destin, the destination speaks for itself when it comes to organizing an event-filled meeting.
“Destin has so much for groups and people accompanying the attendees; there’s shopping, beaches, restaurants, and boat excursions,” says Joice Ventry, CMP, president of Meeting Spots (www.meetingspots.net). “You don’t have to try to outdo what’s already there.”
Meeting Spots is a full-service meeting management company, established in Crawfordville, Fla., in 1994. Ventry helps organize about a half-dozen meetings each year in Destin, some large and some small. Her company works with several types of groups, including military groups, state association and corporate clients.
One of the largest group events in Destin is the annual meeting for the National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA), with anywhere from 800 to 1,000 attendees, many from large companies such as Boeing and Lockheed Martin and a number from overseas. For NDIA, Ventry utilizes the Emerald Coast Conference Center, which has a 21,000-square-foot ballroom for receptions.
For some of her smaller groups, Ventry organizes meetings and receptions at the Ramada Plaza Beach Resort, close to the beach and with an attractive outdoor area featuring foliage and a waterfall. Also convenient for groups is the Four Points Hotel by Sheraton, which offers easy access to the conference center.
Ventry also uses the U.S. Air Armament Museum for large receptions. The museum houses a fighter cockpit simulator, thousands of weapons, war films, and photography exhibits.
“We hold the receptions inside and you have all the planes and all the history. We bring in all the catering, tables and bars,” she explains.
Golf tournaments are also popular with groups. Ventry helps organize golf outings to Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort, about eight miles from Destin, as well as to Fort Walton’s municipal course.
“For larger groups, we have had golf tournaments that are so successful there have to be a.m. and p.m. groups,” Ventry says.
For more intimate groups, Magnolia Grill in Fort Walton has a private dining area upstairs and a number of local artifacts on display.
“They have incredible service and a great choice of wine and food,” Ventry says.
Ventry warns that spring can be too crazy for groups, with the spring break crowd filling up Destin hotels. Her suggestion is to come in April or May, or during September or October. During either time period, the destination boasts an agreeable climate.
“Weather is one of Destin’s attractions,” Ventry says. “We have meetings in October and it’s absolutely gorgeous. You can’t beat the sunset on the beach.”
