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Short Takes

Museums & Attractions
  • In March SeaWorld Orlando opened Aquatica, a 60-acre water park, which blends up-close animal encounters with water rides at varying thrill levels. The Aquatica campus includes 36 water slides, six rivers and lagoons, and more than 80,000 square feet of beach area. For more information, call 407.363.2200 or visit www.seaworld.com.

    l The newest attraction in Tallahassee in five years, The Tallahassee Antique Car Museum, holds one of the most extensive car collections in the world, with more than 75 show cars. Highlights include the 1860 hearse that carried President Lincoln to his final resting place, the first car made in America (in 1894), a 1931 Duesenberg Model J appraised for more than $1.2 million, both the first Prowler and Viper to roll off the assembly line, and three Batmobiles. For more information, call 850.942.0137 or visit www.tacm.com.


Programs & Packages
  • Following a $22 million renovation, Hyatt Regency Sarasota is offering its Summer 20 meetings package for planners booking during this August or September or for 2009. The package includes 20 percent off meeting room rental, 20 percent off guest room and suite rates, 20 percent off catered food and beverage menus, 20 percent off published audiovisual rates, and one VIP welcome amenity for every 20 rooms reserved. The package is available for groups that occupy a minimum of 10 guest rooms per night. For more information, call 941.953.1234 or visit http://sarasota.hyatt.com.

  • The Shreveport Convention Center and the Hilton Shreveport have teamed up with a meetings offer. Planners who bring their next event to Shreveport before Dec. 31, 2009 will receive a 25 percent discount off the base meeting rent. Groups will also be eligible for a complimentary reception up to $4,000 in value. To qualify, groups must utilize a minimum of 30,000 square feet of exhibit and meeting space and 150 hotel rooms on peak night. The contract must be signed by July 15.The Shreveport Convention Center is the second-largest convention center in Louisiana and features more than 180,000 square feet of meeting and exhibit space. For more information, call 318.841.4000 or visit www.shreveportcenter.com.