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 Meetings Florida
Sea of Change
by LISA SIMUNDSON
· To the meetings industry, "corporate downsizing" has a meaning that goes beyond internal dismissals and restructuring. It refers to the moratorium on meetings and conventions that some companies have imposed or the severely curtailed events that others have opted for in order to meet rising bottom lines.
Like every other destination, Florida has felt the pinch, some cities more than others, and hotel rates have dropped across the board, while meeting packages are throwing in every perk imaginable.
Yet there’s been an unexpected upside to the drop-off in corporate business: the rise of SMERF and, in some cases, association business, while medical meetings are big business in Florida’s bigger cities.
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Sponsor
 The Peabody Orlando
Just 15 minutes from Orlando International Airport and theme park attractions, this ultra-luxurious Mobil Four Star, AAA Four Diamond hotel is undergoing a $450 million expansion to be completed in fall 2010. The property will offer 250,000 square feet of flexible function space with state-of-the-art amenities for your events.
For more information, click here.
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The Stage is Set
· Florida decided long ago that there was room on the beach for a thriving arts scene. And while it may surprise the traveler to learn that culture is an institution here, it’s no surprise to the Floridians who flock to local symphonies, theaters, opera houses and museums to catch the best home-grown and visiting talent. Meanwhile, gallery hopping and art collecting are just as popular here as they are in art-centric enclaves like New England, New Mexico and Northern California.
Accordingly, the state is filled with cultural venues that double as creative settings for group events to "take attendees out of their usual environment," as Tom Lang, director of the Kissimmee CVB, puts it. (Kissimmee is home to the 2,000-seat Osceola Performing Arts Center, among other venues.)
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Sponsor
TradeWinds Island Resorts
Book your next meeting at TradeWinds Island Resorts at rates as low as $119 and enjoy F&B and audiovisual discounts. As the largest beachfront resort on Florida's west coast, our conference facilities and services combine with a relaxing beach setting and endless activity options for an experience your attendees won’t soon forget. TradeWinds features more than 84,000 square feet of flexible indoor and outdoor meeting space that easily accommodates up to 600 guests.
For more information, visit www.tradewindsresort.com or email us directly at sales@twresort.com.
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Adventure on the Agenda
· Florida is a land of surprising natural contrasts—still springs and running rivers, swamps and sugar white beaches, coral reefs and barrier islands, dense wilderness and open prairies, and wildlife ranging from alligators and birds to zebra butterflies. It’s only natural to want to get out and enjoy it all, especially when there are no seasonal boundaries to all the fun. But don’t be surprised if your group takes a raincheck on the great outdoors in favor of living it up inside one of the state’s world-famous attractions. In fact, here’s your first test as a team—deciding on what to do first.
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Sponsor
South Florida MPI Presents: 3rd Annual South Florida Summit
Delivering Results That Matter
 May 25, 2010, at the Westin Beach Resort, Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
Don’t miss this extraordinary opportunity for a jam-packed day of educational and networking opportunities at this dynamic, high-powered event, certain to deliver ROI on your time and resources. Full-day admission includes a “State of the State” presentation, compelling and relevant breakouts, breakfast, luncheon/keynote presentation, networking reception plus a Disney Institute hospitality leadership presentation. Register now!
For more information, click here.
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Industry News
Tampa Hotel Set to Fly Wyndham Flag
· The 272-room Quorum Hotel-Tampa in Tampa, Fla., will join the Wyndham Hotels and Resorts brand in late May.
complete story...
Ritz-Carlton, Charlotte Takes LEED Gold
· The Ritz-Carlton, Charlotte was awarded LEED Gold Certification.
complete story...
Dallas CC Awarded LEED Silver
· The Dallas Convention Center was awarded LEED Silver Certification because of its many green features.
complete story..
MeetGreen Issues Brief on Responsible Meetings
· MeetGreen released its latest MeetGreen Issues Brief, “Having a Human Impact: What is social responsibility for meetings?”
complete story...
Stay Connected
Meetings South Hot Deals
Mobile, AL
Mobile Riverview Plaza Hotel
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6/6/2010 - 6/11/2010
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Grand Hotel Marriott Resort, Golf Club & Spa
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8/29/2010 - 9/3/2010
Meetings: On Location!
Fran Brasseux, executive VP of HSMAI, checks in and talks trends with Managing and Destinations Content Director Lori Tenny at HSMAI’s recent Affordable Meetings Mid-America show.
Click here to view.
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