KISSIMMEE, Fla.
Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center is set to finish up a $50 million renovation this Spring. The design of the new space is based upon the input of the resort’s meeting planner customers, according to Johann Krieger, senior vice president and general manager of the resort.
“Our meeting planners spoke and we listened,” he said. “The changes and additions are based on the recommendations from our clients who know that we share best practices and that we understand the importance of ROI. A creative partnering approach not only works to meet the objectives of a meeting, it also works with the planning team to maximize the effective use of space.”
Gaylord converted its children’s pool into 10,000 square feet of outdoor function space that can host up to 1,000 people reception-style. The area can also be tented to provide sheltered environment regardless of weather conditions. Three fire pits provide space for networking. A two-level sports bar was also added, providing a venue with 400 seats as well as a lounge and terrace. Groups using the facility can arrange for a personalized "ticker-tape" LED display for customized group messages.
An adults-only pool and two meeting planner offices were added in the upgrade. Steps from the resort’s ballrooms, the offices, provide conference seating for up to 18 people. All 1,406 guestrooms have been renovated. The property features 400,000 square feet of meeting space.
