“There’s nowhere else you can be sitting in your meeting and then see luge racers flying by in the concourse…”

The all-inclusive property contains a 16,400-sf convention center, a spa with outdoor palapa-style massage areas, five bars and lounges, and five restaurants including Mexican, Italian and Argentinean cuisines.

The open-front piazza personality of Siro: Urban Italian Kitchen is as distinct as its menu of classic Italian fare spiced with contemporary twists.

Some of the region’s most legendary hotels are creating innovative ways to rejuvenate attendees and reinvent Southern meetings through experiential spa/golf programs.

We learned a lot about bringing meetings groups to Universal Orlando’s two theme parks and multiple Loews Hotels. It’s not what you see on the surface but how 250,000 sf of event space can be creatively utilized.

“Our mix of leisure and convention-driven business really bodes well for a healthy future. Groups who want to attract young professionals find the city appealing with the university vibe, the nightlife, and because there’s always something new being built.”

Part #3 of 3 in our VISIT FLORIDA story on value propositions for 2013 meetings & incentive travel programs.

Part #2 of 3 in our VISIT FLORIDA story on one-of-a-kind experiences, including historic landmarks in St. Augustine, Tallahassee, Jacksonville, Ponte Vedra and the Emerald Coast.

Part #1 of 3 in our special VISITFLORIDA story. From Miami to Fort Lauderdale, Palm Beach, Fort Myers, Sanibel Island and Marco Island, South Florida provides groups with oceanfront venues, trendy hotels, hip nightlife and top-notch F&B.

Vera Bradley transformed the Loew’s 15,000-sf Tuscany Ballroom into a super-sized Vera Bradley showroom.