Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/129161
•pg_29-39_r1__BMT_pg3-58 5/1/13 1:20 AM Page 29 PLANNERS KEEP FLORIDA TOP-OF-MIND FOR MEETINGS & CONFERENCES Aerial Shot of Miami Photo Credit: Dayton Beach CVB BY MICHAEL BENNETT eeting planners are always on the lookout for ways to spice up their events and that usually starts with selecting the right locale. Many look no further than Florida. The beautiful beaches, world-famous attractions, warm weather and tropical breezes along with activities galore make the state an ideal destination for group gatherings. The Sunshine state has an energy and excitement hard to duplicate anywhere else. Florida has several distinct regions within the state. The Florida panhandle from Pensacola to Tallahassee over to Jacksonville features a Deep Southern Charm. It's a small town feel that's equally disarming and charming. It's a great change for those accustomed to the hustle and bustle of big city life. Florida panhandle beaches are arguably the best in the United States, and are recognized the world over for sugary white sand and warm crystal clear Gulf waters. From Destin to Panama City Beach you won't find better beaches anywhere. Panama City Beach is a spring break haven for college students. Central Florida from the Atlantic Ocean to the Gulf of Mexico is the bridge that binds the state together. It's dotted with small towns much like the panhandle region M then burst with excitement with its unique combination of man-made wonders from golf course to the magical world of Disney and Universal Studios. From Orlando and Kissimmee to Daytona Beach, St Petersburg, Tampa and Vero Beach there's more to do in a relatively small geographic area than most countries. Daytona Beach is not only known for the NASCAR race that bears its name, it's home to HBCU Bethune-Cookman and a spring break destination of choice for African-Americans for decades. South Florida is a completely different vibe than its brethren from the northern parts of the state. Equal parts chic, luxury, leisure and business; South Florida could easily be its own state. It's the gateway to Latin America and has quickly and quietly transformed itself to a business and financial center. Meeting planners have difficult choices because there're just so many. It's the quiet of the Gulf Coast communities of Fort Myers and Naples, the high-energy of Miami, Fort Lauderdale and Palm Beach, or a complete getaway destination such as Key West. The Sunshine State has it all for meetings and group travel. To learn more start your journey here: http://www.visitflorida.com/enus/meetings.html. B M & T ••• March/April 2013 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 29