Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1543954
B M & T ••• March/April 2026 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 19 The rhythm of a Florida morning arrives gently. Light spills across white-sand beaches, and meetings unfold alongside waves rolling in a steady cadence. A soft percussion pulsates beneath early-morning conversations as attendees gather near the water. Cultural dis- tricts hum with Caribbean melodies, Afro-Cuban flavors, and Southern hospitality that feels both vibrant and familiar. For meeting planners serving diverse groups, that atmosphere matters. Florida's infrastructure is expansive, its airlift global, its hospitality industry deeply experienced. The state's ability to host, convene, and create space for connection remains constant. That's what makes Florida so memorable for travel professionals and their groups. Meeting planners can note that the overall political climate in Florida is largely unchanged from 2025. In other words, Florida remains a great des- tination for meetings of any shape or size. From large-scale conventions to curated executive retreats, Florida continues to prove that meeting here isn't just practical, it's powerful. F L O R I D A S P E C I A L A D V E R T I S I N G S E C T I O N B Y P A T R I C E A . K E L LY DAYTONA BEACH If you're looking for an affordable destination with easy access, and a lively yet relaxed coastal feel, Daytona Beach is the place for you! In Daytona, classic seaside vigor pairs with an easygoing rhythm that lets your group settle in and stay engaged. The downtown Ocean Center is the hub for meetings and sits within walking distance to beachside hotels, restau- rants, and the Atlantic, for easy planning and flexible agendas. Outside the conference room, nearby park river cruises and kayak tours allow attendees to bond through special experiences. The open-air relaxation, motorsports history, and boardwalk culture create an atmosphere that pro- motes socializing into the evening. For more information visit www.daytonabeach.com or call (386) 255- 0415. Ocean Center South Wall Daytona Beach FORT LAUDERDALE In Fort Lauderdale, you can design a meeting that feels fluid from the start. The Intracoastal Waterway becomes more than just scenery—it becomes your theme, and you can move your participants from the general session to the ocean air in minutes. Activity centers around the Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center, now home to a 350,000 sq. ft. contiguous exhibit hall and an expanded 65,000 sq. ft. waterfront ballroom and public plaza. The new campus ambiance is anchored by the on-site Omni Fort Lauderdale headquarters hotel with 801 rooms. Because of the focus on mobility and involvement, indoor sessions segue easily into outdoor ones. Nearby, Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina places attendees steps from the convention center, mating meeting efficiency with marina views and poolside spirit to extend networking beyond the ballroom. Make water transportation part of the memory. The Fort Lauderdale Water Taxi turns group transfers or private charters into scenic, shared moments. For culture-forward programming, you can build an evening around NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale and Las Olas Boulevard. A guided visit to Bonnet House Museum & Gardens offers a lush, art-filled pause between sessions. Wellness is fully woven into the destination. You can add self-care into your agenda at resort sanctuaries like Evara Beach Spa inside Auberge Beach, where sea, salt, and sand inspire vitality rituals. Or expe- Visit_lauderdale