Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/29859
WR I T T E N A N D C O M P I L E D B Y V I C T O R I A H E A D ning.Where you hold your event is as important as the programcontent. Having yourmeeting or incentive trav- el event in Florida means you’ll enjoy a bright, sunny set- ting with attendees who are happy to be here,motivated and more productive. The Sunshine State is understand- ably proud of our beautiful beaches and world-famous weather, which offer a destination where inspired employees can be at their best. As VISIT FLORIDA’s meetings campaign “cover girl” Flo, the Fabulous Florida Meetings Flamingo proclaims, “Destination Matters.” Florida boasts an immense and diverse collection of T meeting and convention facilities, from premier proper- ties to sand-in-your-shoes casual, each of which is located near one ormore of the Sunshine State’s world-renowned attractions. In Florida, groups can take to the water for boating and fishing or stay on dry land with championship golf courses and world-class spas. Florida even offers a large selection of green lodging designated properties and socially responsible activities throughout the state. Florida’s budget-friendly year ‘round and seasonal values make it easy to stretch your meeting dollars. 28 here’s little doubt that “location, location, loca- tion” is key in real estate. The same is true when it comes to meeting and convention plan- Whether a group is interested in holding their meeting in the northern, central or southern part of the Sunshine State, there are many properties whose top-notch facil- ities are available at budget-friendly prices. With 825 miles of beaches and 1,260 miles of coastline to choose from, Florida offers a wide variety of beachfront accom- modations to meet the needs of any meeting or incen- tive group. Of course, unplanned occurrences sometimes affect meetings, but when it comes to Florida, weather-induced cancellations need not be a problem.VISIT FLORIDA’s Cover Your Event (CYE) supplemental insurance for meetings held in the Sunshine State covers loss due to named hurricanes. Another service, offered by the Florida Commission on Tourism through VISIT FLORI- DA, is the Minority Convention Grant Program made available to local governments and non-profit corpora- tions/organizations to attract new national minority con- ferences and conventions to the Sunshine State. To see for yourself why Florida is a great venue, plan to attend Florida Encounter - a premier annual appointment- based trade show where planners can meet, individually and by appointment, with Florida’s top suppliers. Conceived, produced, and sponsored byVISIT FLORIDA Black Meetings & Tourism March/April 2011: www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com