Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/319926
FORT LAUDERDALE The moment you take your socks off, you're free. Warm your toes in Greater Fort Lauderdale's 23 miles of sun-kissed beaches – an easy walk from many hotels, restaurants and activities. In this city business and leisure go hand in hand with its amazing ambiance and geo- graphical backdrop. Confer- ence attendees will be able to celebrate the spirit of diversity in a friendly beach resort setting. With the 600,000-sq. ft. Gold LEED Certified Bro- ward County Convention Center, you'll enjoy high- tech meeting and exhibit space as well as five-star food service, an Internet café and elegant banquet rooms. Equipped with 119 meeting, rooms the con- vention center is just a short drive from the airport, the beaches and downtown arts and entertainment dis- trict. Six hotels in the Lauder- dale Convention Collection offer clustered booking advantages, beach or Intra- coastal views, discounts, amenities and are close to the Convention Center, where you'll enjoy compli- mentary space and welcome reception. The Collection is comprised of Embassy Suites, Fort Lauderdale 17th Street, Harbor Beach Marr- iott Resort & Spa, Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina, Hyatt Regency Pier Sixty-Six, Ren- aissance Fort Lauderdale Hotel, and the Sheraton Fort Lauderdale Beach Hotel. Take groups on a dine- around via Water Taxi to fashionable Las Olas Boul- evard and the Riverwalk Arts and Entertainment District. Attendees can navigate this walkable entertainment district with a wide assortment of group-friendly restaurants. And groups can dine around in downtown Holly- wood with an ethnic flair. Retro cool Hollywood is home to the Boardwalk, which runs 2 ½ miles along sun-kissed beach. Bike or stroll and find an outdoor café to wile away the hours. Take an art class during the day, stay for dinner and drinks, and then party the night away at Seminole Hard Rock Casino. Attendees are encour- 18 B M & T ••• March/April 2014 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com Florida, also known as "The Sunshine State", is located in the south-eastern region of the US. With its iconic Disney and Universal theme parks, picturesque scenery, stunning geo- graphical elements throughout, Florida is sure to fulfill all travelers expectations both leisure and business. Meeting planners will find a diverse collection of meeting, resort and convention facilities in which a vast number of them have "gone green." Because of its unique terrain Florida offers conference attendees unlimited activities, from boating, dining, golf, spas and ecotourism, to theme parks and sporting events. According to a recent research study surveying both corporate and association meeting planners across the country, Florida is ranked the highest state for affordable travel, accessibility and value. Add to this the state's beautiful weather and diverse hotel and venue opportunities, and Florida is the perfect meetings, conventions, and incentive travel destination. Hosting your next meeting will definitely "brighten" your attendance and agenda. Miami Beach Florida, lifeguard house in a typical colorful Art Deco style Photo Credit: Frederic Prochasson BY SOLOMON J. HERBERT II •pg_18-26.qxp__BMT_pg3-58 5/20/14 7:51 PM Page 18