Sunshine Matters

VISIT FLORIDA and a host of our Industry Partners recently attended Collinson Media & Events’ Rejuvenate Marketplace 2014 in Atlanta.  The Marketplace featured more than 450 faith-based meeting professionals or organizations with the potential to host their meetings, conventions and events in the Sunshine State.

At each of the Collinson Media & Events’ Marketplaces, VISIT FLORIDA takes full advantage of our Alliance Partnership to elevate exposure for statewide meeting initiatives.  This is accomplished through speaking at the keynote sessions, a key sponsorship role with high level signage and digital marketing, sponsorship of the CSR activity on the Marketplace floor, and the ability for planners to receive shoulder massages in between appointments by therapists wearing “Must Be the Sunshine” t-shirts.  In addition, VISIT FLORIDA is able to provide an in-room planner gift from Florida and insert the Florida Meetings Magazine into each of the registration bags for follow-up.

This year, I had the opportunity to deliver a “Might Be in Florida” themed address just before keynote speaker Jeff Foxworthy in a fun Florida-style.  In addition to a fantastic speaker lineup including Steve Franklin, Dr. Bernice King and Ray Lewis, the conference also offered an array of education sessions and morning devotionals filled with inspiration and motivation.  Also, throughout the two-day conference, VISIT FLORIDA staff engaged in more than 70 one-on-one appointments and one group appointment with the planners, along with the 60+ Florida Partners engaging in individual appointments highlighting the benefits of hosting meetings in Florida. 

If you would like to learn more about how Florida tourism businesses can benefit from participation in VISIT FLORIDA’s Meetings and Conventions programs, please contact me at chatcher@VISITFLORIDA.org.