Sunshine Matters

Earlier this week, VISIT FLORIDA concluded another successful Florida Huddle trade show in in Ft. Lauderdale. Florida Huddle is the premier appointment-based tradeshow showcasing all the Sunshine State has to offer for domestic and international tour operators and wholesalers. As one of VISIT FLORIDA’s signature events, Florida Huddle brings together domestic and international tour operators and wholesaler buyers with Florida destinations, attractions, properties and service companies selling their products all under one roof. Collectively, tour operators and wholesalers send millions of visitors to Florida annually, so creating more opportunities like Huddle for Florida companies to showcase their version of sunshine is so important.

Florida Huddle 2018 by the numbers:

• Total attendees: 603
• Buyers: 224
  • From # countries: 14
• Total Buyer Companies: 157
• Appointment taking Suppliers: 202
• Total Supplier Companies: 208
• Total appointments made: 6,770
• Total Media: 34

Stacy Ritter, President & CEO of Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau, said “Aside from the significant economic impact of hosting this prestigious conference in Greater Fort Lauderdale, we are pleased to be able to highlight our world class LEED certified convention center, unique meeting venues and culinary scene to travel trade and media.  It is also a wonderful opportunity for us to showcase our diverse, warm and welcoming destination around the world.”

Maureen Maheu, Director, USA & Cruise Division of Sunwing Travel Group and 25-Year Attendee, said “Florida Huddle is one of the shows I wouldn’t miss. It is always beneficial to meet with new suppliers and current contacts. We have added three new hotels to our product offering as the result of the meetings on the first day.”

James Killick, Destination Manager at Virgin Holidays and 17-Year Attendee, said “Florida is an important event in our calendar each year. Florida is such an important destination for both Virgin Holidays and Virgin Atlantic, so it’s imperative that we attend. Florida Huddle serves as a spring board for catching up with our existing Partners and forming new relationships. It allows us to review how the year ahead is looking and plan for the following year.

David Towbridge, President of Resort Inventory Group, and 10-Year Attendee, said “From the high caliber suppliers to the appointment scheduling style, Florida Huddle is a very efficient show that benefits our company year after year.”