Sunshine Matters

The first Florida Huddle coordinated by VISIT FLORIDA will be held January 14-16, 2014 at the Palm Beach County Convention Center. Today marks the opening of Supplier Registration, with Buyer and Media registration opening on July 17.

Following VISIT FLORIDA’s acquisition of Florida Huddle back in January, the Meetings and Events team has been working hard on updating and revamping many details of this signature show for the travel trade and tour operator industry. Improvements include a redesigned website, a new registration process, more one-on-one appointments, an updated schedule and much more.  The website features enhanced functionality, a sleek new layout and additional features, all aimed to create a positive user experience and provide optimal value for Florida’s travel industry professionals.

The event, which has been operating for 37 years, is the longest running travel trade show in Florida where suppliers from around the state meet directly with domestic and international buyers of travel and travel media.  By providing expanded branding opportunities and leveraging our international in-country teams’ travel trade relationships, we will attract new and returning attendees that will allow us to take Huddle to a whole new level.

International travel to Florida has been growing steadily in recent years and is a major focus of VISIT FLORIDA’s marketing efforts.  In 2012, Florida welcomed nearly 14 million international visitors who spent over $15 billion.  Overseas travel to Florida in 2012 increased 8.6 percent over 2011 levels.  In comparison, overseas visitation to the U.S. increased 7 percent for the same period.  Canadian visitation to Florida in 2011 saw an increase of 8.8 percent over the previous year, while Canadian travel to the U.S. increased by 6 percent during the same timeframe.

There will be more detailed information to follow in the coming months, but we encourage you to visit FloridaHuddle.com today – and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.  Have any questions, concerns or ideas?  Don’t hesitate to contact me at sbonda@VISITFLORIDA.org or Christy Myers, another member of our Huddle planning team, at cmyers@VISITFLORIDA.org.