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While you are visiting our destination, we hope that you will be able to take advantage of Southwest Florida's sunshine and warm Gulf breezes before, during and after your meetings. We have over nine distinct communities and a variety of unforgettable experiences waiting for you. From the shell-laden beaches of Sanibel and Captiva islands, to the culinary corner and historic river district of Fort Myers, all locales have identities that stand out.
Our free Lonely Planet guidebook will help you get to know these Florida pockets of charm. The comprehensive resource is filled with practical tips and local insights on what to see and do on The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel. You won't be able to imagine meeting anywhere else.
Warm Regards,
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SUBMIT RFP
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With our Island Incentive Offer, new meetings receive a $3 room rebate per actualized room night – up to $5,000 – May through December.
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Alva, Buckingham and Lehigh Acres
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Take your group to visit Manatee Park, a non-captive warm water refuge for the Florida manatee. Optimum viewing months are late December, January and February when the Gulf temperature is below 68 F. There's more to see, however, than just manatee. Kayak the Orange River for a peaceful trip through nature. As you paddle upstream, the Old Florida ambiance grows; live oak branches are arching overhead, fuzzy with air plants. For the less-adventurous in your group, service projects can be arranged at the park.
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Boca Grande & Outer Islands
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One of the largest tarpon migrations in the world takes place annually off our shores. Nicknamed "silver king", these mighty fish migrate through Boca Grande Pass during April, May and June. Known as the "Tarpon Capital of the World," Boca Grande has professional guides that can add unforgettable fishing memories to your group's visit. Stay at the historic Gasparilla Inn & Club, a classic Old Florida resort. Here, the non-anglers in your group can enjoy activities such as golf, croquet and tennis, or simply relax in the spa or the beach.
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Bonita Springs & Estero
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Harvest & Wisdom is officially open for business at Shangri-La Springs historic hotel in Bonita Springs. About 80 to 90 percent of the ingredients used in the organic restaurant's kitchen are grown onsite. Docent-led garden tours can be arranged for your group to learn about the unique produce and flowers grown. Heading up the kitchen, and in charge of the ever-changing seasonal menu, is executive chef Allen Fisher. He competed on Food Network's "Chopped" and brings 18 years of experience to the restaurant.
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CAPE CORAL
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Located just miles from fertile sugarcane fields, Wicked Dolphin Rum was born in 2012 out of an idea for a true Florida rum. The family-run distillery produces award winning rums using 100 percent Florida sugar and local ingredients. Distillery tours can take your group through the steps of how ingredients are sourced, fermented and distilled. You will learn how the rum gets its unique color and taste, and how it is bottled. End in the distillery's tasting room where you will sample different rums.
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FORT MYERS BEACH
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Did you know that Fort Myers Beach has the largest commercial shrimping fleet in the Gulf of Mexico? Florida pink shrimp known as "pink gold," contributes millions of dollars to our economy. Ostego Bay Foundation Marine Science Center offers guided tours so your group can learn first-hand about the commercial fishing industry. Visit the docks to see shrimp boats unloading, trawl doors being built and how shrimp nets are hand-sewn.
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FORT MYERS
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Downtown Fort Myers, also known as the River District, forms the core of a city that stretches for miles south along the Caloosahatchee River and east to the rural interior. Before treating them to a show at Florida Repertory Theatre, let your group explore the original brick-lined streets, charming restaurants, shops and art galleries. The fully professional, nonprofit theater company has been called "One of America's Top Repertory Companies!" by The Wall Street Journal.
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North Fort Myers
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There's more to our destination than picture-perfect beaches. ECHO Global Farm gathers solutions from around the world that are solving world hunger problems and disseminates them to their network. ECHO Global Farm Tour was even named as one of the top tours in the country for its unique experiences and charitable efforts. The tour highlights the difficult farming and gardening conditions around the world and demonstrates fascinating ways to produce food in harsh conditions. Visitors will walk through a series of lush gardens and have a chance to taste a variety of rare and nutritious food plants.
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Pine Island & Matlacha
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To visualize a picture of Pine Island, first capture the spirit of the folks who live there. Part cozy town, part fishing village; at the center of this 17-mile-long canvas of imagination is the colorful artists' enclave of Matlacha. Take your group on the "Flavors of Matlacha Island Tour" offered by True Tours. A delightful history, art, eco- and taste adventure is waiting for you!
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Sanibel & Captiva Islands
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Shell-lovers from all over the world visit Sanibel Island's Gulf Coast, with good reason. Travel & Leisure Magazine ranked it the No. 1 shelling spot in North America. Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum, located on the island, offers more than 30 exhibits. Follow your group's visit to the museum with an expert- guided beach walk to learn more about the shells, mollusks and other marine life that has washed ashore.
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Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa ranked No. 21 on Florida Trend Magazine's 2019 List of Best Companies to Work For.
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The resort made its third appearance and is the only hotel on the prestigious list of Florida Trend Magazine's Best Companies to Work For in Florida. The list ranks 100 companies in small, medium and large employer categories.
Florida Trend Publisher David Denor says, "These best companies have figured it out! Providing their employees with an environment and culture that promotes growth both personally and professionally – all while delivering workplace benefits that lift employee morale and create loyalty".
We know that meeting planners value the establishment of known-relationships and consider the helpfulness of staff to be very important in venue selection. Being included on this list is a testament of the culture created at the property; the staff will give you a sense of peace about the support and quality of programming you will receive.
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October 3 - 6, 2019
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2019 HPN Global Partner Conference
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Seattle, WA | Jerry Terp
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October 13 - 15, 2019
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Connect Medical
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Dallas, TX | Jerry Terp
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October 25 - 27, 2019
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2019 Boomers in Groups Conference
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Franklin, TN | Candice Cocco
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November 12, 2019
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Luxury Meetings Summit
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New York City, NY | Betsy Bush
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November 17 - 20, 2019
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Meetings Today Live!
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Clearwater, FL | Erin Congregane
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December 12 - 14, 2019
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American Express Inter[Action] 2019
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Denver, CO | Betsy Bush
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From left – Erin Congregane, VCB; NaTasha Bailey-Evans, Beyond Berries at XSITE Tallahassee
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From left – Crystal Ward, Westin Cape Coral Resort at Marina Village; George Ward, Emmanuel Church of the Living God; Candice Cocco, VCB at CMCA
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From left – Meeting Planner; Kerry Kerr, HB; Jerry Terp, VCB; Lisa Foos, Lockton at Global Meetings Industry Day in Kansas City
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From left – Betsy Bush, VCB; Meeting Planner at PCMA
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