Sunshine Matters

VISIT FLORIDA recently hosted Florida Encounter 2016 at the Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate in Kissimmee.  As one of VISIT FLORIDA’s signature events, Florida Encounter serves as the premier appointment-based trade show showcasing all the Sunshine State has to offer to meeting, convention and incentive travel professionals.

This year, Encounter hosted more than 100 Florida suppliers and 85 meeting professionals from across the U.S., Canada and Latin America.  Over the course of three days, 5,288 one-on-one appointments were held between meeting professionals and Florida suppliers.

Encounter also features an educational program with highly sought after speakers. This year’s lineup included Alex Plaxen of Little Bird Told Media, who shared insights on how to use social media most effectively before, during and after conferences.  A trio of keynote speakers – Bob Kulhan of Business Improv, spoken word poet Sekou Andrews and Chad Crawford, host of “How to do Florida with Chad Crawford” – provided attendees with the motivation, information and inspiration to succeed.

Here’s what one meeting professional, Steven Grubb of Eagle Performance Group, had to say about the event: “All I can say is “wow”!  What a great event.  I can’t begin to tell you how glad I am that I attended this wonderful event.  I met a lot of wonderful suppliers and saw venues that were new to me that I can share with my clients.  Please keep me in mind for next year’s event.  I am sure it will be outstanding as well.”

And the words of a Florida supplier, Guilherme Cunha from Seminole County Tourism, who enjoyed the event as well: “I had a blast and loved the 2016 Encounter.  Your team did a fabulous job answering all questions and creating an amazing atmosphere!  I look forward to seeing everyone again!”

To get a sense of Encounter for yourself, check out this video, courtesy of Switzerfilm.

Florida Encounter is an exciting and educational can’t miss event.  To ensure you’re ready to attend Florida Encounter 2017, visit FloridaEncounter.com.  You can also follow the Florida Meetings Facebook page to stay up-to-date or contact me at letemadi@VISITFLORIDA.org with any questions.