Sunshine Matters

Each year, VISIT FLORIDA holds a Marketing Retreat for our Partners and other key influencers of the tourism industry in Florida.  During this annual two-day event, industry experts and VISIT FLORIDA staff present information that enables attendees to provide important input into the upcoming year’s strategic and budgetary planning process. 

The 2010-2011 Marketing Retreat was held December 1-2, 2009 at Saddlebrook Resort in Wesley Chapel.  I sincerely appreciate the efforts of Saddlebrook’s management and staff to host us and want to thank our sponsors, including Collinson Publishing and Custom Marketing Group, for their support of this important event.

This year’s attendees were able to hear the latest industry insight from highly regarded guest speakers who offered their expertise in the areas of research and interactive technology.  I would like to especially thank Ian Arthurs, Head of Travel Advertising with Google and Thomas J. Hoehn, Dirctor of Interactive Marketing and Convergence Media with Kodak who provided us with their unique perspective on the future of interactive technology.  I would also like to thank the team from Miles Media who gave an entertaining and eye-opening presentation on their three-year vision for VISIT FLORIDA.com and our e-marketing efforts, as well as staff who gave updates on various programs, including our international sales and marketing efforts, advertising campaign, Share a Little Sunshine program and co-op marketing opportunities.

Armed with this information, tourism leaders participated in a host of workshops.  These sessions allowed attendees to brainstorm additional ideas that would best position VISIT FLORIDA to provide our Partners with the tools they need to take advantage of future tourism industry trends.   Following the workshops on day two, six of the VISIT FLORIDA committees met to discuss the implications and prioritization of the ideas gleaned over the past day and half as they relate to their individual committee program recommendations to staff.

I would to thank each and every one of you who took time away from your busy schedules to participate in what turned out to be a very successful marketing retreat.  Your invaluable input and recommendations will provide the basis for VISIT FLORIDA’s 2010-2011 marketing plan and shape the efforts staff takes on behalf of the tourism industry for years to come.

If you are a VISIT FLORIDA Partner and would like to view the presentations given during the Marketing Retreat, please click here.