Sunshine Matters

VISIT FLORIDA and the Florida tourism industry definitely made waves at the recent Collaborate Marketplace 2012, held at the Red Rock Hotel in Las Vegas.  With over 70 Florida tourism partners present at the event, corporate meeting planners from all across the U.S. are definitely aware that “Florida Means Business” and that we’re serious about hosting their next meetings, conventions and incentive travel functions here in the Sunshine State.

Collinson Media and Events’ Collaborate Marketplace is an innovative appointment-only trade show designed especially for the Corporate Meeting Planner.  The reverse trade show platform allows the planners and suppliers to maximize the quality of time to discuss details and book business.  The Marketplace offers the opportunity for VISIT FLORIDA and our tourism partners to interact with over 350 corporate planners around the country and educate them on the opportunities available in Florida.

The conference also offers high-quality speakers and an array of networking opportunities to mix and mingle with the corporate planners and industry contacts.  This year’s featured keynote speakers included author and journalist Lisa Ling, Twitter co-founder Biz Stone and Steve Forbes, Chairman of Forbes Media.

VISIT FLORIDA was front and center as the sponsor of the popular “Build-A-Buddy” Charity Workshop, where conference attendees stuffed over 400 toy animals to donate to a children’s charity.  This corporate social responsibility activity was a rewarding experience for VISIT FLORIDA to give back to the local community.

We look forward to participating in additional Collinson Media and Event’s trade shows, including the Connect Markeplace in August and the Rejuvenate Marketplace in October.  Florida will also play host to the organization’s Collaborate Bright Summit, September 25-27, 2012 at the PGA National in Palm Beach Gardens.

If you would like to learn more about how Florida tourism businesses can benefit from participation in VISIT FLORIDA’s corporate meetings programs, please contact me at chatcher@VISITFLORIDA.org.