Florida experienced another record-breaking year for tourism last year, welcoming 143.3 million visitors in 2025. That’s the word from Visit FLORIDA, and all indications show the state continues to be one of the most popular domestic travel destinations in the U.S.
The MICE market is extremely important to Florida’s economy. In 2024, business and leisure visitors contributed a record $133.6 billion to the Florida economy, a 5% increase over 2023, and supported 1.8 million Florida jobs.
In 2025, meetings and conventions hotel room revenue rose thanks to strong average daily rate (ADR) growth. ADR grew by 4.9% for meetings and conventions bookings, outpacing ADR growth for transient bookings (2.2%).
Below, representatives of the leading Florida CVBs share their insider perspectives on what’s shaping the meetings scene in their destinations, what’s on the horizon, and how they envision the future!
Paul Beirnes, Vice President, Amelia Island CVB
Amelia Island continues to see meaningful investment in its meetings infrastructure, expanding options and strengthening planner confidence in the destination.
The most significant recent development is the comprehensive renovation at Omni Amelia Island Resort & Spa. Beyond the major resorts, the island has welcomed new standalone venues that expand options for small- to mid-sized groups, including the Preserve at Amelia River, a dedicated meetings venue that opened in 2025, offering a purpose-built indoor-outdoor setting overlooking the Amelia River. In historic downtown Fernandina Beach, The Pavilion adds a versatile, multipurpose event space in a charming, walkable district, while the Tigre Island Room operates as a live music venue that can be reserved for private groups.
Amelia Island delivers operational ease wrapped in a genuine sense of place. The destination consistently balances accessibility, budget and attendee satisfaction, offering strong value compared to larger coastal markets while maintaining high service standards and experienced hospitality partners.
Attendee well-being has become central to meeting design, and this is where Amelia Island is particularly well suited. Guided by our destination philosophy of “Find Your Unwind,” groups enjoy 13 miles of beach, abundant green space and built-in opportunities for outdoor gatherings, teambuilding and unstructured downtime.
Accessibility remains another key advantage. Amelia Island is located approximately 30 minutes from Jacksonville International Airport and is easily reached via Interstate 95, making it convenient for both regional and national attendees.
Meeting professionals are increasingly focused on three priorities: integrated wellness, sustainability and experiential programming that feels authentic to the destination. Planners are asking for venues with natural light, outdoor breakout options, built-in teambuilding and agendas that support both productivity and personal well-being. Amelia Island’s coastal setting, nature preserves, parks and waterfront venues make it a natural fit.
There is strong demand for chef-driven, locally inspired culinary experiences. Groups are requesting menus that showcase regional sourcing, fresh seafood and seasonal ingredients. Amelia Island’s restaurant community and resort culinary teams are well positioned to deliver, creating memorable dining experiences in waterfront and historic downtown settings.
Amelia Island experienced continued growth in meetings demand in 2025, especially among small- to mid-sized corporate groups and incentive programs that want destinations combining ease of access with a strong sense of place.
Brenda Redmon, Director of Sales, Daytona Beach Area CVB
New for Daytona Beach International Airport, JetBlue Airways has begun daily airlift service to New York City (JFK) and Boston (BOS).
The Ocean Center Convention Complex, one of the largest beachfront convention centers in the state of Florida, is finalizing a $40 million renovation in celebration of its 40th anniversary. Upgrades include new arena seating, a new arena floor, LED lighting, sound system enhancements, a refreshed greenroom and backstage areas, and new interior and exterior paint.
The Jackie Robinson Ballpark Renovation Project represents a significant transformation of the iconic venue where Jackie Robinson played in the first integrated Major League Baseball spring training game in 1946. Home to the Daytona Tortugas, a Cincinnati Reds-affiliated minor league team, upgrades at the ballpark began in late 2024 and are expected to be completed in time for the start of the season in April 2026, including a 30,000-square-foot, multistory player development facility.
[Related: The Sunshine State's Latest and Greatest Hotels, Renovations]
The Daytona Beach area provides more of a community vibe rather than a large city feeling. In addition, our pristine beaches really set us apart from other destinations. Accessibility and affordability are two other great assets of the Daytona Beach area. Attendees can quickly go from the boardrooms and ballrooms to the beach, and the Daytona Beach International Airport is only a few minutes’ drive to most oceanfront hotels.
We also find that groups are searching for unique and exciting experiences to enjoy without having to stand in long lines or deal with large crowds. They are looking for something special and exclusive, and the venues here in the Daytona Beach area allow you to be the big fish in the small pond.
Jennifer Adams, Director of Tourism, Destin-Fort Walton Beach
We’re incredibly encouraged by the strength of our meetings and events market. We’re booked more than 43 weekends a year, and we’re continuing to build midweek corporate business as planners discover the flexibility, value and authenticity our destination offers. What’s especially exciting right now is how quickly our meetings landscape is evolving.
We’ve expanded to four distinct venues across the county, giving planners more versatility than ever. In addition to our Convention Center, we have the Baker Recreation + Equestrian Center, the Rigdon Center and The Northend Special Occasions + Events. The Northend is already generating strong interest with a charming barn that can accommodate up to 200 guests.
Supporting this growth is new lodging inventory, including the Hyatt House Destin opening this summer, which will be a great fit for extended-stay and group travelers. We’ve also launched a dedicated meetings website, MeetInDestinFWB.com, connected to our main destination site, making it easier for planners to explore venues, services and resources in one place.
Accessibility continues to improve in meaningful ways. JetBlue begins service this March with direct flights from VPS to JFK and Boston, and American Airlines now offers direct service from VPS to Miami.
What truly brings meeting professionals back is our hospitality. We’re proudly a bit off the beaten path, offering something relaxed, authentic and refreshing outside the hustle of major metro areas. Planners are increasingly seeking smaller destinations like ours where attendees can experience genuine Southern hospitality and incredibly fresh Gulf seafood.
In terms of trends, wellness continues to be a major focus. Fortunately, our destination naturally lends itself to that demand.
Michael Corrigan, President & CEO, Visit Jacksonville
Recently, the Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens opened the new J. Wayne and Delores Barr Weaver Manatee River, a 330,000-gallon, state-of-the-art critical care facility that will allow the zoo to rescue, rehabilitate, recover and release Florida manatees, playing a vital role in protecting one of the state’s most iconic and threatened species. Designed to educate visitors about manatees and their ecosystem, the habitat provides unprecedented visibility into conservation work happening in real time.
The Stadium of the Future, a completely renovated EverBank Stadium where the Jacksonville Jaguars play, is under reconstruction. The Jaguars games will have a half-capacity crowd for the 2026 season.
Meeting professionals return to Jacksonville for two primary reasons: affordability and hospitality. While Jacksonville offers the scale of a major metropolitan hub, it remains remarkably accessible. From the Atlantic beachfront to the banks of the St. Johns River, our hotels provide some of the most competitive rates in Florida for meetings and conventions. Coupled with our unmatched hospitality, the Visit Jacksonville team provides dedicated, step-by-step support to ensure every event is both successful and memorable.
2026 is the beginning of a new chapter for Jacksonville. As renovations move forward at the Jacksonville Jaguars’ home, EverBank Stadium, it will not be available to host events it traditionally has each year—summer stadium concerts and the annual Florida-Georgia football game, which traditionally is our largest weekend of the year. Jaguars home games and the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl will operate at reduced capacity in 2026, with games temporarily relocated in 2027.
[Related: 7 Success Stories for Meetings in Florida—As Told by Planners]
All this transition creates meaningful opportunity for growth. It gives Visit Jacksonville the chance to welcome new meetings, conventions and sporting events while showcasing the full range of Jacksonville’s premier venues and hospitality assets.
Ed Simon, Executive Vice President and Chief Sales Officer, Visit Florida Keys & Key West
Keeping up with everything happening up and down the Keys (Key Largo, Islamorada, Marathon, Big Pine and the Lower Keys, and Key West) isn’t an easy feat.
And that’s a good thing, especially for meeting planners. That’s because there’s always something new to share with attendees. Here, you’re not going to see a lot building or overdevelopment. Instead, our resorts are investing in renovations and upgrades, so groups get an upscale experience without losing that laid-back Keys vibe.
When it’s time to get people out of the meeting room, there are plenty of options that feel natural. In Islamorada, groups can experience Ocean Drive Indoor Golf. In Key West, planners are loving places like EmPOUrium & Kaya Island Eats, where the jerk chicken and coconut curry veggie bowls are always a hit. Flagler Station Wood Fired Steaks, inspired by Henry Flagler, is brand new and can host groups, as well.
For venues that instantly make an event feel memorable, you’ve got icons like the Hemingway Home & Museum in Key West where events around the famed pool are tough to beat. The Truman Little White House is also special, where smaller groups can take a VIP ride in the president’s limo.
CSR is also a big priority for meeting professionals, and it’s something we’re proud of here. Groups can work with the Conch Republic Marine Army, which now has three waterfront locations to choose from.
Attendees can also take part in coral reef replanting or island cleanups, because people really do want to give back when they’re somewhere this special.
In 2026, meetings are pacing well and we’re ahead when it comes to occupancy. If you’re looking for a little more value, August, September and October can be great once the kids are back in school. And although we may be on the pricier side, rates have come down a bit, so it’s a smart time to start locking in dates and getting meetings on the books.
Stacy Ritter, President & CEO, Visit Lauderdale
We’ve seen an exciting wave of new hotel openings and refreshed stays, including the recently opened Omni Fort Lauderdale Hotel, the newly renovated Fort Lauderdale Marriott Pompano Beach Resort and the reimagined The Garden Hotel and Resort, each adding fresh energy to our coastline and hospitality offerings.
Our culinary scene continues to expand with standout experiences from ViceVersa’s Italian aperitivo residency at the Four Seasons to hidden gems like Bar Betty and new local favorites along the water. Downtown, the transformation of Huizenga Park has unlocked vibrant new public space along the riverfront, and seasonal events like IGNITE Broward and the Visit Lauderdale Food and Wine Festival are bringing locals and visitors together.
Meeting planners say Greater Fort Lauderdale just makes things easy. The Broward County Convention Center offers a modern, walkable campus that works well for everything from large conventions to executive meetings, and the recent opening of the Omni connected directly to the convention center has been a major addition to enhance the attendee experience. With Port Everglades next door and convenient access through Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, attendees can seamlessly extend their stay. And of course, when you combine 24 miles of beaches with outstanding dining, arts and culture, and year-round outdoor experiences, it creates a setting people genuinely want to return to.
The meetings landscape continues to evolve, and we’re in a strong position because we’ve invested in the infrastructure planners need while still delivering the kind of destination experience attendees want. With more than 1.2 million square feet of flexible space at the Broward County Convention Center and the addition of the Omni Fort Lauderdale Hotel connected directly to the campus, we’ve created a true meetings hub. At the same time, what keeps groups coming back is our waterfront venues and our 24 miles of beaches to a culinary and arts scene that continues to grow across Greater Fort Lauderdale.
Natalie Duran, Director of Sales, Fort Myers Islands, Beaches & Neighborhoods
Fort Myers continues to build strong momentum with new development, reinvestment and product enhancements that benefit both leisure and meetings.
We are seeing the continued evolution of Fort Myers Beach, and ongoing upgrades to existing resorts and meeting venues. Notably, Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa completed a multimillion-dollar renovation of its meeting and event spaces in late 2025. The Crowne Plaza Fort Myers Gulf Coast also finalized a $7 million renovation, and South Seas has reopened with new enhancements, including the Beach House restaurant and Captiva Landing waterpark. New dining, waterfront experiences and offsite venues are also expanding the options for planners looking to create memorable, authentic events that reflect our coastal lifestyle.
Fort Myers delivers both value and experience. Planners get quality meeting facilities, attractive price points and a relaxed coastal setting attendees enjoy. More importantly, they gain a partner with deep local knowledge and an inside track. Our team understands local logistics, from traffic patterns and transfer timing to offsite venues that truly work, and hidden gems that elevate agendas. When plans change, we step in quickly with vetted vendors and real solutions. Add strong relationships, marketing support and our natural beauty, and meetings here feel productive without feeling routine.
We’re seeing interest extend into 2027 and beyond, with both new and returning groups booking earlier and planning more intentionally. Planners are looking for destinations that offer flexibility, strong infrastructure and experiences that keep attendees engaged.
Fort Myers continues to perform well as organizations seek places that balance productive meetings with wellness, outdoor experiences and meaningful time together.
Carol Motley, Senior Vice President of Convention Sales & Services, Greater Miami CVB
Greater Miami and Miami Beach continues to evolve as a world-class meetings destination with significant new hotel openings, venue enhancements and infrastructure investments. Recent highlights include the opening of Fontainebleau Miami Beach’s Coastal Convention Center and renovations at flagship resorts like Loews Miami Beach.
Looking ahead, the groundbreaking of the 800-room Grand Hyatt Miami Beach, directly connected to the Miami Beach Convention Center, marks a major milestone in strengthening the convention campus and long-term meetings capacity, targeted to open fall 2027.
[Related: Miami and Fort Lauderdale Strive for the Meetings Limelight]
Miami offers the rare combination of high-capacity convention infrastructure, year-round outdoor-friendly weather and globally appealing culture, cuisine and entertainment. Planners value the destination’s walkability, international air access, diverse hotel inventory and growing commitment to sustainability, along with the ability to pair large-scale meetings with memorable offsite experiences, from beachfront receptions and cultural neighborhoods to culinary and wellness programming that drives attendance and engagement.
Jay Tusa, Tourism Director, Naples, Marco Island, Everglades CVB
It’s a pivotal moment for the destination, with an exceptional wave of luxury openings and elevated wellness programming. The debut of Naples Beach Club, A Four Seasons Resort in fall 2025 marked the first Four Seasons on Florida’s West Coast, and in spring 2026, the highly anticipated Olde Naples Hotel will reimagine the city’s original 1889 hotel.
We offer something increasingly rare, a setting that feels both exclusive and deeply authentic. Planners appreciate the ease of hosting in a destination that pairs Gulf-front luxury resorts with a walkable downtown, elevated dining and immediate access to Florida’s wild side through immersive nature experiences.
We’re heading into 2026 with steady momentum and strong confidence from our hospitality partners. Many of our meeting hotels are on pace to meet or exceed budget this season, and we’re seeing a notable increase in site visits and long-term leads extending into 2028 and 2029. That tells us planners are thinking ahead and continuing to view Florida’s Paradise Coast as a reliable, high-value destination for future programs.
At the same time, the meetings landscape is evolving. Budgets are tightening even as expectations rise, and planners are looking for destinations that deliver impact without unnecessary premium pricing. Research from organizations like MPI shows growing demand for authenticity, wellness integration and immersive experiences—particularly among Millennial and Gen Z workforces. That aligns naturally with what we offer: integrated resort venues, meaningful eco-adventures, cultural storytelling and wellness-forward programming in a setting that feels both refined and relaxed.
Corry Locke, Groups Sales Supervisor, Ocala-Marion County VCB
Ocala/Marion County offers a refreshing alternative to big, crowded meeting destinations. With easy access from multiple airports and direct access off I-75, it’s especially appealing for in-state and regional groups. Hotels and venues are more affordable, delivering strong value without sacrificing quality.
Add in unique venues, outdoor experiences, the Horse Capital of the World brand and hands-on support and incentives from the VCB, and planners can create meetings that are both memorable and easy to execute. We’re seeing increased interest in Ocala/Marion County as a meetings destination. Hosting events like Florida Huddle and Encounter in 2025 helped introduce more planners to the area and elevate awareness.
Ongoing promotion and collaboration with unique venues are positioning Ocala/Marion County as a top consideration for planners seeking distinctive meeting experiences in Florida. Equestrian-focused groups are naturally drawn to world-class facilities like World Equestrian Center, and many groups choose the destination for its outdoor experiences and wide range of unique venues, from large-scale barns and an elegant ballroom overlooking Silver Springs to downtown breweries that offer a more casual, local feel. Our group meeting outlook for 2026 is bright, fueled by world-class equestrian events, new hotel openings and improved infrastructure that make Ocala/Marion County an increasingly attractive destination for conferences and corporate gatherings. With expanded venue options and strong tourism support, planners can expect unique experiences and excellent value during shoulder seasons.
Casandra Matej, President & CEO, Visit Orlando
Orlando offers planners new options for their agendas this year and beyond. There are fresh options at the theme parks, updated hotels, new restaurants from award-winning chefs and new celebrity-inspired nightlife spots.
[Related: How Orlando Wowed the Largest North American Veterinary Convention]
Each visit offers unique attendee experiences due to the wide variety of venues, accommodations, activities, dining and entertainment found in our destination. One year you can leverage our world-famous theme parks for a large-group park buyout and the next you can build an entire program in and around our neighborhoods and districts such as Downtown Orlando and nearby Winter Park.
Even with so much already available, Orlando consistently introduces new group options, ensuring there’s
always something fresh for meeting planners for their groups. In fact, the Orange County Convention Center kicks off construction for the Grand Concourse Expansion this year, expected to wrap up in 2029. Furthermore, the outstanding service and warm hospitality delivered at every stage by Visit Orlando and our community partners, from initial planning support to the event’s execution, encourages planners to return to Orlando for future meetings and gatherings.
The 2026 outlook looks great as the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) is set to host 88 citywide events totaling 1.6 million attendees. Already, the OCCC has welcomed major shows including the annual PGA Show with a record-setting 34,000 attendees at the Orange County Convention Center. Design & Construction Week also returned to Orlando this year, bringing together the National Association of Home Builders International Builders’ Show and the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) Kitchen & Bath Industry (115,000 attendees combined). Also, this year we’ve welcomed new, high-profile, in-house business including the Event Leaders Exchange (ELX) North American Summit, hosted at the Hyatt Regency in February, which convened 75 senior corporate event leaders representing global brands, including The Proctor & Gamble Company, Meta and Hewlett Packard Enterprise.
Our focus remains on long‑term competitiveness—leveraging Orlando’s scale, infrastructure and ability to deliver seamless citywide experiences, which will be greatly enhanced by the 2029 opening of the Grand Concourse Expansion, that keep meeting planners coming back year after year.
Kelly Cavers, Chief Sales Officer, Discover the Palm Beaches
The Palm Beaches continue to raise the bar with major new hotel and venue developments that expand the destination’s appeal for meeting and events. Across the destination, resorts and boutique hotels are enhancing guest rooms and common areas while expanding lifestyle, wellness and recreational experiences that can be seamlessly integrated into meeting agendas.
The Palm Beaches are one of Florida’s most exciting culinary destinations, bolstered by Michelin Guide recognition that highlights the region’s refined dining scene across the destination’s 39 distinctive cities and towns.
The Palm Beaches offer an enticing combination of natural beauty, worldclass hospitality and extensive meeting infrastructure, giving planners a variety of options within one accessible destination. With more than 1 million square feet of meeting space, nearly 20,000 guest rooms and 47 miles of pristine coastline, the region blends sophistication with a relaxed coastal setting that together elevate both largescale conventions and intimate retreats.
Meetings are anchored by the Palm Beach County Convention Center, which offers 350,000 square feet of flexible meeting space, floor-to-ceiling natural light and a directly connected 400-room Hilton, all within walking distance of CityPlace, Clematis Street and more than 1,200 additional hotel rooms, making it ideal for major conferences and citywide programs.
What truly sets The Palm Beaches apart is its signature “Between-The-Sessions” programming: immersive, only-here experiences that meet attendees’ growing demand for personalization and authenticity. From teambuilding at the world’s largest dedicated croquet facility to conservation programs at a renowned sea turtle rehabilitation center, and outdoor adventures like scenic catamaran tours along the Intracoastal Waterway, the destination delivers memorable moments that keep planners returning.
The outlook for meetings is exceptionally strong as the destination continues to benefit from both tourism growth and broader economic investment. Record-breaking visitation and rising hotel performance reflect sustained demand across leisure, group and wellness travel, while major corporate relocations and private investment are reshaping West Palm Beach into a nationally recognized business and finance hub.
Planners can expect continued enhancements to meeting infrastructure, in addition to a steady pipeline of new and renovated hotels as well as expanded programming.
Jayna Leach, Senior Vice President and CMO, Visit Panama City Beach
Recent highlights in the area include the opening of a new clubhouse at Margaritaville Beach Cottage Resort, expanding onsite dining, recreation and meeting options for groups.
The destination has also introduced new offsite experiences, including the Black Pearl pirate-themed artificial reef, the city’s first Topgolf location and Dolly Parton’s Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show, a large-scale indoor entertainment option. The legendary Tootsies Orchid Lounge, once located at Pier Park, will debut a new beachfront venue designed to accommodate nearly 1,000 people, making it appealing to groups.
[Related: Discovering Outdoor Opportunities for Groups in the Florida Panhandle]
At the same time, Panama City Beach continues to expand accessibility through its Fun. For. All. initiative, with new ADA beach access points and accessible water experiences designed to ensure every visitor feels welcome.
Conferences here feel like a true vacation—set along 27 miles of sugar-white sand beaches with walkable entertainment, waterfront dining and outdoor adventures that appeal to both families and solo business travelers. The destination is affordable, easily accessible, simple to plan and, above all, genuinely fun.
Panama City Beach is well positioned for continued meetings growth. Ongoing infrastructure investments, new and expanded flight routes, and a steady focus on accessibility, sustainability and year-round programming ensure the destination remains competitive.
Robyn Price, Senior Sales Manager, Meetings/Conventions, Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach VCB
Sunseeker Resort Florida Gulf Coast is entering a new chapter as a Hilton-affiliated property, and being a Hilton flag brings added brand confidence, loyalty-program pull and global sales reach, further elevating Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach’s ability to compete for larger, more sophisticated meetings and incentive programs.
The Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center continues to see growing demand and is now managed by Legends Global, joining a portfolio of more than 450 venues worldwide. Anchoring downtown Punta Gorda, the center offers approximately 44,000 square feet of flexible, waterfront meeting space designed to accommodate conventions, expos and business gatherings of all sizes. Just steps from the venue, attendees can walk to downtown Punta Gorda’s shops, restaurants, waterfront parks and nightlife, making it easy to extend the meeting experience well beyond the conference room.
Several downtown Punta Gorda properties have completed renovations, while shopping and dining continue to expand with four new restaurants slated to open at Fishermen’s Village this spring. Paired with its small-town charm, the city delivers an off-the-beaten-path meeting destination that remains one of Florida’s best-kept secrets.
Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach is accessible, walkable and small enough that logistics are straightforward. There’s fast access from Punta Gorda Airport (PGD) plus solid connections to Fort Myers Airport (RSW), Sarasota/Bradenton (SRQ) and Tampa International (TPA), an advantage when planners are balancing flights, room blocks and AV shipments without big-city congestion. The local VCB team is also responsive, collaborative and hands-on with site tours and RFP support.
Downtown Punta Gorda and the Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center provide a classic waterfront city feel that appeals to associations and regional meetings, with hotels within steps of the center. Here, nature becomes the differentiator: harbor cruises, eco tours, beaches, fishing charters, botanical gardens, walking trails and golf give easy programming options beyond breakout rooms. That’s real value when groups push for teambuilding or incentive experiences.
Known as the Flavor Coast, we showcase chef-driven, locally owned restaurants across the region that highlight fresh Gulf seafood, creative interpretations of Florida classics and menus that reflect the distinct tastes of Southwest Florida. From waterside spots with sunset views to cozy downtown establishments, the culinary landscape gives planners built-in programming content for welcome receptions, group dinners, team outings and incentive experiences that feel authentic rather than generic.
Suzanne Hackman, CDME, Director of Sales & Industry Relations, Visit Sarasota County
Sarasota offers unparalleled accessibility, with Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) providing over 65 daily nonstop flights. Once you arrive, the city is yours to explore. Downtown hotels are just a 15-minute drive away, while premier beach resorts are only 10 minutes farther.
This unique proximity allows visitors to enjoy the best of both worlds—relaxing on world-class beaches by day and experiencing vibrant downtown nightlife by evening. As Florida’s Cultural Coast, Sarasota is home to iconic attractions like the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, Mote Science Education Aquarium (Mote SEA) and The Ringling. These landmarks are not only perfect for group outings but also offer distinctive event spaces for memorable offsite functions.
A primary driver of Sarasota’s enduring appeal to meeting planners is its remarkable cultural depth. The city masterfully blends coastal ease with a sophisticated arts and culinary landscape, ranging from world-class galleries and performing arts to an eclectic mix of locally owned restaurants.
Ultimately, Sarasota’s magic lies in its perfect sense of balance: It offers breathtaking beauty without being flashy, and deep-rooted culture without being overwhelming.
Jennifer Jenkins, Director of Conference Sales, Florida’s Historic Coast
Businesses along Florida’s Historic Coast continue to invest in their meetings product while preserving the authenticity that sets us apart.
Casa Monica Resort and Spa is currently undergoing a comprehensive guest room renovation, refreshing one of our most iconic historic properties in downtown St. Augustine. The Ponte Vedra Inn and Club is also making extensive enhancements across the resort. These reinvestments, along with ongoing updates throughout the destination, demonstrate strong confidence in the meetings market and ensure planners have a competitive and evolving product for 2026 and beyond.
Florida’s Historic Coast has such diversity available to planners within one compact, easy to navigate destination. Groups can experience oceanfront luxury in Ponte Vedra Beach, championship golf at TPC Sawgrass or distinctive venues surrounded by St. Augustine’s colonial architecture and waterfront views. The combination of beach, golf, rich history and authentic atmosphere creates programs that feel immersive rather than conventional. Attendees can step outside a meeting and immediately connect with the destination, whether through dine-around experiences in the historic district, time on the beach or curated offsite events.
[Join us in St. Augustine: Meetings Today LIVE! South]
Stephanie Alexander-Priakos, Director of Meetings & Conferences, Visit St. Pete-Clearwater
St. Pete-Clearwater continues to invest in enhancements that elevate both the attendee experience and meeting logistics. The destination’s signature asset, 35 miles of award-winning sugar-white-sand beaches, has been significantly enhanced with a $125 million beach nourishment project, expanding usable shoreline space for beachfront networking, wellness programs, receptions and teambuilding experiences.
Clearwater Beach has drawn widespread recognition, recently honored by Tripadvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Awards as one of the Best Beaches in the World—the only Florida beach to land on the list.
The hospitality landscape is expanding with key hotel enhancements such as Don CeSar’s new Royal Ballroom.
A strong selling point for meeting professionals is ease of access via Tampa International Airport (TPA), a major gateway offering nonstop service to more than 100 destinations across the U.S. and internationally.
Planners benefit from Visit St. Pete-Clearwater’s meetings team, which provides vital logistical value, inclusive of RFP coordination, incentives, site visits, offsite recommendations and itinerary strategy—all offered as complimentary resources.
From sprawling resort ballrooms and beachfront pavilions to intimate arts spaces and waterfront parks, planners encounter venue versatility, allowing them to tailor meeting environments to match session objectives and group culture.
Groups are increasingly designing agendas that integrate the destination from beachfront panels to culinary tours and cultural tours at museums such as The Dalí Museum, The Chihuly Museum and The Imagine Museum.
Looking forward, St. Pete-Clearwater remains exceptionally well-positioned for continued growth in meetings and conferences.
[Related: Clearwater, Tampa and St. Pete Beach Offer Groups Sun, Sand and Stellar Service]
Santiago Corrada, President & CEO, Visit Tampa Bay
This year should be great. Last year we had 80 percent occupancy due to people living in hotels after the 2024 hurricanes. We should have more inventory for meeting and convention groups this year.
We already have so many groups on the books, from The Shriners, National Veterans Golden Age Games in June to cheerleading groups, medical groups and Connect Marketplace.
We’ve kept our Treasured Saving Initiative for meeting professionals, which has done well. If meeting professionals book certain dates in 2026, we’ll pay their deposit at the convention center.
The Tampa Convention Center went through a major $44.5 million expansion and renovation project, adding 18 new waterfront meeting rooms, enhanced ballrooms and new outdoor event space along the Riverwalk. The upgrades, which included improved amenities and a new LED marquee sign, aimed to better accommodate larger conventions.
The center is so convenient to everything outside, including Pirate Water Taxi and the large-capacity Yacht StarShip for 25 to 600 guests, which is docked downtown.
The amount of positive development here is phenomenal, including the Pendry Tampa Riverwalk, which we need. It will add 220 hotel rooms and private residences, as well as more than 11,000 square feet of private event space. Gas Worx and Ybor Harbor are major, multiyear mixed-use redevelopment projects in Tampa featuring residential, office and retail space, while Ybor Harbor focuses on waterfront development near the Ybor Channel.
As far as activities and special event venues, we have it all. Groups can see the NHL Tampa Bay Lightning, dine at some incredible Michelin star restaurants, including Kosen Japanese, Ebbe, Lilac, Koya and Rocca for Italian. Sparkman’s Wharf is also a great venue at Channelside Drive, featuring open-air dining with more than 10 unique chef driven concepts that come right out of shipping containers. Often, they have live music at the beer garden right on Hillsborough Bay.
There’s also the Straz Performing Arts Center for Broadway and other shows, Tampa Bay History Center, Tampa Zoo, Busch Gardens, Museum of Science & Innovation, and our wonderful Florida Aquarium. Planners have done great events at all these venues.
Karen Morris, Director of Sales, Walton County Tourism Department
Major resort renovations include Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa in Miramar Beach that recently completed a $35 million renovation, boosting its overall event capabilities with more than 60,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor space.
Boutique meeting venue Camp Creek Inn in Inlet Beach is a newer 75-room property with smaller meeting space recognized in the region’s tourism awards as one of the best meeting/conference spaces—great for more intimate corporate retreats.
Hotel Effie Sandestin joined Autograph Collection in June, bringing the boutique property into Marriott Bonvoy’s global portfolio of distinctive hotels. The affiliation expands the hotel’s reach among luxury and meetings travelers while maintaining its coastal character within Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort. With more than 20,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting space, the move further strengthens South Walton’s appeal as an upscale meetings and incentive destination along Florida’s Emerald Coast.
These renovations and openings reinforce South Walton’s ability to host groups ranging from small board meetings to larger corporate retreats with golf and wellness components. South Walton consistently delivers a combination of natural beauty, upscale venues and seamless execution. The destination offers everything from full-service beachfront resorts to boutique properties, providing flexible options for groups of varying sizes. Its compact layout, easy airport access and built-in bleisure activities—from golf to Gulf-front receptions and bonfires—make programs both efficient and memorable. Just as importantly, planners cite the hands-on support and collaborative approach from local partners as a key reason they choose to come back year after year.
