The Dominican Republic has long been popular as a vacation destination with high-end accommodations, modern infrastructure (including eight international airports) and long sultry stretches of beach that promise—and deliver—a plethora of sun-soaked activities enjoyable for all ages. What remains a bit of a mystery is that this magical island, discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1492 and rich with history, also offers numerous venues that deliver flexible and interesting event space options in the meeting-popular cities of Santo Domingo, Punta Cana and Puerto Plata.

Thirty-nine diverse cities and towns make up the Palm Beaches, spanning more than 2,300 square miles across 47 miles of beautiful Atlantic Ocean beaches. In addition to the beach, there’s 125 miles of the Intracoastal Waterway. With so much water, swimming, boating, fishing, scuba diving, snorkeling, paddleboarding and myriad other activities on the beach are all right there for the asking.

Disney Destinations said it would keep commissions for independent meeting planners at 10 percent.

Almost all the CVBs and destinations in Florida were affected by Hurricane Irma in September 2017. While some hotels going through renovations at the time had some delays, other hotels that may have needed some sprucing up were strongly persuaded by Mother Nature to make much needed renovations. All in all, most came through the hurricane looking to the future, and 2018 looks bright.

There’s more to Florida than just its beaches. The state is also filled with trendy downtown areas perfect for attendees to explore between meetings. 

Today’s meeting attendees love local lore, and fortunately, Florida boasts a host of venues that provide a mountain of historical charm.

There’s been an explosion of micro and craft breweries all over the state of Florida in settings from historic warehouses to restored garages. With so many cropping up it’s impossible to name them all. Here are some notable independently owned breweries with some out-of-this-world brews.

Tradeshow attendees might be surprised and delighted to see the convention center-to-table hydroponic gardens right inside the Westwood lobby of Orlando’s Orange County Convention Center.

Florida is known for its orange groves, but there’s so much more growing throughout the state, and even in hotel backyards.  

On Friday and Saturday nights, Jack’s Place at Rosen Plaza Hotel in Orlando features a caricaturist who inconspicuously roams the restaurant floor and quickly sketches patrons. Being handed your own portrait is an added treat after an enjoyable dining experience.