b'FEATURING FLORIDASunshine State offers alluring options for corporate plannersby Matthew BradfordM Spanning 170,000 km 2and homewith nonstop flight connections to Memorable events await across the USAs Sunshine State. Beyond its milesto nearly 22 million people, the U.S.slocations all over the world.of beaches and sunny disposition,southeasternmost state has eventNo matter the region, planners Florida is home to a vast array ofspace and resources to spare. Here,are apt to find a venue that fits their alluring locales, industry hotspotsplanners can choose between distinctgroup and vision. The Orange County and leisure activities that make it aregions ranging from popular touristConvention Center in Orlando, destination to consider for Canadianspots (e.g., Orlando, Miami, Tampa,for example, is the second-largest planners looking outside their Fort Lauderdale), historic cities (e.g.,meeting and convention facility in the typical borders. St. Augustine, Jacksonville, Pensacola),U.S. with over 650,000 m2of space, Whether youre looking to hostarts and culture hubs (e.g., Sarasotaincluding a 200,000-m 2exhibit hall your next meeting in an ultra-modernCounty, Palm Beach, St. Pete) andthat plays host to massive events such high-rise hotel in Miami, at a relaxinga vast selection of equally alluringas the annual MegaCon pop culture beach getaway in Naples, near artdestinations. As Visit Florida writes:fan convention. Elsewhere, groups museums in St. Petersburg or in theEach region of Florida offers its owncan make camp in equally spacious historic district of the oldest city ingems and assets to entice meetingand popular venues like the Gaylord the world, St. Augustine, its easy toattendees and groups of all sizes,Palms Resort & Convention Center in find the perfect location or venue toas well as an abundance of hotelKissimmee, the Tampa Convention cater to your meeting guests niche orrooms of all price ranges, variousCenter, The Studios of Key West and special interests, says the team at transportation options and severalthe Miami Beach Convention Center, Visit Florida. international and regional airportsamong many others.32 CORPORATE MEETINGS & EVENTS corporatemeetingsnetwork.ca'