As the chill of winter begins to set in, many planners may take a longing gaze toward Florida. But it's not just the state's warm temperatures that are attracting attention; a number of new and renovated group offerings are making this a hot time to visit Northern Florida.
Of particular interest to meetings groups is Jacksonville, which continues to expand its room inventory and event spaces.
"Jacksonville is a vibrant meetings destination with the perfect mix of Florida flair and Southern hospitality," says Paul Astleford, president and CEO of Visit Jacksonville. "Jacksonville's historic neighborhoods, the world-class museums, music festivals, vibrant downtown, diverse dining scene, and our people make this city one of the boldest in the South. We invite everyone to experience it."
For example, a recent association group of 350 enjoyed a museum-themed dine-around, beginning with appetizers at the Museum of Science and History, moving on to the main course at the Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens, and wrapping up with dessert at the Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville.
The Courtyard Oceanfront in Jacksonville Beach recently wrapped up a $1.3-million room renovation, which comes on top of $1.2 million in changes already made to the property, including the addition of a bistro. Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront is in the middle of a multimillion-dollar renovation of its guest rooms, completely reimagining its rooms and suites as well as the property's rooftop fitness center and meeting spaces.
Further into the distance, plans have been approved for a $23-million hotel in the downtown neighborhood of Brooklyn. Like its New York counterpart, Jacksonville's Brooklyn has gotten a reputation for a vibrant and artsy scene. Though the hotel has yet to be branded, it will include 150 wellness-themed rooms and is expected to open in about two years' time.
Also in the Brooklyn neighborhood is the new Unity Plaza, which opened its doors this summer. Boasting a botanical garden and wellness center, as well as food-and-beverage kiosks, an amphitheater, and community center, this provides a new center of gravity to downtown Jacksonville, and an attractive option for groups seeking a place to relax or gather.
Plenty of other attractions await. The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens has introduced RiverQuest: Airboat and Kayak Eco-tours, which allow attendees to explore the Trout River via an airboat ride and learn about the native wildlife in the region. Downtown Zip Tours have introduced new offerings to highlight the city's history, architecture, art, and other interesting details. The historic Oesterreicher-McCormick Cabin -- an unusual example of "cracker" architecture from 1873 -- has been added to the Beaches Museum & History Park and makes for a worthwhile stop for visiting groups.
Astleford adds that, "Groups can host an oceanfront or riverfront meeting and feel like they have the keys to the city during their meeting, while also enjoying the charm and hospitality of the entire local community."
Emerald Coast
More than 300 miles to the west of Jacksonville lies the scenic expanse of the Emerald Coast. Of greatest interest to groups here is the expected opening of The Henderson, A Salamander Beach & Spa Resort, which is slated to open in summer 2016. When it opens its doors, it will be the only five-star property between Jacksonville and New Orleans, and will offer 170 rooms, almost 30,000 square feet of outdoor meeting space, and a grand ballroom measuring more than 5,000 square feet.
"The sunsets are vibrant, the temperature is perfect, the water is emerald green and the accommodation rates are of great value to meeting and event planners," says Sherry Rushing, travel industry sales manager for the Emerald Coast CVB. She gives the example of a recent group of 650 who visited the area for a 10-day religious event. They enjoyed a picnic at Henderson State Park, experienced the Destin HarborWalk Village and water activities, including a dolphin sightseeing cruise.
Says Rushing: "This group met at the Emerald Coast Convention Center and accommodations were in the surrounding hotels and condominiums located directly on the Gulf of Mexico."
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This article appears in the November 2015 issue of Successful Meetings.