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Flying Spoonbill

Roseate Spoonbills get their pink coloration from the foods they eat. Crustaceans and other aquatic invertebrates contain pigments called carotenoids that help turn their feathers pink.

Sunny Greetings

There is an old Zen saying that “You should sit in nature for twenty minutes a day, unless you are busy.  Then you should sit for an hour.”  Thankfully, Fort Myers – Islands, Beaches and Neighborhoods are infused in breathtaking nature because we have been very busy!

More milestones have been reached in the wake of Hurricane Ian.  The latest figures indicate that 68% of our guest rooms (over 9,800) are now open with more to come in the weeks and months ahead.

The Sanibel Lighthouse glows again on the five-month anniversary of Hurricane Ian.  The relighting of the embodiment of the indomitable spirit of our community.  This landmark has been guiding people to our community since 1884 and it is once again helping to welcome visitors to our shores.

Many of our beaches have reopened. Although our area might look a bit different from years past, there’s still a lot for your group to see and do in the greater Fort Myers area.

Looking for a team building activity?  Check out the new Chips Sports Pub and Top Golf Swing Suite, a great addition to the Luminary Hotel & Co. and downtown Fort Myers. Or, your group can learn to sail and end with a friendly team competition at the Offshore Sailing School on Captiva Island. There is also a custom candle making experience available at Bell Tower called Sanibel Candle Company.  Blend your own frangrance from over 60 unique scents and hand pour your own candle or wax melts.  See why their bright fragrances help turn every room into a memory.

Perhaps you want to incorporate a CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) project into your conference. Here are some ways to volunteer and make a difference.Although we still have work to do, things continue to improve, and our neighborhoods are being restored.  We value your business, are grateful for your support, and pleased to be able to welcome you to the Fort Myers – Islands, Beaches and Neighborhoods.

 

 
 DIRECTOR OF SALES
 jvance@leegov.com
 239-338-3500

"You all have been amazing.  I never would have been able to negotiate with the venues like you all have!  It made it possible to bring my events to the area multiple times!  Thanks for all of your help!"

 - Beth Beller

"The rebate check was a wonderful surprise!  They may have brought that up at our initial meeting, but I forgot completely.  Staff was very willing to assist.  Adequate number of email reminders offering to help/assist with event and attendees.  Thank you so much!!!"

 - Diep Tu

"The idea of lunch on your own along First Street worked very well and all participants enjoyed it."

- Ronald Basil

"The Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau was instrumental in our organization finding a meeting space for our Conference.  The staff is very helpful and are always great at returning phone calls, making suggestions, etc."

- Debbi Adamkin

Travel Resources

Largest Meeting Property List

Island Incentive Meetings Program

What's Open in Fort Myers - Islands, Beaches & Neighborhoods

Upcoming 2023 Local Events

RSW Nonstop Cities Map

RSW Terminal Expansion Info

Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) Travel Tips

Free "Cover Your Event" Insurance

Upcoming Meeting Events
April
 
11-14
Destination Celebration
Minneapolis, MN / Kansas City, MO | Jerry Terp
May
 
3 - 6
HelmsBriscoe Annual Business Conference & Client Event
Denver, CO | Jerry Terp & Betsy Bush
May
 
10-12
Prestige Partner Conference
San Juan, Puerto Rico | Jerry Terp
June
 
12-14
Lamont Associate Xchange Summit
Tempe, AZ | Jerry Terp
Past Meeting Events

From left: Jenna Adams, Luminary Hotel (Fort Myers) and Candice Cocco, VCB, at RCMA Emerge

Left to right:  Betsy Bush, VCB; and Vicki Johnson, Vicki Johnson & Associates, at PCMA

Bottom left:  Jerry Terp, VCB, at CESSE CEO Meeting

Left to right:  Elizabeth Pardillo, Maritz Global Events; Erin Lester, VCB; Hester Ndoja, Florida Society of Association Executives

Meetings eNewsletter Sing Up

Airport News
Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) was named No. 1 of the 10 best airports in the U.S. by Travel Lens, an online travel publication. Fifty of the busiest U.S. airports were ranked by wait time, passenger satisfaction and Google review ratings. flylcpa.com

New air service at RSW
Breeze Airways: Hartford (BDL) and Providence (PVD) begin this summer. The RSW-BDL flights will operate twice weekly on Wednesday and Saturday starting May 17; and the RSW-PVD service will start July 13 and operate three times a week on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday.
Sun Country Airlines: Eau Claire (EAU), weekly.
American Airlines: Austin (AUS), daily.
Avelo Airlines: Raleigh-Durham (RDU) weekly; Wilmington (ILG), weekly

Cape Coral Quest: win prizes and explore
The City of Cape Coral and Fort Myers - Islands, Beaches and Neighborhoods have teamed up to launch the new Cape Coral Quest app for a fun way to explore the area and a chance to win prizes through Nov. 30. Follow the directions at visitfortmyers.com/cape-coral-quest to collect a Cape Coral Quest Pass to participate on any mobile device

La Ola Surfside Restaurant
This popular restaurant plans to relocate its Fort Myers Beach vibe, dining and entertainment to Bell Tower Shops in Fort Myers. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, the restaurant plans to serve it popular Times Square menu. 

Cheesecake Factory coming to Estero
Work is underway for the Cheesecake Factory at Coconut Point in Estero. Plans call for the 9,000-square-foot restaurant to open later this year. 

In the news
HGTV named Boca Grande as one of 21 of the best gulf coast beaches. The mention includes Gasparilla Inn & Club, Port Boca Grande Lighthouse & Museum, Cayo Costa State Park, North Captiva Island, Cabbage Key, Captain Brian on the Water-Sanibel/Captiva Tours and Captiva Cruises. Click here for article.

Q2 2023 Events

34th Annual “Ding” Darling Day Conservation Carnival, Lakes Park
April 22
11th Annual “Ding” Darling and Doc Ford’s
Tarpon Tournament

May 19
13th Annual Fort Myers Film Festival
May 17-21
Captiva Pride Weekend
June 2-4
National Seashell Day
June 21

 

Know someone interested in getting exclusive access to our latest group offerings? Invite them to subscribe to this Meetings eNewsletter today.

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