For the best newsletter viewing, please click here 

Paddling

Discover how ECHO grew from being a small group of laymen serving Haiti in the 1970s, to being an international organization that today helps educate and empower farming families across the globe

Sunny Greetings

As we look at the path forward in 2024, the importance of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities continues to grow.  Holding your conference in Fort Myers – Islands, Beaches and Neighborhoods is not only about providing exceptional meeting spaces but also unique and restorative experiences that leave a lasting impact. Let's explore some distinctive CSR activities that energize participants and contribute to the well-being of the local community.

Beach Cleanup Initiatives:  Groups can harness the beauty of our beaches by partnering with Keep Lee County Beautiful on a beach cleanup as part of your corporate event. There is still work to be done after Hurricane Ian and this hands-on activity promotes team bonding and demonstrates a commitment to environmental stewardship. Participants can engage in cleaning up debris from the coastline, collecting trash, and learning about the local marine ecosystem. Collaborate with a local environmental organization to ensure the event is educational and impactful.

Take a Bite Out of Food Insecurity:  While coming together as a team, groups have the potential to make a difference to those experiencing hunger in our community.  In exchange for a donation, Harry Chapin Food Bank, the largest hunger-relief nonprofit in Southwest Florida, will organize and transport to your conference hotel, all items your attendees need to “Build-A-Food Kit(s)” for the Harry Chapin Food Bank to distribute to local families in need.

Community Garden Planting and Seed Distribution:  Tap into the therapeutic benefits of gardening by working with ECHO Global Farm on a community garden activity. ECHO Florida also distributes more than 300 varieties of seeds to their network throughout the world to combat hunger in harsh terrains. Participants can help sort and prepare the seeds for distribution to seed banks, work together to plant a perennial vegetable garden, trim trees, and harvest produce, thereby providing a lasting, positive impact worldwide.

The range of innovative and beneficial CSR activities is as varied as the landscape itself. By integrating one of these meaningful initiatives into your event, you can create unforgettable experiences that not only invigorate participants but also significantly contribute to the betterment of the Fort Myers Islands, Beaches and Neighborhoods community.

We value your business, treasure our friendships, and hope you choose the
islands, beaches and neighborhoods of Fort Myers for your next conference.

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

Accommodations News

The Visitor and Convention Bureau is excited that we can officially say “Fins Up” at the new Margaritaville Resort on Fort Myers Beach. With swaying palm trees, pristine sandy beaches and a relaxed, island atmosphere, the 254-room Margaritaville Beach Resort is open and welcoming guests.

Margaritaville is known for offering a laid-back, carefree lifestyle inspired by the iconic music and lyrics of singer-songwriter Jimmy Buffett. The resort sits on 7.25 acres along Fort Myers Beach with direct beach access and views of the Gulf of Mexico. The property includes six restaurants as well as the 43,000-square-foot Sunset Terrace that are open to the public.

Even if you're not a guest at the resort, it welcomes the public; anyone can freely stroll in to explore and enjoy its offerings. For those looking for entertainment, Margaritaville promises lively music daily at three different venues. The resort also boasts two inviting pools and an expansive lawn area, perfect for games and various entertainments.

Additional facilities include a state-of-the-art fitness center and the serene St. Somewhere Spa. The spa invites visitors to indulge in a range of luxurious treatments, from relaxing massages and rejuvenating facials to expert hair and nail services, not forgetting a special couples’ sanctuary. Importantly, these spa services are available for booking even if you're not staying at the resort.

For reservations and details: margaritavilleresorts.com/margaritaville-beach-resort-fort-myers-beach 

Hampton Inn Fort Myers Downtown is accepting reservations for arrivals beginning Jan. 11, 2024. hilton.com/en/hotels/rswfrhx-hampton-inn-fort-myers-downtown

Latest update: 73.8 % of the guest rooms (10,653) in Lee County have opened with more to come in the weeks and months ahead. 

 

Travel Resources

2024 Digital Visitor Guide

Meeting Planner Guide to Fort Myers - Islands, Beaches & Neighborhoods

Largest Meeting Property List

Island Incentive Meetings Program

What To Do in Fort Myers - Islands, Beaches & Neighborhoods

RSW Nonstop Cities Map

RSW Airservice Update (Dec 2023)

RSW Terminal Expansion Info

Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) Travel Tips

Upcoming Meeting Events
January
 
8-11
RCMA Emerge
San Antonio, TX | Candice Cocco
February
 
4-6

Florida Encounter
Miami, FL | Erin Lester

February
 
25-28

CESSE CEO Mid-Winter Meeting
Savannah, GA | Lauren Hyps

February
 
26-28

Rendezvous South
Spartanburg, SC | Erin Lester

February
 
27

NYSAE Trade Show
New York City, NY | Betsy Bush

March
 
10-12

CMP Advance
Toronto, Ontario, CA | Erin Lester

Past Meeting Events

For the best newsletter viewing, please click here,
then hover over each picture for additional information

Candice Cocco and Juan Suarez with Ottowa Tourism,  at NTA Travel Exchange
Rosalind Dixon, Meet Minneapolis; Kristen McBride, Natl Restaurant Assoc; Lauren Hyps
Betsy Bush lunching with HelmsBriscoe planners in Alexandria, Virginia
Erin Lester attending SITE Southeast Education Summit
Meetings eNewsletter Sing Up

ConventionSouth Magazine - Meeting Pros to Watch in 2024

Congratulations to our Excutive Director, Tamara Pigott, for making this year's ConventionSouth Awards Issue for being a Meeting Professionals to Watch in 2024.  See the full magazine here.  

The Westin Cape Coral Receives Award

In the November, The Westin Cape Coral was announced the winner of the 2023 NorthStar Stella Award Gold Medal as the Best Hotel/Resort Event Space category in the Southeast region.  Also announced was the Westin being ranked the #1 customer recommended resort within the Westin Resort brand in the US for the month of September 2023.

Alice S. Marriott Award

Luminary Hotel & Co. has been honored with the prestigious Alice S. Marriott Award for Community Service, presented in Washington, D.C. on Monday, Oct. 16. The esteemed award recognizes Luminary’s exceptional efforts in organizing a rally in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian to provide aid, an example of the hotel’s unwavering commitment to serving its community in times of need. In addition to the Oct. 12, 2022, rally, Luminary was among five of Tampa-based Mainsail Lodging & Development’s popular hotel rooftop bars to raise $12,000 for the Harry Chapin Food Bank of Southwest Florida during their “Raise the Roof” events. Beyond this remarkable recognition, Luminary Hotel & Co. remains committed to its charitable initiatives by continuing its partnerships with the Harry Chapin Food Bank of Southwest Florida and the Dr. Ella Mae Piper Foundation.

Q1 2024 Events

Cape Coral Art Festival & Marketplace
January 13-14, 2024

ArtFest Fort Myers
February 2 - 4

Edison Festival of Light
February 10 - 18

Minnesota Twins Spring Training Baseball
February 23 - March 26

Boston Red Sox Spring Training Baseball
February 23 - March 24

ECHO's 32nd Annual Global Food & Farm Festival
March 12 - 16

 

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

Subscribe
Copyright © 2024 Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau
Our address is 2201 Second Street, Suite 600, Fort Myers, FL 33901, USA
 
If you do not wish to receive future email, click here.
(You can also send your request to Customer Care at the street address above.)