Time to Spark Innovation in Fort Myers - Inspire Your Group at Edison's Legendary Laboratory

Fort Myers - Islands, Beaches and Neighborhoods is where natural beauty, rich history, and exceptional venues come together to create unforgettable group experiences. Whether you’re planning an intimate executive retreat or a large-scale gathering, our area offers unique settings that inspire collaboration, creativity, and connection.

One of the region’s most extraordinary venues - a personal favorite of our National Sales Manager of the Northeast, Betsy Bush - is the Edison and Ford Winter Estates. A place where historic elegance meets innovation, these beautifully preserved estates once served as the winter retreats of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford. With a stunning waterfront backdrop, 20 acres of lush botanical gardens, and inspiring museum spaces, this venue is designed to spark creativity. Imagine networking beneath the shade of a century-old banyan tree, holding a strategy session in Edison’s historic laboratory, or celebrating with a riverside reception as the sun sets over the Caloosahatchee River. Offering a mix of indoor and outdoor event spaces, this venue provides seamless access to downtown Fort Myers' hotels, dining, and attractions - making it an exceptional choice for any event. 

If you’re looking to host a meeting that blends history, inspiration, and innovation, let's start planning today. Click the link below to hear from Betsy Bush as she shares why the Edison and Ford Winter Estates is one of her favorite venues in this destination.

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

Approval received for the Pink Shell Resort expansion

A new hotel building has been approved for the Pink Shell Resort and will be situated on the bay side, directly across from the main property. The five-story structure will add 40 new hotel units. Construction is expected to begin within the next two years.

Downtown Fort Myers welcomes a new speakeasy perfect for group outings

Escondido Lounge is a new speakeasy serv­ing craft cocktails and gourmet bites. They have unique spaces for groups to reserve to help with creating those unforgettable memories. The entrance is cleverly disguised as a door to the walk-in cooler in the back of Taco Works. 

DoubleTree by Hilton hotel opens at Bell Tower Shops following renovation

The DoubleTree by Hilton Fort Myers at Bell Tower Shops has officially debuted following a rebrand from the former Crowne Plaza Hotel. Renovations began in 2023 with a complete refresh of the hotel's 225 guest rooms. Since then, the property has undergone upgrades to its lobby, 6,196 square feet of meeting space, and in-house restaurant, Shoeless Joe’s Sports Café.

Sundial Beach Resort & Spa reopens in Sanibel Island

After a 28-month recovery from hurricane impacts, Sundial Beach Resort & Spa on Sanibel Island has reopened 115 of its 225 refreshed accommodations, along with enhanced recreational offerings and new dining experiences. Guests can enjoy a getaway in spacious, fully equipped accommodations available in various sizes and featuring a kitchen, living room, and dining area.

24: Destination Celebration Kansas City - 10 Year Anniversary
Kansas City, MO | Lauren Hyps

1: Destination Reps Client Event
Chicago, IL | Lauren Hyps

14-19:  MPI WEC
St. Louis, MO | Betsy Bush

28-30: HelmsBriscoe Annual Business Conference
Toronto, Ontario, Canada | Betsy Bush and Lauren Hyps

Rotating photos include:

• (Photos 1-2) Betsy Bush, VCB, met with business event professionals. (Photo 1: left to right) Ken Tsai - Iowa State University; Eun Min Hwang - University of Las Vegas; Miyoung Jeong - University of South Carolina; and (photo 2) Linda Minor - American Association of Physicists in Medicine at PCMA Convening Leaders, January 12-15, in Houston, TX
• (Photo 3) Candice Cocco, VCB, met with faith-based meeting planners (photo 3: left to right) Pastor Ann Leister - Fresh Wind Conference and Teresa Haynes at the Religious Conference Management Association (RCMA) Emerge, January 6-8, in Phoenix, AZ
• (Photos 4-5) Erin Lester and Natalie Duran, VCB, met with (photo 4) Liz-Beth Lauck - HelmsBriscoe and (photo 5) Marty Streeper - Meeting Management Group at Florida Encounter, February 4-5, in Ocala, FL
• (Photos 6-9) Erin Lester, VCB, met and created beautiful bouquets with (photo 6) Katherine Hughes and Liz Foreman - CMC and Associates and (photo 9) Rachel Druckenmiller – Unmuted at Destinations of Florida CVB Reps Client Event, February 25, in Tallahassee, FL
• (Photos 10-11) Lauren Hyps, VCB, met with (photo 10) Stephanie Zboznovits - HelmsBriscoe at GPS Destinations PlannerConnect, February 27, in Milwaukee, WI
• (Photos 12-13) Betsy Bush, VCB, met with (photo 12) Marie Rancy - Prominent Mtgs and Rosa Vega - HelmsBriscoe; and (photo 13) Kayte Zowine - American Montessori Society at Metro NYSAE Trade Show and Client Event, February 27, in New York, NY

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