Meeting News - October 20, 2008 - (Page 36)

Destination Insider: Florida Coast to Coast Naples Gets Its Big-Event Venue The Big Cypress Market Place lands on the Paradise Coast Luxury resorts, hotels with ample meeting space, championship golf courses, sandy beaches, and superb shopping are the cornerstones of Naples’ attraction to groups. What the city has lacked, however, is a facility suitable for large off-site group events and special functions. Until now. The Big Cypress Market Place finally arrived on Oct. 10, following several delays. The 87,000sf multiuse development encompasses a 13,000sf exposition center, a dining and entertainment area, a winery, a high-end flea market, and an outdoor tiki bar. “The Big Cypress Market Place is a wonderful new addition to the diverse off-site meeting locations we offer on the Paradise Coast,” said Jack Wert, executive director of the Naples, Marco Island, Everglades Convention and Visitors Bureau. “This is a large facility that will be available to groups on weekdays, weeknights, and for expositions on the weekends. And, it adds to our growing list of great shopping options Big Cypress Market Place, now finally open, has a variety of spaces. in the destination.” The air-conditioned ExpoTrade Show Center Clare Ulik, director of marketing for Basik can accommodate a wide variety of functions, Development, the developer of the project. including trade shows. Two adjacent spaces—a “The complex is multifaceted, and we’ll work 4,000-sf ballroom and an 800-sf outdoor ter- with planners to customize events, large or small. race—can be used to expand an event. Smaller groups can be accommodated in our But Big Cypress isn’t only for big events, said continued on page 38 Welcome to a destination unspoiled by everyday conventions. FREE (A $5,200 Value) GAS For Up to Two Years for You, Our Valued Partner Book before the end of 2008 to receive our Free Gas Oﬀer. HARBOUR POINTE DRIVE FORT MYERS FL (888) 324-8994 SANIBEL-RESORT.COM *Free gas for one year ($2,600 cash) for group programs of $25,000 – $49,999 in room revenue. Free gas for two years ($5,200) for group programs of $50,000 and above in room revenue. Valid for groups that book by December 31, 2008 and actualize by December 31, 2009. Not valid with any other promotion. Gas card delivered after meeting. 36 MeetingNews October 20, 2008 www.meetingnews.com http://www.SANIBEL-RESORT.COM http://www.SANIBEL-RESORT.COM http://www.meetingnews.com

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Meeting News - October 20, 2008

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