Meeting News - October 20, 2008 - (Page 38)

Destination Insider: Florida Coast to Coast Event Report A Bright Idea in Bonita Springs In industry event, tourism executives get inspired by Thomas Edison Attendees made the most of balloons at the Educational Seminar for Tourism Organizations. “The customer service was spectacular and higher than any other venue I have worked in 30 years,” said Susan Rosenstock, director of meeting and event services for the Travel Industry Association (TIA), when asked about her general impression of Bonita Springs and the Lee County area, site of this year’s Educational Seminar For Tourism Organizations (ESTO). Staged in August at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa in Bonita Springs, situated midway between Fort Myers and Naples, the knowledge-sharing forum attended by 475 state tourism directors and staff members, was produced by the TIA. The program included presentations, panel discussions, interactive breakout sessions, social networking, and special events. Beyond work sessions, the annual meeting showcased and rec- ognized outstanding destination marketing, promotion efforts, and individual achievement. The 26-acre, 454-room Coconut Point Resort & Spa, overlooking Estero Bay, has 70,000 sf of meeting space, including a 14,000-sf ballroom, and amenities such as a championship golf course, a private beach, and eco-tour activities. “An evening reception at the Edison and Ford Winter Estates in Fort Myers proved to be a thoroughly enjoyable event, as well as an educational experience,” said Rosenstock. The 14-acre estate along the Caloosahatchee River encompasses the Thomas A. Edison winter home, Henry Ford home, botanical gardens, museum, and laboratory. Among the highlights are a collection of 200 Edison phonographs, a Model T prototype presented to Edison by his friend Henry Ford, and the “catnap cot,” where Edison took his famous 15-minute naps. “The staff is very knowledgeable, and tours of the lab and museum were outstanding,” said Rosenstock. “And the actors playing the roles of important historical figures really took the event to another level.” The final evening was a high-energy affair. “The true flavor of Florida came through loud and clear during the ‘Margaritaville: It’s 5 O’clock Somewhere Banquet,’” said Pamela Johnson, director of sales for the Lee County Visitor and Convention Bureau. Rosenstock has high praise for the staff members of the Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau. “They were our partners and were instrumental in the off-site location options, transportation, awards banquet, and open evening activities.” —ESJ continued from page 36 other special event areas, such as our dining arena and the winery,” she said. The two-story, 7,500-sf, Everglades-themed dining arena, available for buyout, features a stage equipped with a full sound system and concert seating for up to 600 people, as well as food vendors offering barbeque, Mexican, Italian, and pub food. The winery, which has an artist’s gallery and demonstration vineyard, can accommodate up to 50 people indoors and outdoors on a patio, set against a 30-foot-long, custom-painted mural of a Tuscany hillside. A small vineyard features Southern Home black grapes and Higgins red grapes. Big Cypress’ winery offers a wide variety of domestic and international wines, made-onpremise wines, custom labeling, wine-paired cheeses and breads, wine accessories, cigars, and gifts. The flea market has more than 150 merchants, offering a myriad of products including jewelry, gifts, electronics, pottery, toys, and antiques. The Trails End Tiki Bar has big-screen TVs and both indoor and outdoor seating. Big Cypress is ideal for spouse programs, according to Ulik. “We can coordinate shopping excursions, wine-making demonstrations, luncheons, and other activities for spouses to enjoy,” she said. —Edward Schmidt Jr. 38 MeetingNews October 20, 2008 www.meetingnews.com http://www.meetingnews.com

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