Prevue March/April 2016 - (Page 66)

ZIPLINING THROUGH HISTORY For adventurous groups, Birmingham's Red Mountain Park is located on the site of a former iron mine, with a zipline over the historical sites. It's a unique experience that combines the area's rich history with a thrilling activity. The approximately one-hour experience includes a sky bridge and cable swing. There's also the Mega Zip, a 1,000-ft zip thrill ride where participants start from 80 ft high and reach speeds of up to 30 mph. Among hotel openings in Birmingham, the 100-room Grand Bohemian Hotel Mountain Brook is the Kessler Collection's first property in Alabama, located at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens. It has 13,801 sf of meeting space in 7 rooms and a rooftop farmto-table restaurant. The 120-room Redmont Hotel Birmingham, named for Birmingham's Red Mountain, recently reopened after a $20 million remodeling. Downtown, the Empire Building Birmingham, one of the city's most historic buildings, will be part of a $45 million project that will encompass two Marriott hotels. OCALA Attendees can lace up their boots and hike through the Ocala National Forest, the largest contiguous sand pine scrub forest in the located 40HP.qxp_Layout minutes from downtown. Dozens different OC world, 2016-001 Prevue 1 12/8/15 11:27 AMof Page 1 hiking trails range from half-mile boardwalks to backpacking trails. A highlight is the 45-ft Chapman Oak Tree, the largest of its species in the U.S. There are also several natural springs sprinkled throughout the Ocala National Forest, one of the most popular being Juniper Springs. The springs stay at 72 degrees year round, and are a relaxing spot to cool off in summer. The Salt Springs, also located in the National Forest, got its name originated from naturally occurring minerals carried to the surface from underground aquifers. Rainbow River in Dunnellon is known for its tubing and water that shimmers with silver and turquoise hues and stays at a cool 72 to 74 degrees year-round. Carney Island Park at Lake Weir has more than 750 acres of sand hill islands, causeways, wetlands systems and shoreline beaches, with picnic pavilions and sand volleyball courts for group outings. For more active attendees, the Santos Mountain Bike Trails are considered the best in the area, and one of only 6 bike trails in the U.S. offering more than 60 miles of off-road area. Other choices for biking are the 49th Ave. Trails, which are lined with remnants of historic ship canal diggings that have become miniature valleys, or the Baseline Trailhead and Land Bridge Trail through Ocala's pastures and greenery. The Great Florida Venue D A Y T O N A B E A C H The Ocean Center is located in the heart of one of America's favorite family destinations. It's the perfect venue for meetings and conventions large and small, exhibitions, entertainment events and sporting competitions. And when the meeting breaks, the ocean awaits. Book the Ocean Center and the best staff in the business will make your next event your best event. The great Florida venue! 101 N. Atlantic Ave. | Daytona Beach, FL 32118 800.858.6444 | oceancenter.com 58 | prevue magazine http://www.oceancenter.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Prevue March/April 2016

Planner’s Pick: Seattle
Fresh Meets: Caribbean Cool
Bureau Buzz: Kansas City
Good Business: Raising the Green Bar
Sea Shores: Celebrity Cruises
A look at inspiring incentive experiences.
MEETING TAKEAWAYS On-site corporate gift experiences gain momentum
GAMING DESTINATIONS Gaming resort incentives are becoming as exciting as their settings
CALIFORNIA DREAMING Delivering creative group experiences
3 US CITIES REIMAGINE MEDICAL MEETINGS Immersive wellness programs make their way into the mix
On Location: SBM Monte Carlo
WELLNESS, SOUTHERN STYLE Southern backdrops rejuvenate groups
SECRETS AKUMAL [ON LOCATION] Luxury & immersive experiences make for a successful 2016 Leadership Summit
On Location: Australia
On Location: Bermuda
Checkout: Azamara Club Cruises
On Location: Puerto Rico
Club Med

Prevue March/April 2016