Corporate Travel Destinations

Charlotte Harbor in southwest Florida has not previously been a top pick for corporate events. While it boasts exceptional natural beauty and ecological diversity, it is only recently becoming known as a hotspot for conventions, exhibitions and meetings. Prior to January 2009, there was a dearth of viable venues for events; however, the opening of the Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center has changed that completely. The conference center is situated on the water in a historic area of downtown Punta Gorda and offers 45,230 square feet of customizable space.

Since its opening, the Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center has hosted local events, exhibitions and sporting events and is getting rave reviews from planners. Aside from this ideal convention space, Charlotte Harbor also offers five National Wildlife Refuges, pristine beaches and excellent kayaking opportunities. Charlotte Harbor has long been known for its commitment to caring for the environment and wildlife in the area, and this commitment continues as they grow into a top destination for corporate travel. As part of this commitment, there are numerous opportunities to see and experience nature at its finest, including several tours through swamps, birding trails and animal rehabilitation centers that welcome visitors.

Visitors are also sure to enjoy the cobblestone streets and architecture from the 1920s that grace much of downtown Punta Gorda in close proximity to the conference center.

The world is peppered with event destinations and conference centers. Almost every large city has several, and even smaller towns are starting to create event space or renovate older buildings to bring conference visitors. However, many of them are reusing unique sites and unusual existing buildings ad business for convention space. Brussels is one of the best examples of this unique venue space.

Brussels Events Brewery

Brussels is one of the world centers for brewing “liquid bread.” The Events Brewery provides space for up to 40,000 people, and offers high tech support and sound proof walls for space division.

Van Buuren Museum

Featuring some of the world masters, this art museum also has space for smaller events. After attending an event in the garden or their art deco lounge, participants can enjoy five hundred years of world-class art.

The Atomium

Engineer André Waterkeyn designed this amazing building, which was renovated in 2004 and is now available for meetings and receptions. For an idea of just how remarkable this building is, go to www.atomium.de.

The number of wonderful event centers in Brussels does not end here. Many museums, breweries, hotels, historical buildings, and more make Brussels an ideal choice for a European destination meeting or conference. Check with Belgian tourism groups for more information, or simply do an internet search to find the many choices available to you in this beautiful country.

When most people think of Florida, they think of Miami, Daytona, the Keys, Tampa, and if they have kids, Orlando. However, what ever happened to what’s called “Old Florida,” the area that contains cities like Ft. Myers, Sanibel, and many smaller coastal towns? With some of Florida’s most beautiful beach towns, Lee County could be exactly what you’re looking for in a business destination.

Hotels in Old Florida

Ft. Myers contains some of the most accessible hotels in the area, many of which have lots of meeting space available right there. Diamondhead Beach Resort recently began a new no-fee resort policy, and offers the best of high tech amenities. Other hotels in the area are Pink Shell Beach Resort, a real gem of the Gulf Coast, Hyatt Regency Coconut Point, which also offers outdoor space, and many other properties that boast high level convention space. Continue reading »