Latest news with #eventplanners
Travel Daily News
22-05-2025
- Business
- Travel Daily News
15Hatfields celebrates record Q1 with most successful start to the year to date
15Hatfields reports best-ever Q1 in 2025, with a 66% revenue increase driven by strong demand for sustainable, carbon-neutral event solutions. One of London's leading sustainable events venues, 15Hatfields, has kicked off 2025 with exceptional momentum, announcing today that it has recorded its most successful first quarter since opening its doors back in 2008. With a rise in both enquiries and bookings, high client satisfaction and retention, Q1 of 2025 marks a promising milestone for the award-winning venue. Located in the heart of London's South Bank, 15Hatfields has seen a 66% increase in revenue generated from meeting and events bookings year-on-year within the first quarter, driven by strong demand from organisations seeking environmentally conscious event solutions. The venue successfully hosted over 81 events between January and March 2025, ranging from corporate conferences and workshops to product launches and meetings. A big reason as to why event planners are choosing to hold their events at 15Hatfields is down to the work that the venue has put in since its inception, to remain conscious of their environmental footprint. With businesses more aware and concerned than ever about the effect that their events are having on the planet, 15Hatfields are continuing to lead the change, with the venue becoming carbon neutral in December 2024. As part of their drive to provide event planners with as much information as possible about the environmental footprint of their meeting and events, 15Hatfields recently launched a new Carbon Calculator in partnership with Greengage Solutions and Smart Carbon to improve the data available for tracking carbon emissions at events. Joe Harris, 15Hatfields' Deputy General Manager, said: 'Our strong start to the year pays testament to the hard work from the team to deliver a first-class experience to our clients from the moment they contact us. For us it's all about making sure that we can supply a meeting and events venue which consciously doesn't cost the earth to run, this is down to our constant review of our supply chain as well as our sustainable practices. We're very proud that while we continue to welcome new clients and delegates to our venue, we have also nurtured fantastic relationships with existing clients who trust us to deliver on their event plans and allow them to create memorable experiences for delegates.'
Trade Arabia
20-05-2025
- Business
- Trade Arabia
Cvent reveals top meeting destinations, hotels in MEA
Cvent, an industry-leading meetings, events, and hospitality technology provider, today unveiled its 2025 rankings Top Meeting Destinations and Top Meeting Hotels for the Middle East & Africa (MEA). Cvent's rankings have become indispensable for event planners, highlighting top-of-the-line cities, hotels, and venues for all their event needs. The annual lists are also issued regionally for North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and for the first time this year, Latin America & Caribbean. Cvent also unveiled a new Top Lists category, the Top Venues and Vendors, which analyzes data from the Cvent Vendor Marketplace. The destination and hotel rankings are determined based on insights gleaned from more than $18B of global sourcing and request-for-proposal (RFP) activity through Cvent's sourcing platforms in 2024, including a record-breaking $16.5B through the Cvent Supplier Network, one of the world's largest venue sourcing marketplaces. The unparalleled volume of business sourced in 2024 underscores the high demand for quality, in-person touchpoints. Despite a dip in planner optimism due to macroeconomic uncertainty and rising costs, nearly 69% of planners are actively booking or sourcing new events (Northstar/Cvent Meetings Industry PULSE Survey, March 2025, MEA Edition). This trend is further supported by Cvent's 2025 Planner Sourcing Report: Middle East Edition, which found that nearly 84% of planners expect the number of in-person meetings to increase in 2025. Cvent Top Meeting Destinations | The Middle East & Africa The top three destinations remained unchanged from 2024: Dubai, UAE (#1), Istanbul, Türkiye (#2), and Abu Dhabi, UAE (#3). Two new additions to the top 10 include Nairobi (#8) and Kuwait City (#9), rising by four and five spots, respectively. Top 10 Meeting Destinations: 1. Dubai, United Arab Emirates 2. Istanbul, Türkiye 3. Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates 4. Cape Town, South Africa 5. Marrakech, Morocco 6. Riyadh, Saudi Arabia 7. Doha, Qatar 8. Nairobi, Kenya 9. Kuwait City, Kuwait 10. Johannesburg, South Africa Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), part of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, said: 'We are proud to once again be recognized as the number one meeting destination in the Middle East and Africa by Cvent, a testament to Dubai's continued growth as a global hub for business events. Technology plays a pivotal role in how we engage with planners, respond quickly to their needs, and showcase Dubai's dynamic and ever-evolving offering as a destination led by digital transformation. Driven by the city's visionary leadership, we remain committed to delivering exceptional experiences for planners - offering world-class infrastructure, seamless connectivity, and a culture of innovation. Dubai continues to appeal strongly as a preferred destination to corporates seeking a strategic base for their events, reinforcing the city's role in driving business growth, sector diversity and unlocking economic opportunities across the region. This recognition is shared with our valued stakeholders and partners, whose collaborative efforts attract and deliver impactful events and make Dubai the destination of choice once again.' Cvent Top Meeting Hotels | The Middle East & Africa Each of the Top 10 hotels has a proven track record of swift RFP responses, prioritizing planner collaboration and offering curated MICE experiences. Notably, the top four hotels are strategically located in prime areas of Dubai, offering easy access to business districts, airports, and major attractions. This makes them convenient options for both domestic and international travelers attending meetings and conferences. This year's top three, JW Marriott Marquis Dubai (#1), Hilton Dubai Al Habtoor City (#2), and Grand Hyatt Dubai Conference Hotel (#3), each improved their year-over-year rankings, moving up six, two, and 12 spots, respectively. Additional newcomers to the Top 10 include Le Méridien Dubai Hotel and Conference Centre (#5), Crowne Plaza Riyadh RDC Hotel & Convention (#9), and Sheraton Grand Doha Resort & Convention Centre (#10). Top 10 Meeting Hotels: 1. JW Marriott Marquis Dubai 2. Hilton Dubai Al Habtoor City 3. Grand Hyatt Dubai Conference Hotel 4. InterContinental Dubai DFC – Congress Destination 5. Le Méridien Dubai Hotel and Conference Centre 6. Hyatt Regency Dubai Creek Heights 7. Marriott Resort Palm Jumeirah Dubai 8. Conrad Dubai 9. Crowne Plaza Riyadh RDC Hotel & Convention 10. Sheraton Grand Doha Resort & Convention Centre Gerrit Graef, Multi-Property General Manager, said, 'We're incredibly proud to be named the #1 Meeting Hotel in the Middle East & Africa by Cvent. As the events landscape continues to evolve, so do the expectations of planners—and we've made it our mission to stay ahead. With over 1,600 rooms and versatile event spaces, JW Marriott Marquis Dubai is built for scale, but it's our responsiveness, innovation, and use of technology that truly set us apart. Tools like Cvent help us anticipate needs, connect globally, and deliver the seamless, high-impact experiences today's planners demand.' Soufiane El Allam, Complex Operations & Commercial Director said, 'Being named the #2 Top Meeting Hotel in the Middle East by Cvent is a proud achievement and a true reflection of our team's dedication to excellence. At Hilton Dubai Al Habtoor City, we're committed to delivering seamless and memorable event experiences. With the support of smart platforms like Cvent and innovations, we continue to raise the bar for meeting planners across the region.' Pranav Vohra, Cluster Commercial Director - IHG Hotels at Dubai Festival City, said 'We are incredibly proud to be recognized by Cvent as the #4 Top Meeting Hotel in the Middle East & Africa. This milestone coincides with the exciting relaunch of our Event Centre and the introduction of 'Events by InterContinental' — a dedicated platform that showcases our unmatched meeting and event capabilities. The revitalized Event Centre now features one of the largest LED screens in the region within our ballroom, state-of-the-art technology throughout, and stunning waterfront views of Dubai Creek from the floor-to-ceiling glass exterior of the pre-function area. From small meetings to large-scale conferences, our versatile spaces and world-class tech integration reaffirm InterContinental Dubai Festival City as a premier MICE destination in the region.'
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Cvent Announces Top Meeting Destinations and Top Meeting Hotels Worldwide for 2025
The annual rankings highlight hotels that have gone above and beyond in securing group business, and the destinations that are driving economic growth through a strategic focus on meetings and events TYSONS CORNER, Va. & FRANKFURT, Germany, May 20, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Cvent, an industry-leading meetings, events, and hospitality technology provider, today unveiled its 2025 rankings of Top Meeting Destinations and Top Meeting Hotels globally. Cvent's rankings have become indispensable for event planners, highlighting top-of-the-line cities, hotels, and venues for all their event needs. The annual lists are issued regionally for North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, the Middle East & Africa, and for the first time this year, Latin America & Caribbean. Cvent also unveiled a new Top Lists category, the Top Venues and Vendors, which analyzes data from the Cvent Vendor Marketplace. The destination and hotel rankings are determined based on insights gleaned from the more than $18B of global sourcing and request-for-proposal (RFP) activity through Cvent's sourcing platforms in 2024, including a record-breaking $16.5B through the Cvent Supplier Network, one of the world's largest group hotel and venue sourcing marketplaces. The unparalleled volume of business sourced in 2024 underscores the high demand for quality, in-person touchpoints. Despite a dip in planner optimism due to macroeconomic uncertainty and rising costs, nearly 70% of planners are actively booking or sourcing new events and 63% see events as more valuable than they were pre-pandemic (Northstar/Cvent Meetings Industry PULSE Survey, March 2025). This trend is further supported by Cvent's 2025 Planner Sourcing Report, which found that nearly 90% of planners expect the number of in-person meetings to increase in 2025. Cvent Top Meeting Destinations | North America Orlando, FL once again claimed the top spot, followed by Las Vegas, NV (#2), and Chicago (#3), which rose three spots from last year. Atlanta, GA also moved upwards, rising two spots to #6 on this year's list. Washington D.C. was the blowout addition to the Top 10 this year, moving up ten places to claim the #8 spot. Top 10 Meeting Destinations 1. Orlando, FL 2. Las Vegas, NV 3. Chicago, IL 4. Nashville, TN 5. Atlanta, GA 6. Dallas, TX 7. San Diego, CA 8. Washington, D.C. 9. Phoenix, AZ 10. Denver, CO "Since 2015, Orlando has earned Cvent's top recognition, showing our dedication to the meetings and conventions industry. We are a community focused on providing exceptional service and strategic alignment with our customers' strategic goals," said Casandra Matej, president & CEO, Visit Orlando. "With the upcoming expansion of the Orange County Convention Center and the regular additions of new and upgraded hotels and resorts, Orlando's commitment to innovation will continue to strengthen our leadership as a meetings destination. Having a partner like Cvent that offers efficiency-driving technologies designed for both the buyer and supplier helps us keep Orlando at the top of planners' minds when they are sourcing locations for their meetings and events." "Cvent's recognition of Atlanta as a top five meeting destination in North America underscores our commitment to truly exceptional experiences," said Charlene Lopez, executive vice president and chief sales officer, Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau. "Our collaboration with Cvent allows us to extend the reach and impact of events, showcasing our strong sense of community, world-class venues, vibrant dining scene, extensive hotel portfolio and must-see attractions." "We're honored that Phoenix has been named one of Cvent's Top Meeting Destinations in North America," said Ron Price, president & CEO of Visit Phoenix. "Group business is vital to our local community—supporting jobs, small businesses, and our city's overall economic health. Meeting planners consistently choose Phoenix for its unmatched blend of natural beauty and urban energy. The Sonoran Desert isn't just a backdrop—it's an essential part of the Phoenix experience, offering a stunning contrast to our modern downtown, world-class resorts, and dynamic culinary and cultural scene. Cvent's technology has played a key role in helping us share that story with planners, engage new audiences, and drive meaningful group business that continues to elevate Phoenix as a premier destination for meetings and events." Cvent Top Meeting Hotels | North America Each of the Top 10 hotels has a proven track record of swift RFP responses, prioritizing planner collaboration and offering curated group experiences. Notably, the top four hotels are all located in Nashville, TN, with the Renaissance Nashville Hotel being named #1. JW Marriott Nashville took second place, and the Grand Hyatt Nashville hotel rounded out the Top 3. With easy accessibility and diverse accommodations, Nashville is an especially attractive location for hosting unique meetings and events and area hotels have found success in capitalizing on this demand. Cvent will host its industry and user conference, Cvent CONNECT, in Nashville for the first time in 2026. Austin, TX, was also prominently featured on the list, with JW Marriott Austin (#5) and Fairmont Austin (#6) placing in the Top 10. The Venetian Resort Las Vegas moved up seven spots to #7, and JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes rose forty-six spots to complete the Top 10. Top 10 Meeting Hotels 1. Renaissance Nashville Hotel 2. JW Marriott Nashville 3. Grand Hyatt Nashville 4. Omni Nashville Hotel 5. JW Marriott Austin 6. Fairmont Austin 7. The Venetian Resort Las Vegas 8. Fairmont Scottsdale Princess 9. The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa 10. JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes "The Renaissance Nashville Hotel is honored to be named the #1 Top Meeting Hotel in North America by Cvent," said Maria Himebaugh, general manager. "This accolade is a testament to our commitment to excellence and to creating extraordinary experiences for our guests and meeting planners. Thank you to our dedicated team and valued clients for making this achievement possible. Our reimagined meeting space is carefully designed to foster networking and collaboration and leave guests inspired. Located steps from the new Nashville Yards development and with a direct connection to the exciting Fifth + Broadway complex, our prime location is truly in the heart of Music City." "We're incredibly proud to once again be recognized as one of the top meeting hotels in North America," said Tod Roadarmel, area director of sales & marketing at the Omni Nashville Hotel. "As a premier convention hotel, we're committed to delivering an exceptional experience for all meetings and event attendees—infused with the warm, genuine Southern hospitality that defines us here in Music City. The Cvent platform continues to be an invaluable tool in our industry and remains our #1 resource for connecting seamlessly and responding promptly to RFPs from past, present, and future clients." "Being recognized as one of the Top 10 Meeting Hotels in North America, and number one in Las Vegas, is a testament to the pride and dedication our team brings to every event," said Tony Yousfi, chief sales officer for The Venetian Resort Las Vegas. "Meetings are about building relationships, and it's our team that makes the difference. Cvent plays a role in that, enhancing visibility and efficiency. This recognition comes at a pivotal time as we near the completion of a $1.5 billion reinvestment in the resort, including a $188 million transformation of our convention center, emphasizing our commitment to delivering not only exceptional service but also innovative and inspiring spaces. Our goal has always been to lead the industry and this honor affirms that we are continuing to set the standard for meetings in Las Vegas around the world." View the full list of Top Meeting Destinations and Top Meeting Hotels worldwide here. Methodology For Cvent Top Meeting Destinations, Cvent evaluated 14,000+ cities worldwide listed on the Cvent Supplier Network. Activity was tracked between January 2024 and December 2024. Rankings were determined by a set of qualifying criteria, including: the number of total room nights booked through the Cvent Supplier Network; the number of unique electronic request-for-proposals (RFPs) sent through the marketplace to venues within the city; the total value of the RFPs submitted; and the actual awarded value for meetings booked. For Cvent Top Meeting Hotels, Cvent evaluated hotel properties that generated business through the Cvent Supplier Network between January 2024 and December 2024. The properties were ranked according to various criteria, including total requests for proposals (RFPs), awarded RFPs, total room nights, awarded room nights, major metropolitan area market share, conversion rate, and response rate. The criteria are designed to accurately reflect the top meeting hotels in North America, Europe, the Middle East and Africa, Latin America and Asia Pacific regions. About the Cvent Supplier Network The Cvent Supplier Network features more than 340,000 hotels, resorts and special event venues, serving as one of the world's largest and most accurate databases of detailed venue information. Event planners sourced more than $18 billion of group business through Cvent's sourcing networks in 2024 alone. The Cvent Supplier Network is part of Cvent's suite of solutions that tens of thousands of hotels, CVBs and destination management organizations rely on to reach more planners, attract group business to their properties & destinations, and directly engage with Cvent's global network of more than 145,000 event professionals. Cvent technology enables hotels and venues to efficiently manage their group and corporate travel business, increase revenue, and deliver more profitable results. About Cvent Cvent is a leading meetings, events, and hospitality technology provider with 5,000+ employees and 24,000+ customers worldwide as of December 31, 2024. Founded in 1999, the company delivers a comprehensive event marketing and management platform and offers a global marketplace where event professionals collaborate with venues to create engaging, impactful experiences. Hotels and venues use Cvent's supplier and venue solutions to win more group and corporate travel business through Cvent's sourcing platforms. Cvent solutions optimize the event management value chain and have enabled clients around the world to manage millions of meetings and events. For more information, please visit View source version on Contacts Media Contacts: Cvent Sloane PR, on behalf of CventEmail: cvent@ Erica StoltenbergEmail: estoltenberg@
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Cvent Announces Top Meeting Destinations and Top Meeting Hotels in the Middle East & Africa for 2025
The annual rankings highlight hotels that have gone above and beyond in securing MICE business, and the destinations that are driving economic growth through a strategic focus on meetings and events DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, May 20, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Cvent, an industry-leading meetings, events, and hospitality technology provider, today unveiled its 2025 rankings Top Meeting Destinations and Top Meeting Hotels for the Middle East & Africa (MEA). Cvent's rankings have become indispensable for event planners, highlighting top-of-the-line cities, hotels, and venues for all their event needs. The annual lists are also issued regionally for North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and for the first time this year, Latin America & Caribbean. Cvent also unveiled a new Top Lists category, the Top Venues and Vendors, which analyzes data from the Cvent Vendor Marketplace. The destination and hotel rankings are determined based on insights gleaned from more than $18B of global sourcing and request-for-proposal (RFP) activity through Cvent's sourcing platforms in 2024, including a record-breaking $16.5B through the Cvent Supplier Network, one of the world's largest venue sourcing marketplaces. The unparalleled volume of business sourced in 2024 underscores the high demand for quality, in-person touchpoints. Despite a dip in planner optimism due to macroeconomic uncertainty and rising costs, nearly 69% of planners are actively booking or sourcing new events (Northstar/Cvent Meetings Industry PULSE Survey, March 2025, MEA Edition). This trend is further supported by Cvent's 2025 Planner Sourcing Report: Middle East Edition, which found that nearly 84% of planners expect the number of in-person meetings to increase in 2025. Cvent Top Meeting Destinations | The Middle East & Africa The top three destinations remained unchanged from 2024: Dubai, UAE (#1), Istanbul, Türkiye (#2), and Abu Dhabi, UAE (#3). Two new additions to the top 10 include Nairobi (#8) and Kuwait City (#9), rising by four and five spots, respectively. Top 10 Meeting Destinations 1. Dubai, United Arab Emirates 2. Istanbul, Türkiye 3. Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates 4. Cape Town, South Africa 5. Marrakech, Morocco 6. Riyadh, Saudi Arabia 7. Doha, Qatar 8. Nairobi, Kenya 9. Kuwait City, Kuwait 10. Johannesburg, South Africa Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), part of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, said: "We are proud to once again be recognized as the number one meeting destination in the Middle East and Africa by Cvent, a testament to Dubai's continued growth as a global hub for business events. Technology plays a pivotal role in how we engage with planners, respond quickly to their needs, and showcase Dubai's dynamic and ever-evolving offering as a destination led by digital transformation. Driven by the city's visionary leadership, we remain committed to delivering exceptional experiences for planners - offering world-class infrastructure, seamless connectivity, and a culture of innovation. Dubai continues to appeal strongly as a preferred destination to corporates seeking a strategic base for their events, reinforcing the city's role in driving business growth, sector diversity and unlocking economic opportunities across the region. This recognition is shared with our valued stakeholders and partners, whose collaborative efforts attract and deliver impactful events and make Dubai the destination of choice once again." Cvent Top Meeting Hotels | The Middle East & Africa Each of the Top 10 hotels has a proven track record of swift RFP responses, prioritizing planner collaboration and offering curated MICE experiences. Notably, the top four hotels are strategically located in prime areas of Dubai, offering easy access to business districts, airports, and major attractions. This makes them convenient options for both domestic and international travelers attending meetings and conferences. This year's top three, JW Marriott Marquis Dubai (#1), Hilton Dubai Al Habtoor City (#2), and Grand Hyatt Dubai Conference Hotel (#3), each improved their year-over-year rankings, moving up six, two, and 12 spots, respectively. Additional newcomers to the Top 10 include Le Méridien Dubai Hotel and Conference Centre (#5), Crowne Plaza Riyadh RDC Hotel & Convention (#9), and Sheraton Grand Doha Resort & Convention Centre (#10). Top 10 Meeting Hotels 1. JW Marriott Marquis Dubai 2. Hilton Dubai Al Habtoor City 3. Grand Hyatt Dubai Conference Hotel 4. InterContinental Dubai DFC – Congress Destination 5. Le Méridien Dubai Hotel and Conference Centre 6. Hyatt Regency Dubai Creek Heights 7. Marriott Resort Palm Jumeirah Dubai 8. Conrad Dubai 9. Crowne Plaza Riyadh RDC Hotel & Convention 10. Sheraton Grand Doha Resort & Convention Centre Gerrit Graef, Multi-Property General Manager, said, "We're incredibly proud to be named the #1 Meeting Hotel in the Middle East & Africa by Cvent. As the events landscape continues to evolve, so do the expectations of planners—and we've made it our mission to stay ahead. With over 1,600 rooms and versatile event spaces, JW Marriott Marquis Dubai is built for scale, but it's our responsiveness, innovation, and use of technology that truly set us apart. Tools like Cvent help us anticipate needs, connect globally, and deliver the seamless, high-impact experiences today's planners demand." Soufiane El Allam, Complex Operations & Commercial Director said, "Being named the #2 Top Meeting Hotel in the Middle East by Cvent is a proud achievement and a true reflection of our team's dedication to excellence. At Hilton Dubai Al Habtoor City, we're committed to delivering seamless and memorable event experiences. With the support of smart platforms like Cvent and innovations, we continue to raise the bar for meeting planners across the region." Pranav Vohra, Cluster Commercial Director - IHG Hotels at Dubai Festival City, said "We are incredibly proud to be recognized by Cvent as the #4 Top Meeting Hotel in the Middle East & Africa. This milestone coincides with the exciting relaunch of our Event Centre and the introduction of 'Events by InterContinental' — a dedicated platform that showcases our unmatched meeting and event capabilities. The revitalized Event Centre now features one of the largest LED screens in the region within our ballroom, state-of-the-art technology throughout, and stunning waterfront views of Dubai Creek from the floor-to-ceiling glass exterior of the pre-function area. From small meetings to large-scale conferences, our versatile spaces and world-class tech integration reaffirm InterContinental Dubai Festival City as a premier MICE destination in the region." View the full list of Top Meeting Destinations and Top Meeting Hotels worldwide here. Methodology For Cvent Top Meeting Destinations, Cvent evaluated 14,000+ cities worldwide listed on the Cvent Supplier Network. Activity was tracked between January 2024 and December 2024. Rankings were determined by a set of qualifying criteria, including: the number of total room nights booked through the Cvent Supplier Network; the number of unique electronic request-for-proposals (RFPs) sent through the marketplace to venues within the city; the total value of the RFPs submitted; and the actual awarded value for meetings booked. For Cvent Top Meeting Hotels, Cvent evaluated hotel properties that generated business through the Cvent Supplier Network between January 2024 and December 2024. The properties were ranked according to various criteria, including total requests for proposals (RFPs), awarded RFPs, total room nights, awarded room nights, major metropolitan area market share, conversion rate, and response rate. The criteria are designed to accurately reflect the top meeting hotels in North America, Europe, the Middle East and Africa, Latin America and Asia Pacific regions. About the Cvent Supplier Network The Cvent Supplier Network features more than 340,000 hotels, resorts and special event venues, serving as one of the world's largest and most accurate databases of detailed venue information. Event planners sourced more than $18 billion of MICE business through Cvent's sourcing networks in 2024 alone. The Cvent Supplier Network is part of Cvent's suite of solutions that tens of thousands of hotels, CVBs and destination management organizations rely on to reach more planners, attract group business to their properties & destinations, and directly engage with Cvent's global network of more than 145,000 event professionals. Cvent technology enables hotels and venues to efficiently manage their MICE and corporate travel business, increase revenue, and deliver more profitable results. About Cvent Cvent is a leading meetings, events, and hospitality technology provider with 5,000+ employees and 24,000+ customers worldwide as of December 31, 2024. Founded in 1999, the company delivers a comprehensive event marketing and management platform and offers a global marketplace where event professionals collaborate with venues to create engaging, impactful experiences. Hotels and venues use Cvent's supplier and venue solutions to win more group and corporate travel business through Cvent's sourcing platforms. Cvent solutions optimize the event management value chain and have enabled clients around the world to manage millions of meetings and events. For more information, please visit View source version on Contacts For media inquiries, please contact:Rachita SharmaEmail: Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Skift
13-05-2025
- Business
- Skift
Meet in Fort Myers With Eco-Friendly Event Options
With over 290,000 square feet of meeting space, sustainable venues, and immersive CSR experiences like mangrove planting and oyster bed restoration — all set against stunning natural backdrops — Fort Myers' islands, beaches, and neighborhoods are a top choice for eco-conscious event planners. As meeting planners seek out more sustainable options, the Fort Myers area is carving out a thoughtful space in the meetings landscape where scenic beauty meets purpose-driven planning. With more than 290,000 square feet of meeting space and 12,500 hotel rooms, Fort Myers' islands, beaches, and neighborhoods offer everything planners need to design meaningful events. Getting there is easy, with seamless access via Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) and local transport options to accommodate groups of any size. The area's off-site venues — set against the backdrop of the Gulf — add something truly special. Not to mention local professional event planners to help your event go off without a hitch. But what truly sets the greater Fort Myers area apart isn't just the logistics — it's the atmosphere. Known for its calm pace, restorative natural settings, and iconic white-sand beaches, this is a place where attendees can truly unwind, connect, and recharge. And in a time when travelers are increasingly mindful of their environmental impact, Fort Myers and its surrounding neighborhoods also offer planners something increasingly important: a variety of eco-friendly venues and hands-on community programs that invite attendee participation. Convene and Go Green Fort Myers' local officials and organizations have been working for decades to preserve and protect the area's unique environment. That commitment evolves every year — and it's one that meeting planners can be part of. 'Many planners are looking for opportunities to give back to the communities where they hold their conferences, fulfill their sustainability objectives, and nurture lasting attendee connections with one another,' said Jill Vance, Director of Sales at the destination marketing organization for Fort Myers- Islands, Beaches and Neighborhoods. 'We have quite a few options that check all three boxes.' Popular corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities include beach cleanups, oyster bed restoration, and mangrove planting — hands-on group experiences that support local ecosystems while encouraging team bonding. Recently, one corporate group planted 1,800 sea oats along the beach to help prevent future flooding. Sea oats naturally build dunes, offering a lasting environmental benefit. Many participants return in the future to see the lasting impact for themselves. These hands-on efforts help companies elevate their brand reputation and resonate with sustainability-minded sponsors and attendees. They also allow teams to connect with the natural beauty that defines the Fort Myers area, from the mangrove forests of Sanibel to the turquoise waters of the Gulf. Photo Credit: Fort Myers - Island, Beaches and Neighborhoods A Countywide Commitment The area's sustainability efforts extend far beyond team-building opportunities. Fort Myers and surrounding areas are home to more than 120,000 acres of conserved land, including over two-thirds of Sanibel Island, which remains protected as conservation land. At J.N. 'Ding' Darling National Wildlife Refuge, groups can spot up to 245 bird species, alligators, manatees, and bottlenose dolphins. Guided tram rides and mindfulness walks with local naturalists also offer memorable ways to immerse attendees in nature. The county's Conservation 20/20 program — an environmental land acquisition and management initiative — has already protected over 31,000 acres across 170 properties, including 52 nature preserves. The county continues to invest in new conservation opportunities to ensure that these green spaces remain accessible to both residents and visitors. Through the destination's partnership with Kind Traveler on an initiative called Every Stay Gives Back, it's easy for planners and organizations to have meeting attendees back as part of their events. This turnkey program supports one of four local charities: Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife, Keep Lee County Beautiful, Coastal Watch, and Captains for Clean Water. Whether planning a leadership retreat or a company-wide offsite, Every Stay Gives Back offers a turnkey way to make a meaningful impact. Where to Educate and Engage Perhaps the best example of sustainability, innovation, and community coming together is the BEC at EFC Farm in Fort Myers. Born from resilience in the wake of Hurricane Ian, this working farm and event venue recently celebrated the grand opening of its new Education and Event Center: a purpose-built space that integrates education, sustainability, and community engagement. The BEC offers a distinctly local alternative to traditional meeting venues — one that's equal parts experience and education. Groups can participate in hands-on workshops, aquaponic farm tours, and sustainable agriculture programming. Its zero-waste model and aquaponics/hydroponics systems use up to 90% less water than traditional farming, demonstrating how innovation and sustainability go hand in hand. The BEC fosters creativity and connection in a peaceful, natural setting for corporate retreats and gatherings. Custom food and beverage packages, curated by an exclusive catering partner, feature fresh, local ingredients with sustainability at the forefront. 'Attendees want more than just a change of scenery,' said Vance. 'They want to walk away with a sense of purpose. That's exactly what venues like the BEC deliver.' Photo Credit: Fort Myers - Island, Beaches and Neighborhoods Key offerings include: Corporate Retreats & Gatherings : A space designed to foster creativity, collaboration, and connection. : A space designed to foster creativity, collaboration, and connection. Sustainability & Education: Hands-on workshops, farm tours, and programs focused on sustainable agriculture. Hands-on workshops, farm tours, and programs focused on sustainable agriculture. Zero-Waste Commitment: Dedicated to minimizing environmental impact through innovative aquaponics and hydroponics systems that use 90% less water than traditional farming. Dedicated to minimizing environmental impact through innovative aquaponics and hydroponics systems that use 90% less water than traditional farming. Curated Food & Beverage Packages: Provided through an exclusive catering partner with a focus on sustainability. Provided through an exclusive catering partner with a focus on sustainability. Community Engagement: Interactive sustainability programs that invite businesses and local groups to participate. From conservation-driven venues to immersive CSR activities, Fort Myers' islands, beaches, and neighborhoods offer planners purposeful ways to foster connection, ignite inspiration, and leave a lasting impact. For teams looking to slow down, engage with purpose, and meet in a setting that reflects their values, Fort Myers and surrounding areas offer a fresh perspective — and a breath of fresh air. For more information about hosting an event in the Fort Myers area and to submit RFPs, click here. This content was created collaboratively by Fort Myers - Island, Beaches and Neighborhoods and Skift's branded content studio, SkiftX.
