Successful Meetings - May 2008 - (Page 131)

CENTRAL FLORIDA Ocala/Marion County A NATURALLY AFFORDABLE PLACE TO MEET IN CENTRAL FLORIDA DISCOVER MARION COUNTY, Florida, the differently paced meeting place with the location, facilities, and amenities to make any group business gathering a natural—and affordable—success. Strategically located along I-75 and a short drive from the Orlando International Airport, the county is easily reached from just about anywhere. The state’s biggest attractions are also nearby, yet the charming communities of Belleview, Dunnellon, and Ocala are distinguished by a decidedly different, peaceful pace all their own. Here, gently sloping horse country leads to world-renowned springs, rich forests, and quaint downtowns—making this a meeting environment to remember. Ocala has nearly 10,000 seats available for meetings, ranging from intimate gathering spaces and banquet facilities ideal for smaller groups, to an arena ready to accommodate more than 4,000 guests. These remarkable locations boast the latest meeting technology and a helpful staff dedicated to making events truly exceptional. The beautiful bed & breakfast inns, affordable motels, luxury hotels, and more are also eager to welcome groups with genuine Southern hospitality and exceed every expectation. Here, when the meeting is done, the outdoor fun has only just begun. There are more than 30 well-groomed golf courses within a 30-minute drive. The clear springs call to kayakers, and numerous hiking trails provide exploration without end. Affordable attractions like Silver Springs and Wild Waters Waterpark will entertain attendees and guests of all ages. Plus, unique shopping, outstanding dining, and a wide range of cultural amenities await groups. And while this area is rich in natural beauty and filled with a wealth of things to see and do, Ocala/Marion County is especially agreeable to your bottom line. The meeting facilities, accommodations, and activities found here cost much less than those of other areas of Central Florida, while offering one-of-a-kind experiences that are truly priceless. fast facts Total Meeting Space: Nearly 10,000 Seats Guest Rooms Counywide: 4,000 Largest Meetings Hotel: Quality Inn Ocala Plaza (267 guest rooms) Access: Orlando International Airport, 1.5 hours CONTACT: Ocala/Marion County VCB Ann Sternal, Executive Director (866) 493-7391; Fax: (352) 291-9170 E-mail: ann.sternal@marioncountyfl.org www.MeetMeInOcala.com Where Success Comes Naturally. Take your next event off the beaten path, but in the ake center of everything. Where groups of 9 or 900 meet with ease in Florida’s horse country. Contact us today for free planning assistance. Different Pace. Better Place. BELLEVIEW | DUNNELLON | OCALA Meet MeInOc ala.com | 866 -493 -7391 131 SUCCESSFUL MEETINGS ■ MAY 2008 ■ Supplier information at InfoNow on mimegasite.com http://www.MeetMeInOcala.com http://MeetMeInOcala.com http://MeetMeInOcala.com http://mimegasite.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Successful Meetings - May 2008

Successful Meetings - May 2008
Contents
Editor's Note
Industry Trends
Destination News
Destination News
Suppliers
Destination News
Calendar
On the Record
Websites of the Month
Management Matters
Mouth for Sale
Meetings Law
Planner's Spotlight
Pre-Event
On Site
Tools of the Trade
Pre-Event
Counting Change
Giving Them the Business
The Magnificent Seven
All-American Gift Guide
Green Lights
Places & Spaces
Anaheim & Orange County
Upstate New York
Cincinnati
Detroit
San Diego
Phoenix
Gurus

Successful Meetings - May 2008