2024 Florida Tourism Days: Now Seven Days of Sunshine!
We’re excited to present to you 2024 Florida Tourism Days: Seven Days of Sunshine, running January 31 through February 6. Get ready to be a part of something extraordinary at the Florida State Capitol! Tourism Day is back and better than ever before – crossing over seven days, anchored by the tourism and hospitality associations that fight day in and day out for the top industry in Florida! We are the lifeblood of Florida’s economy, and your presence in Tallahassee speaks volumes about the strength and significance of our industry. During Florida Tourism Days, you’ll have the opportunity to engage with legislative leaders and connect with policymakers to advocate for the issues that directly impact your business and keep our industry thriving.
What’s new this year?
The year will feature two physical days of advocacy at the Capitol and a social media campaign highlighting the critical role we all play in supporting and promoting Florida tourism, the state’s economic engine. We kick off the week on January 31 with the tourism and DMO associations’ advocacy day at the State Capitol and conclude on February 6 with the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association (FRLA) Day at the Capitol. Each day we will also feature one of the partners within the partnership for Florida tourism and the role our members play in the success of our industry. This page is dedicated to details for the February 6 concluding event. For questions about January 31 event details, please contact our friends at Destinations Florida.
Make sure you are present for influential speakers, networking, advocacy, and the opportunity to make a difference for tourism and hospitality. Together, we are #HospitalityStrong! Register today and be a part of the movement!
FRLA Tourism Day Details:
Tuesday, February 6, 2024
DoubleTree by Hilton
101 South Adams Street, Tallahassee, FL 32301
Registration:
Due to capacity restrictions, registration for Tourism Day is limited this year. Please speak with your Regional Director for further details.
Questions?
If you have any questions about the event, please do not hesitate to reach out to Heather Campbell at hcampbell@frla.org or Samantha Padgett at spadgett@frla.org. If you have questions about hotel accommodations, please reach out to Ashley Gholston at agholston@frla.org.
Join the FRLA Monroe Chapter for a memorable evening of meeting and mingling with the 2024 Officers and Board members! We’re excited to kick off the New Year with a cocktail reception honoring our 2024 Officers and Board. The Honorable Holly Merrill Raschein, Mayor of Monroe County, will conduct the installation. Enjoy complimentary cocktails and light bites plus door prizes. We can’t wait to see you!
Event Details:
Thursday, February 1, 2024
5:30 – 7:30 PM
The Marker Key West
200 William Street, Key West
The Honorable Holly Merrill Raschein
$10 Donation – Reserve your spot now!
Thank you to our event host:
Join the FRLA Treasure Coast Chapter on February 27th for Happy Hour & Hors d’oeuvres at The Grille in Hobe Sound! Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with fellow professionals in the hospitality industry and expand your network. Whether you are a hotelier, restaurateur, or tourism enthusiast, this event is perfect for you. Enjoy great conversations, delicious food, and refreshing drinks while building valuable connections.
Please bring your business card for two free drinks and hors d’oeuvres.
EVENT DETAILS:
Tuesday, February 27, 2024
5:00 – 7:00 PM
The Grille Restaurant, Bar & Lounge
📍10431 SE Federal Highway Hobe Sound, FL 33455
EVENT PRICING:
FRLA Members – $20
Future Members – $25
Registration is required!
*Deadline to Register is February 22, 2024*
Sponsored By:
In Partnership with:
Please join the FRLA Northeast Chapter for our annual THE PLAYERS Championship & Golf Tourism Update. We will hear from Lee Smith, Executive Director of THE PLAYERS Championship, about what they are planning and expecting for the 2024 tournament that will be held March 12-17, 2024. David Reese with Florida’s First Coast of Golf will also share a golf tourism outlook and update.
Event Details:
📅Thursday, January 18, 2024
⏰9:00 – 10:30 a.m.
📍Sawgrass Marriott | 1000 Tournament Players Club Blvd, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082
Room: Ballroom Champions BC
Event Program:
9:00 – 9:30 a.m. – Networking
9:30 – 10:00 a.m. – THE PLAYERS and Q&A
10:00 – 10:30 a.m. – Updates from FFCOG and Q&A
Event Pricing:
FREE! *Pre-registration Required*
About the Speaker:
Lee Smith is the Executive Director of THE PLAYERS Championship. In his role as Executive Director of THE PLAYERS, Lee oversees all aspects of the PGA TOUR’s flagship event, from sales, marketing and operations to community and charitable outreach and support. In addition, he leads THE PLAYERS Council, an association of corporate and community leaders who share THE PLAYERS’ commitment to economic growth and development. Lee joined THE PLAYERS team in 2023, and prior to that served as the General Manager at Liberty National Golf Club in Jersey City, New Jersey, a property managed by the PGA TOUR, where he was instrumental in helping the PGA TOUR contest THE NORTHERN TRUST in 2019 and 2021.
Join the FRLA Central Florida Chapter at an exclusive member breakfast featuring two industry powerhouses on January 16th! This gathering is not just a meeting but a monumental event in the industry’s calendar. You will get the opportunity to engage with hospitality leaders, gain cutting-edge insights, and be part of critical discussions shaping our sector.
Agenda:
8:30 AM – 9:00 AM – Registration, Breakfast & Networking (Enjoy a full breakfast buffet.)
9:00 AM – 9:15 AM – Legislative Report by Sarah Nemes and Q&A
9:15 AM – 10:00 AM – State of the Industry by Roger Dow
Kick off the New Year with FRLA and industry experts! Register Today!
Event Pricing:
$35.00
*Registration Deadline: January 10, 2023*
About the Speakers:
Roger Dow is the former president and CEO of U.S. Travel Association, the Washington, D.C.-based organization representing all segments of travel in America. Dow and his team regularly confer with administration and congressional leaders to advance policies that benefit the broader travel industry. As the leading advocate in the travel sector, Dow has been instrumental in securing critical legislative victories, including pandemic relief for the travel industry and the establishment of Brand USA. His leadership in coalitions like Meetings Mean Business and Let’s Go have been pivotal in the industry’s fight against the challenges of the pandemic. A titan of the travel industry, Roger will share his invaluable insights and experiences.
Sarah Nemes is the External Affairs Manager for SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment. She will provide a comprehensive 2024 legislative update with a focus on critical topics including employment restrictions for young workers, interchange fees on sales tax, tourist development tax, and water quality issues.
The FRLA Central Florida Annual Golf Tournament will take place on February 23rd at the renowned Mission Resort El Campeón. Join us for a timeless golf experience with a cause! Proceeds of the tournament will benefit the FRLA Central Florida Educational Foundation.
El Campeón: A Quintessential Florida Golf Oasis
Experience a day on one of Florida’s oldest and most revered courses, El Campeón. This course is famed for its challenging layout, featuring steep hills and demanding shot-making skills. With an impressive 85-foot elevation, El Campeón stands out in Central Florida’s golf scene. The signature hole, par 5, 17th, is a marvel with its long double dogleg and array of obstacles, presenting a challenge that is as unique as it is thrilling.
Historic Significance & Design
Proudly recognized by the Florida Department of State and named to the Florida Historic Golf Trail, El Campeón celebrates over 100 years of continuous golf operation. The course, designed by George O’Neil in 1917 and later enhanced by Charles E. Clarke, blends Floridian beauty and traditional golf design, featuring rolling fairways and undulating greens.
Event Schedule:
8:30 AM – Tee Off
Breakfast provided to energize your game!
2:00 PM – Lunch & Awards Ceremony
Event Pricing:
Single Player – $300
Foursome – $1,200
Sponsorship Opportunities:
Lunch Sponsor – $4,000.00
Golf Cart Sponsor – $3,500.00
Breakfast Sponsor – $2,000.00
Hole Sponsor – $500.00
*Registration Deadline: February 9, 2024*
Join the Broward Chapter of FRLA as we celebrate the holiday season! Spread holiday cheer this year by donating new, unwrapped toys for children in our community. Prepare for an evening of joyous networking with hospitality friends! There will be holiday ornament painting and a visit from Santa during his stay in Fort Lauderdale!
Event Details:
📅Wednesday, December 13, 2023
⏰5:30 – 8:30 PM
📍The Easton Rooftop Pool & Lounge | 721 N Federal Hwy, Fort Lauderdale
(Courtyard by Marriott Fort Lauderdale Downtown)
Event Pricing:
Members: $35
Future Members: $55
SPACE IS LIMITED. MUST REGISTER. NO WALK-INS
Hosted by:
Join the FRLA Pinellas Chapter as we mix, mingle, and give back for the holidays. Enjoy the beautiful beach weather and stunning sunset views at the Seabreeze Island Grill on Redington Beach. This holiday season we are giving back and asking that attendees who wish to support teenage children in need bring a $20.00 gift card from Target, Walmart, or general Visa card. The chapter chose to give to teenagers whose holidays are not always provided for. Thank you for giving back!
Event Details:
📅Monday, December 11, 2023
⏰4:00 – 5:30 p.m. – Reception
📍Seabreeze Island Grill, 17855 Gulf Boulevard, Redington Beach
Event Cost:
$20.00 – FRLA Member
*Registration includes one ticket for beer or wine, cash bar, and light appetizers*
**Registration Deadline: December 8, 2023**
It’s time for a Holiday Party with the FRLA Lee Chapter! Join FRLA, Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce, and the Sanibel & Captiva Islands Chamber of Commerce on December 15th for a Casino Night-themed celebration. Get out your favorite holiday cocktail attire and prepare for an evening of mixing, mingling, and holiday cheer!
All proceeds and donations benefit the Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce Foundation.
Event Details:
📅Friday, December 15, 2023
⏰6:00 – 9:30 PM
📍Crowne Plaza at Gulf Coast, 9931 Interstate Commerce Dr.
Event Pricing:
GFMCC Member – $50
FRLA Member – $50
Sanibel Chamber Member – $50
Future Chamber Member – $50
Holiday Party Sponsor – $1000
Register at the Link Below!
Join the FRLA Palm Beach Chapter on February 21st for a fun and engaging in-person networking event at the Pelican Club in beautiful Jupiter, FL. This is a fantastic opportunity to connect with fellow professionals in the hospitality industry and expand your network. Whether you are a hotelier, restaurateur, or tourism enthusiast, this event is perfect for you. Enjoy great conversations, delicious food, and refreshing drinks while building valuable connections. Don’t miss out on this exciting event!
Be sure to bring your business card for two free drinks and hors d’oeuvres. Fun raffle prizes are also in store!
Event Pricing:
FRLA Members – $20
Future Members – $30
Advanced registration is required!
Sponsored By:
