Testimonials - The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel

Testimonials

Learn what other meeting planners have most valued about their meeting in The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel.

Meeting Planner: Eleanor Krusell, Executive Director, Florida Festivals and Events Association, Inc.

Meeting Location: Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa, Bonita Springs.
"We like the southwest Florida area. Our attendance has always been great there. In fact, our highest attendance for this conference was at the same Hyatt two years ago. It's a great match because we hold our conference during the destination's down season so the rates are lower; and it's a great time of year for our members' schedules."

Event: 15th Annual Convention & Trade Show

Attendance: Projected 250 to 300 people for August 5-7, 2009 event

Hotel Incentives: "One of the things that was most important to us in this economy is that the Hyatt is offering a no attrition penalty; so, if we don't meet our room night commitment, there's no penalty. The year before last, we were sweating over our room block. It's a big chunk of our budget, which put a lot of pressure on me at the end. Hyatt took the pressure off me. They offered an incentive on the room rate as well. That made the decision for our board quite easy."

DMO Incentive: "We were getting close to the same meeting deal at other area Hyatts as well, so the DMO incentive on The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel was the decisive factor in our site decision. We were trying to give our delegates more value without raising the registration fee. The DMO providing a 5 percent credit off our total actualized room revenue to apply towards an evening reception allowed us to offer a Friday night social as part of the conference. For the last few years, we haven't offered a Friday night social, other than as an optional activity for a fee. That's a large chunk of money for an organization of our size, so we are treating the DMO as a conference sponsor."

Value: "We're receiving unbelievable value; and our attendees are getting value too, which is important to us."

Facility: "The Hyatt is a great family resort. We encourage our members to attend and bring their families. We're always looking for a resort that meets family needs and has the necessary educational component. The Hyatt offers adult as well as children facilities. This is the resort that our attendees would pick, which plays a big role in our decision-making. You can get a great resort, but not necessarily one that's family-oriented."

Service: "At the Hyatt, the staff bends over backwards; they're very amenable. We received nothing but compliments from our members for our conference there two years ago. We wanted to go back the following year, but we have an obligation to move our conference around the state."

Food & Beverage: "The food is great at the Hyatt. This year, it's all around an island theme, and they've worked hard to theme the food to mirror that theme. The chef there has been incredible. He's worked hard to incorporate some kind of island food into each meal."

On the destination:

"My association enjoys the Fort Myers area as a destination for a number of reasons. We like the "tropical" feel of the area and the consistently good weather - and good golf! The airport is easy to manage, and there are many direct flights for our members."
- Joan C. Menzer
Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges

"The Beaches of Fort Myers and Sanibel were a great location for our event because it combines ease of access via the new airport with a diverse range of accommodation choices. The area boasts an ideal location for both work and play. Direct fly-in from across the country combined with outstanding properties in a wide variety of rate ranges appeal to both the attendee and the planner. The area is a personal favorite and a professional winner."
- Kathleen C. Devey
International Foodservice Distributors Association

On the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa:

"All of the employees of the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point challenged themselves to care and to commit to our delegates with an outrageous sense of enthusiasm. The staffs' efforts to please in a very caring, capable, courteous and efficient manner were gratifying and very much appreciated by our attendees."
- Patricia Berry, Vice President
International Financial Services Association

"From the gorgeous tropical gardens and fountains, to the richly appointed guest rooms, we consider the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point paradise! We are looking forward to coming back in the near future!"
- Renee J. Mancilla
GAMBRO Healthcare

"It has been a great delight working with the Hyatt Coconut Point. They have shone in their professionalism, their attentiveness to details and for meeting all of our needs and sometimes even going beyond our expectations."
-Barbara Lee, Calvary Chapel of Miami

"Thank you for making the evening so memorable for everyone who attended. This year's theme was "The Best of the Best," and we truly believe we chose the best of the best for this year's awards dinner with the Hyatt Coconut Point."
-Barry Shparo, SVP for Chico's