Why Orlando is the Most Sought-after Meeting Destination

Ask any business employee and they agree Orlando is a top meeting destination. This has led the city centrally 
located in the middle of the Sunshine State to develop
business and conference centers to suit everything from the smallest meeting to grand gatherings. Already being acclimated to the tourist industry, Orlando has evolved to help meeting planners get the most from their event. Most hotels and convention centers offer on-staff event coordinators that will provide in-depth planning services making planning an event quick and easy. Nearby attractions such as Disney World Theme Parks, Universal Studios Theme Parks, SeaWorld Orlando, Gatorland, miniature golf, balloon rides, and dinner shows cater to business events offer a variety of memorable customized team building activities. Some of the best business-event centered locations in the Orlando area include:

Orange County Convention Center
Located conveniently off International Drive close to Interstate 4 and State Road 528, is a massive convention center that rivals that of any major city. The Orange County Convention Center is a sprawling complex that boasts a business center with computer rentals, email and internet browsing, office supplies, printing services, and copy machine rentals. Conveniences for convention attendees include ATMs, currency exchange, massage services, coat/bag check, shoe shine, telephone access, and wireless internet. The Orange County Convention Center has a main exhibition hall that encompasses 22 acres. Many local hotels provide complimentary transportation to and from the location.

Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress
With a professional staff of creative event planners, the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress knows how to put together a memorable event. The eco-friendly Orlando conference center has successful held a variety of events in the 65,000 square feet of meeting space. The 1,500-acre resort has 16,768 square feet of exhibit space with exception catering services, audio/visual equipment expertise, and a full service business center with high-speed internet. Pre-planned golf and tennis tournaments can be held upon request. Additionally, local are transportation is available to theOrange County Convention Center. 

Gaylord Palms
Easily one of the most unique and elegant hotels in the Orlando area is the Gaylord Palms. With over 40,000 square feet of convention space under one room, the Gaylord Palms can host an event of almost any magnitude. The hotel also features top rated restaurants and event catering. The centerpiece of the hotel is the 4.5 acre atrium with beautiful tropical foliage and serene waterfalls themed after Key West. The Hemingway boardroom is a posh 14 seat meeting room available for smaller events. The other end of the spectrum is the beautifully appointed Osceola Ballroom with has 46, 748 square feet of flexible space that can be easily sub divided into six sections. The largest space available at the hotel is the Florida Exhibition Hall with a stunning 178,500 square feet of flexible space, making it the largest in-hotel exhibition hall in Florida. 

Disney Convention Center
Sitting on the Contemporary Hotel is one of the most sought after convention spaces. The two level center has four ballrooms, three boardrooms, and six breakout rooms with the convenience of a location near the famed Walt Disney World Theme Park.

SHOULD WIRELESS INTERNET BE FREE?

When wireless Internet technology was brand new, one could understand why hotels charged extra for the service. Only a small percentage of hotel guests had laptops and other electronic devices that did not need to be plugged in to connect to the internet. Costs to provide such service to a handful of guests were prohibitive. It may have made sense, ten years ago, to ask users to pay a fee for wireless internet access. 

Today, almost every business traveler has at least one, and usually several, devices that connect to the Internet using wireless technology. Prices have dropped dramatically and free wireless internet is offered in many budget hotels as well as at airports and in coffee shops. Hotel guests expect to have access to wireless connectivity and they do not appreciate being charged extra for the service. Why do so many limited service hotels offer free wireless Internet while the luxury and resort hotels charge $15 or $20 per day for the service?

When you pay $300 for a room in an upscale hotel, you expect to receive plenty of amenities. Getting an Internet access fee added to your bill does not sit well with even very well-to-do travelers. The world has changed and Wireless Internet should be treated the same as other utilities like electricity or land line telephone service. 

Hotels sometimes argue that it costs money to set up a wireless system for a 200 room hotel. Upon further analysis, it turns out those monthly costs to operate such a system only amount to a few dollars per guest. Hotels pay far more per hotel guest for flat screen TVs or even fancy shower heads. Frankly, if the truth be told, high priced hotels charge guests for wireless Internet because they can.

Cost has nothing to do with the decision to charge guests for what should be a free service. Many budget hotels that charge half the rates of luxury lodging facilities, proudly advertise their free wireless Internet. 

Just like you might pay $10 for a beer and a coke at the ballpark or $3 for a small bottle of water, hotels that charge for wireless Internet are trying to scrape every last dime out of their customers. Unfortunately, that strategy almost always backfires and hotels with a pay for wireless policy, wind up losing good customers. 

While there may be some justification to charge a small fee for extra fast service, all hotels should offer basic wireless access for free. Once companies start booking their business travel with other hotels that do offer free wireless Internet, hotels that want to remain competitive, will suddenly change their policies and provide the service with a smile. My bet is that free wireless Internet service will become as common as a television in every room or a complimentary deluxe breakfast. You have to give the people what they want.

Not Every All Inclusive Hotel is the same

When you hear the term "all inclusive" in regards to a hotel, you likely expect several things to come along with your hotel stay. The truth of the matter is that not every all inclusive hotel has the same options. However, the Grand Velas Rivera Maya is one all inclusive hotel that has it all.

At the Grand Velas Rivera Maya, you will have access to three major sections. The Zen Grand Section is a family-friendly area with elegant and exotic suites with large rooms, private terraces, and indoor jacuzzis. Families and business travelers alike enjoy this lush section due to its proximity to the convention center and the hotel pool.

The Ambassador Section features suites that are even larger with ocean views, sitting areas, and other luxurious amenities. These suites are near the kid's club as well as the gym.

And the Exclusive Grand Class Section has only the utmost privacy along with plenty of relaxing features. The large suites have Mexican artwork with private terraces, beautiful views, and plunge pools.

Though some rooms are larger than others, they all include a level of elegance and luxury unlike those at other resorts. Once you choose between the large variety of rooms available, you will also want to know about the food. The Grand Velas Rivera Maya has a full tour of culinary delights and the meals are all included. The Piaf is a French restaurant with a casual elegance while Sen Lin is an Asian restaurant with a family friendly atmosphere. Frida has fine Mexican cuisine and Cocina de Autor has molecular items from the Mexican Caribbean. For Italian and Mediterranean options, there is the Lucca restaurant and the list goes on. 

The next time you are looking for the perfect location for a business meeting or conference, or even a casual family or romantic getaway, the Grand Velas Rivera Maya is the perfect option. With conference accommodations, a variety of suites from which to choose, fine and family dining, and a large amount of area activities this all inclusive resort really does include every option any traveler could need or want.

Meeting on the 18th Green

Corporate meetings and retreats are often known for their mix of intense work sessions and beautiful relaxing landscapes. Golf retreats are currently on the rise as a perfect mix of the two. Executives spend their days meeting the retreat's goals and objectives but early morning and late afternoons are the perfect time for a round of golf to take care of the more conversational business. 

The 400-acre Four Seasons Resort in Punta Mita, Mexico, boasts a waterfront infinity pool with breathtaking views that often include whales feeding below. The 18-hole course was designed by Jack Nicklaus, and has one unique hole on an island 200 yards out. Also in Mexico, the Fairmont Mayakoba Riviera Maya in Playa del Carmen is an isolated 45-acres complete with small boats, called lanchitas, used to explore the local waterways. The course is so respectful of the natural landscape that the Audubon Society has recognized the pristine preservation of the Greg Norman-designed experience. 

Another Four Seasons Resort in Guancaste, Costa Rica, allows nature to mix with the retreat experience, as monkeys are commonly seen in the resort's trees. Eco-tours such as zip-lining through the jungle or hiking around a live volcano provide an authentic island experience to those who like a little adventure. The 18-hole, par 72 golf course was designed by Arnold Palmer.

In Bermuda, The Reefs is built on the ruins of a 1680 farmhouse that overlooks a private beach. Featuring an award-winning spa, all rooms at this stunning resort offer ocean vistas in full view. 

Consistently ranked among the top five golf resorts by Conde Nast Traveler, the Coeur D'Alene Golf Resort in Idaho has the world's first and currently only floating island green. Only accessible by water taxi, golfers swing towards the mainland. Event planners even have the option of hosting on the golf course pavilion with a direct view of the floating green, or, for more private meetings, a cruise fleet of up to six boats is available. 

Golfers of all levels can appreciate the opportunity to spend some of their meeting time outside. Whether a casual or competitive group, attendees to an off-site retreat at a golf-friendly resort will have the perfect mix of business and pleasure.

Destination Wedding

Have you dreamed of having a wedding in a unique city, country, castle or ballroom? If you and your fiance want a truly unique experience, plan on having a destination wedding. This option is the perfect way to blend your wedding and your honeymoon together. You will have a wedding that you are sure to remember and cherish for the rest of your lives.

Destination weddings save time for busy couples. They also are helpful when the bride and groom's families are far apart from where the bride and groom live. Having this type of wedding can allow both of you to enjoy a memorable vacation that they may have been looking forward to for their entire lives.

These weddings occur in a variety of locations. They appear in nearly every city in the United States. Have an elegant beach wedding on one of the world's many beaches for a casual affair. Many weddings occur at elegant hotels. Some brides have a dream wedding in mind in a particular city in another country. Other couples like the romantic aspect of getting married at sea. A site selection company can listen to your preferences and find the perfect location for you.

Some destination weddings are large scale events that hundreds of guests attend. Other destination wedding are small, intimate gatherings that may involve less than a dozen of the bride and groom's closest family members and friends. Every couple has their own idea about the perfect destination. Certain locations may inspire them and may be perfect for the level of formality that they want for their wedding.

Earth & Moon Services can assist couples who are looking for the perfect venue for their ceremony and reception. We have valuable experience in finding a venue that matches the bride and groom's vision of their wedding. Whether the couple is looking for a charming retreat or a large ballroom, a professional venue company can find the perfect venue for the couple. We will take certain factors into consideration when searching for the venue, including the season of the event, the couple's budget, the level of formality and specific requests by the bride and groom. A professional site selection company is aware of the advantages of each venue and can skillfully work to connect venues with brides and grooms that are interested in using the grounds for their wedding ceremony and wedding reception. 

Radisson Blu Krakow

Radisson Blu Hotels and Resorts are long celebrated for their exceptional quality exquisite properties in unbelievable locations. Located in the historically rich city of Krakow, Radisson Blu Krakow is a stunning example of this reputation.
One of the few European cities to not be destroyed during World War II, Krakow is known as the unofficial cultural capital of Poland. Its rich variety of historical architecture makes a trip through the streets of Krakow much like a walk through time. In addition, this stunning city is adorned with many parks, gardens and forests. The Radisson Blu Hotel, centrally located in the heart of the business and cultural district of Krakow, is encompassed by the most famous of these parks: Planty Park.
Radisson Blu Krakow offers two different room types for their guests: Harmony or City. Standard rooms are inclusive of free wi-fi, air conditioning, free fitness center and sauna access, and coffee and tea provisions. The executive and junior suites also include additional premier amenities such as a pillow menu and a Nespresso coffee machine.
Traditional dishes and pastries Solfez Super Breakfast Buffet are sure to get your day off to an excellent start. You can also finish the day with some of the best seafood in Krakow at Milk & Co. Offering also international fare and healthy options, Milk & Co, you can select to dine buffet style or with their wonderful a la carte selections. For those wanting a lighter fare with a modern style, Salt & Co is also available. This exclusive bar features original salt walls.
Radisson Blu Krakow is the first property to be completely BS8901 certified. That is to say, they have met the established British standard for a sustainable event management system. In an environment where it is critical to consider sustainability, event management teams are working with properties to lessen the environmental impact. Radisson Blu Krakow is at the forefront of this initiative. With space to fit up to 1000 people for your meeting or event, they have not limited space, only made it more environmentally friendly.
An incredible location, exquisite amenities, a beautiful property, and environmentally conscious operating processes make Radisson Blu Krakow an excellent place to hold your next meeting, incentive or event. Contact us at info@earthandmoonservices.com now to start planning.
City images Courtesy of Krakow Info, the comprehensive information service about the city of Krakow in Poland

Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas

One of our favorite places in Las Vegas is offering some excellent incentives through 2012. For new groups with a minimum of 15 rooms booked over peak dates through December 31st, 2012, Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino will provide 1/40 complimentary upgrade, 1/25 upgrade to a one bedroom suite at the group rate, up to six complimentary room nights for site/pre-planning purposes, 20% off A/V (excluding labor,) complimentary 1-hour massage treatment for planner during pre-planning visit, 5% discount on all convention center catered food and beverage, 50% off internet services and discounted resort fee. This is an incredible offer from an incredible resort.
Mandalay Bay is a stunning resort and casino right in the heart of the Las Vegas strip. Relaxation at its best will find you in whatever room or suite you select at Mandalay Bay. From the 550 square foot deluxe suite, to the 2300 square foot Hospitality Suite, along with ample meeting space, there is a room for every occasion. The Shoppes at Mandalay Place, located between Mandalay Bay and the Luxor, offer a unique and exciting shopping experience including jewelry shops specializing in rare precious and semi-precious stones, on trend clothing and shoes, and a large array of dining options.
Home to the world renowned House of Blues, Mandalay Bay has been host to such acts as Bob Dylan and Stevie Nicks and has upcoming scheduled performances by Jon Bon Jovi, Santana, Blake Shelton, and Darius Rucker just to name a few.

Mandalay Bay also is home to America’s only predator-based aquarium and exhibit: the incredible Shark Reef Aquarium. With over 2,000 animals, you will be face to face with creatures including sawfish, various shark species, endangered green sea turtles, and a rare golden crocodile. Also available is a program where you can dive with the sharks.

BONUS!!! Mandalay Bay is offering an unheard of deal due to a cancelation April 30th-May 4th. If you are considering Las Vegas (Bachelor/Bachelorette party, girls/guys trip, meetings or incentives) during April 30-May 4th contact us immediately to make sure you can secure the deal. If you weren’t already planning a trip, perhaps you should!

The Brazilian Court Palm Beach, FL

With group rates being offered with a minimum 5 rooms, now is the perfect time to visit the #1 beach hotel in South Florida, the Brazilian Court. This all suite hotel offers 80 newly renovated one, two, or three bedroom suites. In addition to being steps away from shopping, dining, and of course the beach, the Brazilian Court offers an incredible array of amenities and services on site. Complimentary access and transportation to the to the Beach Club is also an added bonus when you stay with the Brazilian Court.

From 400 square feet studios to the luxurious 1800 square foot poolside lanai suite, there is accommodations for every need. The mahogany cabinetry and limestone floors represent the finest of Florida boutiques. Rooms are equipped with complimentary wireless internet, digital safe, 24 hour room service and same day laundry and dry cleaning service. There is also plenty of space for your event, be it meeting, wedding, The Brazilian can certainly meet your needs with over 2700 square feet of meeting space and 1100 square feet of outdoor event space.

In addition to the ample amenities, one can also pamper themselves in the exquisite Frederic Fekkai salon and spa. For anyone who has been experienced Frederic Fekkai salon, you know you are in for a treat. A full menu of treatment options is available ranging from cut and color, bridal makeup and hair, and skin nail and massage services.

For leisure of business, if you are considering South Florida, consider The Brazilian and enjoy all of the luxuries South Florida has to offer. Contact us for further information at info@earthandmoonservices.com

Cap Cana, Dominican Republic

Settled along the pristine white beaches of the eastern tip of the Dominican Republic, lies the exquisite Grand Resorts at Cap Cana. Recently designated as the World’s Greatest New Destination, Cap Cana offers incredible beauty and distinct luxury. The Grand Resorts at Cap Cana captures that beauty and creates its own haven with its two currently available retreats, The Fishing Lodge and Sanctuary, and as of fall 2012, Ocean Club.
Designed with the beauty of Cap Cana in mind, the Grand Resorts at Cap Cana blend beautifully into the surrounding landscape but is designed with outdoor adventure in mind. Its pristine location offers impeccable beaches, marinas, access to deep sea fishing, incredible golf courses and nature trails. With nearly 365 days of sunshine annually, nature beckons guests of all ages.
Achieving the 2012 Travelers Choice Award from Trip Advisor, The Sanctuary at Cap Cana is just that, an incredible retreat that soothes the body and soul. Marble baths and silk bathrobes, to the 5 swimming pools and luxurious spa, and choice of furnished balcony or terrace with optional panoramic ocean views. Another incredible option at The Sanctuary is their Castle Junior Suite Swim-Out. All of the luxury with the added benefit of swim out access to the salt water pool.
The Fishing Lodge of Cap Cana is built around Cap Cana’s Marina is ideal for your wedding or golf enthusiasts, boasting a secluded beach, three bars, two themed restaurants, four pools and a Dominican-style stone wedding chapel. Additionally, the resort also offers the exclusive Punta Espada Golf Club, the top rated golf course in the Caribbean and Mexico. It too offers several ground floor accommodations with swim out access.
Set to open fall 2012, the Ocean Club will offer their guests all of the amenities of The Fishing Lodge yet remaining an intimate boutique style, 92-room hotel. Rooms will range from romantic bungalows to Marina inspired suites.
Whatever your preference might be, The Grand Resorts at Cap Cana are certain to have something to fit your taste. Contact us to set up your wedding or next meeting at the truly luxurious location.

State of the Industry...

As the Republican primary approaches here in Florida, the television and airwaves are saturated with claims of a continued failing economy detailing how it is still impacting small business. Who is responsible, who can fix the economy and is the economy trending in a positive direction. Certainly these debates will become more intense as the general election draws near. But no matter who is right or wrong, recent years have forced us all to take a look at our own fiscal fitness, both personally and professionally, as we each share some responsibility.
One of the largest challenges both individuals and organizations have had to deal with over the last few years is doing more with less. As citizens we are adapting to the sluggish economy by trying to be more responsible in our own homes, clipping coupons and cutting expenses, limiting unnecessary driving to reduce gas consumption and reducing our leisure expenses just to name a few. Professionally, businesses are also learning to function on not only fewer financial resources, but reduced staff and consequently, less knowledge and experience, forcing creative alternatives in work and production. In the meeting and event planning world, these shortages translate to cancelled or smaller meetings, less incentives, and fewer amenities.
Planners have largely been able to absorb this loss, by outsourcing items such as site selection and contract negotiating, as well as encouraging continued business through incentives and concessions which, up until the last twelve months or so, have primarily been provided by hotels and other venues. As we slowly enter a seller’s market, incentives are disappearing, rates are rising, and negotiations are no longer solely on the buyer, or planners, side. As many clients are still being ultra conservative with their meeting and incentive budgets, this poses a unique challenge for meeting planners. While this juxtaposition is seemingly difficult, I believe it can also be significantly beneficial overall for not only the hotelier and the planner, but the most important piece of our puzzle, the client. Consider this, when economic times are tough, clients have the opportunity to be selective with whom they work with and demand the highest quality service. These transitional times forces suppliers to not only increase the quality of their work, but increase their personal value to the industry to meet these demands. I know, economics 101, supply and demand, but that should, in theory, apply to the quantity of services available, not the quality of work provided. When we better ourselves, we better our organization as a whole. Be honest. Improve yourself. Work together. The cornerstone of most effective industries, and especially that of meeting and event planning, is relationships. Take advantage of the resources that are available, outsource when necessary, and know the difference between your needs and wants.

The market WILL turn around, the economy WILL improve, and people will again become more liberal with their meeting budgets. That certainly does not mean that we should be any less responsible with the task with which we have been entrusted, or reduce the quality of work we provide, quite the contrary. Success in the future of our business and our country will depend not on how we take advantage of each other during challenging times, but on how we learn from these challenging times and use this information to work together for that ultimate goal. For meetings and event planners and our partners, that means getting EVERY client, no matter the size, the best possible meeting for their budget during any economy.

Palm Springs 2012

Tucked away in the Coachella Valley, just 90 miles outside of Los Angeles, lays the incredible oasis of Palm Springs. Filled with amazing sites and even more amazing people, this sun filled city is annually descended upon by the crème de la crème of Hollywood to recognize their own at the Palm Springs Film Festival. And lucky for me on Sunday, while many were preparing for their Golden Globes parties, I was busy sharing my own surreal, star studded preview of this years winners, from the week prior.
One of the neatest things about attending the Film Festival as a guest of the Convention Center and the wonderfully adjacent Renaissance Hotel (besides being shoulder to shoulder with some of today’s top celebs of course), was getting to see the seeing the transformation of the Convention Center from its blank canvas to its red carpet worthy status Saturday night. Though on paper I am familiar with what goes behind large programs, it is an entirely different thing to see it built from the ground up and then experience it as it was intended to be experienced. It truly is a testament to the quality of work the Palm Springs Convention Center provides.
Palm Springs is not solely about the Film Festival however. The city is filled with incredible dining, wonderful hotel properties, arts, and adventure. One of the incredible adventures we went on was the horseback trail rides through the canyon. The sites were absolutely unbelievable and our tour guides were fantastic. As an experienced horsewoman, I often shy away from trail rides for fear that they will be…well, boring. This certainly, for me, was the best way to see the countryside! Another local attraction is the Palm Springs Tram. A rotating, glass enclosed tram that takes you from about 200 feet above sea level to 8500 feet above sea level in 10 minutes. As one who is both claustrophobic and acrophobic, it was probably not the wisest decision for me to make, but it was so worth any anxiety I experienced. The views were amazing and it was an experience I would have never wanted to miss!
While the activities were certainly a thrilling portion of my trip, it by far was not the sole purpose of my visit to Palm Springs. I spent a good deal of time getting to know not only the city, the hotel properties, the food and the attractions, but the people of Palm Springs. As diverse and lovely as the city is, the people are even more so! I am incredibly grateful for an amazing weekend, and cannot wait to get back there. Palm Springs is an amazing location no matter your business/personal needs. Meetings, incentives, weddings or even a leisure trip, there certainly is something for everyone. In the upcoming weeks, I will highlight some of my favorite properties, and of course, their incredible convention center as I cannot do them justice in one general blog.

To plan your next meeting or event in the fabulous Palm Springs, contact us at info@earthandmoonservices.com

Oppulance in Cannes

Along the infamous Promenade de la Croissette, overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, in the incredible city of Cannes, lays the incredible Grand Hotel Cannes. Long established, and recently revamped, this exquisite resort 5 star property is the longest standing resort on the Croissette. Settled amongst equivalent caliber shops and restaurants, the Grand Hotel has unparalleled space and views. From their 76 spacious rooms and suites to their private beach, terraces and gardens, one indulges when visiting the Grand Hotel.
The original structure was built in 1863 and remained the only luxury hotel in Cannes for a number of years. Demolished and rebuilt in 1963, Grand Hotel was completely refurbished in 2006 with continued upgrades through 2008 including the addition of Gazebos to its updated private beach, “Plage 45.”
Plentiful flora provides a backdrop for the many relaxation areas as well as the large terrace. No property is truly luxurious without its own unique gastronomic experience. For the Grand Hotel, the newly appointed Sebastian Broda is the successful answer to this requirement. As the artist behind the fare at Park 45 as well as overseeing the kitchens at Plage 45, Michelin-starred Chef Broda brings dining to a new level.
Whether attending film festival, utilizing the over 6500 square meters of meeting space, or getting away for a romantic retreat, the Grand Hotel Cannes offers superb space for all of your needs.