As assembly planners hunt down extra sustainable choices, the Fort Myers space is carving out a considerate area within the conferences panorama the place scenic magnificence meets purpose-driven planning. With greater than 290,000 sq. ft of assembly area and 12,500 resort rooms, Fort Myers’ islands, seashores, and neighborhoods supply every part planners must design significant occasions.
Getting there may be simple, with seamless entry by way of Southwest Florida Worldwide Airport (RSW) and native transport choices to accommodate teams of any dimension. The realm’s off-site venues — set in opposition to the backdrop of the Gulf — add one thing really particular. To not point out native skilled occasion planners to assist your occasion go off with out a hitch.
However what really units the higher Fort Myers space aside isn’t simply the logistics — it’s the environment. Recognized for its calm tempo, restorative pure settings, and iconic white-sand seashores, this can be a place the place attendees can really unwind, join, and recharge.
And in a time when vacationers are more and more aware of their environmental affect, Fort Myers and its surrounding neighborhoods additionally supply planners one thing more and more vital: a wide range of eco-friendly venues and hands-on neighborhood applications that invite attendee participation.
Convene and Go Inexperienced
Fort Myers’ native officers and organizations have been working for many years to protect and shield the world’s distinctive surroundings. That dedication evolves yearly — and it’s one which assembly planners could be a part of.
“Many planners are searching for alternatives to offer again to the communities the place they maintain their conferences, fulfill their sustainability aims, and nurture lasting attendee connections with each other,” stated Jill Vance, Director of Gross sales on the vacation spot advertising and marketing group for Fort Myers- Islands, Seashores and Neighborhoods. “We’ve got fairly a couple of choices that verify all three packing containers.”
Fashionable company social duty (CSR) actions embrace seaside cleanups, oyster mattress restoration, and mangrove planting — hands-on group experiences that assist native ecosystems whereas encouraging staff bonding. Not too long ago, one company group planted 1,800 sea oats alongside the seaside to assist stop future flooding. Sea oats naturally construct dunes, providing an enduring environmental profit. Many individuals return sooner or later to see the lasting affect for themselves.
These hands-on efforts assist corporations elevate their model popularity and resonate with sustainability-minded sponsors and attendees. Additionally they permit groups to attach with the pure magnificence that defines the Fort Myers space, from the mangrove forests of Sanibel to the turquoise waters of the Gulf.
A Countywide Dedication
The realm’s sustainability efforts prolong far past team-building alternatives. Fort Myers and surrounding areas are dwelling to greater than 120,000 acres of conserved land, together with over two-thirds of Sanibel Island, which stays protected as conservation land.
At J.N. “Ding” Darling Nationwide Wildlife Refuge, teams can spot as much as 245 hen species, alligators, manatees, and bottlenose dolphins. Guided tram rides and mindfulness walks with native naturalists additionally supply memorable methods to immerse attendees in nature.
The county’s Conservation 20/20 program — an environmental land acquisition and administration initiative — has already protected over 31,000 acres throughout 170 properties, together with 52 nature preserves. The county continues to spend money on new conservation alternatives to make sure that these inexperienced areas stay accessible to each residents and guests.
By the vacation spot’s partnership with Type Traveler on an initiative referred to as Each Keep Offers Again, it’s simple for planners and organizations to have assembly attendees again as a part of their occasions. This turnkey program helps certainly one of 4 native charities: Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife, Maintain Lee County Stunning, Coastal Watch, and Captains for Clear Water. Whether or not planning a management retreat or a company-wide offsite, Each Keep Offers Again affords a turnkey solution to make a significant affect.
The place to Educate and Interact
Maybe one of the best instance of sustainability, innovation, and neighborhood coming collectively is the BEC at EFC Farm in Fort Myers. Born from resilience within the wake of Hurricane Ian, this working farm and occasion venue just lately celebrated the grand opening of its new Schooling and Occasion Middle: a purpose-built area that integrates schooling, sustainability, and neighborhood engagement.
The BEC affords a distinctly native various to conventional assembly venues — one which’s equal components expertise and schooling. Teams can take part in hands-on workshops, aquaponic farm excursions, and sustainable agriculture programming. Its zero-waste mannequin and aquaponics/hydroponics techniques use as much as 90% much less water than conventional farming, demonstrating how innovation and sustainability go hand in hand.
The BEC fosters creativity and connection in a peaceable, pure setting for company retreats and gatherings. Customized meals and beverage packages, curated by an unique catering associate, function contemporary, native components with sustainability on the forefront.
“Attendees need greater than only a change of surroundings,” stated Vance. “They need to stroll away with a way of objective. That’s precisely what venues just like the BEC ship.”
Key choices embrace:
Company Retreats & Gatherings: An area designed to foster creativity, collaboration, and connection.
Sustainability & Schooling: Fingers-on workshops, farm excursions, and applications centered on sustainable agriculture.
Zero-Waste Dedication: Devoted to minimizing environmental affect via progressive aquaponics and hydroponics techniques that use 90% much less water than conventional farming.
Curated Meals & Beverage Packages: Supplied via an unique catering associate with a give attention to sustainability.
Neighborhood Engagement: Interactive sustainability applications that invite companies and native teams to take part.
From conservation-driven venues to immersive CSR actions, Fort Myers’ islands, seashores, and neighborhoods supply planners purposeful methods to foster connection, ignite inspiration, and depart an enduring affect.
For groups trying to decelerate, have interaction with objective, and meet in a setting that displays their values, Fort Myers and surrounding areas supply a contemporary perspective — and a breath of contemporary air.
For extra details about internet hosting an occasion within the Fort Myers space and to submit RFPs, click on right here.
This content material was created collaboratively by Fort Myers – Island, Seashores and Neighborhoods and Skift’s branded content material studio, SkiftX.
