Meeting Planning

In Central Florida's Polk County

Meeting Planners Guide to Central Florida Polk County – by Tampa and Orlando

The Central Florida Visitors and Convention Bureau is dedicated to giving you complete meeting planning assistance for your next retreat, board of directors meeting, training session, conference and reunion. Located in the geographic center of Florida, between Orlando and Tampa and easily accessible from two major airports, Central Florida’s Polk County offers a relaxing locale where your delegates can get down to business.

Lakeland, the City of Swans, is one of the most beautiful, versatile and affordable meeting destinations in Florida. Located just off Interstate 4 between Orlando and Tampa, it is home to the 100,000 square foot Lakeland Center, Central Florida’s entertainment, sports and convention complex. The multi-faceted complex houses a number of venues including the 10,000 seat Jenkins Arena, 2,296 seat Youkey Theater, 39,027 square feet of flexible space in Sikes Conference Hall, 28,262 square feet Exhibit Hall and additional meeting rooms. The newly renovated Hyatt Place is conveniently located adjacent to the Center, with an additional 2,500 hotel rooms within a five-mile radius. Lakeland features a wide variety of shopping opportunities from unique specialty shops to major shopping malls and flea markets. Lakeland offers a dining experience to fit every taste and budget.
Meeting Planners Guide to Central Florida Polk County – by Tampa and Orlando

Central Florida’s Polk County has many hidden treasures waiting to be discovered for hosting meetings, conventions and corporate functions. One such jewel is Westgate’s River Ranch located 25 miles east of Lake Wales, Florida. This authentic “Dude Ranch” will make your next meeting an event to remember. Surrounded by 100,000 acres of protected wildlife preserve, Westgate River Ranch is a 1,700-acre ponderosa recalling an era when Florida was home to cowboys and cattle ranchers. River Ranch is a perfect setting for a “retreat” to nature in the Florida sunshine. Your delegates can indulge themselves in a wide range of activities that allow them to escape into nature’s sanctuary. They can enjoy authentic “old Florida” fun such as horseback riding, guided nature hikes, fishing, boating, trap and skeet, swimming pool, airboat rides, swamp buggy rides, hayrides and a petting zoo. Or go line dancing at the River Ranch Saloon. There’s even a sanctioned rodeo every Saturday night in the 1,200-seat rodeo stadium and a lighted, 5,000-foot private airstrip. When it’s time to get down to business, River Ranch offers 4,000 square feet of meeting room space, 75 Western-style accommodations, and unique team building activities.

Another jewel is the Florida Leadership Training Center on the shores of Lake Pierce, just 15 miles east of Haines City, Florida. The 20’ by 112’ grand foyer in the rustic lodge, with cedar exterior and tall windows, is perfect for trade shows or exhibits. The lodge also houses a banquet room, meeting rooms and sleeping rooms. Additional lodging space is provided in six villas around the property with total sleeping capacity of 100. Total meeting space at the Florida Leadership Training Center is 20,000 square feet to host more than 300 participants for meetings or banquets. This facility offers a wide range of activities including swimming, canoeing, charter fishing, airboat rides, pontoon boat dinner cruises and a 13-element ropes course to inspire team building.

One-of-a-kind event opportunities can be staged at unique sites and alternative meeting venues, such as opening night receptions and spouse tours. Cypress Gardens Adventure Park has re-opened, exhibiting all the charm and history of the original Cypress Gardens: the botanical gardens, southern belles and the world famous water ski show. Forty exciting family rides, including five roller coasters and a new water park will enhance your guests’ experience. Bok Tower Gardens, a national historic landmark opened more than 75 years ago. Two lecture halls and one conference room are available for meetings. Fantasy of Flight, a vintage aircraft attraction, has a new addition to their collection – Orlampa Center - a high-tech conference center. This art deco facility with 54,000 square feet of meeting and event space plays a gracious host to event planners looking for a unique experience.

With over 300,000 square feet of meeting space, 6,500 hotel rooms and 8,000 vacation homes, Central Florida’s Polk County offers the perfect location to chair your next meeting.

For more information and for planning assistance call 800-828-7655 or 863-534-2509.