Meetings and conventions form a big part of Florida’s visitor business. Representatives from dozens of destinations catering to that market were having their own meeting in Tallahassee today (5/16).
It was the Fifth Annual Capital Events Tradeshow at F.S.U.’s University Center. Among the exhibitors, Cheryl Manganella with the Radisson Resort Orlando Celebration.
“We have our own niche,” she said. “We come to trade shows like this Capital Events. We visit our clients, we make calls to them and get to know them. It’s all about building relationships.”
But, with the Legislature making big cuts to Visit Florida’s budget, destinations like Manganella’s could have less state help building those relationships. That had Tim Fuller with the Port St. Lucie Civic Center concerned.
“Anything that reduces tourism or reduces people wanting to come to Florida probably isn’t a great move,” he insisted.
Governor Rick Scott is also concerned. He wanted more money instead of less for tourism marketing in the state budget.
