Dave Burgraff

The 10-year plan for Orlando Tourism Had the chance to go to the annual Visit Orlando luncheon this past with a focus on the future. As a DMO (Destination Marketing Organization). VO is essentially tasked with driving visitation to Central Florida funded through tax dollars that tourists pay. While nothing groundbreaking was announced, attendees did have an opportunity to provide input towards the development of a 10-year tourism plan for the region. As a fan of theme parks, I was interested to hear what the hot topics would be. Here are two key takeaways that resonated with me: 1. Iconic Events: The Power of Tentpole Attractions One section of the discussion emphasized the creation of "tentpole attractions" within the city to boost off-season visitation. This strategy echoes successful events like Halloween Horror Nights at Universal and  The Food & Wine Festivals at Disney, which have become major draws in themselves.  Imagine future events that capture the imagination and encourage visitors to plan trips specifically around these experiences, extending Orlando's tourist season beyond peak periods. 2. Building a Talented Workforce: A Shared Challenge Attracting and retaining top talent remains a critical hurdle, further complicated by the ongoing housing affordability issue. If Orlando is going to grow, we need to have a workforce that can support this growth. We’re nowhere near AI being able to clean a hotel room. Theme parks, aware of this challenge, have activated some programs to help with staffing needs. This includes actively investing in college programs and international recruitment initiatives to get people on-site for a committed period of time. These efforts ensure a (somewhat) reliable and passionate workforce that can provide the labor hours, especially during peak seasons. What do you think? Are there bigger issues facing Orlando and other theme park-driven destinations? ### 🎢 If you found this interesting and want to learn more about the business of theme parks, give me a follow Tay Mauro #themeparks #orlando

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The Commercial Observer dives into the South Florida market, sharing insights on the growing trend of pricing condos over $1 million. Nicholas Falcone, CEO of Rentyl Resorts and part of the Falcone Group, offers his expert analysis: 🗣️ “It may be pushing a little bit more toward the $1.5 million–$2 million range at this point. With prices going the way they’re going, you’re not talking about a very big unit for $1 million — under 1,000 square feet, conceivably.” The definition of "luxury" is evolving, and understanding these shifts is crucial for both buyers and sellers. Learn more about the current market trends and expert insights here: https://lnkd.in/eGtJCsse

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The best way to prevent nerves from getting the best of you? Make a plan. Learn more from #Adecco Staffing.

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When you spend the money planning a meeting, and your financial or insurance company spends its time, you want to make sure it’s worthwhile. You want to ensure this time helps grow employee bonds and builds camaraderie. Savannah makes this easy with experiential group excursions. #financeindustry #fintech #insuranceindustry #visitsavannah #meetingprofs #eventprofs

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In the heart of the Florida Keys, Key West emerges not only as a beacon of beauty but also as a pioneer in sustainable hospitality. As we look towards a future where travel and environmental stewardship go hand in hand, it's essential to spotlight the innovative engineering efforts that make this possible. Our commitment in Key West is rooted in integrating eco-friendly practices with the charm and hospitality the Keys are known for. From resorts outfitted with solar panels and green roofs to the use of natural, locally-sourced materials, we are setting a benchmark for sustainability. Why does this matter? Because every step we take towards sustainable building not only preserves the unique landscapes of the Keys but also ensures that we can enjoy these paradises for generations to come. Let’s continue to support and drive change that marries the beauty of engineering with the ethics of sustainability. #SustainableTravel #EcoFriendlyHospitality #EngineeringForChange #KeyWest #FloridaKeys

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The JACKSONVILLE (FL) Hospitality Market Update Year End 2023 2023 YTD Occ 68.4% ADR $147.69 Revpar $97.50 Boasting 22 miles of beaches, Jacksonville, on Florida’s northeast coast, is a city of diverse neighborhoods with a top-notch arts and culture scene, unbeatable food, and a wide variety of family-friendly attractions, parks, and nature preserves. JAXPORT recently completed its harbor deepening project several years ahead of the original schedule. The project was necessary to meet the needs of larger cargo ships transiting from the Suez and Panama canals, and the new 47-foot depth for the channel will position JAXPORT as the first U.S. East Coast port of call for fully loaded new Panamax class vessels. Jacksonville had an inventory of about 30,000 hotel rooms at the end of 2023. It is experiencing a robust expansion of its hotel inventory. Eight properties totaling about 900 rooms were scheduled to open by the end of 2023. Inventory growth will remain elevated in 2024, with nearly 800 rooms under construction and scheduled to open during the year. Seven of the eight openings in 2023 were Upper Midscale or Upscale properties. Upscale openings included the 120-room SpringHill Suites Jacksonville Baymeadows that opened in February, the 156-room SpringHill Suites Jacksonville Beach Oceanfront that opened in April, the largest addition in 2023, and the 120-room Hyatt Place St. Augustine that opened in October. The 122-room WoodSpring Suites Jacksonville Orange Park was the only addition not in the Upper Midscale or Upscale hotel classes. Hotel performance is expected to remain weak in early 2024 before improving in the second half of the year. RevPAR is projected to decline about 2% in 2024, despite modest growth in ADR, due to the supply-side pressure on occupancy. For the complete year end market report, comment below with your email or send me a message.

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Effective sales leaders ensure that their team has the right software for the job. The right hardware on the other hand....

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📣 ANNOUNCEMENT 📣 You are invited May 4th, 2024 to join me and a powerful lineup of speakers for a day conference in Orlando, FL. You can expect 5 dynamic presentations from industry experts along with plenty of opportunities for networking throughout the day. Ticket link will be shared in the comments! #orlando #conference #networking #business #entrepreneurs

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🚨 ATTENTION 🚨 You are invited May 4th, 2024 to join me and a powerful lineup of speakers for a day conference in Orlando, FL. You can expect 5 dynamic presentations from industry experts along with plenty of opportunities for networking throughout the day. Ticket link will be shared in the comments! #orlando #seminars #networking #business #entrepreneurs

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“Let their remembrance be as lasting as the land they honored.” - Daniel Webster As we commemorate Memorial Day, we honor the memory of those who served and sacrificed for our nation. #memorialday #teambaarman #conferencedirect #meetingsandevents #incentivetravel #eventmanagement #contractnegotiation #siteselection #eventprofs

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In Low-Demandable Periods you can use the following tactics: 1-Sell value and benefits like spa treatments. 2- Offer packages and special offers. 3- Encourage upgrades. 4- Offer stay-sensitive price incentives. 5- Remove stay restrictions. 6- Establish relationships with competitors. 7- Lower rates to attract more guests and generate more revenue for the hotel.

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Miami ranked #12 & Ft. Lauderdale ranked #19 on CVENT's top destinations for meetings and events. How do these South Florida cities stack up against the top 5 and top 10? Check out the top 50 destinations link in comments. While the Beaches tend to be the preferred 1st Tier Destination/Attraction, the downtown areas and micro cities within pull their weight in being either 1st Tier, 2nd Tier, and 3rd Tier options depending on what's important to you and your attendees. These 1st Tier destinations and micro destinations are supported by 3 International Airports and supplemented by a luxury private train system; MIA, FLL, PBI, and Brightline Trains. What's your take on the subject matter? Share your thoughts in comments. ✅️Are we connected? Happy to share ideas, information, and resources: junior.collins@conferencedirect.com Photo Credit - Vinyasawave #eventmanagement

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