Florida Keys and Key West announce new event options
The 125-mile-long island chain comprised of the Florida Keys and Key West offers enhanced meeting facilities, appealing accommodations, relaxed environments and unique outdoor experiences. These elements make the Keys an ideal destination for meetings, providing seamless opportunities to extend mid-week business gatherings with pre- or post-leisure stays.
Key West International Airport (EYW) is currently undergoing a major expansion of Concourse A, which is expected to be completed by summer 2025. This new development will expand flight options and increase airline seating capacity for guests traveling to the area.
Visitors and event planners have plenty of choices when it comes to the Keys’ range of resorts. Top properties include:
- The Islamorada Resort Collection encompasses 376 island-inspired guestrooms, 12 dining establishments, 80,000 square feet of meeting space and a world-class fishing fleet. A brand-new resort and marina located at mile marker 84 will be unveiled and added to the portfolio in 2024.
- Cheeca Lodge & Spa sits on 27 acres of oceanfront on Islamorada. In addition to the Keys’ largest advertised ballroom, the property contains 243 rooms and suites, 11 stand-alone casitas with personalized butler service and a total of 70,000 square feet of flexible indoor and outdoor event space.
- Located in Marathon, Isla Bella Beach Resort is the Middle Keys’ newest luxury property. Its features include a 2,800-square-foot Hibiscus Event Center, 16,000 square feet of outdoor space and exclusive perks for groups that book 20 or more rooms, such as private pool for a day and an “It’s 5 O’Clock Somewhere” welcome reception.
- Curio Collection by Hilton’s well-known Casa Marina Key West plans to reveal extensive renovations in October. Its nine event spaces, including the new 5,000-square-foot oceanfront lawn and enhanced 3,100-square-foot historic Flagler’s Ballroom, can host groups from 10 to 500.
Another important factor is the exciting and diverse attractions that are available throughout the Florida Keys and Key West. Some of the islands’ most popular excursions are:
- The Reef Environmental Education Foundation (REEF) in Key Largo
- The Florida Keys History & Discovery Center in Islamorada
- The Dolphin Research Center in Marathon
- Crane Point Hammock Museum & Nature Trails in Marathon
- Mote Marine Laboratory’s Elizabeth Moore International Center for Coral Reef Research & Restoration in Summerland Key
- The Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center in Key West
- The Pigeon Key Visitor Center and Pigeon Key Express Train in Marathon
Meeting attendees can remotely explore the Keys through the Florida Keys Traveler—a 30-episode, documentary-style podcast that showcases 200 years of the island chain’s history.
>> fla-keys.com
>> Booth C3921
