Wednesday in Tally

Linda left early this morning to fly to Portland to spend a couple of weeks with her son, daughter-in-law and their 2 kids. Linda loves her grandchildren!

I had a great lunch today with Kris Dake, our Wachovia banker for the Association. We discussed the economy, the business and housing climate in Tallahassee, and other general business matters. He hosted lunch at Kool Beanz, a great local restaurant, eclectic décor and menu, and very generous portions.

This afternoon, I met with Judy Gray, President & CEO of the Florida Society of Association Executives. The Florida Society of Association Executives' misssion: to serves its members and advances the association profession through a community of knowledge sharing, education, advocacy and business modeling. They offer various opportunities to meet with other Association Executives throughout the year. Judy has an impressive resume, leading chambers of commerce, associations, lobbying groups, and telecommunications companies. She’s a “go-to” person, and offered extraordinary insights into association management.

After the turkey...

My family has returned to Williamsburg, VA. I miss them already. We had a great week, and shared Thanksgiving with Anita's sister and her family and Anita's parents.

Happy Thanksgiving

Staff "Retreat"

Linda, Mike and I spent the past 2 days in a retreat planning the next year of events for the Florida Attractions Association.

Florida Attractions Presented "Big E" Awards at IAAPA Show

Florida Attraction Association members who were presented Big E Awards by IAAPA for excellence in live entertainment:

Best Female Show Performer
Winner – Grace Beauchesne – Busch Gardens Africa – Tampa, Fla., United States

Spirit Award
Runner Up – Manivane Yang – Busch Gardens Africa – Tampa, Fla., United States
Winner – Tamra Franze – Busch Gardens Africa – Tampa, Fla., United States

Best Overall Production: $2,000,001 or More
Runner Up – “Universal 360 A Cinesphere Spectacular” – Universal Orlando Resort – Orlando, Fla., United States
Winner – “Shamu Rocks”– SeaWorld – San Diego, Calif., and Orlando, Fla., United States

Pirates Dinner Adventure - Orlando, Yo Ho & Arrrrrr!

Tonight, my son and I enjoyed the Pirates Dinner Adventure near International Drive in the heart of Orlando. We had a swash-buckleling good time. The adventure begins is a seaside village theme preshow area and continues into the main theater with a full-size, rigged pirate ship floating in a lagoon.

The story line was creative. The cast was excellent with a number of very talented stunt actors. They showed their abilities to sing, dance, ad-lib, complete daring (and dangerous) stunts, and acrobatics, while captivating the audience with drama, comedy, and pirate-style mischief.

A holiday finale capped the show. I won’t give it away…you’ll be amazed.

The menu consisted of turkey and dressing with all the accompaniments and a choice of pork loin or shrimp and lobster. I had the shrimp…and cleaned my plate.

If you’re looking for a family-friendly dinner adventure, set sail for Pirates Dinner Adventure in Orlando.

Charlie Bray

I had the pleasure of meeting this afternoon with Charlie Bray, President & CEO of IAAPA.

2 Florida Attractions Recognized by IAAPA, Receive Brass Ring Awards

Two of our Florida Attractions Association members received Brass Ring Awards last night for outstanding promotions.

The Miami Seaquarium won a Brass Ring in the Print Ad category. Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex won 3 awards, recognized in the Marketing Collateral, Media Kit, and PR Campaign categories.

Congratulations!

International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA)

I’m off to Orlando for the annual International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions Expo this week. The Expo fills the North/South building (1/2 million square feet) of the Orange County Convention Center and draws 1000 vendors and 25,000 buyers from 85 countries. Add workshops, training sessions, roundtables, alliance meetings, and this will be a non-stop, whirlwind week.


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Roar N Soar this weekend @ Fantasy of Flight

Looking for something exciting to do this weekend? Get your speed on! Click this banner for Roar N Soar:

Everglades Wonder Gardens - Bonita Springs, FL

Everglades Wonder Gardens, 27180 Old U.S. 41, Bonita Springs. Open daily: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (239) 992-2591

Today, I had the pleasure of visiting Everglades Wonder Gardens in Bonita Springs, Florida. The attraction is celebrating its 71st anniversary and is owned by David Piper, Jr., whose grandfather founded the zoological and botanical park.

The gardens have a mature tree canopy with a diverse display of native Florida plants, trees and flowers. There are many animals on display, including variety crocodiles, alligators, turtles, snakes, iguanas, peacock, deer, and bears, to name a few.

The gift shop building features a museum dedicated to Florida’s natural history.

When travelling in the Naples area, I highly recommend a visit to Everglades Wonder Gardens and enjoy a visit to one of Florida’s original natural attractions.

Marco Island Marriott Beach Resort, Golf Club & Spa - Outdoor Pool

Paradise

Yesterday's evening reception was hosted by the Marco Island Marriott's General Manager Rick Medwedeff. We toasted our meeting with a glass of champagne as the sun sank over the Gulf of Mexico.

The resort has just completed a major facelift and the property is paradise. We toured the facility, including their extensive meeting, trade show, and convention spaces. They also have a world-class spa. Most remarkable is the dedication of the resort's staff -among the best service I've ever experienced.

Florida Society of Association Executives

Mike Coleman (l), Director of Recreation for the Marco Island Resort and Spa and me on the beach for evening reception for the FSAE CEO Council.
FSAE CEO Council participants on the beach of Marco Island, enjoying sunset over the Gulf of Mexico.

Florida Society of Association Executives CEO Council, following the meeting at the Marco Island Marriott Resot & Spa. The Council meets periodically to give professional Association leaders the opportunity to explore common concerns, challenges and solutions facing their organizations. Information and resources are shared in a confidential, comfortable roundtable. The meeting was facilitated by Judy Gray, CEO of the FSAE.

On the Road to Marco Island

Today I travelled from Tallahassee to the Marco Island Marriott Resort, Golf Club & Spa to participate in the Florida Society of Association Executives CEO Council.



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"Just Remember"

Donna Ross’ last words to me today after serving as President & CEO of the Florida Attractions Association for 19 years…“Just Remember…you now have the best job working for the greatest association of the greatest attractions with the greatest members and the greatest staff in the greatest state in the greatest country in the world.”

Thank you, Donna. I couldn't agree more.