"Her responsiveness and attention to detail was second to none..."
Over the years, I have learned that one of the most important assets a planner can have is partnerships with the CVBs in the cities we hold meetings. Suzanne Scully, Meetings & Conventions Director for the St. Petersburg/Clearwater CVB, proved me right in a big way. With one phone call to Suzanne I was able to arrange a site visit, transportation to and from the airport and restaurant visits that were based on the specific needs of my group. In short, her responsiveness and attention to detail was second to none. She was able to do all of this, even though it has been rumored that meeting planners can be a tough group to please. Although I cannot prove she had anything to do with it, when I started booking flights for my staffers to attend our meeting, I noticed that the ticket prices had dropped by 1/3, saving my organization even more money to go to this already very affordable destination. Suzanne is making me look good and helping to ensure that my meeting is a success. I cannot thank her and her team enough.
American Benefits Council
"Such a willing and helpful extension of our team..."
I had a wonderful experience with the St. Pete/Clearwater CVB. The staff was very proactive in contacting me to offer assistance with a variety of services. I was thrilled to learn about the complimentary visitor guides they offer to groups and they even went a step further and arranged to have them imprinted with our logo. We also took advantage of their group welcome airport signage opportunity – so simple to arrange through the CVB and loads of impact when the group arrived. As an independent meeting planner, it was great to know I had such a willing and helpful extension to our team.
Voila! Meeting & Event Management
"A great source of local knowledge..."
Working with Visit St. Petersburg/Clearwater CVB has been such a pleasure. Jill Brown was a great source of local knowledge and went above and beyond to show me St. Petersburg and Clearwater. The CVB offers some great marketing tools that planners can use for their meeting including a free Save The Date card that has a wonderful picture of the beach that was sent to all my potential attendees. All CVB staff have provided prompt responses to all of our inquiries and have been very hands-on during the contracting process and beginning promotions of our meeting. I am sure that the St. Pete/Clearwater CVB will be a valuable tool as we finalize meeting plans and our meeting comes to fruition over the next year. I look forward to continue growing my relationship with them.
The American Ceramic Society
"Attendance is always high..."
In the past four years, the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) has held more than 30 small and medium-sized section meetings in the St. Pete/Clearwater area, southwest of Tampa, “and we plan on returning,” said Francine Meyer, NEMA meeting manager. “Attendance is always high. Our members appreciate the variety of high quality, attractive and affordable hotels on the beach, and restaurants and activities within walking distance.”
NEMA, National Electrical Manufacturers Association
"An exceptional job... couldn’t have asked for better"
AV was amazing! The help from our tech was exceptional and helped our conference run so smooth. The front desk staff did an exceptional job when handling our staff and attendees during the power outage in the guest tower. Couldn’t have asked for better, timely service and communication.
Advances in Perinatal Cardiology
"Excellent service... as perfect as we wanted it to be"
[Our event manager] is a true gentleman and wonderful host for the hotel. He provided us with excellent service and never lost his cool, even when we were late returning BEO’s. We knew he wanted our meeting to be as perfect as we wanted it to be. We can’t thank him enough.
Florida Medical Association FMA CME Providers Meeting
"The highest level of customer service"
I would like to commend (the staff working my meeting) who went above and beyond with their service. Their responsiveness and flexibility were spectacular…All I had to do was ask and they all provided the highest level of customer service.
Health integrated Meeting
"A dream event"
This was a dream event for me, I only had to be there. The hotel staff took care of EVERYTHING!
US Lithotripsy Staff Meeting
"The entire staff at the hotel was wonderful."
This is my 4th year in a row returning to the Vinoy with this conference. The main reason is the wonderful staff, especially people like…my event planner, [group housing coordinator], AV, and the terrific banquet staff. The entire staff at the hotel was wonderful.
Respiratory Care Journal
"We look forward to joining you all again!"
Most everyone at the hotel is very friendly and offered the family-feel that we so much love about the Vinoy…Thank you all again for all your hard work, passion, and love of the Vinoy, and warm reception. We look forward to joining you all again!
New Wave Dermatology
"The best hands-on care and support"
In general all the staff and management at the Vinoy are welcoming and offer the best hands-on care and support that an event producer could ever ask for.
ACN 2014 Meeting
"Your service is impeccable"
We had such a fabulous experience at your hotel. Your service is impeccable. The staff was so friendly and willing to help with anything. [Event Manager] did a great job during the planning phase and [Banquet Manager] and his team did a wonderful job implementing all the details on site. The A/V team was very helpful too. Compliments to the chef. The food in all of your outlets – not just banquets – was delicious! We also loved using the [Ren Meetings] app. It was very efficient and nice not to have to make calls and get someone’s voicemail. Great job! We look forward to bringing future groups to your property.
Ironwood Pharmaceuticals
"Wonderful!"
[Event Manager and Group Housing Coordinator] in getting us set up were wonderful! [Thank you to] banquet and function staff… and all associates who assisted! The two gents who set up the stage last minute on Sunday evening, and my personal thanks to Ligia (banquets) for her patience and going the extra mile in getting our exhibit crate out. Thanks to one and all!
Hospice Regulatory Boot Camp Educational Conference
"A great job getting everything right"
[The Vinoy event & front desk staff] were awesome and really did a great job getting everything right, even late changes to my room needs.
Gerdau Sales Meeting
"Very pleased"
The executives were very pleased with the meeting room and service.
Premier Eye Care Executive Retreat
