The Event Architects

06/16/2024

Happy Father's Day from our family to yours.

06/12/2024

The official start of summer is next week, and we have sandcastles on our mind! While sandcastles may not be essential for a summer corporate meeting, they sure are a lot of fun.

One of our favorite unique team-building activities is sandcastle construction. A few years ago, the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers - AAML - Florida Chapter built an impressive one at Casa Marina Key West, Curio Collection by Hilton during their retreat in Key West.

Pro Tip: Have a professional on standby to take over when your attendees decide to cool off in the water or at the bar!

You can also pay the host property to incorporate your logo into an existing sandcastle, but that's not as much fun.

06/10/2024

Bleisure-McGuireWoods LLP and McGuireWoods Consulting nailed it last week with the firm retreat offering the perfect balance of business and fun, plenty of opportunities for connecting and lots of family involvement! Always great to see Rhett O’Doski, Betsy Beamer, Fran Bradford, Ivette Arango O'Doski, Tom Londrigan and so many more.

05/28/2024

Lots of wisdom in the article! Check it out to see thoughts from Dana Young with VISIT FLORIDA and Governor DeSantis. I appreciate Blake Dowling at Aegis Business Technologies getting my take on things too! "There is no longer a traditional ‘offseason’ in Florida when we know group rates will be low. There are still more affordable times, but you must know when and where to look or have the ability to be flexible,” says Susan Stafford, President of The Event Architects, a Florida company specializing in site sourcing. And can we talk about this graphic? That's Bleisure Florida Style!

Florida is perfect for living the life of bliesure.

05/27/2024

We remember with reverence and gratitude those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

05/23/2024

Selecting the perfect venue for a seminar, conference, or retreat can be complex, with critical details often overlooked. The good news? The Event Architects thrive on site selection and contract negotiation! As experts in our field, we handle the details so you can focus on your business. Let us find your next conference, seminar or retreat venue.

05/20/2024

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ERNPiiTLdQ

I had THE BEST time talking with Blake Dowling, President of Aegis Business Technologies about Florida meetings and conferences, fun resort pools, our local community and community leaders, and of course a little talk music too! Take a listen and you will likely hear us mention something or someone you know.

Susan Stafford is the founder and CEO of The Event Architects, a leader in event design, management, and implementation. The Event Architects specializes in ...

05/10/2024

I was excited to finally visit the breathtaking Conrad Orlando, part of the Hilton Hotels & Resorts luxury collection, after its grand opening in March! Huge thanks to Tracy Blough for her exceptional hospitality – spending the day with her was an absolute delight. The Conrad Orlando truly epitomizes a quiet oasis in the heart of Orlando, with its exceptional amenities and luxurious atmosphere. I'm dubbing it "relaxed luxe" and foresee it becoming a top choice for higher-end groups. Sharing property with Evermore Resort, there are tons of options of unique activities including two golf courses, paddle boarding, and all sorts of other "fun stuff" while also offering a private pool, fresh flowers in each guest room, and mouthwatering dining venues. Can't wait to see this gem shine in the hospitality scene!

05/03/2024

While it is common for colleagues to evolve into friends, it's a special rarity when friends seamlessly transition into colleagues. I've had the privilege of experiencing this with Justin Honaman, a cherished friend since the '80s. Justin embodies authenticity and reliability, qualities that have deepened our bond over the years.

Last week our paths converged professionally as Justin Honaman joined us as a speaker at the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers Florida Chapter 46th Institute, hosted at the JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek Resort & Spa. Spending time with Justin, exchanging ideas, and reminiscing about our journey was a true highlight. Thank you Justin both for speaking at the seminar and also for making time to reconnect.

04/29/2024

Exceptional customer service is rooted in understanding your customers' unique personalities, preferences, and exceeding their expectations. Recently, I had the pleasure of experiencing this firsthand at JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek Resort & Spa.

During my stay, the team went above and beyond to cater to my preferences, creating a personalized amenity inspired by my alma mater, Florida State University, to complement one of my favorite treats - chocolate-covered strawberries. They also included my two favorite beverages, champagne and Diet Coke, despite the latter not being part of their typical offerings.

The following day, they surprised me with delicious garnet & gold champagne jellies, showcasing their attentiveness to detail and commitment to providing a truly tailored experience. Kudos to JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek Resort & Spa for their exceptional service.

At The Event Architects we operate a boutique firm, deliberately limiting our client base to ensure we can deliver bespoke service that caters to each client's unique needs. If you are seeking a partner who prioritizes personalized attention and unparalleled service, I invite you to connect with us.

04/22/2024

Wishing our clients, colleagues and friends who celebrate a very Happy Passover!

04/22/2024

Earth Day and everyday I am inspired by venues worldwide that blend sustainability with exceptional customer service 🌍

I recently came across this thoughtful initiative at the Boston Marriott Copley Place- a water dispenser complemented by reusable glass bottles. It’s a small yet impactful step showcasing what the meeting industry is doing to champion sustainability.

What are your favorite sustainable practices in the meeting industry?

Let’s continue to prioritize eco-friendly practices and innovation in our businesses! 🌱💼

04/15/2024

Unlock unparalleled corporate opportunities with coveted sports tickets! Ignite a compelling desire for your colleagues and clients to be part of your next big event. Even if attending in person isn’t feasible, there are still dynamic ways to connect and engage around the action. Let’s collaborate on planning your next distinctive corporate gathering. 🎟️
We had a great time at our last minute Masters Party yesterday!

04/12/2024

Yesterday marked Global Meetings Industry Day—a day dedicated to highlighting why to communities, businesses, and economies worldwide. The most impactful communication occurs face-to-face, beyond screens. What better way to celebrate than by enjoying a creative event, watching Seminole baseball (win) with the incredible women of Marriott? Orlando World Center Marriott The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota

03/31/2024

Happy Easter friends!

03/26/2024

⏰ Timing is Everything in Venue Sourcing! Wondering when to lock in that perfect venue for your meeting, seminar or retreat? This week alone we are finalizing a contract for a client’s seminar in SEVEN MONTHS with 250 nights on peak and for another client’s meeting SEVEN YEARS from now. Timing varies.

Why Timing Matters:

📊Tailored solutions for your unique needs
♟️Strategic planning for the best locations and rates

Ready to strategize and secure your ideal venue? Let’s talk through your specific details and craft a winning plan together! 🤝

03/16/2024

That’s a wrap on the MYM24-wishing out attendees and their families safe travels home! See you at the JW Marriott Guanacaste for the MYM25!

03/01/2024

Global Day of Unplugging begins at sundown tonight lasting through sundown tomorrow and is a day dedicated to disconnecting from technology and taking time to be more mindful. Are you participating? Visit https://lnkd.in/efFQiNS3 for more info!

02/26/2024

A lot of websites tell you with great confidence that the word “swag” is an acronym that stands for “Stuff We All Get” saying it comes from trade shows and exhibitions where companies give away promotional items to anyone who’ll take them.

However, “Stuff We All Get” isn’t an acronym but rather a backronym: a phrase that was created to fit a pre-existing word. There’s another backronym for swag, too: “Souvenirs, Wearables, And Gifts.”

“Stuff We All Get” and “Souvenirs, Wearables, And Gifts” are much more recent additions to the English language than the word swag itself, which has been around since at least 1303 — hundreds of years before modern trade shows were invented.

Although it sounds like it might, the word “swag” doesn’t come from an acronym at all. It’s actually a derivation of the Scandinavian word svagga, meaning “to rock unsteadily or lurch,” according to Snopes. The word “swagger” is a close relative.

In 1303, swag first appeared in print in the context of moving. By 1794, it was used to mean pirate b***y and other ill-gotten gains. Think of a bag of gold swaying from side to side and you can see the connection. Eventually, it came to mean all kinds of goodies. Fast forward to 2024 when corporations spend trillions on “swag” and there is an entire industry dedicated to it. And now you know!

01/25/2024

It’s go time!

01/02/2024

“There’s nothing quite so wasteful or exhausting as working hard on the wrong thing.

As we begin 24, let’s truuuly consider our best efforts and contributions and find some things to quit.

What deserves your time? Double down in ‘24. What doesn’t? You have permission to quit…and you should. - Scoggins”.

As we take time to reevaluate .event.architects is refining our client list to keep our focus laser sharp on site selection/venue matching and select seminar/retreat planning. Please reach out if we can assist (or for recommendations of someone who might be the perfect fit for you).

12/22/2023

It’s Friday-of a big holiday weekend! Wishing you peace, love and joy over the coming days. May you find time to both celebrate and relax.

11/30/2023

Good morning from Ft. Lauderdale, FL where it is looking like a beautiful day to set sail for “CLE at Sea” with American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers - AAML - Florida Chapter- Bon Voyage!

11/18/2023

Not every event needs to be in a ballroom. There are so many interesting spaces and venues to consider for your next gathering! I enjoyed touring EverBank stadium and all of the creative event spaces they offer. Where can we take your group in 2024?

11/13/2023

Thank you American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers for the shout out. We appreciate the opportunity to have planned your annual meeting!

11/11/2023

When you are conferencing on game day.

10/31/2023

🎃👻 Happy Halloween from .event.architects! May your day be filled with more treats than tricks, and a whole lot of spooky fun. Stay safe and have a hauntingly good time! 🦇🕷️ 🎃👻

10/10/2023

Seeking an ideal venue for your upcoming meetings or seminars while juggling a demanding work schedule? Allow our team of experts to assist you behind the scenes and make you look good! We possess the expertise to efficiently pinpoint venues that align with your event specifications, sparing you the extensive time and effort typically required for exhaustive venue searches.

10/07/2023

Good morning from The - what a calming way to start the morning with on-point branding at .beyond.collection Association Summit. Enjoy the weekend friends!

09/28/2023

Sometimes we work in the rain! The show (or conference/retreat/seminar) must go on regardless of the weather. No problem- we are always prepared! ☔️