9 Reasons Why Meeting Planners Love Jacksonville
Don’t just book a conference room for your next meeting, seminar or corporate retreat—book a destination that you and your team will never forget.
By Joe Kukura
Jacksonville, Florida is a sun-drenched paradise that makes work feel like a vacation, with unbeatable weather, hip and unique attractions and the most affordable accommodations you’re likely to find. The agenda is packed in Jacksonville, where business meets the beach, and your meeting will be off the charts.
Think booking a meeting off-site in Jacksonville sounds costly? Think again. Business meeting venues in Jacksonville are competitively-priced and offer an amazing backdrop of sunny shores, historic neighborhoods and a local dining scene for every taste (and dietary restriction).
Whether your meeting has 5 or 500 people in attendance, here’s why Jacksonville is the best for your next conference, seminar or off-site.
Reason #1: Weather
Jacksonville has an average of 221 sunny days per year, and an average daily temperature of 70 degrees. In other words, market conditions are perfect for indoor or outdoor meetings and receptions all year long. And the beaches are always in season for a swim, a shoreline stroll or just to relax and let the scenery take your breath away.
Reason #2: Flexibility with Dates
Unlike a lot of other big Florida cities, Jacksonville can accommodate tight schedules and budgets. In Jacksonville, you won’t have to compete with big tourist seasons that leave venues unavailable or unaffordable. Be as flexible as you like with Jacksonville event dates; last-minute reservations are often gladly accepted.
Reason #3: Great Airport Location
It’s easy to get from Jacksonville International Airport to anywhere in the city, as the airport is so close to downtown you can be in and out in a flash. And Jacksonville Airport was ranked #1 in customer service by the Airports Council International for its easy check-in, security and food and beverage choices.
Reason #4: Unique Meeting Spaces
You’ve never seen meeting spaces like the ones in Jacksonville — right on the waterfront, in museums or music halls, even in an NFL football stadium. Jacksonville’s unique meeting spaces feature one-of-a-kind music venues, unparalleled outdoor adventures and several tour-caliber golf courses.
Reason #5: Southern Hospitality
You and your team will love how Jacksonville pours on the southern charm and gives you a warm welcome wherever you go. That southern comfort also extends to Jacksonville’s best dining options ranging from upscale to down-home in a city renowned for great southern food.
Reason #6: Florida Flair
Jacksonville offers the best of Florida all in one place, from beaches to water sports to wildly diverse cultural and historic attractions. Meetings feel like vacations when you book them in Jacksonville, where warm-weather fun shines on an eclectic variety of neighborhoods.
Reason #7: Highly-Customized Service
The rockstar event coordinators of Jacksonville are able to offer unmatched customized service for meeting planners, from event design and execution to meeting planning deals. You’ll get better customer service in Jacksonville than in a larger city, with personalized, individual attention from start to finish.
Reason #8: Smaller Destination with a Big Presence
Small is the new big, and Jacksonville is a smaller, unique destination with all the perks of a big city visitors bureau. The combination of a big bureau and small destination means more individualized attention for meeting planners who choose Jacksonville.
Reason #9: Affordable Florida
You don’t normally think “affordable” when you think of Florida, but Jacksonville has the distinction of being the most affordable meeting city in the state. The price is right on all points in Jacksonville, where you can impress your attendees while still saving money.
If you’re planning a business meeting or convention, the facts and figures point to Jacksonville—the place for professionals who know how to play.
For a full listing of unique Jacksonville meeting venues, search our online database at VisitJacksonville.com.
