Florida Huddle 2010 a True Success for Florida Tourism Jacksonville, Florida - February 2, 2010 - Florida Huddle 2010, held January 24-26, in Clearwater Beach, has been deemed a true success, reports Christy Myers, Vice President of Florida Huddle. "Our main goal is to increase tourism to Florida through the industry connections made at Huddle," she says. "Everyone I spoke with commented on positive business appointments which will lead to new contracts." Florida Huddle is the longest-running travel trade show held in Florida, proudly supporting Florida's billion-dollar tourism industry through pre-scheduled computer-generated appointments between domestic and international buyers of Florida tourism product, and destination marketing offices, properties, attractions and other suppliers of Florida tourism. This year, 300 suppliers were represented in Huddle's 182 booths. In attendance were 181 buyers, of which 98% submitted full appointment selection requests. Delegates experienced a tangible excitement on the show floor as valuable contacts were created and renewed. On a sad note, Huddle says goodbye to longtime Media Director, D.J. Towle, who has been with Huddle since 2004. Says Ms. Towle, "I want to get on with more of the exotic travel I love. I also want to keep the promise to my sons that the family memoirs will get written . . . ." Florida Huddle President, Lynn Warren remarks, "Ms. Towle is a talented writer and valued friend. We acknowledge her efforts and accomplishments with our media and wish her well in her endeavors." Over 30 travel media were invited and attended Florida Huddle 2010. By Tuesday, many stories and articles were in the works and press delegates were headed out to cover more. The stories produced on Florida's tourism market are printed in trade and consumer publications, and add tremendous value to the host destination as well as all of Florida. Positive comments keep arriving, here is a sampling . . . "I thought the show was a success for all, and we are all looking for it to start to turn around 4th quarter 2010." - Janine DeGennaro, Product Manager - LibGo Travel "The atmosphere at Huddle this year was positively energizing! Looking forward to a great 2010/2011!" - Diane Dove, Manager Travel Industry Sales - Sirata Beach Resort "FLORIDA HUDDLE 2010 and St. Petersburg/Clearwater.... Applause, Applause! My scheduled appointments couldn't have been better. Appointments were upbeat and promising of new business in Daytona Beach as well as the reinforcement of existing relationships!" - Alexandra "Sandy" Lucania, Director, Travel Industry Sales & Golf - Daytona Beach Area CVB (Host City 2011) "It was a good show. I believe in Florida Huddle; it is good for Florida." - Diana Schloss, Sr. Market Manager, Fl. East Coast - Orbitz # # # 2-2-2010 St. Petersburg/Clearwater Splendid Host to Florida Huddle 2010 Florida Huddle 2010 was a true success for Florida tourism and its host city. Rosemarie Payne, Director-Leisure Travel Department, Visit St. Petersburg/Clearwater says, "I have tons of e-mails and voice mails from customers and competitors alike thanking the entire destination for such spectacular hospitality. I cannot say enough about how successful Florida Huddle 2010 was for St. Pete/Clearwater! The partnership between the VSPC volunteers, the staff at our host properties, the City of Clearwater and Team Huddle made everything work like clockwork!" Sunday evening's event, hosted beachside by the beautiful Sandpearl Resort, Clearwater Beach Hilton and Sheraton Sand Key Resort, allowed everyone the time to reunite with long-time friends and make new ones. The party began with signature cocktails and appetizers, including the finest sushi, at the luxurious Sandpearl Resort, then progressed to the Clearwater Beach Hilton, where the cuisine and drinks were accompanied by pulsating live music. In a thrilling culmination of the evening's festivities, the Sheraton Sand Key Resort presented an exclusive and brilliant fireworks display that left everyone gasping with pleasure. "Russ Kimball and the Sheraton Sand Key Resort were proud to co-host alongside the Sandpearl Resort and Clearwater Beach Hilton for the 2010 Florida Huddle dine around. The coordination between our respective resorts was an excellent opportunity for the buyers of Florida Huddle to witness the transformation that has occurred on Clearwater Beach since the Beachwalk project began. We were proud to exhibit our best for the buyers as well as top things off with a spectacular beachfront fireworks show." Huddle delegates were riveted by yet another awe-inspiring event on Monday evening. Attendees were honored with an exclusive first look at the brand new Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort complex, set to open February, 2010. Its luxurious marble staircase is an appropriate introduction into this beautiful, majestic addition to the Florida product, where food and excitement were served at the resort's inaugural event, aptly named "SPLASH!" "We simply cannot say enough about the support of the host city," says Christy Myers, Vice President, Florida Huddle "The entire community rolled out the red carpet and absolutely welcomed us with open arms. Our very special thanks to Visit St.Petersburg/Clearwater for orchestrating the outstanding events and media breakfast. Our host hotels, Sheraton Sand Key Resort, Clearwater Beach Marriott Suites on Sand Key, and Hilton Clearwater Beach provided outstanding accommodations." All in attendance agree that this community presented an exemplary example of collaboration and hospitality to the tourism industry. Members of the press may register by e-mailing Florida Huddle for credential clearance at info@floridahuddle.com. # # # 2-2-2010