By the Numbers Florida Huddle 2009 - Orlando In a year with great economic challenges worldwide it was a thrill to find that the words that best describe the mood and feel of Florida Huddle 2009 - Orlando were enthusiasm, optimism, and participation. This year there were 211 registered buyers representing 130 companies. While the majority of the buyers were from Florida's traditional markets such as the USA, the United Kingdom, and Canada, suppliers also met with new buyers from countries as diverse as Australia, the Czech Republic and the Netherlands. The 172 supplier booths at the show represented 194 participating companies. These companies provided over 300 Florida tourism products for the consideration of the buyers, with products as diverse as high end resorts and adventure and eco-tour experiences. This year appointment requests included 185 buyer submissions, and 186 supplier submissions. When the computers finished the match, supplier and buyer books were amply filled with prescheduled appointments. An amazing number, 33 delegate suppliers, found their appointment books 100% filled! A number we can't provide you is the decibel level of that wonderful hum that is produced by the activity on the show floor as all those appointments are in progress. We don't know that decibel number but we do know that hum is the sound of people doing business with people, a very good and a very welcome sound. With over three decades of experience to call upon, it is usual for Florida Huddle to be spot on in advising our function venues and sponsors of the numbers of delegates we anticipate will participate in each social event. This year, however, everyone seemed to participate in everything! The venues and sponsors moved professionally and quickly. Extra tables were set up, extra seats were added, extra food was brought from the kitchens. With only minor delays all delegates were served. We applaud the enthusiasm shown by the unusually high delegate participation. Travel trade press delegates numbered 34. Stories they are writing from information gathered at the annual press conference and from interviews with buyer and seller delegates are beginning to circulate in more than twenty countries. Radio and tv interviews with contacts made at the show are ongoing. The continued success of Florida Huddle, an appointment driven show, relies on a strictly maintained balance between supplier and buyers. To keep this balance, each year we have to tell many of our supplier friends that they must be wait listed for booth space, or even worse, will not be able to participate at all. Suppliers were wait listed as early as October 2008 for the February 2009 show. Plan ahead. Don't miss out! Supplier and buyer registration is now available on line at www.floridahuddle.com for the 34th Annual Florida Huddle 2010 - St. Petersburg/Clearwater to be held on January 24, 25, 26 at the impressive Harborview facility. Members of the press may register by e-mailing DJ Towle for credential clearance at DJ.Towle@floridahuddle.com.