Q & A

 

Michael Quatrini
General Manager
Central Florida Destination Management

Contact Michael Quatrini

How long has TBA operated in Central Florida?

We have been in Central Florida for more than 25 years. We started as Safaris in the early 80”s, which was acquired by PGI (1994-2005) and then TBA Global in 2005. We’ve seen many changes during that time!

What are the local points of interest not to be missed?

When you think “Orlando” people immediately think Disney and the Convention Center, but there are actually so many other great attractions and venues that should be considered for off site corporate events!

Central Florida is home to hundreds of lakes and canals where guests can take scenic tours on pontoon boats, jet & waterskiing, bass fishing and airboat tours.

Kennedy Space Center is only 40 minutes from most Orlando area hotels. We’ve brought in groups to tour the Shuttle Assembly Building, view IMAX films, and see the exhibits that chronicle the space race. I think one of the most unique venues for events is the Apollo/Saturn V Complex at Kennedy where guests dine under five gigantic rocket boosters that belong to a 363-foot Saturn V rocket.

Tell me about another unusual venue…

In addition to the Disney properties, Universal Orlando is home to Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure and Universal CityWalk and now a permanent theatre where Blue Men Group performs 5 nights a week.

The Hard Rock Live venue @ Universal CityWalk is the largest Hard Rock in the world. Located inside the venue is the John Lennon VIP Room & Terrace which can accommodate 45 guests for a plated dinner and about 100 for a reception. This intimate space is designed after the famed Dakota apartment where John & Yoko lived and contains original artwork and antiques. It is a really cool and unique space. And, there are a few other secret venues we work with.

When is Central Florida’s high season?

Typically our busy season is mid January to late May with a “mini” busy season from September to mid-November. Interestingly, we are finding that more meeting planners are taking advantage of discount hotel rates during the summer months – July, August & September.

What's "HOT"?

We are creating a lot of experiential events and corporate parties where guests have the opportunity to become totally immersed in a theme. We try to appeal to all of the senses using wonderful thematic décor and lighting effects (sight), appropriate music and entertainment (sound), aroma effect machines (smell), fabrics and table decor with layers and textures (feel) and unique and wonderfully prepared foods (taste). We always consider how each item would balance and fit into the mood and sensory equilibrium. Clients often further the theme by engaging attendees early on, asking them to wear costumes, or by handing out themed wardrobe items such as hats and sun glasses at a Jazz and Blues Events.

The citrus industry is the largest agriculture industry in Florida so we have created a “Tropical” themed event with an emphasis on citrus. We have a “Citrus Brights” theme party that has been very popular lately which incorporated bright, citrus colored linens and centerpieces featuring sliced citrus fruits.

Don't miss:

Beyond the theme parks, there are sporting events galore in the Central Florida area including 2 NFL Teams (The Jacksonville Jaguars & The Tampa Bay Buccaneers), The Orlando Magic (NBA), The Tampa Lightning (NHL), The Bay Hill Invitational & The Funai Classic (PGA), Major League Baseball with The Tampa Bay Devils Rays and Spring Training camps in the month of March for the World Champion Atlanta Braves & New York Yankees and NASCAR with the Daytona 500 in February and the Pepsi (now the Coca Cola) 400 in July.

Keep your eye on:

By 2009, 9 new hotels will be opening in Orlando including a Waldorf-Astoria which will be only the second Waldorf in the world, joining the famed original in New York City.

Contact Michael Quatrini