About Clearwater
Just 22 miles west of Tampa on Florida’s Gulf Coast, Clearwater is known for its silky white sand beaches, gorgeous sunsets and abundant sunshine. The city’s namesake beach is around three miles long and three blocks wide, offering activities such as swimming, snorkeling, jet-skiing, fishing and more in the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico. The city is also known for the festivals, concerts and public events hosted against the backdrop of a Gulf sunset. For those wanting the best of Florida in a single getaway, Clearwater is less than 100 miles from the House of Mouse – Disney World.
Clearwater is the perfect Florida destination for a corporate annual meeting, team-building retreat or industry conference due to its proximity to two major international airports. The area has many lodging options from budget to upscale for out of town attendees and a vibrant dining and nightlife scene. Whether you’re looking for a boardroom, a ballroom or a completely non-traditional venue as your Clearwater meeting space, you can find a variety of independent service providers such as caterers, rental agencies and printing companies to support your event.
Meeting Options in Clearwater
While most major meeting and conference spaces include options for services such as catering and in-house audiovisual and networking equipment, you may choose one that doesn’t provide some or any of these things. Consider hiring professional vendors to provide needed services within your budget.
- Printing Services
Whether you need 500 printed agendas, company-branded stationery and signage or banners letting everyone know where to meet up, printing services can be trusted to one of Clearwater’s professional vendors. Agendas, itineraries, conference vendor lists, menus and more can all be printed and delivered to your meeting venue just in time for the big event. Some companies also offer graphic design services so you can tie all of your printed collateral together, and many also offer large-format printing services for banners, posters and outdoor signage.
- Catering
It’s no secret that food can help increase focus and banish the afternoon doldrums so your colleagues or employees can keep contributing to your meeting. Clearwater, known for its freshly-caught seafood, has a wide variety of restaurants and catering services offering customized menus of everything from Southern favorites to sushi to fine dining. Most special dietary needs can be accommodated, including vegan and gluten-free options.
- Equipment Rentals
Depending on the size and scope of your meeting, you may need additional presentation equipment besides the standard podium. If your meeting requires special equipment such as projectors and screens, a sound system, up-lighting or even an entire stage set-up, you can find professional rental vendors experienced in large equipment set-up and tear-down.
Meeting Companies in Clearwater
Coordinating a company-wide meeting or conference takes a lot of time and organization. Save yourself some time and stress by trusting the details and meeting space to one of Clearwater’s experienced event planners so you can focus on the most important thing – the guests’ takeaway.
- Epic Events by Booth
If you’re looking to save time and money by booking your entire event through one company, look no further than Epic Events by Booth. Co-founded by husband and wife team Michael and Dawn Booth, the planning team has more than 20 years of experience in all aspects of event design and management. The firm offers a one-stop shopping experience, providing staff, catering and bartending services, event coordinators, guest management, leisure excursions and more and will tailor its services to your needs, expectations and budget.
- Parties A La Carte
Executive planner Jessica Ralph began her career in corporate event planning and has many years of experience designing and carrying out annual meetings, team-building retreats and corporate gatherings of all sizes. Experience planners will take care of every detail from the beginning of the process until after your successfully executed event. You’ll work with planners to create a custom set of services that meets your budget expectations, achieves company goals and, most importantly, provides an amazing guest experience.
- Coastal Coordinating
With more than 15 years of experience in the event planning industry, Coastal Coordinating excels in executing events and meetings of all sizes, from a small department to a company-wide annual meeting. Every team member is well-equipped to handle even the smallest details and will ensure that your Clearwater meeting space is perfect and your event runs smoothly and efficiently from beginning to end.
Pros and Cons of Meeting Spaces in Clearwater
Its proximity to major airports and abundance of recreation opportunities make meeting spaces in Clearwater attractive, but there are some advantages and disadvantages to consider.
Advantages
- Beaches
White sand and clear blue water. What more could you ask for?
- Location
Clearwater is about half an hour from the greater Tampa area and less than 100 miles from Disney World, making it a cheaper lodging option.
- Food
Clearwater is known for delicious seafood and has an abundance of waterfront dining options serving it al fresco.
Disadvantages
- Unpredictable weather
Clearwater is frequently impacted by Gulf hurricanes and tropical storms and may take a direct hit.
- Traffic
Roads become congested during heavy tourism seasons and public parking is very difficult to find.
- Pests and insects
Clearwater’s warm, humid climate is an ideal breeding ground for pests such as mosquitoes, so insect spray is a necessity.
Famous Locations in Clearwater
- Clearwater Beach
A visit to Clearwater wouldn’t be complete without a serene walk on the beach just before sunset or sunrise. The three-mile-long crescent of white sand and sparkling blue water offers just as many opportunities to relax as it does to enjoy activities such as boating, jet-skiing, diving and more. Beach Walk is a brand new development featuring winding trails, public art and a stunning view of the Gulf, and there are many companies that offer charter cruises along the coastline.
- Clearwater Marine Aquarium
Check out a variety of marine wildlife native to the state’s many aquatic ecosystems at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium. You’ll see everything from river otters to endangered sea turtles along with fan-favorite sharks and stingrays. You’ll also get to see Winter, the rescued dolphin with a prosthetic tail who inspired the 2011 family film “A Dolphin Tale.”
- Ed Fletcher’s Early Bird Dinner Theater
For more than 25 years, Ed Fletcher’s Early Bird Dinner Theater has been providing guests with the entertainment standard of dinner and a show at an affordable price. You’ll enjoy a delicious buffet, provided by the venue’s in-house catering service, featuring carved roast beef, baked ham, salmon and pasta with all the fixings. The theater’s shows, always performed by professionals, are light-hearted and fun for the entire family.