About Jacksonville
Jacksonville, or Jax, as locals call it, was named for Florida’s first military governor, General Andrew Jackson. It is located in Northeast Florida along the Atlantic Ocean, providing a natural paradise for anyone looking for a cost-efficient yet luxurious destination. More than 20% of Jacksonville consists of water, mostly coming from the St. John River and its tributaries, hence the nickname “The River City by the Sea.”
If you want to experience a different side of Florida, you should definitely come to Jacksonville. Whether you’re looking for warm sunshine or relocating for work, life is better in this beautiful city. It’s an ideal destination to enjoy eco-adventures, be surrounded by nature, and explore the outdoors. It also has dynamic entertainment, a variety of great boutiques and stores, dining destinations, restaurants, and state-of-the-art venues ideal for a meeting space in Jacksonville.
Meeting Options in Jacksonville
There are a lot of details involved in setting up a Jacksonville meeting space. Even if it’s just a small gathering, you’ll want to ensure it’s successful and memorable for everyone. To do that, you must enlist help from reputable vendors and suppliers in Jacksonville.
- Caterer
You might have to use food and refreshments as a drawcard to get people to your event, so maximize it as much as possible. A caterer in Jacksonville will help you, from menu planning and food preparation to cleanup.
- Equipment Supplier
Make a list of all the materials, technologies, and supplies you need for your meeting. Instead of buying new ones, contact a rental company in Jacksonville to provide you with high-quality equipment, AV solutions, and supplies for a purposeful gathering.
- Event Coordinator
While some meetings are informal and easily planned, others, such as seminars and conferences, require more effort and time to bring about successfully. As a host, you want it to go as smooth and stress-free as possible, regardless of its size. One way to achieve that is by hiring an event coordinator in Jacksonville who will manage various aspects of the event, including the venue, seating, and guest list.
- Entertainment
No one wants to sit in a boring meeting, and they won’t attend another gathering if your event is always dull and uninteresting. Although it’s a formal event, it won’t hurt to hire a live singer, DJ, musician, or speaker to liven up the space.
Meeting Companies in Jacksonville
Before you start organizing your meeting, it’s a good idea to discuss with companies in Jacksonville, so you know what to expect and how they can help you.
- The Perfect Pear Catering Company
Innovate your service and personalize the guests’ experience with the help of The Perfect Pear Catering Company. It boasts its fine food, hospitality, and fresh ingredients to deliver spectacular service for clients. Leni and her team have menus to please every crowd.
- PRI Productions
PRI Productions has everything you’re looking to elevate any conventional event to something extraordinary. Since 1994, the company has grown into one of the most reputable show production and event companies in the southeast U.S. They have a comprehensive list of products, supplies, and services for all events and occasions.
- Seiromem
It doesn’t matter if it’s a large conference or a small business gathering. Seiromem will create an innovative destination meeting that stimulates your sales team and your organization. As a full-service event planning and design company in Jacksonville, Seiromem will take care of all your meeting requirements from start to finish.
Pros and Cons of Meetings in Jacksonville
Organizing a meeting space in Jacksonville means being close to nature and enjoying some of the city’s best facilities. But before booking a venue, there are also some downsides and benefits you need to consider.
Advantages
- Ideal location
One of the best things about booking a Jacksonville meeting space is that you’re close to other major destinations and cities. It is only about a 2-hour drive from Orlando and five hours away from Georgia and Atlanta.
- Parkland
With over 80,000 acres of parkland, Jacksonville provides a way to relax after your meeting, have fun, and reconnect with nature. Many of its parks are equipped with impressive facilities and amenities, including playgrounds, fountains, picnic areas, and more.
- Employment opportunities
Jacksonville’s job market is thriving, and it continues to grow. It is home to major corporations and multiple company headquarters, so you know there are always meetings and conferences going on throughout the city.
Disadvantages
- Hot summers
Summers in this city can take some getting used to due to its high temperature. Humidity can also make days feel more uncomfortable and warmer.
- Traffic
Main streets in Jacksonville can get quite busy in the evenings and mornings as people travel to and from work and school. You may want to take the secondary roads instead of the main highways to cut your travel time.
- Less bike-friendly
Cycling and walking are impractical in the city due to its large size. There aren’t many bike paths, as well, leaving cyclists vulnerable to traffic.
Famous Locations
- Jacksonville Arboretum & Botanical Gardens
Take some photos while enjoying the beauty of nature at Jacksonville Arboretum & Botanical Gardens. This 120-acre urban woodland is a real gem, featuring seven designated trails to enjoy and explore. It also provides plenty of opportunities for an educational experience as you learn about plant life and the Arboretum’s history.
- Big Talbot Island State Park
If you love birdwatching, fishing, or biking along gorgeous wetlands, then come and visit Big Talbot Island State Park. It’s a natural preserve that provides a perfect location for photography, nature study, and various outdoor activities. There are also kayak tours you can reserve in advance to explore the area.
- Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens
The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens was established in 1958 but opened its doors in November 1961. It is currently the largest fine arts museum you’ll find in Northeast Florida, featuring over 5,000 works of art. Then, there are also historic 2.5-acre gardens that serve as a breathtaking centerpiece for everyone to enjoy.