Visit Sarasota County (VSC) has received recognition from several national organizations for its work in attracting meetings and events to the area. The organization was named a 2025 Readers’ Choice by ConventionSouth, which is a publication focused on event planning in the southern United States. More than 7,000 voters participated in this year’s selection process, making it the most successful competition for ConventionSouth to date. This marks the ninth time VSC has received this award since 2001.
In December, VSC was also chosen as a Platinum Choice Award Winner by Smart Meetings, a source of information about destinations and venues for meeting planners. The selection involved votes from readers who have firsthand experience with various destinations and venues. VSC competed alongside larger cities such as Kissimmee and Miami. Additionally, The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota received an award in the hotel category.
The Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMAI) awarded VSC two bronze awards at the 69th annual Adrian Awards. One was for its “Support the 941” hurricane recovery campaign and another for its Indicators & Insights Summit. These awards recognize achievements in travel marketing across advertising, digital marketing, public relations, communications, and integrated campaigns.
“Being recognized by some of the top meetings associations in the country reflects something we never take for granted – trust,” said Erin Duggan, President and CEO of Visit Sarasota County. “That trust is earned through strong results and strong relationships, and it pays dividends far beyond a successful event, generating Tourist Development Tax paid by visitors and reinvested back into our community. We also share this recognition with the sales teams at our hotels and sports venues – it’s their partnerships and expertise, paired with ours, that turn handshakes into room nights.”
Throughout the year, VSC works to attract various types of events to support local hotels and businesses beyond peak tourist seasons. In fiscal year 2025, its incentive program provided $28,000 to help hotels book meetings and conventions. International outreach efforts included creative collaborations like an “Art Car” partnership with Lipstick Lex to keep Sarasota visible overseas. Revenue generated from group business contributes to funding beaches, arts programs, and sports facilities through Tourist Development Tax funds.
For more information on Visit Sarasota County’s sales initiatives or event opportunities in Sarasota County visit www.sarasotameetings.com.
