Visit Sarasota County (VSC) has received recognition from several national organizations for its work in attracting meetings and events to the area, which supports the local economy.
ConventionSouth named VSC a 2025 Readers’ Choice winner. The award is based on nominations and votes from meeting professionals who identify venues that provide strong service for group events. More than 7,000 voters participated this year, marking the competition’s highest level of engagement so far. This is the ninth time since 2001 that VSC has earned this distinction.
In December, Smart Meetings selected VSC as a Platinum Choice Award Winner. Readers voted for their preferred destinations and venues based on personal experiences at various locations. This placed VSC alongside larger destinations such as Kissimmee and Miami. Additionally, The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota was recognized in the hotel category.
The Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMAI) awarded VSC two bronze awards during its 69th annual Adrian Awards ceremony. One award was for VSC’s Support the 941 hurricane recovery campaign; another recognized its Indicators & Insights Summit. The Adrian Awards honor achievements in travel marketing across advertising, digital media, public relations, and integrated campaigns.
Erin Duggan, President and CEO of Visit Sarasota County, said: “Being recognized by some of the top meetings associations in the country reflects something we never take for granted – trust. 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 events ranging from athletic competitions to corporate retreats to help support local hotels outside peak tourist seasons. In fiscal year 2025, VSC provided $28,000 through an incentive program to assist hotels with booking meetings and conventions. Initiatives like international outreach efforts and creative collaborations—such as an “Art Car” partnership—are used to keep Sarasota visible abroad. Revenue generated from these group bookings contributes to funding beaches, arts facilities, and sports venues through Tourist Development Tax dollars.
More information about Visit Sarasota County’s sales initiatives can be found at www.sarasotameetings.com.
