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A Complete Guide to Hosting a Conference in Siesta Key

Posted by Best Western Siesta Key onMarch 6, 2023 in General.

While Siesta Key is a brilliant beach destination, the area also proves to be a delightful and convenient location to host a conference. Whether for your business or beloved hobby, there are numerous places in Sarasota that can accommodate a large group for an annual meeting, convention, cocktail hour, etc., and offer amenities to elevate your event. Of course, there are more things to plan and consider when planning a conference, such as coffee shops, happy hours, meals, team bonding experiences, and activities between events. In addition to offering the most comfortable hotel stay in Sarasota, the local experts at Best Western Siesta Key are sharing recommendations for every aspect of your conference. 

Coffee Shops 

The best way to start any day, especially when attending a long conference, is with coffee. Whether you’re planning a quick morning run, in need of an afternoon pick-me-up, or spending some time with your laptop, Sarasota is filled with sweet, delicious coffee shops. From downtown to Siesta Key, local favorite coffee includes Buddy Brew Coffee, O & A Coffee and Supply, Perq Coffee Bar, The Clever Cup Coffee Shop, Captain Curt’s Coffee, and Kahwa Coffee. 

Happy Hour

Something to look forward to during a conference is enjoying Happy Hour with colleagues and other professionals from your industry. Whether networking or winding down from the day, there are numerous places to spend Happy Hour in Downtown Sarasota, including Cask & Ale, Joe’s, or Office Bar SRQ. You can also head to Siesta Key for something closer to the sand and waves, such as Siesta Key Oyster Bar, Daiquiri Deck, The Beach Club, and Gilligan’s Island Bar & Grill. Finally, the ultimate way to spend Happy Hour in Sarasota is by watching the brilliant sunset. Plan a sunset cruise or head to O’Leary’s Tiki bar & Grill for the perfect waterfront sunset. 

Meals Out 

After a successful Happy Hour, you will certainly need to fill up on a mouthwatering dinner. No matter if you are making a large lunch reservation or popping in for a lovely dinner with professionals, Sarasota and Siesta Key cover all sorts of yummy cuisines to satisfy any palate. Waterfront dining recommendations include The Boatyard Waterfront Bar & Grill and Phillippi Creek Oyster Bar. Siesta Key also offers wonderful entrees at MVP- My Village Pub, Miguel’s Restaurant, and Clayton’s Siesta Grille. If you’re spending time downtown, don’t miss Brick’s Smoked Meats, El Melvin Cocina Mexicana, Cafe Epicure, or Mattison’s City Grille, which can accommodate large parties if reservations are made in advance. 

Team Bonding 

What better time to bond with your team or network with industry pros than during a conference near Siesta Key? Of course, joining a kayak tour through the mangrove tunnels or hitting the golf courses around Sarasota are awesome activities. However, there are a few more unique options, such as laughing your way through a comedy show at McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre, practicing your swing at PopStroke, working together to find your way out of an escape room, or assisting one another through adventurous obstacles at TreeUmph! Adventure Course. 

Relaxing Activities 

Whenever downtime presents itself, it is always nice and wonderful to rest and recharge for the next conference session or activity. Of course, hitting the beaches of Siesta Key is a given way to relax, and your attendees will certainly marvel over the pristine sugary soft sand and picture-perfect water. However, Best Western Siesta Key has a fabulous pool, not to mention the infamous Sand Dollar Pool Bar. If your attendees are ready to keep the energy high, we cannot recommend the plethora of museums around Sarasota, such as The Ringling and Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium. 

Hosting a conference near Siesta Key offers magnificent scenery, fantastic food and drink options, an assortment of activities, and of course, some of the best beaches in the world. Not to mention, overnight accommodations here at Best Western Siesta Key will make your out-of-town guests feel welcome and comfortable.