When temperatures get chilly outside, event attendees tend to prefer warm destinations for their gatherings. After nearly 20 years of planning destination events, we’ve compiled some pretty solid recommendations for destinations that are great for escaping cold weather and ideally suited for all events.
Here are a few of our top picks:
Mexico – for Corporate events
One of the most appealing aspects of Mexico is the wide variety of experiences available within the same country. Mexico City (also known as CDMX) is an impressive metropolis with five-star accommodations, innovative global cuisine, a thriving arts & culture scene, and world-class entertainment. Corporate events in Mexico City benefit from having all these things close at hand while having state-of-the-art technologies widely available, making the city ideal for business meetings and other corporate occasions.
The resort cities of Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Puerto Morelos offer beautiful beaches, lush rainforest landscapes, and nearby access to archeological sites like the ruins of Tulum.
On the other end of the spectrum, the Yucatan Peninsula and Riviera Maya showcase Mexico’s tropical side. All-inclusive properties are plentiful here, simplifying event planning for large groups by packaging lodging, food & beverage, activities, and more into a single price point. (Negotiating these contracts can be tricky, which is where we can help.) The vast majority of resorts also include ample space for meetings, galas, and receptions of all sizes, which works well for multi-day events with breakout sessions such as annual training, incentive trips, and the like.
The vast majority of resorts also include ample space for meetings, galas, and receptions of all sizes, which works well for multi-day events with breakout sessions such as annual training, incentive trips, and the like.
The Bahamas – VIBE’s top pics for incentives and National Sales Meetings
If you thought the islands of the Bahamas were just for honeymoons and vacations, think again. Several high-end resort properties specialize in catering to business audiences. Large properties like Atlantis Paradise Island and Baha Mar (in Nassau proper) boast huge meeting and convention facilities with casinos, spas, water parks, multiple dining venues, and enough rooms and suites to host thousands of guests.
Atlantis offers more than 200,000 square feet of indoor meeting space and 300,000 square feet of space for audiences as large as 4,000 people.
Baha Mar hosts three hotel properties within a centralized region that is also home to a Performing Arts & Convention Center and 40+ restaurants, bars, and lounges. In addition to each hotel’s various event venues, the Convention Center offers 200,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor space.
Another advantage of the Bahamas is how relatively easy it is to travel there. Multiple flights go back and forth between Miami and Fort Lauderdale daily, and direct flights from New York City are also available. There is also high-speed ferry and seaplane service from Fort Lauderdale to Bimini, Grand Bahama, and other islands.
Panama – for Incentives in Central America
Positioned almost at the center of the Western Hemisphere, Panama is virtually unbeatable as a destination that’s equally close to North America, South America, and the Caribbean. As a central banking and trade destination, Panama (particularly Panama City, the Capital) is home to industry-leading brands and businesses worldwide, which makes it a strategic location for hosting events geared toward global audiences.
The Panama Convention Center is one of the largest event venues in Latin America, with more than 165,000 square feet of space, 4G and 5G-ready communications, and an integrated food and beverage operation capable of servicing up to 5,000 guests. Hotels and other venues offer event space, five-star accommodations, and extensive amenities.
What’s appealing about Panama is that although it is a foreign country, its economy is based on the US Dollar, which eliminates guesswork over currency conversions and makes it easier to stick to budgets and avoid surprise costs.
Bonus Destination for One-Day Sales or Product Launch Meetings: South Florida
We’d be remiss if we didn’t mention South Florida since VIBE is based in Miami – one of the world’s most visited event destinations year-round. We’re a knowledgeable local resource for events in and around Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Palm Beach, and the rest of warm, sunny Florida.
Another thing to remember: even though warm-weather destinations are beautiful during the late fall and winter, it’s worth remembering that these locations and others like them can also be smart choices during the Spring and Summer. These off-peak times of the year can yield significant savings and special offers for groups. Connect with VIBE to get the most out of your warm-weather event experience.
