As we close out Fiscal Year 2025, I’m proud to share that Visit Sarasota County achieved excellent results from our sales and marketing efforts. Our team remains focused on ensuring every dollar we invest truly moves the needle—driving tourism and thus generating tax revenue that wouldn’t have happened but for our collective work. A key part of this success comes from our ongoing commitment to securing group business, which provides measurable impact and strong returns for our destination.

To learn more about our past year successes, I invite you to join us at our Indicators & Insights Summit on November 18th, where we’ll also offer a sneak peek at what’s ahead, and explore new ways to collaborate.

We’ll also welcome Nicole Porter from the U.S. Travel Association and celebrate the best of our industry with the Haley Hall of Fame Awards nominees and winners.

In service,

Erin Duggan, CDME - President & CEO

Here are the numbers comparing September 2025 to September 2024:

B Exclusive Events, LLC – Event Services Partner, Serving Sarasota County – Hotel Sourcing & Contracting; Event Planning, Design & Decor; Transportation & Group Logistics; Tours, Excursions & Teambuilding; Onsite Staffing & Support.

Friendly reminder that your referrals matter! Recommend a local business to our partner program and share this information with partnership@visitsarasota.org, and for every successful referral that completes the onboarding process (including payment), you’ll receive rewards – including a comped partnership after 3 referrals!

Say hello to new! We’re launching a new Events webpage where all of our event links will always be, we highly recommend bookmarking it.

Tuesday, November 18, 2025

The Carlisle Inn | 3727 Bahia Vista St, Sarasota, FL 34232

Networking: 7:45am | Summit Program, Awards & Breakouts: 8:15am - 12:00pm

Breakfast included

Thank you to our Summit sponsors!

We know there’s a lot to keep up with as a Visit Sarasota County partner — so each month, we’re giving your benefits a quick spotlight! Think of this as your friendly refresher on the tools that help you shine.

This month’s highlight: Fun in the 941 — your go-to place to post special offers for locals and visitors. From attractions and lodging to shops, spas, and dining, it’s an easy way to boost visibility and drive traffic your way.

How to Share Your Offer:

Once approved, your deal appears on Visit Sarasota County’s Special Offers & Deals page — and may even be featured in our promotions and social media.

Right Now: Dining partners can participate in The Local Bite, a food-focused version of Fun in the 941 deals. If you’re a restaurant, make sure you’re taking advantage of this benefit now and using the hashtag #SavorThe941 to be featured in our additional marketing pushes.

Questions? Reach out anytime at partnerships@visitsarasota.org — we’re here to help you make the most of your perks!

Art Ovation, Resort at Longboat Key Club & Zota Beach Resort, and The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota are nominated for Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards 2026.

Vote for the New Year’s Eve Pineapple Drop in USA Today’s 10Best competition.

November is shaping up to be another action-packed month for Sarasota County, with premier events across soccer, BMX, and lacrosse showcasing elite athletes and world-class competition throughout the region.

The month kicks off with the Girls Academy East Regional, taking place November 7-9 at IMG Academy in Bradenton. This elite tournament brings together the top U12–U14 girls’ soccer teams from across the Eastern U.S. and beyond, serving as a major platform for player development, competition, and collegiate scouting exposure. Each team will play one match per day over the three-day event, with approximately 2,800 participants and 3,900 spectators expected.

That same weekend, Sarasota BMX will host the 2026 Sunshine State BMX Championship Series, also happening November 7-9 in collaboration with USA BMX. As the second stop in the eight-race Florida State Championship Series, the event is projected to bring in over 950 participants and 2,500 spectators. The weekend will conclude with the State Race and Thanksgiving Turkey Open on Sunday, where all Open Main Makers and Push Bike riders will receive a special gift, celebrating the spirit of community and competition that defines the BMX scene.

Later in the month, from November 21–23, the region will welcome the IWLCA Presidents Cup, the largest women’s lacrosse event in the country. Taking place across Premier Sports Campus, IMG Academy, and the Tournament Sportsplex of Tampa Bay, the tournament unites top club teams and elite unattached players from the U.S. and Canada. Serving as a key recruiting platform, the event draws hundreds of college coaches from NCAA Division I, II, III, and NAIA programs. With over 13,000 participants and 23,000 spectators expected, the Presidents Cup will once again take over the region just before Thanksgiving — marking its third consecutive year in the area and reinforcing Sarasota County’s reputation as a premier destination for women’s sports.

We love celebrating our amazing partners and the work you do. If you'd like to be featured in an upcoming Partner Spotlight, please share your details by clicking the button below. Tell us about your organization, recent projects, and what makes your business special. We can’t wait to highlight your story!

Interacted with 4,292 visitors and residents at the Visitors Centers.

Mailed and distributed 357 Visitor Guides and mailed 30 Relocation Packets.

Created 730 info bags for various groups.