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As meeting planners seek out more sustainable options, the Fort Myers area is carving out a thoughtful space in the meetings landscape where scenic beauty meets purpose-driven planning. With more than 290,000 square feet of meeting space and 12,500 hotel rooms, Fort Myers’ islands, beaches, and neighborhoods offer everything planners need to design meaningful events. 

Getting there is easy, with seamless access via Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) and local transport options to accommodate groups of any size. The area’s off-site venues — set against the backdrop of the Gulf — add something truly special. Not to mention local professional event planners to help your event go off without a hitch. 

But what truly sets the greater Fort Myers area apart isn’t just the logistics — it’s the atmosphere. Known for its calm pace, restorative natural settings, and iconic white-sand beaches, this is a place where attendees can truly unwind, connect, and recharge. 

And in a time when travelers are increasingly mindful of their environmental impact, Fort Myers and its surrounding neighborhoods also offer planners something increasingly important: a variety of eco-friendly venues and hands-on community programs that invite attendee participation.

Convene and Go Green

Fort Myers’ local officials and organizations have been working for decades to preserve and protect the area’s unique environment. That commitment evolves every year — and it’s one that meeting planners can be part of.

“Many planners are looking for opportunities to give back to the communities where they hold their conferences, fulfill their sustainability objectives, and nurture lasting attendee connections with one another,” said Jill Vance, Director of Sales at the destination marketing organization for Fort Myers- Islands, Beaches and Neighborhoods. “We have quite a few options that check all three boxes.”

Popular corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities include beach cleanups, oyster bed restoration, and mangrove planting — hands-on group experiences that support local ecosystems while encouraging team bonding. Recently, one corporate group planted 1,800 sea oats along the beach to help prevent future flooding. Sea oats naturally build dunes, offering a lasting environmental benefit. Many participants return in the future to see the lasting impact for themselves. 

These hands-on efforts help companies elevate their brand reputation and resonate with sustainability-minded sponsors and attendees. They also allow teams to connect with the natural beauty that defines the Fort Myers area, from the mangrove forests of Sanibel to the turquoise waters of the Gulf.

A Countywide Commitment

The area’s sustainability efforts extend far beyond team-building opportunities. Fort Myers and surrounding areas are home to more than 120,000 acres of conserved land, including over two-thirds of Sanibel Island, which remains protected as conservation land. 

At J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, groups can spot up to 245 bird species, alligators, manatees, and bottlenose dolphins. Guided tram rides and mindfulness walks with local naturalists also offer memorable ways to immerse attendees in nature.

The county’s Conservation 20/20 program — an environmental land acquisition and management initiative — has already protected over 31,000 acres across 170 properties, including 52 nature preserves. The county continues to invest in new conservation opportunities to ensure that these green spaces remain accessible to both residents and visitors.

Through the destination’s partnership with Kind Traveler on an initiative called Every Stay Gives Back, it’s easy for planners and organizations to have meeting attendees back as part of their events. This turnkey program supports one of four local charities: Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife, Keep Lee County Beautiful, Coastal Watch, and Captains for Clean Water. Whether planning a leadership retreat or a company-wide offsite, Every Stay Gives Back offers a turnkey way to make a meaningful impact.

Where to Educate and Engage

Perhaps the best example of sustainability, innovation, and community coming together is the BEC at EFC Farm in Fort Myers. Born from resilience in the wake of Hurricane Ian, this working farm and event venue recently celebrated the grand opening of its new Education and Event Center: a purpose-built space that integrates education, sustainability, and community engagement.

The BEC offers a distinctly local alternative to traditional meeting venues — one that’s equal parts experience and education. Groups can participate in hands-on workshops, aquaponic farm tours, and sustainable agriculture programming. Its zero-waste model and aquaponics/hydroponics systems use up to 90% less water than traditional farming, demonstrating how innovation and sustainability go hand in hand.

The BEC fosters creativity and connection in a peaceful, natural setting for corporate retreats and gatherings. Custom food and beverage packages, curated by an exclusive catering partner, feature fresh, local ingredients with sustainability at the forefront.

“Attendees want more than just a change of scenery,” said Vance. “They want to walk away with a sense of purpose. That’s exactly what venues like the BEC deliver.”

Key offerings include:

• Corporate Retreats & Gatherings: A space designed to foster creativity, collaboration, and connection.
• Sustainability & Education: Hands-on workshops, farm tours, and programs focused on sustainable agriculture.
• Zero-Waste Commitment: Dedicated to minimizing environmental impact through innovative aquaponics and hydroponics systems that use 90% less water than traditional farming.
• Curated Food & Beverage Packages: Provided through an exclusive catering partner with a focus on sustainability.
• Community Engagement: Interactive sustainability programs that invite businesses and local groups to participate.

From conservation-driven venues to immersive CSR activities, Fort Myers’ islands, beaches, and neighborhoods offer planners purposeful ways to foster connection, ignite inspiration, and leave a lasting impact.

For teams looking to slow down, engage with purpose, and meet in a setting that reflects their values, Fort Myers and surrounding areas offer a fresh perspective — and a breath of fresh air.

For more information about hosting an event in the Fort Myers area and to submit RFPs, click here. 

This content was created collaboratively by Fort Myers – Island, Beaches and Neighborhoods and Skift’s branded content studio, SkiftX.

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