Panama City Beach is an increasingly favored destination for smaller meetings, says Steve Bailey, vice president of sales at Visit Panama City Beach. “With 27 miles of pristine white-sand beaches and a charming locale, we offer friendly, hospitable service with the expertise and resources of a location that welcomes 18 million visitors annually. We have accommodations typically found in larger cities, but at a highly competitive cost. For families, we have beach and water activities, state parks, and indoor and outdoor activities and attractions for all ages,” he says.
The newly opened 255-room Embassy Suites by Hilton, directly across from the beach and in the Pier Park shopping and entertainment district, has more than 15,500 square feet of indoor and outdoor event space, including a rooftop terrace. Also now open, the 38,000-square-foot Duplin Winery offers tours, tastings, and special event space. Named “Best Seafood Restaurant” by Southern Living, Capt. Anderson’s Restaurant & Waterfront Market is a family-owned local landmark, with numerous private dining rooms and event spaces.
Larger event hotels include the 320-room Boardwalk Beach Hotel & Convention Center, with 40,000 square feet of meeting space, decks, and a gazebo; SpringHill Suites, with 10,898 square feet of function space and beachfront lawn space; and the 340-room Holiday Inn Resort, with 11,000 square feet of event space. Panama City Beach Event Center at Edgewater Beach & Golf Resort has a variety of beachfront condos and villas, as well as 32,700 square feet of function space for 2,000 guests.
