With wide-open spaces, walkable downtowns, and expansive outdoor areas, Polk County is known for old-Florida charm and authentic experiences, says Paul Smiley, conventions, meetings, and event sales for Visit Central Florida. “Polk County is a hidden gem, outside the main tourist corridor but just a short drive to international airports in Orlando and Tampa, theme parks, and Gulf and Atlantic beaches,” Smiley adds.
Area family-friendly attractions include Legoland Florida Resort, the Florida Children’s Museum, and historic Bok Tower Gardens.
The 16,000-acre Streamsong Resort in Bowling Green has 216 guest rooms and more than 25,000 square feet of indoor meeting space, along with additional outdoor spaces, three award-winning golf courses, a full-service spa, and other amenities.
Other event spaces include AdventHealth Fieldhouse, with 37,000 square feet of expo space, a 330-seat theater, and 7,000 square feet of meeting rooms; and the RP Funding Center in downtown Lakeland, with 100,000 square feet of conference space, a theater and an arena. It is adjacent to two hotel properties with a combined 250 guest rooms.
Also downtown, the 88-room Terrace Hotel, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, has 3,185 total square feet of event space. Planners will find a unique Florida cowboy atmosphere at Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo, with 200 lodging options and 16,500 square feet of indoor and outdoor event space.
