Check out the Q & A below.

Why should I go through the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitor Bureau?

The Bradenton Area CVB offers a wide range of complimentary services to assist in planning meetings and group events. We'll connect you with first-class companies and community resources to make your dream meeting a reality. We'll develop a customized list of local vendors and suppliers you can contact at your leisure. 

Let the Bradenton Area CVB be your liaison to local businesses and get proposals on your behalf.  Whatever your needs, from the biggest group to the small board retreats, let us show you our hometown hospitality with professional personalized attention from our CVB to make your next meeting or event a great success — an event the attendees will talk about for years to come.

What kinds of free services can the CVB offer?

The CVB can provide an array of free services to help you make your next event in the Bradenton area a big success.  We offer extensive pre-event planning resources and can contact lodging properties, venues, attractions and service providers.  We can provide sample itineraries or tours with a wide range of options for your guests.  We have first-time event incentive programs to help you stay within your budget.  We offer complimentary welcome bags, visitor guides, maps and other brochures. 

For a more extensive list of these services, please click here.

How can the CVB assist me to boost attendance at my events?

The Bradenton Area CVB sales staff can help the meeting planner find added value from our destination hotels, restaurants and attractions.

What is the biggest group event that has been hosted in the Bradenton area?

With several great, unique venues and 6,000 rooms, the Bradenton area has hosted several big events:

• Skills USA:  Over 16,000 room nights over a four-day period, with over 400 attendees, hosting events in venues throughout the Bradenton area.
• The State Bridge Tournament:  This tournament has made its home here for the past six years, bringing in over 2,500 room nights and around 2,000 people for an average of five nights.

Don't forget the Manatee Convention Center has 32,400 square feet in Center Hall and a conference wing with seven breakout rooms and a pre-function area. A half mile away, the Courtyard by Marriott Riverfront offers 132 rooms and suites and a great riverfront setting in downtown Bradenton.