Visit Sarasota County Speakers Bureau

We are subject matter experts on topics ranging from all there is to see and do in the destination – to how to effectively market a destination.  Sample topics are listed below, but do not hesitate to reach out should you have customized needs. Contact Shantel Norman at [email protected] to schedule a Visit Sarasota County Staff Member to speak to your group.

• Economic Impact from Tourism in Sarasota County
• Research on Sarasota County Tourists
• International travel trends and updates
• Meeting and Convention Travel trends and updates
• Destination weddings in Sarasota County
• Things to do in Sarasota County
• Media Strategies for destination marketing
• Social Media to drive tourism
• Public Relations and Earned Media to garner positive attention
• Volunteering with Visit Sarasota County
• Impact of Sports Events on our Community – Economic, health/wellness and social
• The Process of Attracting and Hosting International Events
• Niche Sports, Sarasota’s Hidden Treasures - highlighting local facilities and programs in lesser known sports
• Unique Opportunities in Sports Volunteerism – discusses how to be more closely involved with programs/facilities and upcoming volunteer opportunities.
• Sarasota, a High-Performance Training Mecca – discusses Sarasota’s role in pro and elite athlete training, and how it benefits our community

Our community is also busting at the seams with experts also happy to share information with your group.  These partners are listed below, along with area of expertise and contact information

• Sarasota's early history and the Sarasota Art Colony (1939-1970). Contact Stephenie Frasher, Arts Advocates - [email protected] - (443) 454-2206
• Real estate and property management. Specializing in investment properties. Beth Dilley, Ascendia Group - [email protected] - (941) 400-1322
• Sarasota History, Culture, People, and Neighborhoods including Amish, Circus, and Arts Culture. Female business owner and entrepreneur in hospitality, tourism, and entertainement. Tamara Hauser, Discover Sarasota Tours - [email protected] - (612) 578-0952 
• History of Amish and Mennonites and their impact on Sarasota. Jeff Miller, Dutchman Hospitality Group - [email protected] - (844) 370-7562
• Concierge services on how businesses can relocate to the Sarasota County community and how we assist local businesses in expansion. Erin Silk, Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County - [email protected] - (941) 309-1200
• The history of what makes our community unique from a local girl since 1960 who has sailed with 40,000 guests three times the circumference of earth since returning home with her childhood sweetheart. “We are still a small town. We have just invited more people to play in the sand with us.”. Jan Hamel Solomon, Key Sailing Charters - [email protected] - (941) 346-7245
• Dermatology, both medical and cosmetic, plus plastic surgery (primarily facial, but including breast augmentation, hair loss restoration, etc.). Ray Porter, Luminary Dermatology - [email protected] - (941) 923-4861
• Food and Beverage, Hospitality, Tourism. Michael Klauber, Michael's On East - [email protected] - (941) 366-0007
• From Tusk to Tail, African to Asian, elephant conservation is our primary purpose. Knowledge and understanding are the gateway to global conservation and restoration of these majestic mammals. Julia Braren, Myakka Elephant Ranch - [email protected] - (941) 702-0220
• Sustainable seafood & organic farming practices. Robert Baugh, Oysters Rock Hospitality/Cafe L'Europe - [email protected] - (941) 725-0100
• Benefits of exercise, support, and education for persons living with Parkinson’s disease and other movement disorders. Dolly Hiller, Parkinson Place Center - [email protected] - (941) 259-1865
• Job opportunities for people with disabilities. Beaver Shriver (co-founder of Rise & Nye's and founder of Inclusion Revolution, our supporting nonprofit) and a Rise & Nye's team member will introduce our human rights movement disguised as a coffee and ice cream shop. Beaver Shriver, Rise & Nye's / Inclusion Revolution - [email protected] - (724) 312-0824
• African American history in Sarasota. Vickie Oldham, Sarasota African American Cultural Coalition Inc. - [email protected] - (941) 962-8761
• Public transportation in Sarasota County, including: buses, OnDemand, Siesta Key trolley, paratransit; angles: accessible transportation, environmentally-friendly transportation, low-cost transportation, getting around North Port, Venice, Siesta Key, or Downtown Sarasota without a car. Miranda Landsdale, Sarasota County Transit - [email protected] - (941) 202-2294
• Entrepreneurship, writing a business plan, building a business, marketing, public relations, and community involvement. Learn how Sun King was founded and has grown over the years. Clayton Robinson, Sun King Brewery - [email protected] - (317) 431-3520
• About The Pickleball Club at Lakewood Ranch in Sarasota County. Karen Conkel, The Pickleball Club of LWR and the Play for Life Foundation - [email protected] - (941) 224-8664
• Hotel and Lodging industry, Travel Trends, Luxury meetings, Weddings and local dining trends. Raj Khubchandani, The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota - [email protected] - (941) 309-2001
• Our mission is to produce professional theatre that promotes and celebrates African American history and experience and how we support the development of a dynamic group of aspiring artists and build self-esteem in youth of color. Learn how Nate Jacobs created and launched a successful black theatre in Sarasota that the community supports. Beth Graves, Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe - [email protected] - (941) 744-0884
• Reducing your impact on the planet by putting on Events with Green Business Practices. Make small changes in the way you eat that impacts your health and well-being. Alyson Zildjian, Peak Performance Catering - [email protected] - (617) 834-8491