Black Meetings & Tourism - JACKSONVILLE: THE FLIP SIDE OF FLORIDA

Industry Briefs
JACKSONVILLE: THE FLIP SIDE OF FLORIDA
Jacksonville is transforming its riverfront and refreshing the coastline, offering meeting planners a fresh array of sophisticated venues and vibrant spaces. From the momentum of Jacksonville’s Downtown projects to the serene luxury of Atlantic Beach, the city is ready to host your next world-class event with brand-new infrastructure and unparalleled local charm. Coastal Luxury Reimagined The most anticipated debut of the season, Dune House Hotel & Spa , officially welcomed guests starting March 3. Rising from the former One Ocean Resort & Spa, this 193-room oceanfront landmark in Atlantic Beach is completely reimagined to celebrate vintage surf culture and refined coastal luxury. For larger meetings and groups, Dune House provides a lifestyle-driven destination with unparalleled offerings including: · 10,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor event space. · A renovated junior ballroom featuring stunning views over the coastal dunes. · Four new culinary concepts including the signature steakhouse, Coastal Farmer. · A full-service spa, beachfront pool and private cabanas for executive retreats. Wild New Spaces: Jacksonville Zoo & Botanical Gardens The Jacksonville Zoo & Botanical Gardens recently opened the J. Wayne and Delores Barr Weaver Manatee River Habitat and the VyStar Skyscape Entrance. The habitat features a 330,000-gallon, state-of-the-art critical care facility, which will allow the Zoo to rescue, rehabilitate, recover and release Florida manatees. The newly constructed areas offer many unique options for meetings and events, complete with access to an on-site catering kitchen: · Main venue space for 835 seated guests or 1,000 reception style that is ideal for concerts, galas, product launches and large celebrations. · Banquet space for 200 seated guests or 250 reception style, including a pre-function area and balcony overlooking the Manatee River. · A 24-seat board room with panoramic views of the Manatee River Habitat and private balcony access. New Faces, Places and Spaces · New team members: Visit Jacksonville recently welcomed two new members to the Sales and Services team. Katie Quakenbush is the national sales manager focusing on promoting Jacksonville as a premier destination for social, military, education, religious and fraternal conferences and events. Maryana Karpeeva is the assistant sales and services manager providing service support to the team sales support for small meetings with less than 150 room nights. · Riverfront Plaza: The first of the multi-phase redevelopment of Riverfront Plaza opened in fall 2025, introducing a vibrant blend of recreation, relaxation and connection to the St. Johns River. The plaza features an elevated destination playground, restrooms and a large open green space designed to host community events, festivals, and everyday leisure activities. The restaurant/cafe space is expected to open in 2026. · The Hub Brooklyn : This new dining destination is now open, featuring Alder & Oak, Southern Grounds, Zorba’s Bar and a courtyard gathering space perfect for group outings and events. Situated close to major institutions like Black Knight, Deutsche Bank and SoFi it’s an ideal spot for networking in a high-energy professional environment. · The Block Jax : A new experience seamlessly blending outdoor food hall, live music venue, kids play par k and dog park will open March 20 in Jacksonville’s Southside neighborhood. Food and beverage options include Southern Swells Brewing, Hungry Owl and the second location of James Beard nominated-Chancho King. · Coming Soon : The Music Heritage Garden is expected to open within the coming months along the St. Johns River in Downtown Jacksonville. This space adds a cultural layer to the riverfront, celebrating Jacksonville’s deep music history while serving as a flexible venue for outdoor events. Upcoming Hotel Openings Jacksonville’s room inventory is expanding strategically to accommodate the city’s growing demand. The latest hotel pipeline information is always available at visitjacksonville.com.

Industry Briefs

JACKSONVILLE: THE FLIP SIDE OF FLORIDA

Jacksonville is transforming its riverfront and refreshing the coastline, offering meeting planners a fresh array of sophisticated venues and vibrant spaces. From the momentum of Jacksonville’s Downtown projects to the serene luxury of Atlantic Beach, the city is ready to host your next world-class event with brand-new infrastructure and unparalleled local charm.

Coastal Luxury Reimagined

The most anticipated debut of the season, Dune House Hotel & Spa , officially welcomed guests starting March 3. Rising from the former One Ocean Resort & Spa, this 193-room oceanfront landmark in Atlantic Beach is completely reimagined to celebrate vintage surf culture and refined coastal luxury.

For larger meetings and groups, Dune House provides a lifestyle-driven destination with unparalleled offerings including:

· 10,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor event space.

· A renovated junior ballroom featuring stunning views over the coastal dunes.

· Four new culinary concepts including the signature steakhouse, Coastal Farmer.

· A full-service spa, beachfront pool and private cabanas for executive retreats.

Wild New Spaces: Jacksonville Zoo & Botanical Gardens

The Jacksonville Zoo & Botanical Gardens recently opened the J. Wayne and Delores Barr Weaver Manatee River Habitat and the VyStar Skyscape Entrance. The habitat features a 330,000-gallon, state-of-the-art critical care facility, which will allow the Zoo to rescue, rehabilitate, recover and release Florida manatees.

The newly constructed areas offer many unique options for meetings and events, complete with access to an on-site catering kitchen:

· Main venue space for 835 seated guests or 1,000 reception style that is ideal for concerts, galas, product launches and large celebrations.

· Banquet space for 200 seated guests or 250 reception style, including a pre-function area and balcony overlooking the Manatee River.

· A 24-seat board room with panoramic views of the Manatee River Habitat and private balcony access.

New Faces, Places and Spaces

· New team members: Visit Jacksonville recently welcomed two new members to the Sales and Services team. Katie Quakenbush is the national sales manager focusing on promoting Jacksonville as a premier destination for social, military, education, religious and fraternal conferences and events. Maryana Karpeeva is the assistant sales and services manager providing service support to the team sales support for small meetings with less than 150 room nights.

· Riverfront Plaza: The first of the multi-phase redevelopment of Riverfront Plaza opened in fall 2025, introducing a vibrant blend of recreation, relaxation and connection to the St. Johns River. The plaza features an elevated destination playground, restrooms and a large open green space designed to host community events, festivals, and everyday leisure activities. The restaurant/cafe space is expected to open in 2026.

· The Hub Brooklyn : This new dining destination is now open, featuring Alder & Oak, Southern Grounds, Zorba’s Bar and a courtyard gathering space perfect for group outings and events. Situated close to major institutions like Black Knight, Deutsche Bank and SoFi it’s an ideal spot for networking in a high-energy professional environment.

· The Block Jax : A new experience seamlessly blending outdoor food hall, live music venue, kids play par k and dog park will open March 20 in Jacksonville’s Southside neighborhood. Food and beverage options include Southern Swells Brewing, Hungry Owl and the second location of James Beard nominated-Chancho King.

· Coming Soon : The Music Heritage Garden is expected to open within the coming months along the St. Johns River in Downtown Jacksonville. This space adds a cultural layer to the riverfront, celebrating Jacksonville’s deep music history while serving as a flexible venue for outdoor events.

Upcoming Hotel Openings

Jacksonville’s room inventory is expanding strategically to accommodate the city’s growing demand. The latest hotel pipeline information is always available at visitjacksonville.com.