Sarasota International Convention Center

The Sarasota International Convention Center offers conventions facilities in one of Florida's most popular towns. The facility is multi-functional and is located on the Gulf Coast of the state. The venue frequently hosts conventions, trade shows, expos, concerts, social events and consumer shows. It is located adjacent to the Sarasota-Bardenton International Airport and just an hour from the Tampa Internation Airport. Public transportation allows visitors to the area to travel from hotels to shopping and restaurants, as well as the convention center, with no problems. There are also a number of recreational opportunities in the area. The center opened in 2003. The city wanted to attract more conventions to the area and boost the tourism income for Sarasota. The center features 93,000 square feet of space and is the only climate-controlled facility in the area able to hold 5,000 people. There is a 3,000 square foot kitchen in the facility, as well as 4,6000 square feet of meeting space and 750 parking spaces. More than 3,000 hotel rooms are available in the area and there is a Holiday Inn connected to the center. The area offers a variety of things for visitors to do including visits to the Ringling Estate, time on the beach and visits to the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens.