While attending the U.S. Travel Association’s IPW event, the Bradenton Area Convention & Visitors Bureau (BACVB) hosted a dinner in Los Angeles to introduce the city to their “paradise” destination.
Market research shows the west coast is highly interested in planning vacations to Bradenton, so the area’s vistor’s bureau used one of DTLA’s most cherished rooftop dining destinations to offer a sample of just how delicious Bradenton can be.
Held at Cabra at Hotel Hoxton on May 2nd, the curated surf and turf dinner showcased a Floribbean inspired menu prepared by Top Chef winner and Food Network star and Cabra co-owner, Chef Stephanie Izard.
Shown here: Shrimp Ceviche at Cabra made with imported seafood from Bradenton, Florida
The menu used the freshest seafood flown in directly from the Bradenton area, with a taste of paradise that included Floribbean flavors Gulf Shrimp Ceviche, Stone Crab Claws, Tuna Tiradito, and Whole Wood-fried Florida Snapper.
The BACVB representatives were in town just long enough to cast their line and bait DTLA with food, festivities, and travel information, making their presence known at IPW.
Photo courtesy: Bradenton Area Convention & Visitors Bureau
The U.S. Travel Association’s IPW has been bringing together travel exhibitors, travel buyers, journalists, and government representatives from across the globe year after year.
Organizers describe the IPW show’s mission as “connecting U.S. travel exhibitors with travel buyers and media to promote their product and negotiate future business, securing America’s position as a foremost global travel destination, and showcasing the best of what the U.S. has to offer.”
Past shows have generated more than $5 billion in future travel, according to the IPW website.
Mayor Bass attended the IPW convention as well, although she wasn’t available for the previous night of fine dining on top of the world at Cabra.
Photo courtesy: Bradenton Area Convention & Visitors Bureau
During the dinner and the convention, Bradenton reps engaged attendees with the allure of the region’s sugary white sand beaches stretching across the 16 miles of beach on Anna Maria Island, only accessible via the Gulf Islands Ferry.
Located just south of Tampa on the Gulf Coast, you’ll find sugary white sand and deep-blue waters. On top of pristine beaches with calm waters (potentially catered by Gulf Shore Charcuterie), the area has dryer activities like the Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, AMI Dolphin Tours, and the recently renovated and ADA-accessible Bradenton Riverwalk.
Photo courtesy: Bradenton Area Convention & Visitors Bureau
The Bradenton area is a short 30-minute drive from Sarasota-Bradenton (SRQ) airport. Vacation rental properties are popular in the area, along with boutique stays like Mello on the Beach, Zota Beach Resort, or even the brand-new Palmetto Marriott Resort & Spa.
The Bradenton Area was even the first in Florida to partner with the national non-profit Leave No Trace to showcase local sustainability efforts, making sure visitors always find their location as pristine as it is tasty. www.bradentongulfislands.com
