Final Docs - MEI 2021 Flipbook

MEI 2021 RECOGNITION TRIP
APRIL 29 - MAY 2, 2021
LAPLAYA BEACH & GOLF RESORT
NAPLES | FLORIDA

Congratulations!

The MEI 2021 Recognition Trip is just around the corner!
We are excited to share this experience with you and are
grateful for all of your efforts and hard work in earning this
special recognition.
Enclosed are your travel documents including your airline
E-tickets, luggage tags, itinerary in brief and important travel
information. Please review these documents prior to your
departure, as this information will assist you in preparing for
your upcoming travel. If you have any questions regarding
the trip, please contact Jennie with CPS meetings at:
[email protected] or (651) 214-4375.

MEI RECOGNITION TRIP | 01

Table of Contents

03 Know Before 12 Resort Dining
You Go

05 14Air/Arrivals/ Group Events
Ground Transfers

07 Schedule of 16 Individual
Events Activities

08 Destination 18 Friday
Information Dine-Around

10 20La Playa Beach & Departures
Golf Resort

In just a short time, we will be soaking up the
warm Florida sun and sharing new experiences
with your fellow MEI friends. We are so looking
forward to celebrating YOU in Florida’s Paradise
Coast and making fun and lasting memories!

John Romnes Rick Lowenberg

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Know Before You Go!

WHAT’S INCLUDED WITH YOUR RECOGNITION TRIP:
• Round trip air for you and one guest from your home

cities to Southwest Florida Airport (RSW).

• Round trip private group transfers to/from LaPlaya
Beach & Golf Resort and Southwest Florida Airport.

• 3 nights’ accommodations in the Bay Tower or Poolside
Beach house at LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort including
resort taxes and fees.

• Daily breakfast allowance at LaPlaya’s Baleen Naples
Restaurant: valid Friday Apr. 30th, Saturday, May 1st, and
Sunday May 2nd, 2021.

• Group Welcome Dining Event Thursday, April 29th on the
Vanderbilt Terrace at the resort.

• MEI group activity Friday, April 30th.

• Choice of one individual activity for you and your guest.

• Dinner Friday evening at the Mercado Naples restaurant
you selected within your reservation. Dinner includes
your meal, beverages, tax, gratuity, and round-trip
transportation.

• Group Celebration Dining Event on Saturday, May 1st at
Bayside Seafood Grill & Bar at the Village on Venetian
Bay.

• Onsite trip director to assist you with any needs during
your stay.

WHAT TO PACK:
Clothing: Resort casual to casual dressy for group
evening dining events. Lots of beachwear! Lightweight
jacket or sweater is recommended for breezy evenings,
reef-safe sunscreen, hat for outdoor activities and group
excursion, and comfortable walking/boating/tennis shoes
or sandals. Please remember your mask and some extras,
and hand sanitizer.

MEI RECOGNITION TRIP | 03

LUGGAGE TAGS:
Enclosed are your trip luggage tags. Please affix these
tags to your luggage, as this will ensure that your
bags are recognized as part of the MEI group and will
assist our transportation provider and the resort in the
appropriate handling of your luggage.

PERSONAL EXPENSES:
Any additional charges you incur at the resort, such
as spa services outside your chosen activty, giftshop
purchases, poolside drinks and food, etc., are at your own
expense. The resort will keep a separate record of these
expenditures for you. Please be sure you settle your
incidental account with the resort upon check out.

HOSPITALITY SPECIALIST:
MEI will have a hospitality specialist Jennie Jacobs,
to assist you throughout your trip. Should you need
assistance in securing additional tours or spa treatments,
or have any questions or special requests, please stop
by and see Jennie. She will be located within the resort
lobby outside of group event times. You can always
reach Jennie on her cell at 651.214.4375.

COVID PROTOCALLS:
Although restrictions are lessening as vaccinations are
becoming more widely available, please be prepared to
wear a mask in all public spaces. The airlines continue to
enforce the wearing of your mask completely over your
mouth and nose from entering the airport terminals
through departing the terminal at your destination.

Most carriers are providing sanitizing wipes and/or hand
sanitizer, but please be prepared with your personal
supply.

LaPlaya Beach Resort & Spa: Masks are mandatory in
any indoor space other than your guest room or when
outdoors. This is a county mandated policy, and your
cooperation is appreciated.

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AIRLINE RESERVATIONS & EXEMPTIONS:
Your E-TICKET is included in this documents packet.
Please take a moment to review your flight dates,
numbers, and times, as changes could have occurred
since ticketing. Delta Airlines passengers have been pre-
assigned seats next to their traveling partner. Southwest
Airlines passengers will be assigned your boarding
priority at check-in 24-hours prior to your departure time.
As each airline has their own procedures for pre-check
in, please refer to your reservation airline’s website or
reservations center.

If you miss your flight, please contact Jennie either via
email or text: [email protected] or (651) 214-4375.

ARRIVALS & GROUND TRANSPORTATION:
NT&T Transportation will be providing the private group
transportation from the RSW Airport to LaPlaya Beach
and Golf Resort.

Upon your arrival into RSW and deplaning, follow the
signs to your designated baggage claim carousel. Locate
the NT&T representative holding a MEI logo’d sign and let
them know that you are with the MEI group. Once you
have retrieved your luggage, they will guide you to your
waiting transportation. Transportation and gratuities for
your driver have been taken care of compliments of MEI.

It is an approximate 45-minute drive to LaPlaya Beach &
Golf Resort.

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AGirro,uAnrdriTvraaln,s&fer Info.

RESORT CHECK-IN TIME IS 4:00 PM.
If your room is not available upon your arrival, you will
have the opportunity change into something more
comfortable, relax by the pool and grab a bite to eat
while your room is prepared for you.
HOSPITALITY SPECIALIST:
Please see Jennie at check-in for further confirmations of
your trip inclusions.

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Schedule of Events

THURSDAY During Day
Group arrivals into Southwest FL (RSW) Airport.
4/29 Arrival
Private group transportation to LaPlaya Beach
FRIDAY & Golf Resort (driver gratuities are included).
Afternoon
4/30 At leisure to enjoy the resort and area.
6:00pm
SATURDAY Group dining event on the Vanderbilt Terrace
at the resort.
5/01
7:00am
SUNDAY Breakfast at Baleen Restaurant: opens at 7:00am.
8:00am
5/02 Departure for MEI group activity aboard the Edison
Explorer. The cruise is from 9:00am until 12:00pm.
A light breakfast and beverages will be available
onboard. We will have lunch together following the
cruise at the Riverwalk Restaurant in Tin City.
1:00pm
Return to resort.
Afternoon
Leisure time: individual activity where applicable.
6:30pm
Departure from resort to Mercado Naples for dine
around restaurant evening.
9:30pm
Approximate return to resort.

Morning
Breakfast at Baleen Restaurant: 7:00am - 11:00am.
Afternoon
Individual choice of activity or day at leisure.
6:30pm
Depart for our celebration dinner at Bayfront
Seafood Grill & Bar within the Village on Venetian
Bay.

Morning
Breakfast at Baleen Restaurant: 7:00am - 11:00am.
Scheduled
Private transportation from the resort to RSW
airport for return flights to home cities.

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Naples, Florida

Naples, Florida is a charming resort city on the shores of
the Gulf of Mexico along Southwest Florida’s Paradise
Coast. Visitors luxuriate in the area’s stylish atmosphere,
which includes beautiful pedestrian walks with shops,
art galleries and restaurants, along with palatial homes
surrounded by tropical landscaping. The area is known
for its beautiful white sand beaches, golf courses, fishing,
boating, water sports, arts and culture and spectacular
sunsets.

The splendor of Naples begins with its white sand
beaches which extend from the parks and public
beaches near downtown Naples to more secluded
seaside havens to the north. Many sightseeing tours
offer fun ways to explore all of Naples. Things to do and
see abound along Florida’s Paradise Coast!

CLIMATE:
In late April and early May, daytime temperatures are
typically in the high 80° and evening temperatures are
in the low 70°. The sun is intense, so please take extra
caution with sunscreen and plenty of hydration.

TIME ZONE:
Naples, Florida is on Eastern Standard Time: EST.

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La Playa Beach &
Golf Resort 9891GulfShoreDrive

Naples, FL 34108

LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort lets you relax on the beach
or by the pool, indulge in fine dining, rejuvenate in its’
world-class spa and hit the links on the Bob Cupp golf
course. LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort will revitalize you
while surrounding you with the breathtaking beauty of
the Gulf of Mexico.

You do not need to leave the resort to savor the best
parts of Naples. From an award-winning 18-hole golf
course and beach cruisers to fitness classes, a boutique
shop and fireside s’mores, La Playa offers endless ways to
enjoy the perfect weather and picturesque views.

GUEST ROOMS:
An updated twist on a Floridian classic, LaPlaya is
casually sophisticated. The well-appointed guest rooms
offer wrought-iron furnishings, luxurious fabrics, and
unique works of art, not to mention beautiful views. The
rooms are approximately 600 square feet of spacious
comfort boasting sunrise, sunset, or poolside views. You
will sleep in total comfort with the plush bedding and
pillow top mattress. Luxuriously appointed bathrooms
come complete with spa-quality amenities and plush
bathrobes.

SPA:
Find your inner peace at Spa Terre Naples. The staff of
Spa Terre aims to create a tranquil and refreshing spa
experience through their signature services. Treatments
offered include massages, facials, body treatments, nail
services and rituals. Slip into relaxation in the comfort of
your spa room with a private balcony.

CHECK IN TIME: 4:00 PM | CHECK OUT TIME 12:00 PM

NOTE: A valid credit card will be required upon check-in for personal
on-site purchases at the resort and other incidentals.

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Resort Dining

BALEEN NAPLES:
Baleen Naples overlooks the stunning beach with a few
tables located directly on the sand. A varied breakfast
menu with a Naples twist on traditional favorites include
crab Benedict and braised short rib Benedict (seasonal).
The lunch menu features gourmet sandwiches, a lobster
Cobb salad, and the popular Gulf grouper tacos. Yum!

MEI has purchased a $25 per person allowance for your
breakfast at leisure at Baleen each morning of your stay.
This includes the added tax and gratuity. Vouchers will
be handed out at arrival check-in at the resort. Over and
above charges will flow to your personal guest room
account.

HOURS OF OPERATION:
Breakfast Daily - 7:00am - 11:00am
Brunch Sunday - 12:00pm - 2:00pm
Lunch Daily - 11:30am - 2:00pm
Dinner Daily - 5:00pm - 9:00pm
(Hours subject to change)

TIKI BAR & GRILL:
Providing a poolside retreat, the Tiki Bar & Grill at the
resort offers guests a lite menu designed for poolside
days in the sun. Choose from fruit smoothies, daiquiris,
hand-crafted signature cocktails, fresh Mediterranean-
inspired fare, and Gulf Coast seafood rolls.

HOURS OF OPERATION:
Monday - Friday - 11:00am - 6:00pm
Saturday - Sunday - 11:00am - 7:00pm
(Hours subject to change)

ROOM SERVICE:
Room service is also available from 7:00am - 9:00pm
daily. See menu items as posted within your sleeping
room menu..

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Group Events

WELCOME DINNER:
Thursday, April 29th | Vanderbilt Terrace at LaPlaya Resort
This evening we will gather together on the Vanderbilt
Terrace as MEI welcome’s everyone to Naples, Florida.
With a backdrop of the intercoastal waterways, we will
have the opportunity to get to know everyone while
enjoying a variety of cuisine choices amid a warm Florida
Paradise Coast evening.

MEI GROUP ACTIVITY:
Friday, April 30th | Private Cruise aboard the Edison
Explorer. Our MEI Group Activity will take us out on the
water aboard our privately chartered vessel. This Eco/
Shelling/Dolphin Tour is ideal for enjoying a comfortable
ride along the river while taking in all that nature has
to offer in its glorious beauty. We will have a tour guide
with us so that we do not miss anything as we cruise
along one of the world’s largest mangrove forests. We
will also have time for shelling along Keewaydin Island
(the entrance to 10,000 Islands), and of course, dolphin
sightings!

Approximate tour time: 9:00am - 12:00pm. Following
the cruise, we will enjoy a casual lunch at Riverwalk
Restaurant within Tin City, which is a great spot for
souvenir shopping!

Dress code for the group activity is casual comfortable
with non-slip light-soled shoes for deck and boat.
Daytime temperatures will be mid-80’s and warmer,
so if you wish to take a dip in the water while we are
shelling, please wear your bathing suit under your activity
clothing. Do not forget a hat, lots of reef-safe sunscreen
and sunglasses!

MEI SMALL GROUP DINE-AROUND AT MERCADO:
Friday, April 30th | Separate information under page 12.

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Group Events

CELEBRATION DINING EVENT:
Saturday, May 1st | Bayside Seafood Grill & Bar
For our final celebration, our group will have a private
space within the Bayside Seafood Grill & Bar at the
Village on Venetian Bay. This lovely waterfront space
will be waiting for MEI winners and guests. Although the
restaurant has a strong influence of fresh seafood, there
are plenty of other specialty menu items to delight all
palates in this signature fine dining space.
Dress code for evening dining events: Comfortable,
casual layers for warm evening temperatures of 80° and
higher, and varying air-conditioned restaurant spaces.
Men can wear resort length shorts, polo shirts or short-
sleeved dress shirts and nice sandals. Women can wear
sundresses, maxi-dresses, capris, slacks, and blouses; and
the comfort of your shoes is at your discretion.

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Individual Activities

An MEI sponsored individual activity is part of your MEI
Recognition Trip. Reservations were secured based on
the selections made within your online registration. A
confirmation of your activity was sent to you by email,
and additional instructions will be included upon your
arrival to the resort.

LA PLAYA RESORT SPA TERRA SPA SERVICE:
Get ready to enjoy a tranquil and refreshing spa
experience at Spa Terra at LaPlaya Resort. The spa is
located on the 2nd floor of the Beach-house building
which is poolside at the resort.

We recommend you arrive 10-minutes prior to your
scheduled appointment. For facial and body services,
feel free to arrive in your bathrobe, swimsuit, and
sandals, or in whatever is most comfortable. All dressing
and undressing will take place in the privacy of your
treatment room. For your safety and comfort, we suggest
that you leave your jewelry and valuables in the safe in
your guestroom. This activity includes your spa service
and gratuity to your therapist.

TRIKE TOURS OF NAPLES:
Did you select the Trike Tour as your MEI sponsored
activity? If yes, you will enjoy a local tour of Naples
aboard a custom electronic trike on which you can sit
or stand during operation. This 90-minute excursion
will take place on Saturday, May 1st at 9:00am. Prepare
yourself to see the city’s most iconic sites including
Bayfront, Naples Pier, Cambier and Baker Parks, and
much more! Dress in cool, comfortable attire with shoes
or sandals that are secured to your feet, flip-flops are not
recommended. This activity includes round-trip transfers
from the resort to the starting point of the tour, the tour
itself and gratuities for your guide.

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Individual Activities

REVS INSTITUTE:
REVS Institute is more than a car museum; it is a place to
see society through a different lens. It is an invitation into
a working educational institution dedicated to the study,
preservation, conservation, and restoration of historically
significant automobiles. The tour is scheduled for
Saturday, May 1st at 10:00am. You can enjoy this tour at
your own pace. Docents are stationed throughout the
museum to answer any questions and offer additional
insight. This activity includes round-trip transfers from
the resort to REVS Institute, at your own pace tour, and
lunch at a local restaurant.

NON-MOTORIZED WATERSPORTS AT THE RESORT:
Choice of: Kayak | Standup Paddleboard | Pedal Boat
With LaPlaya Beach Resort located right on the white,
sandy beach of the Gulf of Mexico, the beautiful warm
Caribbean waters are calling you! This activity includes
rental of any one kayak (double or one for each person),
paddleboard, or pedal boat launched right from LaPlaya
Resort Beach. This rental can be enjoyed at your
leisure anytime during your stay, although a choice was
requested within your registration.

DAY AT LEISURE:
If you opted out of participating in one of the activities
offered, we are certain you will enjoy your free time
basking in the sun and breathing in the fresh, salty air!
Stop by and see Jennie in the lobby or call her on her
cell phone if you are looking for any suggestions or
recommendations.

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Also included with your MEI Recognition Trip is a small
group dinner of your choice Friday, April 30th at Mercato
Naples. Reservations have been secured based on
the restaurant you selected when registering for the
trip. A confirmation of your reservation and additional
instructions will be included upon your arrival to the
resort.

STYLE. SAVOR. SHINE:
Anchored by Whole Foods Market, Nordstrom Rack and
Silverspot Cinema, a 12-screen premier-style theater,
Mercato Naples offers 12 notable restaurants, over 20
upscale retailers and luxury residential condominiums.
Mercato hosts a vibrant year-round event calendar with
most events free and open to the public.

DINE AROUND RESTAURANT OPTIONS INCLUDED:

AZN:
AZN is an upscale Pan Asian Cuisine featuring steak,
seafood, and sushi. Guests will enjoy the authentic
magical tastes of Asia’s kitchens, updated and upscaled
for today’s diners.

ROCCO’S TACOS AND TEQUILA BAR:
Rocco’s Tacos offers a true taste of Mexico within a
fun and casual environment. Experience guacamole
prepared tableside and 425 varieties of tequila. Rocco’s
offers a diverse menu with attention to detail including
corn tortillas made by hand and cooked fresh on the
Comal in their kitchen.

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BAR TULIA:
Newly-opened Bar Tulia, Naples welcomes its first gastro-
craft cocktail bar with Italian Infused pub-fare. Bar Tulia is
all about artisanship and craftmanship - - creating their
own dough, pastas and cheeses, and curing their own
salami and sausage.

THE PUB NAPLES:
The Pub Naples offers a unique combination of British
hospitality and American flair. Best known for their
signature fish & chips, you can also enjoy a selection of
sandwiches, burgers, and classic British comfort food.

BURNTWOOD TAVERN:
Menu favorites include harvest chicken salad, cedar
salmon, Tavern steak & frites, and signature fish & chips.
Burntwood Tavern is also known for its house-infused
vodkas offered in such flavors as pickle, cucumber, and
bacon. Craft beers come in draft and by the bottle.

Friday’s dine-around evening includes round-trip private
transportation from the resort to Mercado Naples, dinner
and beverages for you and your guest at the restaurant
you selected, taxes and gratuities for your server and
driver.suggestions or recommendations.

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RESORT TO AIRPORT TRANSPORTATION:
Saturday evening, a departure notice will be delivered to
your room with your return flight details, instructions for
your check-out from the resort, and information on your
transfer from the resort to the airport.
NT&T will determine the appropriate departure time
from the resort based on your flight information and the
outbound flight schedule at the airport.
Please REFER TO YOUR DEPARTURE NOTICE for full
details
RESORT CHECK-OUT TIME IS AT 12:00 PM.

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