Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort reports increased group bookings and recognizes Shelby Schuler for Top 40 under 40

DESTIN, FL, July 27, 2011 /PRNewswire/ - Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort announced today the increase of group bookings year to date and the recognition of Shelby Schuler for "Top 40 under 40" by Connect Magazine. 

Sandestin is reporting an estimated 17 percent increase in group meetings and events in 2011 compared to last year.  According to group sales director Penny Jackson, not only is the resort seeing an increase in numbers, but it is also receiving increased requests from meeting planners who are seeking creative options like Sandestin's new team building activities.

What also makes Sandestin different from other hotels and destinations is the combination of its four championship golf courses, nationally acclaimed on-site meeting support, more than 65,000-square-feet of meeting space, beautiful accommodations from the beach to the bay and gracious southern hospitality, all within the gates of one property.

In related news, sales manager Shelby Schuler was named one of the "Top 40 under 40" professionals in the meeting industry, and was one of the individuals featured on Connect Magazine this month.  This highly respected award is given to outstanding up-and-comers and future leaders in the meetings industry.  Ms. Schuler oversees the emerging meeting markets including the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, Illinois, Texas and California. Identified as the relationship expert by Connect magazine, Ms. Schuler attributes this title to her upbringing. "When I started my first job, my parents told me to always have integrity and respect for others, and as long as I did I could never fail," she said.

"Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort and our team members deliver seamless events that meet the important needs of groups and their planners," said Ms. Jackson.  "We are thrilled to see Shelby and others recognized for their efforts and great service."

Located on Florida's Emerald Gulf Coast, Sandestin has long been a favorite for association, corporate and social group meetings. Unlike single unit hotels, Sandestin offers a wide variety of attractive meeting spaces and venues.  For large events, the resort features the 32,000-square-foot Baytowne Conference Center, the largest ballroom on Northwest Florida's Gulf Coast and the most sophisticated meeting facility in the region.

In addition, Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort features 24 break-out rooms for meetings of virtually all sizes, a 12,600-square-foot exhibit hall, two bayside conference rooms and four boardrooms.  Panoramic views of the Gulf of Mexico can be found at Sandestin's private dining venue, Finz Beachside Grille. 

For more information on Sandestin meetings or to speak with one of Sandestin's group sales managers call 850.267.8159 or visit www.sandestin.com.

About Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort
Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort was named the #1 resort on Florida's Emerald Coast. The resort invites guests to a world of 2,400 acres and 30 charming neighborhoods featuring 1,400 Destin vacation rentals, condominiums, villas, town homes and the best in Destin hotel accommodations. A member of Beaches of South Walton, the resort features more than seven miles of beaches and pristine bay front, four championship golf courses, 15 world-class tennis courts, 19 swimming pools, a 98-slip marina, a fitness center and spa, meeting space and The Village of Baytowne Wharf, a pedestrian village with shopping, dining and nightlife.

SOURCE Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort