South Florida is home to many unique recreational activities, from kayaking to mojito-making to touring the everglades... you will have an experience to remember. You'll connect with other industry attendees for an enjoyable afternoon participating in an activity of your choice, for no additional fee. Review the activity descriptions below and select one when completing the conference registration form.

Catamaran cruise
Set sail aboard the spacious 53-foot Spirit of Lauderdale catamaran. Attendees will enjoy an exhilarating sightseeing cruise along Florida’s Coast. During the four-hour adventure, guests can relax in the undercover lounge area with wrap-around bar or get some sun on the upper deck area. Sit back and enjoy complimentary beverages served by professional and friendly crewmembers. Manatee sightings are common in the Intracoastal Waterway and possible wild dolphin encounters in the Atlantic Ocean will provide excellent photo opportunities while cruising. Snorkel equipment and instruction are available. Life vests are available for each guest.

Attire:  Light clothing, swim wear (optional snorkeling), rubber-soled shoes, sunscreen recommended
Transportation:  4-hour charter will depart to/from the Diplomat Landing Marina

Everglades and Flamingo Gardens Tour
Upon arrival at Sawgrass Recreation Park, attendees will be greeted by a guide from the Treasure Coast Wildlife Refuge. You will experience one of the natural wonders of the world, Florida’s mysterious and beautiful subtropical wilderness known as the Everglades. During the 30-minute Everglades tour, the naturalist will take you on an exhilarating airboat ride through the “river of grass.” These boats skim over shallow waters and grassy vegetation, stopping periodically to see birds, plant life and possibly an alligator! Bottled water will be provided at each park.

Next, attendees will transfer to Flamingo Gardens for a 90-minute tour, where the naturalist will introduce you to 60 acres of lush gardens showcasing rare, exotic native plants. The highlight of this facility is the Everglades “Free Flight” Aviary. Guests can also tour the Bird of Prey Center showcasing some of South Florida’s rare birds in their naturalistic habitat, the Tropical Plant House displaying orchids, calatheas and other unique plants, and Flamingo Island, a lush area for flamingos amidst tropical vegetation and sparkling waterfalls.

Attire:  Light clothing, comfortable shoes, sunscreen recommended
Transportation:  45-minute transfer to Sawgrass Park, 10-minute transfer to Flamingo Gardens, and 40-minute return shuttle back to the hotel.

Paddling the Oleta: Miami’s last free flowing river
Peel back the pages of time to get a feel for life in an earlier Florida. Discover native plants and marine species on a river that has seen the likes of Tequesta Indians, pioneer settlers and bootleggers. Starting at the Everglades and meandering all the way to the Atlantic Ocean, the Oleta River’s ecosystem supports a wide range of fresh water and marine wildlife. Our lazy river provides a peaceful trail for novice kayakers (very calm waters with 2 guides per 15 guests) who want to get away from it all. It flows through one of South Florida’s largest remaining mangrove forests and is the last free flowing river in the Miami area. Herons, Ibises, Spoonbills, Kingfishers, Osprey and Turkey Vultures all feed and nest in the area. River explorers are usually able to spot raccoons, and - with luck – manatees and dolphins. This is a 3-hour tour, complimentary bottled water is provided. Life vests are available for each kayaker.

Attire:  Swim wear, shorts, soft-soled shoes, sunscreen recommended
Transportation:  30-minute shuttle transfer to/ from the Oleta River

Ceviche and mojitos making 101 at Ola
Enjoy a fun filled afternoon of ceviche and cocktails. Attendees will be greeted with a refreshing mojito upon arrival. Executive Chef Jose Luis Flores will guide guests through the traditional techniques of ceviche making including the proper way to cut and marinate the fresh fish. Attendees will also learn the secrets of the outrageous and creative flavors of Ola’s ceviches. Just as the last sip of the cocktail is taken, Chef Flores will teach you how to make your own mojito. Guest’s ceviches will be plated by Ola’s staff and served along with a choice of delicious tapas. Takeaway recipes will be provided!

Attire:  Comfortable, casual attire
Transportation:two-hour class; 35-minute shuttle transfer to/from Ola

Experian golf tournament at the Diplomat Country Club
Designed by renowned golf course architect Joe Lee, The Diplomat Country Club is South Florida’s only 5-star rated golf course. Nestled amongst 3,000 coconut and royal palm trees and 50-year-old shady banyans, The Diplomat golf course stretches 6,800 yards and features rolling fairways, 8 acres of lakes and 76 bunkers, combining for a 72.9 course rating from the blue tees. This par 72 layout offers a challenge to even the most accomplished golfer and an enjoyable experience for players of all skill levels. The Diplomat Country Club boasts a lavish clubhouse, a practice facility including driving range, putting green and chipping green with bunker and ParView GPS on carts that gives exact yardage to the center of the green. Club and shoe rentals are available in the pro shop. Experian will provide complimentary beer, wine, sodas and water from the course beverage carts. You can look forward to having one Experian host for each foursome.

Attire:  The club requires shirts with collars and sleeves, and shorts must be Bermuda-length. Jeans, jean shorts and gym shorts are not permitted. Sunscreen and hats are recommended. The Diplomat requires soft-spike shoes.
Transportation:Experian will provide shuttles for a 5-10 minute transfer to/from the Country Club

Receive email updates for more details about the Vision 2008 conference as they become available.