Annual Convention

WELCOME

Dear Friends,

We’re bringing this year’s WTBA Annual Convention to the Sunseeker Resort in Charlotte Harbor, Florida.  It’s a brand new, fabulous destination with stunning waterfront views, nestled in Florida’s second-largest harbor.

The convention’s theme is “Build the Road Tour,” setting the stage for an unforgettable experience.  We’ll enjoy live music at night, great food, and a rooftop pool that overlooks the Gulf of Mexico.

You won’t want to miss our fantastic events and programming, either.  Green Bay Packers Hall of Famer Mark Tauscher is our opening morning’s kickoff speaker.  Also new this year, we’ll hear from a motivational speaker to close out the final day.

Please join me in celebrating the Association’s many accomplishments, growth, and relationships – both old and new – that we’ve built over the past year.  I can’t wait to see you there in February.

JR Ramthun
Michels Road & Stone, Inc.
2023-24 WTBA President

CONVENTION REGISTRATION FEES

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER NOW

Includes admission to General Sessions, Breakfasts, President’s Welcome Reception, Closing Banquet, and Hospitality each evening.  You must register for your hotel room separately via the next tab.

Member: $1,200
Spouse/Guest: $600
Children (under 18): Complimentary. Please register all children so that we have an accurate
count for meals.

OPTIONAL GROUP ACTIVITY FEES

All optional group activities will occur the afternoon of Friday, February 16th.  Please only register for one activity. Details for each activity are listed on the Optional Activities Tab.

Golf Outing (Without clubs): $250
Golf Outing (With rental clubs): $325
Sightseeing Cocktail Cruise: $150
Wine Tasting Adventure: $100

Event cancellation policy: Full refund if notification is submitted via email to wtbaevents@wtba.org 10 days prior to the event.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER NOW

 

ACCOMMODATIONS & RESERVATIONS

SUNSEEKER RESORT

5500 Sunseeker Way, Charlotte Harbor, FL 33980 (MAP)

Sunseeker Resort is a brand new, fresh, and fabulous destination with stunning waterfront views on the scenic shores of Florida’s second-largest harbor, located between Punta Gorda and Port Charlotte.

WTBA GROUP RATE & RESERVATIONS

Harbor View King $329 + taxes & daily $25 resort fee

Harbor View One Bedroom SunSuite $450 + taxes & daily $25 resort fee

The discounted group rate is available three days pre/post based on availability.  The WTBA Guest Room Block will be held until January 15, 2024.  Please note that any reservations made after that date will be based on availability and the discounted group rate will no longer be available.

CLICK TO RESERVE YOUR ROOM NOW

If you prefer to call the resort directly 833-909-5700 and reference the WTBA Room Block.

OPTIONAL GROUP ACTIVITES

All optional group activities will occur the afternoon of Friday, February 16th.  Please only register for one activity.

“COME SAIL AWAY…” Scenic Cocktail Cruise with lunch on the beach at Fisherman’s Village (90-person limit) $150 per person

Fisherman’s Village is one of Punta Gorda’s most popular attractions.  Enjoy lunch on the beach, then climb aboard the King Fisher Fleet for a 90-minute harbor tour.  The narrated tour will allow you to spend time in the open waters of the harbor looking for dolphins, seabirds, and other wildlife.  The shuttle will depart the resort at 12:00 noon and return no later than 4:30 p.m.

“DUST IN A BOTTLE” Wine Tasting Adventure (30-person limit) $100 per person

Consider yourself a wine connoisseur, wine lover or just starting your wine journey?  Hop on the Jolly Trolley (open-air trolley) to sightsee on the way to UnWINEd Wine Bar in the heart of downtown Punta Gorda. Enjoy a wine tasting that features a selection of Italian wines paired with lunch. All while learning about the different regions, varietal grapes, and some wine-tasting basics.  The Jolly Trolley will depart the resort at 12:00 noon and return no later than 4:00 p.m.

“18 HOLES” Aileron Golf Club $250 per person/club rentals available $75

Level up your game at Aileron Golf Club, a championship-level golf experience exclusive to Sunseeker Resort guests.  A box lunch and transportation to and from the golf course will be provided. Shuttles will depart the resort at 11:30 and 12:00 noon for a 12:30 p.m. shotgun start.

AIRPORTS/GROUND TRANSPORTATION

Please be aware that you are responsible for arranging your own ground transportation to and from the airport of your choice. 

If  renting a car, overnight parking is available at Sunseeker Resort for $15 per day/self park or $30 per day/valet.

PUNTA GORDA AIRPORT (PGD)

Approximately (12 miles) a 20-minute drive from the airport to Sunseeker Resort.  

• Sunseeker offers a complimentary shuttle for those flying into Punta Gorda Airport.  Call ahead to reserve 833-909-5700.
• Car Service: Gulf Coast Car Service Call ahead to reserve at 941-391-8800 or visit https://www.gulfcoastcarservice.com/
• Car Rental Options: https://www.flypgd.com/rental-cars/
• Uber or Lyft: $30-$50 each way 

SW FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL – Fort Myers (RSW)

Approximately (46 miles) a 50-minute drive from the airport to Sunseeker Resort. 

• Car Rental Options: https://www.flylcpa.com/rentalcars/
• Uber or Lyft: $70-$120 each way 

SARASOTA/BRADENTON INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (SRQ)

Approximately (56 miles) a 60-minute drive from the airport to Sunseeker Resort. 

• Car Rental Options: https://flysrq.com/car-rentals

• Uber or Lyft: $80-$155 each way 

TAMPA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (TPA)

Approximately (105 miles) a 1 ½ hour drive from the airport to Sunseeker Resort. 

• Car Rental Options: https://www.tampaairport.com/ground-transportation

ST. PETERSBURG/CLEARWATER INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (PIE)

Approximately (97 miles) 1 ½ hour drive from the airport to Sunseeker Resort. 

• Car Rental Options: https://fly2pie.com/parking-and-transportation/car-rental

SUNSEEKER RESORT AMENITIES

BARS & RESTAURANTS 

From casual eats on the water to elegant fine dining, Sunseeker Resort offers 7 stand-alone restaurants, 11 bars & lounges, two poolside options, and the 25,000 sq ft Harbor Yards Food Hall which offers 11 unique food concepts. Reservations are required at each of the Signature Restaurants. A link to to make restaurant reservations will be added in December. 

GOLF

Aileron Golf Club 18-hole par 72 private course for resort guests located a short shuttle ride away.  A link to make reservations for individual tee times will be added in December. 

SPA

Lorelei Spa & Salon is a full-service spa offering a wide range of services including wellness massages, marine body treatments, advanced facial treatments, as well as hair & nail treatments. A link to reserve spa appointments will be added in December. 

FITNESS CENTER 

7,100 square-foot fitness center overlooking Charlotte Harbor offers daily specialty classes ranging from high-intensity spin, yoga, and barre.  Please check back in December for class schedules and reservation link. 

POOLS

The resort offers two sensational pools. A 117,000 sq. ft. ground-level pool and a rooftop adults-only pool with stunning views of the Charlotte Harbor. 

 

PUNTA GORDA/PORT CHARLOTTE/ENGLEWOOD BEACH

To view or print off a digital visitor’s guide, CLICK HERE

Fisherman’s Village: Punta Gorda – Central Florida’s premier waterfront destination to dine, shop and enjoy live entertainment.  CLICK HERE for more information.

Port Charlotte Town Center Mall: Port Charlotte – A fully enclosed shopping center that includes a movie theatre, shops, and food court.

Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens: Punta Gorda – Specializes in the rehabilitation of local wildlife.  A great way to meet native birds and reptiles up close and personal.  

Peace River Wildlife Center: Punta Gorda – See native wildlife up close and meet Bella, a great horned own and Luna, an eastern screech owl.

Military Heritage Museum: Punta Gorda – Experience virtual reality flights on military aircraft in the simulator room, hear personal stories from veterans who serve as guides at the museum, and much more. https://militaryheritagemuseum.org/

Bert’s Black Widow Harley-Davidson: Port Charlotte – Harley-Davidson dealer featuring live music every weekend.

The Original Englewood Parasailing: Parasail in Englewood with the areas original and most experienced and ONLY full-time operator. Parasailing is a great family activity and we can fly ages from 5 to 105 years old.  https://englewoodparasailing.com/

Kidstar Park:  Port Charlotte – Kids amusement park featuring indoor black light mini golf, laser tag, go karts and arcade. Adults can partake in iCombat tactical laser tag and the vintage arcade.

Fishing Charters: See Visitor’s Guide.

Riptide Jet Ski Rentals: Englewood – 941.229.3687; Delivery available to parks and boat ramps in Punta Gorda.

LOCAL DINING

In addition to the 20 bars & restaurants within Sunseeker Resort, the surrounding communities of Port Charlotte, Punta Gorda, and Englewood offer a wide variety of options.

88 Keys: Punta Gorda – 941.639.7700; Located inside the Wyvern Boutique Hotel features fine dining with locally sourced ingredients.  Private group dining available. https://www.88keysflorida.com/about/

Bocca Lupo Pizza: Port Charlotte – 941.206.9653; Coal fired pizza, calzones, and pasta. –https://boccalupopizza.com/

Dockside Grill:  Punta Gorda – 941.637.6770; Located at the Four Points by Sheraton Harborside.  American cuisine with their signature Firecracker Shrimp.   atmosphere.  Group dining available. https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/rswfp-four-points-punta-gorda-harborside/dining/

Donato’s Italian Restaurant: Port Charlotte – 941-764-1600; Fine Italian dining with fresh, homemade pasta.  Does not take reservations.  https://donatosportcharlotte.com/

Farlow’s on the Water: Englewood – 941.474.5343; Caribbean flavors with a Southern twist. Take a tour of the herb garden on-site. Outdoor seating available. https://www.farlowsonthewater.com/

F.M. Don’s: Punta Gorda – 941.637.8800; Located in downtown Punta Gorda, This restaurant/bar boasts about its fresh food and history of Punta Gordon on the walls.  Private function room and outdoor dining available.  https://www.fmdons.com/

Peace River Beer Company: Punta Gorda – 941.655.8352.  Home of Sushi Thai and features twenty of the finest craft beers available.   https://www.peaceriver.beer/images/Prbc_Menu_2023.pdf?ver=2023

Prime Serious Steak: Port Charlotte – 941.627.8325; The steaks are aged to perfection, the seafood is fresh, and the burgers are freshly ground in their own butcher shop. https://primeserioussteak.com/newsite/

The Captain’s Table: Punta Gorda – 941.637.1177; Located in Fisherman’s Village, this restaurant provides a view of Charlotte Harbor with fresh gulf seafood, hand-cut steaks and more.  Private group dining available.   https://thecaptainstable.com/

The Grill At 1951: Port Charlotte – 941.255.0994; Fine dining with private group accommodations. Optional wine tasting dinners.  Live music nightly provided by the area’s best musicians with a focus on jazz. https://thegrillat1951.com/

The Perfect Caper: Punta Gorda – 941.505.9009; Family run restaurant with a French, Eastern European flair.  Private dining available. https://theperfectcaper.com/

The Twisted Fork Restaurant & Bar: Port Charlotte – 941.235.3675; Down-home Florida cuisine with “a Twist.”  Unique Venue!  Private function area available.  Check their schedule for back porch live music. https://twistedfork.net/

Visani Theater: Port Charlotte – 941.629.9191; Italian steakhouse with comedy theatre. https://www.visani.net/

Harbor Scoops: Punta Gorda- 941.505.8880; Family-owned company serving homemade, in-house ice creams. Over forty flavors to choose from including sugar-free, vegans and dairy-free. https://www.harborscoops.com/menu

PLAN YOUR STAY

WEATHER

The month of February in southwest Florida is typically mild & sunny with average daily high temperatures of 75°F and daily low temperatures of 55°F.

WHAT TO PACK

Resort and sports attire is appropriate throughout the day. Shoes and cover-ups are required in the lobbies and in all indoor restaurants, lounges and public places at all times. Keep in mind that the evenings may get a little chilly, so pack appropriately.

President’s Welcome Reception – Held outdoors with a casual beach vibe.  Polo shirts, dress shorts, slacks, sundresses, skirts and similar apparel.

Scholarship Auction Dinner – Please wear your convention t-shirt provided at registration.  Come ready to out bid your friends and colleagues on fantastic items and packages, all for a great cause.

Closing Night Banquet – Semi-formal attire suggested.  Jacket & slacks for men. Cocktail dresses, dress slacks, skirts for women.

Daily General Session – Polo shirts, dress shorts, slacks, sundresses, skirts and similar apparel.