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FPRA’s 79th Annual Conference "It’s Personal: Research. Relate. Respond." is a four day conference of unparalleled professional development and networking for public relations professionals. 

Attendees will hear from major industry and thought leaders who will provide the inspiration, motivation and affirmation needed to help rocket your PR efforts to new heights.

This year’s conference will be held at the Ritz-Carlton Orlando from August 6th to 9th.

This year’s blogging team consists of Colleen Thayer, APR, CPRC, Susan Vernon-Devlin, Amelia Bell, APR, CPRC, Amanda Handley, APR, Katarina Dos Santos, Laura Kern, APR. Mollt Kellogg-Schmauch, Robyn LaPorta, Rachel Denton, Kim Livengood, Erin Morton, APR, CPRC, Sarah Coulson, Erin Knothe, Sarah Hansen, Brandi Gomez, Stella Harbilas, APR, Alyssa Holcomb and Maria Isabel Sanquirico. Follow their work here.

Conference attire is professional business. Please note that the average temperature in the hotel is 72 degrees. To ensure comfort, attendees may want to have a sweater or jacket available.

For the President’s Welcome Reception, casual attire is recommended. As this year’s theme is Harry Potter, attendees are encouraged to wear house-themed clothing.

The Golden Image Awards Banquet is formal wear, black-tie optional. 



The Ritz-Carlton Orlando is the epitome of luxury. Nestled in a natural oasis, the resort features a picturesque pool, a variety of dining options, a relaxing spa and an 18-hole Greg Norman Signature Golf Course. In addition, guests can enjoy birdwatching, kayaking and fishing on the property’s grounds. Ritz-Carlton guests can also take advantage of the amenities offered at the adjacent JW Marriott, which include a lazy river and shuttle service to Universal Orlando Resort, Walt Disney World Resort and SeaWorld. Learn more about the resort below, and view a map or take a photo tour of the resort online.

Activities:

Spa & Fitness
The Ritz-Carlton Spa is one of the most tranquil spa resorts, and will relax your muscles into true tranquility by blending professional techniques with homegrown herbs and remedies. The Fitness Center is located in the same building as the spa, and offers 24-hour access to top-notch equipment as well as fitness classes and personal training for an extra cost. Vitale, the Spa Cafe, serves up farm fresh food for your post-workout needs. If you're interested, you can check out the Primo Organic Gardens while enjoying your stay.

Pools & Lazy River
The resort includes the stunning Ritz-Carlton Pool as well as the Spa Pool for guests wanting a more relaxing experience. Children and adults alike are welcome to enjoy the soothing waters of the JW Marriott's Lazy River Pool. Rent a private pool cabana here

Golf
The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club offers a beautiful 18-hole golf course designed by two-time British Open Champion, Greg Norman. Not only does everyone enjoy their time on this beautiful and well-designed course, but the whole family can join since kids under 17 play for free! 

Games
Practice your tennis game with lessons or ask at the concierge desk for general use to play with friends. Enjoy the two bocce ball courts while reminiscing or start an exciting game of sand volleyball. For the not-so-ahtletically-enhanced individuals, the resort has a gameroom on site as well as a life-size chess board.

Daily Activities 
Find the wonder in the Ritz-Carlton Orlando's on-site butterfly garden. Join an eco-tour of Shingle Creek, a fishing excursion for pros or beginners, or a sunrise safari tour while staying at the resort. Rent a surrey bike, kayak or pedal boat to explore the resort for an extra charge.

Ritz Kids
The Ritz-Carlton offers a children's program that will let you relax knowing that your children are safe and having a great experience while expanding their minds. With special resort locations just for children and programs to help them advance, children will be able to explore "everything from coral reefs and forests, to recycling and sustainability, storytelling, art and food." Read more about the different programs here.

For more activities in the surrounding area, check out the attractions recommended by The Ritz-Carlton on their website

Dining:

Highball & Harvest

This restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner with southern-inspired cuisine and specialty hand-crafted cocktails. It gathers ingredients from local farms as well as drawing ingredients from the resort's own on-site farm, Whisper Creek Farm. The restaurant is open daily from 6:30 a.m. until 10 p.m. and the bar stays open until 11 p.m.

Norman's
Join chef Norman Van Aken as he blends Latin and Caribbean cuisine with European technique in his "New World Cuisine." This restaurant has beautiful views inside and out, with its colonial Italian Palazzo-inspired design and views of the golf course from your dinner table.

Bleu
This poolside restaurant and bar offers classic burgers and salads while enjoying the sunshine and a variety of frozen drinks. It's open from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. on the weekend.

Lobby Lounge
The Lobby Lounge is perfect for a light meal or snack, or a cocktail. From Monday to Thursday, this casual elegant restaurant overlooking the gardens, lakes and golf course is open from 4 p.m. until 12 a.m. and is open from 12 p.m. until 12 a.m. on the weekend. On Saturday and Sunday, the Lobby Lounge offers Afternoon Tea service from 2 to 4 p.m. Call 407-393-4648 to reserve Afternoon Tea. 

Fairways Pub
With food service from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and bar service until 6 p.m., this is the perfect clubhouse stop after a day on the course, and The Turn gives golfers the alternative to sitting for a meal by offering to go items. 

Vitale, Spa Cafe
Give your body some rejuvenating health food after a workout, treatment or dance lesson with Vitale's salads, power drinks and smoothies. Vitale is open from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. from Sunday to Thursday, and stays open one hour later on the weekend. Spa, workout or casual attire is preferred.

If none of these options fit your dietary habits, feel free to visit one of the seven other restaurants located on the JW Marriott side of the resort or order  Room Service at any hour of the day. Check out JW Marriott's dining options here or learn more about The Ritz-Carlton Orlando's commitment to farm fresh food here.

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