Sawgrass Marriott Resort & Beach Club
Unveils Newly Expanded Conference Center
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Ponte Vedra Beach, FL � February 2004 � On March 1, 2004, Sawgrass Marriott Resort & Beach Club � the largest meeting resort between Atlanta and Orlando with 56,000 sq. ft. of unmatched meeting space � opens the doors to the newly expanded conference center showcasing the 16,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-industry Champions Ballroom. Located along the Atlantic Coast between Jacksonville and historic St. Augustine, the magnificent 4,800-acre resort continues to meet the demands of the industry by offering conference facilities complete with a dedicated entrance and porte-cochere, remote check-in and registration desk, pre-function space, state-of-the-future technology and an underground parking facility.

�As one of the largest meeting facilities in the southeast, it is our job as a meeting resort to exceed the expectations of the industry,� says Debi Bishop, general manager for the Sawgrass Marriott Resort & Beach Club. �With the rising economy and groups of all sizes budgeting for more meetings, we felt the need to examine what we had to offer and take it to another level. With the newly expanded conference center and the addition of The Spa at Sawgrass next January, we are able to capture markets we have been unable to attain, while continuing to provide outstanding service to our current clients.�

Recipients of Successful Meetings, Meetings & Conventions, Corporate Meetings & Incentives, Corporate & Incentive Travel and Meetings South magazines� top awards, Sawgrass Marriott Resort creates an impressive entrance from the moment meeting planners and attendees arrive. In the pre-fuction space, a dramatic elliptical star medallion embossed in the carpeting greets guests of the resort, while grand-scaled furnishings of credenzas and consoles and lounge seating in rich fabrics of golds, plums and teals create a warm-inviting environment. Meeting attendees gaze out onto the property through large windows framed by gold silk, damask drapery panels and soft sheers.

The 16,000 sq. ft. Champions Ballroom � featuring eight breakout sections � captures the design movement of bold and sleek meeting space with a teal and gold palette. An updated twist on traditional carpet design features a gold, swirl pattern bordered by an elegant geometric frame. Honey-toned trim and stylish wall sconces and mirrors elaborately adorn the ballroom while dramatic ceiling light fixtures suspended at various heights create a sense of movement throughout.

Technology needs are met through Wi-Fi, T-1 lines, satellite and ISDN video conferencing capabilities, LCD projection and plasma televisions, while each of the main resort�s spacious guest rooms, conference rooms, ballrooms and board rooms also feature the capability of STSN high-speed Internet access.

In addition, Sawgrass also features the 8,000 sq. ft. Masters Ballroom, 4,000 sq. ft. Heritage Ballroom and the 12,500 sq. ft. Tournament Hall with exhibit space accommodating up to 60 booths. Separately, the 5,100 sq. ft. Island Green Pavilion is perfect for weddings, quaint receptions or casual barbecues. The beachfront Cabana Club is ideal for poolside or beachside events, while the Cascades Deck, overlooking the 13th hole of the TPC Stadium Course, is perfect for a social cocktail hour.

For smaller meetings, Sawgrass Marriott Resort has two executive board rooms, five conference rooms, 80 villa suites which can be used as small breakout meeting rooms and the popular Seventh Floor Salon which overlooks the lagoon.

Another part of the multi-millon dollar expansion includes the 20,000 sq. ft. �The Spa at Sawgrass.� Scheduled for completion in December 2004, The Spa at Sawgrass is surrounded by 15 acres of winding lagoons, moss-draped water oaks, twisted palms and giant magnolias and features 19 custom treatment rooms, a retail shop, full-service nail salon, fitness center and juice bar with energizing drinks.

After a day of long meetings, guests of Sawgrass Marriott Resort & Beach Club unwind to 508 guestrooms and villas. As Official Hotel of the Tournament Players Club at Sawgrass and home to THE PLAYERS Championship, Sawgrass offers 99 holes of world-renowned golf, including the famous TPC Stadium Course. Additional amenities include taking a dip in one of three swimming pools and two whirlpools, or relaxing with a professional massage or facial. Fitness facilities, nature hiking and biking trails and backwater and deep-sea fishing trips, spouse programs and St. Augustine tours provide additional post-meeting excursions.

To experience the newly expanded conference center at the Sawgrass Marriott Resort & Beach Club, call (800) 457-GOLF (4653) or (904) 285-7777 or visit www.sawgrassmarriott.com.

For More Media Information:
Chasity Phillips/Megan Ahearn
cphillips@zimmerman.com
The Zimmerman Agency
Phone: (850) 668-2222

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Placement Dates: 02/05/04 � 03/05/04
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