Event management team busy to start 2026

February represents the pinnacle of season in Southwest Florida, and it’s also the peak of events season for local businesses and nonprofit organizations.

In recent weeks, Priority Marketing has helped numerous clients and partners celebrate milestones, including groundbreakings, galas and grand openings. The firm offers turnkey services for those signature events, as well as statewide and national conferences, corporate meetings and seminars, expos, trade shows, open houses and more. Over the course of a year, Priority Marketing plans and executes more than 40 major events while providing support for clients hosting dozens of additional events.

Leading the charge is Priority Marketing’s Event Management Team, which works in partnership with the firm’s account managers and across departments to plan events. In 2026, the firm grew its Event Management Team to four members: Nicki McTeague, senior director of strategy and events; Logan Morey, senior project and event planner; Sydney Hajek, senior marketing and events coordinator; and Carly Anderson, events and public relations intern. Priority Marketing also added local vendors and business partners to help execute client events.

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES: Priority Marketing’s Event Management Services

Considerations when planning an event

No two events are the same. The client is different. The goal is different. The venue is different. The target audience is different. That’s why Priority Marketing does not use a template for event management. Instead, the firm starts building an event with a blank slate.

For instance, a groundbreaking ceremony can include just a handful of key individuals or it can include executive leadership, board members, construction partners, donors/funders, elected and appointed officials, chamber of commerce leaders, social influencers, media and other dignitaries. From shovels at groundbreakings and paddles at galas to scissors at ribbon cuttings and PowerPoints at seminars, Priority Marketing can oversee all facets of an event.

A flurry of events

As 2025 wrapped up and 2026 began, Priority Marketing’s Event Management Team, with support from additional team members, has executed numerous client events and activities. Below are six recent examples of events in which our team helped clients achieve their goals.

Client spotlight: The Housing Authority of the City of Fort Myers

Group at a groundbreaking ceremony with shovels.

Event: The Arwyn groundbreaking ceremony

Description: After having executed groundbreaking events for Strayhorn Place in May 2025 and Legacy Point in October 2025, Southwest Florida Housing Foundation – a nonprofit development arm of The Housing Authority of the City of Fort Myers – solicited the firm’s assistance in a groundbreaking ceremony for The Arwyn. The 230-unit family housing community will feature a wide range of upgraded amenities, including a 4,396-square-foot clubhouse, community gardens, covered pavilions with grilling areas, a spacious dog park and in-unit washers and dryers, all designed to support connection, convenience and everyday quality of life. Priority Marketing partnered with the Housing Authority and Housing Foundation for a groundbreaking event on Feb. 10, 2026, that included community leaders, project partners and supporters.

Client spotlight: Crown Development

Group at ribbon-cutting ceremony in courtyard.

Event: Bimini Square ribbon-cutting ceremony

Description: Bimini Square, a new mixed-use development in Cape Coral, features a five-story, upscale community that blends 198 units of boutique apartment living with health care services, waterfront dining and a marina. The project represents a major investment and exciting new chapter for downtown Cape Coral that enhances the community as a great place to live and work. Priority Marketing partnered with Crown Development for ribbon-cutting ceremony on Feb. 5, 2026, brought together project partners, community leaders and supporters for a first look at the residences.

Client spotlight: South Seas

Water park ribbon-cutting ceremony with officials.

Event: Captiva Landing grand opening

Description: South Seas Resort, which has its eyes on being the nation’s No. 1 family destination, continues introducing new additions and amenities following Hurricane Ian. The latest is Captiva Landing, a vibrant new aqua adventure designed to bring families together through shared experiences, flexible recreation and island-inspired fun. Captiva Landing spans more than 2.5 acres of immersive freshwater attractions with multiple experience zones designed to balance adventure and relaxation, including a splash zone, lazy river, restaurant, arcade and kids club. Priority Marketing partnered with South Seas on a “First Splash” ribbon cutting event on Dec. 22, 2025, that attracted resort leadership, city and county officials, chamber representatives and media.

Client spotlight: Southwest Florida Proton

Speaker addressing audience at indoor event.

Event: VIP reception

Description: Southwest Florida Proton hosted a VIP Reception to mark a historic achievement in the region’s emergence as a world-class destination for cancer care – the first delivery of proton therapy to a cancer patient on Florida’s west coast. The 42,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art medical complex in Estero is just the 48^th such facility nationwide and features IBA’s ProteusONE, a system widely regarded as one of the most innovative proton therapy platforms available. Priority Marketing partnered with Southwest Florida Proton to host a VIP Reception on Jan. 29, 2026, that attracted more than 100 local physicians, health system administrators, elected officials, community leaders and project partners.

Client spotlight: Everglades Coalition

Conference on America's Everglades with many attendees.

Event: 40^th annual Everglades Coalition Conference

Description: The three-day Everglades Coalition Conference is the largest forum for discussing the restoration of the Everglades. Each year, its keynote speakers, educational sessions and awards program attract conservation groups, leaders, scientists, students and supporters seeking a forum for thoughtful discourse on issues and challenges impacting the Everglades. Priority Marketing partnered with the Everglades Coalition for the Jan. 30-Feb. 1, 2026, event that brought together 450 advocates in search of solutions.

LINK: 40th Annual Everglades Coalition brings together conservation groups

Event management services

Priority Marketing offers turnkey event management services for all types of events. Planning often commences 12 months or more in advance of the event and involves teams across departments and agencies. Priority Marketing provides the following services that are vital to an event’s success: