10 Unique Off-Site Venues for a Networking Event

When your attendees come together, there’s no doubt that networking is at the top of their list. Building relationships has always been the key to success, and since the pandemic, face-to-face interaction is valued more than ever before. Fort Myers’ islands, beaches and neighborhoods in Southwest Florida offer a variety of venues that provide the ideal atmosphere for networking, each with their own unique offerings and near accommodations. Here’s a look at just a few corporate networking event ideas for your next gathering, and to explore further, see our complete list of off-site venues. 

Buckingham Farms, Fort Myers

• A working farm and elegant, farm-to-table restaurant offering a charming, rustic barn for events (standing capacity 100)
• A hidden gem beneath towering oaks and surrounded by lush farmland, where your attendees can mingle around the fire pit and under the stars, and enjoy delicious, farm-fresh catering and cocktails
• Their on-site event coordinator makes planning simple and stress-free

Cabbage Key Inn, Cabbage Key

• A truly Old Florida experience on an island only accessible by boat
• The historic, open-air restaurant atop a 38-foot Indian shell mound offers panoramic views of Pine Island Sound (up to 150 guests)
• From its famous cheeseburgers and Dollar Bill bar to fresh peel-and-eat Gulf shrimp and homemade key lime pie, your attendees will enjoy a true taste of Florida
• A boat ride to the island is all part of the fun, with charters available through Captiva Cruises (148 passengers max) Tropic Star (45 passengers max) and Island Girl Charters (49 passengers max)

Sugarshack Downtown, Bonita Springs

• One of the area’s most exciting new venues featuring seating for 350 and live music every night from local, regional and national performers
• Versatile space can be customized to suit your group’s needs
• Specialties include signature cocktails and fresh dough made in house daily for crowd-pleasing pizzas and grinders

Slipaway Food Truck Park & Marina, Cape Coral

• Offers beautiful views of the Caloosahatchee River, food trucks, a full bar and live music
• Seating for up to 500 for a private event in the entire park or you can reserve a pavilion
• 10 different food trucks offer something for everyone in your group, from fresh seafood and mouthwatering BBQ to authentic Cuban and Greek favorites and more

Azaleas on the Corner, Downtown Fort Myers

• For smaller groups, this botanically inspired art gallery and wine bar offers a charming venue in downtown Fort Myers’ historic River District
• Mix a wine tasting event with a painting class for your group
• Your group can also enjoy shopping from a selection of artwork, soaps, candles and more

Hogwash, Downtown Fort Myers

• Another Historic District venue, this one offering a stylish, speakeasy ambiance
• Two lounges can accommodate 35 guests each, or combine those with a private room to accommodate 85 guests total
• Featuring a menu of craft cocktails and food from their sister bar City Tavern, or you can cater food in 

Bayside at Bonita Fish Company, Fort Myers Beach

• This newly renovated private outdoor event space boasts a scenic waterfront setting along Matanzas Pass 
• Features coastal-inspired fare with plated dinners for 70 guests and can accommodate up to 150 guests for standing receptions
• Pays homage to the heritage of Old Florida fish houses; the original restaurant, Bonita Fish House, was built in 1926

Sanibel Community House, Sanibel Island

• Offers the largest event space on the island, with the ability to combine four rooms to accommodate 800+ guests
• A large, commercial-grade kitchen is onsite for catering needs
• Outdoor space can be combined with indoor space for larger scale events

• Ample parking and close access to Sanibel Island’s superb offerings

Edison and Ford Winter Estates, Fort Myers

• Choose from locations including The River Pavilion, the Ford Lawn (the largest, accommodating 400+ guests), inside the Edison Ford Museum and Edison Caretaker’s House
• Catering, special guided tours, and lunch and tour packages are available
• From spectacular sunset views over the Caloosahatchee River to the museum’s collection of inventions and artifacts, it’s a venue your group won’t soon forget

Fort Myers Brewing Company, Fort Myers

• The area’s first and largest craft brewery featuring award-winning craft beers
• For private parties, they provide a dedicated bartender and choice of drink packages for your reserved space
• Their festive atmosphere features food trucks and live music

See the complete list of our off-site venues here and explore further on the meetings section of VisitFortMyers.com, the official resource for meeting planning and inspiration for the islands, beaches and neighborhoods of Fort Myers. We look forward to helping you plan a networking event that will exceed all expectations.