Adding a page to the comeback story of Puerto Rico, Connect announced it has selected the destination as host of Connect 2021.

Formerly known as Collinson Media & Events (and also now owned by Corporate Event News’ parent company, Tarsus Group), Connect is known for its national marketplace-style shows for meeting planners in the corporate, sports, diversity, association and faith sectors.

Connect 2021 is expected to bring 3,500 planners, suppliers and other industry leaders to Puerto Rico for face-to-face meetings, education, networking and its signature lively receptions.

“We are confident Puerto Rico will deliver an unparalleled experience, as we anticipate another year of providing Connect attendees the exposure and face-to-face opportunities that are crucial in this industry,” said Chris Collinson, president of Connect.

This event will mark the first time Connect has been held in Puerto Rico. As CEN/TSNN previously reported in this interview with Discover Puerto Rico CEO Brad Dean, the island is on the upswing for meetings and conventions: Q1 business this year was better than three- and five-year averages for the island, exceeding even pre-Hurricane Maria levels.

Naturally, Dean is enthusiastic about the idea of this many meeting planners descending on the island to see its incredible recovery with their own eyes — with the hope they’ll want to return with their own groups.

“We’re thrilled to host Connect 2021 and have the opportunity to open Puerto Rico’s doors to the industry’s best meetings and events experts,” said Dean. “Welcoming the Connect community will be a testament to Puerto Rico being a strong force in the space — it will further elevate our status as the most technologically advanced destination in the Caribbean that offers the ease of traveling to a U.S. territory, combined with unparalleled culture and diverse natural offerings.”

Currently Puerto Rico has 150 hotels, nearly 1,900 restaurants and bars, and 13 golf courses. A planned Times Square-inspired entertainment complex in San Juan called El Distrito, currently under construction, will have a state-of-the-art performance center, a hotel and many entertainment options for groups when it opens in the coming year.

El Distrito is adjacent to the Puerto Rico Convention Center, where the majority of Connect 2021 events will take place. The PRCC has 600,000 square feet of convention space, a new lobby lounge, 15 meeting rooms, 29 breakout rooms and high-tech capabilities.