When I woke up to a beautiful morning today on Fort Lauderdale Beach I found T.R.A.F.F.I.C.'s cabanas were just about ready to turn over to the companies that will use them to meet with clients and friends (the shot at right was taken just as the sun began to rise today).

The cabanas have been outfitted with refrigerators, flat screen TVs, constant food and beverage service and a variety of other amenities that will make them one of the most popular places to meet from now right on through the conclusion of the conference.

Tthe cabanas will be especially busy Saturday and Sunday as more and more attendees arrive at the Ritz to take advantage of the networking opportunities on Cabana Row before the show begins with Sedo's welcoming cocktail reception Sunday evening. 

T.R.A.F.F.I.C.'s "Cabana Row" at the Ritz Carlton

An inside view of one of the T.R.A.F.F.I.C. cabanas. The companies 
that rented them will add some of their own personal decorating touches 
as they get ready for their guests to join them Saturday and Sunday.

By lunch time today, T.R.A.F.F.I.C.'s Barbara Neu, Ray Neu and Kimberly Ann had set up the poolside registration desk where they will be signing attendees in this weekend. Some of the early arrivers joined them for the photo below.

Behind the outdoor T.R.A.F.F.I.C. registration desk today (left to right) are 
Ray Neu, Steve Cheatham, Barbara Neu, Diana Jackson, Kimberly Ann and Eric Rice.

I'll have another post from Fort Lauderdale Beach for you on Sunday before the show starts to give you a look at some of the preshow networking that will fill most of the next 48 hours. I will also have posts from the Ritz Monday through Wednesday to provide you with daily photos and highlights from the show. For those who are coming in I look forward to seeing you. For those who can't make it, I wish you were here but since you can't be, I'll try to make this column the next best thing to being there as the show unfolds.