ASPI 2017 Spring Meeting
February 22-24, 2017
Ritz-Carlton - Sarasota, FL
Spouse/Guest Program Information
The registration fee of $285 for spouses/guests includes attendance at:
- Welcome Reception and Dinner on Wednesday evening
- Continental Breakfasts on Thursday and Friday morning
- Reception and Dinner on Thursday Evening
For an additional fee of $50, spouses/guests can tour the Ringling Museum
Spouse/Guest Event at Ringling Museum
Thursday, February 23, 2016 - 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM (Additional $50 fee)
During this year's ASPI Spring Meeting, spouses and guests will be given the opportunity to tour the Ringling Museum Thursday, February 23th from 10am to 2pm. Today, The Ringling, the State Art Museum of Florida, is home to one of the preeminent art and cultural collections in the United States. Its story begins nearly a century ago, with the circus impresario and his beloved wife’s shared love for Sarasota, Italy, and art.
The Building of Ca’ d’Zan
John Ringling was one of the five brothers who owned and operated the circus rightly called “The Greatest Show on Earth.” His success with the circus and entrepreneurial skills helped to make him, in the Roaring Twenties, one of the richest men in America, with an estimated worth of nearly $200 million. In 1911, John and his wife, Mable, purchased 20 acres of waterfront property in Sarasota. In 1912, they began spending winters in what was then still a small town. They became active in the community and purchased more and more real estate, at one time owning more than 25 percent of Sarasota’s total area. After a few years the couple decided to build a house and hired the noted New York architect Dwight James Baum to design it. Mable, who kept a portfolio filled with sketches, postcards and photos, wanted a home in the Venetian Gothic style of the palazzi in Venice, Italy, with Sarasota Bay serving as her Grand Canal. Construction began in 1924 and was completed two years later at a then staggering cost of $1.5 million. Five stories tall, the 36,000 square foot mansion has 41 rooms and 15 bathrooms. Mable supervised every aspect of the building, down to the mixing of the terra cotta and the glazing of the tiles. Today, the entrance to the grounds is through the Venetian gothic gateway where the Ringlings welcomed their guests to the opulent Ca’ d’Zan, or “House of John” in the Venetian dialect.”
Following your tour, enjoy lunch at the Muse restaurant located in the museum.
Ritz-Carlton Spa
While on property some of you will be able to join in the beautiful 15,000 square foot Spa to enjoy complimentary amenities such as Steam, Sauna, Whirlpool, and Fitness Center. Each guest will be on own for booking and payment of any spa services. The group has been given a 10% discount. As the Spa sells out on a daily basis, it is highly recommend to book in advance. Please fill out and follow the instructions on the form here.
If you would like additional information on the Spouse/Guest Program, please contact Marilyn Jeans at [email protected].
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