Magazine Online    The Authority On African-American Conventions, Incentives, & Leisure Travel
Industry Briefs
TAMPA BAY IS WHERE DYNAMIC MEETINGS HAPPEN NEARLY EFFORTLESSLY

With cutting-edge venues, upgrades to the Tampa Convention Center and a vibrant array of amenities - Tampa Bay meetings come together with an easy, stress-free vibe. It's something we like to call The Tampa Bay Effect and it's how we'll make your meeting shine.   

Celebrated service for air travelers from around the world.   

The experience begins with landing at J.D. Power's top-ranked airport, Tampa International Airport (TPA), just minutes from Tampa Bay's downtown Convention District. 

The crown jewel of your meeting.   

The waterfront Tampa Convention Center added 18 meeting rooms overlooking the sparkling Hillsborough River. Part of a $38 million expansion, the rooms are the latest upgrade to the treasured venue that's only steps from modern hotels, celebrated attractions and more, all along the Tampa Riverwalk.   

Bringing together the world-class Convention District.  

With 2.6 miles of scenic waterfront views, the Tampa Riverwalk links the Tampa Convention Center to must-experience museums, parks, award-winning restaurants and unique attractions.   

On the south end, The Florida Aquarium offers an exotic team-building excursion. Pet stingrays, meet penguins, swim among sea turtles and even set sail on a dolphin-watching cruise. For evening entertainment, the Straz Center for the Performing Arts offers traveling Broadway shows, stand-up comedy's biggest performers and more.

Discoveries await in every direction.

New to the downtown Convention District is the innovative Water Street Tampa neighborhood. Stylish and wellness focused, this is the premier place to see and be seen. Experience live music, stunning art installations and murals as well as special events at every turn. Then, finish the day at Arts Club, indulging in a celebration of creativity and mixology. Or head to the lively, upscale and music-focused Alter Ego.

Savor new tastes.
Like a great meeting, good food brings people together, while giving them plenty to talk about. And Tampa Bay's award-winning culinary scene does both.

There's everything from MICHELIN Starred restaurants and innovative chefs to more low-key, yet still award-winning, spots offering new spins on classic dishes. Naturally, fresh Gulf seafood is always plentiful.

Plus, Tampa Bay offers two Instagram-worthy food halls that are dining and entertainment destinations. There's Sparkman Wharf, in the Water Street District, and Heights Public Market at Armature Works. 

An array of new ways to stay.   

Just steps from the Tampa Convention Center, you'll find a hotel option for every attendee. There's the JW Marriott Tampa Water Street that boasts a rooftop pool and Florida's second-tallest rooftop bar, Beacon, with stunning skyline views of bustling Tampa Bay.

For refined luxury, The Tampa EDITION is a five-star masterpiece of hospitality, earning a place on Travel + Leisure's 100 Best New Hotels in the World list for 2023. You'll find a rooftop bar, food and beverage spots spearheaded by a MICHELIN-ranked chef, a spa, and more.   

Just minutes from downtown on the free streetcar, the boutique Hotel Haya offers midcentury Cuban flair, wraparound balconies, stunning artwork and innovative menus, all in historic Ybor City.   

Direct routes to adventure.   

To explore beyond the Tampa Riverwalk, catch the free, electric streetcar connecting downtown, historic Ybor City and the Water Street District. And for truly memorable transportation, try a Pirate Water Taxi ride to hotspots all over downtown, featuring whimsical historical narration.    

An array of multicultural meeting experiences.   

Tampa Bay has always been home to a unique blend of   people and cultures while maintaining a long-standing commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. The calendar is stacked with multicultural events and meetings. Plus, the streets are lined with monuments and parks paying homage to diversity and civil rights leaders.  

Tampa Bay was the first U.S. city to host Bollywood's hugely popular International Indian Film Academy awards. The city has hosted repeated Imperial Sessions of the Prince Hall Shriners as well as gatherings of many African American sororities, fraternities and business organizations.  

Accessibility is a cornerstone of our city.   

From the Convention District to attractions across the city, Tampa Bay proudly offers accessible experiences and adventures for guests of all abilities. The city closely collaborates with partners to help ensure that specific accessibility guidelines are met, so all visitors feel welcome.   

Discover more at TampaMeetings.com today.   

Contact:  
Sherri Brown   

Vice President of Multicultural Sales and Development   

P: (813) 342-4062  

SBrown@VisitTampaBay.com  

Advertisement