Tampa Bay is the jewel of Florida’s Gulf Coast and the US State’s fastest-growing tourism destination. It is a vibrant community where business meets pleasure, and innovation thrives alongside rich cultural traditions.
Why Tampa Bay?
Tampa Bay is more than just a sunny getaway – it’s a dynamic hub for business events. Home to a population of three million, this region blends Florida’s quintessential experiences with a diverse, culturally rich community.
From the thrill of Busch Gardens® to the serene beauty of waterfront sunsets, Tampa Bay offers a unique backdrop for any corporate event.
The area’s appeal extends far beyond its scenic vistas. Tampa Bay boasts a thriving culinary scene, award-winning restaurants, and is the epicentre of craft beer brewing in Florida. Its urban core, highlighted by the modern towers of downtown, is surrounded by lush nature parks, offering balance between business and leisure.
Tampa International Airport is among the finest in the USA, currently handling 25 million passengers a year. The airport will be ready to serve up to 35 million annual passengers by 2037 and a new Airside D experience will offer a 16-gate facility as early as 2028.
It is not only Tampa Bay’s airport infrastructure that is tailor-made for catering to large-scale events. Situated on the waterfront, the Tampa Convention Center offers just under 56,000sqm of meeting space with stunning views. This, coupled with the nearby hotels like the Marriott Waterside and the Westin Tampa Harbour Island, ensures attendees are never far from the action.
The Marriott Waterside, Tampa’s largest hotel, hosts tens of thousands of convention-goers annually and offers easy access to key attractions like the Tampa Riverwalk and Ybor City via the TECO Historic Streetcar.
The Westin Tampa Harbour Island, near the Convention Center and Cruise Port, offers an oasis in the heart of downtown, making it an ideal base for both business and exploration.
A taste of Tampa Bay
The destination offers a rich culinary diversity and Beacon is one chic rooftop venue offering panoramic views of the city from the JW Marriott Water Street. And SIX is an elevated bistro that showcases Tampa’s best flavours against the backdrop of stunning bay views.
The Oxford Exchange is worth a visit, a stylish, multi-functional space that combines a restaurant, coffee bar and bookstore within a beautifully restored historic building. A great spot a casual meeting. And for a taste of Tampa’s iconic cigar culture, a tour of the J.C. Newman Cigar Factory in Ybor City is a must.
Destinations International
This year Visit Tampa Bay hosted the Destinations International (DI) Annual Convention. DI is an industry association that plays a pivotal role in elevating Convention and Visitors Bureaus (CVBs) globally.
The DI Annual Convention is more than just a gathering; it’s a platform for CVBs to share best practices, explore innovative strategies, and redefine their roles within their communities.
Key sessions this year included accessible and inclusive tourism, social inclusion, and the future of destination marketing – sessions designed to equip CVBs with the tools and insights needed to navigate the evolving landscape of tourism and community development. One highlight was the ‘Destination Effect Campaign’, an initiative positioning destination organisations as central players in community development. Through research, storytelling, and real-life examples, the campaign redefines the impact and importance of destination organisations.
Culture
As you unwind after convention activities, Tampa Bay’s entertainment districts await. Ybor City, with its brick streets and historic charm, offers a lively mix of dining, dancing, and nightlife. The Columbia Restaurant, Florida’s oldest restaurant, invites you to experience its famed Flamenco shows and traditional Spanish cuisine.
Part of the DI experience was a visit to the ‘Unlock the Block’ reception at Sparkman Wharf, where attendees experienced the best of Tampa Bay’s culture, cuisine, and nightlife in a dynamic, open-air setting.
Events for medicinal purposes
If you’re searching for an ideal location that combines world-class healthcare facilities with exceptional meeting venues, then Tampa Bay should be on your list with its unique cure for the common meeting.
Tampa Bay’s aforementioned award-winning airport, with hundreds of daily flights from across the country and around the world, makes it a convenient destination for medical meetings. the location is also a short drive from major gateways Orlando and Miami.
Downtown’s growing medical campus creates synergy for events of all sizes and specialties. The waterfront Tampa Convention Center lies adjacent to the Center for Advanced Medical Learning and Simulation (CAMLS), new USF Morsani School of Medicine and Tampa General Hospital, which serves as USF Health’s primary teaching affiliate.
CAMLS is a world-class meeting and educational facility and can elevate any event to new heights, offering a quality environment for medical education and training.
The Moffitt Cancer Center leads the way in oncology care and research, and, in the heart of Tampa’s convention district, the Morsani College of Medicine offers an enlightening, hands-on facility that provides your attendees with unparalleled access to medical education leaders.
Finally, Tampa General Hospital, another gem in the city’s medical landscape, is a nationwide leader in organ transplants.
Tampa boasts education and research facilities across many other specialties
Unforgettable experiences
Beyond the conference rooms, Tampa Bay offers diverse attractions. There are theme parks to explore, outdoor lifestyle to be embraced, and unique venues and experiences that cater to every taste.
Imagine a business trip that feels like a vacation, and you’ll begin to understand why Tampa Bay is a favourite destination for events.
Tampa Bay offers more than just a meeting; it offers a transformative experience designed to leave attendees inspired and rejuvenated. So, take two tablets of adventure, enjoy all that Tampa has to offer, and see why it can be the perfect cure for the common meeting.
