Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay : Cure for the common meeting
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
W hy 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 .
Left : Conference room with a view in Tampa Bay , while , right , there are plenty of smooth meeting interiors
32 / CONFERENCE & MEETINGS WORLD / ISSUE 132