Tampa Bay Is Where Dynamic Meetings Come Together Nearly Effortlessly
August 7, 2023
Exclusively Sponsored by Visit Tampa Bay
With an award-winning airport, cutting-edge venues, a vibrant array of amenities and innovative tech grants, Tampa Bay can transform your meeting into an unforgettable success story.
Celebrated service for air travelers from around the world.
Occupying the number two spot on the J.D. Power North America Airport Satisfaction Study, Tampa International Airport (TPA) is home to world-class service. And now it can bring an even wider range of attendees to your meeting.
The crown jewel of your meeting.
Now meetings at the waterfront Tampa Convention Center are even more scenic — with the completion of 18 new meeting rooms overlooking the water. Spanning two levels, the 18,000- square-foot addition featuring a terrace is the latest in a series of $38 million in upgrades to the cutting-edge venue.
In addition to the new floor-to-ceiling windows with stunning views, the flexible design provides a variety of configurations including an extension of exhibit hall space. Plus, future updates to Tampa Convention Center include upgrading elevators and escalators, adding new local food and beverage options as well as updating the building’s façade.
Already the crown jewel of Tampa Bay’s walkable, waterfront downtown convention district, Tampa Convention Center is located along the Tampa Riverwalk. This 2.6-mile pedestrian walkway conveniently links celebrated attractions, award-winning dining, modern hotels and more to create a meeting experience that’s easy to access and innovative.
Bringing together a world-class Convention District.
Running right past Tampa Convention Center, the Tampa Riverwalk conveniently links many must-experience destinations along one easy-to-access path. With 2.6 miles of scenic waterfront views, stroll or bike to celebrated museums, beautiful parks, award-winning restaurants and unique attractions, such as The Florida Aquarium on the path’s south end. For an even more adventurous experience, rent a standup paddle board, or take the Pirate Water Taxi.
Savor new tastes.
The 2023 MICHELIN Guide to Florida, bestowed Tampa Bay restaurants with a coveted MICHELIN Star – bringing the total number of restaurants included in the guide to 25.
Plus, Tampa Bay offers two Instagram-worthy food halls, Sparkman Wharf and Heights Public Market at Armature Works, with fresh Gulf seafood and an array of award-winning local craft beer.
An array of new ways to stay.
There’s a hotel option for every attendee with the new JW Marriott Tampa Water Street that boasts sprawling views, a rooftop pool and 100,000 square feet of event space. Searching for a unique boutique hotel? Look no further than the new Hotel Haya just minutes from downtown aboard the free streetcar. With midcentury Cuban flair, Hotel Haya features wraparound balconies, stunning artwork and innovative menus, all in historic Ybor City.
Sustainability meets wellness.
Outside the venue, the innovative Water Street Tampa neighborhood is the first in the world to earn WELL Certification for integrating sustainability and wellness into buildings and pedestrian spaces. There are extra wide sidewalks to promote foot traffic, water bottle refilling stations, recycling bins and buildings with cutting-edge energy conservation.
Explore more: Discover more at TampaMeetings.com today.
Contact:
Adam DePiro
Vice President of Convention Sales
P: (813) 342-4061
Partner Voices
Overview:
The award-winning Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) goes the extra mile to make every day extraordinary by offering customer service excellence and industry-leading partnerships. From their dedicated in-house Rigging team to their robust Exhibitor Services, The Center of Hospitality brings your imagination to life by helping you host unforgettable meetings and events. With more than 2 million square feet of exhibit space, world-class services and a dream destination, we are committed to making even the most ambitious conventions a reality.
In October 2023, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve allocating Tourist Development Tax funding for the $560 million Phase 5A completion of the OCCC. The Convention Way Grand Concourse project will include enhancements to the North-South Building, featuring an additional 60,000 square feet of meeting space, an 80,000- square-foot ballroom and new entry to the North-South Building along Convention Way.
“We are thrilled to begin work on completing our North-South Building which will allow us to meet the growing needs of our clients,” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “As an economic driver for the community, this project will provide the Center with connectivity and meeting space to host more events and continue to infuse the local economy with new money and expanding business opportunities.”
Amenities:
The Center of Hospitality goes above and beyond by offering world-class customer service and industry-leading partnerships. From the largest convention center Wi-Fi network to custom LAN/WAN design, the Center takes pride in enhancing exhibitor and customer experience.
The OCCC is the exclusive provider of electricity (24-hour power at no additional cost), aerial rigging and lighting, water, natural gas and propane, compressed air, and cable TV services. Convenience
The Center is at the epicenter of the destination, with an abundance of hotels, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance. Pedestrian bridges connect both buildings to more than 5,200 rooms and is within a 15-minute drive from the Orlando International Airport. The convenience of the location goes hand-in-hand with top notch service to help meet an event’s every need.
Gold Key Members
The OCCC’s Gold Key Members represent the best of the best when it comes to exceptional service and exclusive benefits for clients, exhibitors and guests. The Center’s Gold Key memberships with Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Walt Disney World greatly enhance meeting planner and attendee experiences offering world-renowned venues, immersive experiences and creative resources for their events.
OCCC Events:
This fiscal year, the OCCC is projected to host 168 events, 1.7 million attendees, and $2.9 billion in economic impact.
The Center’s top five events during their 2022-2023 fiscal year included:
AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships 2023
200,000 Attendees
$257 Million in Economic Impact
MEGACON 2023
160,000 Attendees
$205 Million in Economic Impact
Open Championship Series 2023
69,500 Attendees
$89 Million in Economic Impact
Sunshine Classic 2023
42,000 Attendees
$54 Million in Economic Impact
Premiere Orlando 2023
42,000 Attendees
$108 Million in Economic Impact
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