Why now is the time to engage in Tampa Bay
Why does the sun seem to shine a bit brighter when groups convene in Tampa Bay? Maybe it’s the waterfront convention district. Maybe it’s the award-winning amenities and services. Perhaps it’s one of the three reasons below that keep meeting professionals coming back to Tampa Bay.
1. It’s the MVP of destinations.
Looking for a winning location for your next event? Tampa Bay is on a championship-level streak—recently featured on TIME’s World’s Greatest Places and Money’s Best Places to Travel. These accolades highlight Tampa Bay’s diverse attractions, from thrilling experiences to acclaimed dining.
Even the journey here is award-winning. Tampa International Airport (TPA) was ranked number one among North American airports with 15 to 25 million passengers in the Airports Council International’s industry-benchmarking Airport Service Quality (ASQ) Awards. Just minutes from the convention district, TPA impresses travelers with its modern facilities, easy-to-navigate layout and consistently high service standards.
2. A venue that does it all—sustainably.
Step into the Tampa Convention Center, and it’s easy to see why this waterfront venue has won so many industry awards. With 600,000 square feet of total event space, the facility goes big on flexibility and flair, offering 52 meeting rooms (27 with water views) and a 36,000-square-foot ballroom. Thanks to power efficiency and waste diversion programs, the venue proudly sports an ENERGY STAR score of 84.
Along with plenty of space, the Tampa Convention Center provides amenities and support from trusted partners. Encore brings events to life with cutting-edge audiovisual services and rigging, while Aramark serves award-winning cuisine to fit any occasion. EDLEN provides the foundation for success with temporary utilities and more than 50 years’ experience.
3. You’re within walking distance of world-class hotels.
Tampa Bay’s downtown Convention District makes it easy to stay near the venue. With more than 4,700 downtown hotel rooms—including 3,300 within six blocks of the Tampa Convention Center—attendees are never far from their accommodations. From boutique stays brimming with character to trusted global brands and luxury towers, Tampa Bay’s Treasure Collection hotels offer style, service and comfort just steps away.
Notable options include the 519-room JW Marriott Tampa Water Street, the 172-room Tampa EDITION, and the Embassy Suites by Hilton Tampa Downtown Convention Center. Connected directly to the convention center via skybridge, the Embassy Suites offers spacious two-room suites, complimentary made-to-order breakfast and evening receptions—making it a favorite choice for both convenience and comfort.
If guests need to venture out a little further, Tampa Bay offers a free electric streetcar— running every 15 minutes—with a station right outside the Convention Center.
Explore more ways Tampa Bay offers a brighter meeting experience. To discover more about Tampa Bay’s convention district, look for our next IMEXscoop article—and talk to us at the Visit Tampa Bay booth C4317.
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