Convention Center Tampa

Furniture Show Takes over Tampa Convention Center...

Monday, August 30, 2010 by Convention Sales

Julia here again with some exciting convention news. This past week the Tampa Convention Center was host to Badcock & More the Furniture Company who has transformed the Exhibit Hall in a beautiful Furniture Show Room.

The exhibit hall was transformed and looks amazing, with displays of whole room sets all the way down to rugs on the floor. This event showcases their upcoming Fall Collection, as well as their current collection.

Badcock Furniture is here for their Annual Dealer Meeting that has brought in 1,000 attendees and will be here until the middle of this week. We loved having them here in Tampa and hope that they will return to us soon! That's all for now, but stay tuned in for updates on Tampa Bay meetings from me and the rest of the Tampa Bay team!

What a Great Line-Up of Shows this Weekend at the Straz Center for Performing Arts @StrazCenter...

Thursday, August 19, 2010 by jeremy fairley

The Sound of Music at the Straz Center for Performing Arts

Hello all! Jerm here with a reminder about this weekend at the Straz Center for Performing Arts where they are will have a plethora of shows going on!

Some of you were lucky enough to have won tickets to see The Sound of Music via Twitter yesterday, so congrats to Maria Mertens, Judy Conn and Lori Laquerre on winning tickets for opening night this Friday at 8pm at the Straz Center!

In addition to The Sound of Music, there is plenty going on this weekend at the Straz Center so I have taken the liberty of listing some of these for you guys! If you haven't been to see a show here, this weekend is a perfect time to get into the habit! Its a perfect example of the wide range of arts and culture in Tampa Bay is!

St. Peter Claver Catholic School Benefit - St. Peter Claver Catholic School Benefit concert features Gospel singing by various local artists and headliner Belinda Womack.

Dog Sees God: Confessions of a Teenage Blockhead - Good Grief! Teens struggling with sex, death and identity By Bert Royal Directed by David M. Jenkins

Respect: A Musical Journey of Women - From "Someone To Watch Over Me" to "I Will Survive," it's the journey of women, told through Top-40 music in the new musical production RESPECT: A Musical Journey of Women.

The Sound of Music - A heartwarming musical with a charming cast of characters, The Sound of Music will be one of your favorite things, too! Maria, a novitiate (“nun in training”), is sent from a nearby convent to act as governess to the seven children of widowed Austrian aristocrat, Captain von Trapp.

Demetri Martin - Called the “Voice of Generation Y,” Demetri Martin, is at the forefront of a new breed of young comics who get laughs with acerbic, relaxed observational humor. Voted one of the “25 Funniest People in America” by Entertainment Weekly, Martin left NYU Law School to pursue his career as a writer/comedian/artist/musician.

Einstein's Dreams - This adaptation by Ralf Remshardt and David Gardiner plays up the theatricality of dream imagery using a versatile ensemble with imagination to spare.

Jazz at the Straz Opening Night: Jazz Cellar Underground Orchestra and featured guests - Legendary local group returns from a 10-year hiatus to play Jazz Cellar favorites along with some smokin' new charts.

That's all I got for now folks, but be sure to check these shows out and get your tickets for these shows, or any upcoming shows! Until then, stay tuned in for more updates on Tampa Bay area events!

Let's Welcome the Armed Forces Communications & Electronics Association (AFCEA) to Tampa Bay!!!

Tuesday, July 27, 2010 by Convention Sales

Hey guys, jerm here again with another call to everyone to be sure that we welcome the Armed Forces Communications & Electronics Association (AFCEA) as it brings its LandWarNet conference to downtown Tampa next week. The conference will be held from Aug. 3-5 and will take place at the Tampa Convention Center.

Approximately 6,500 delegates are expected to attend the annual conference, producing 10,000 hotel room nights for an estimated economic impact of $3 million. Now that's allot of coin folks!

With more than 31,000 members, AFCEA International, established in 1946, is a non-profit membership association serving the military, government, industry and academia as an ethical forum for advancing professional knowledge and relationships in the fields of communications, IT, intelligence and global security.

AFCEA supports local chapters, sponsors events, publishes the award-winning SIGNAL Magazine, promotes education and provides member benefits - all with the purpose of equipping its members to meet government's challenges and to further their careers. To learn more, log on to www.AFCEA.org.

As usual lets extend a great big Tampa Bay team welcome to this group and make them feel at home in our city! That's all for now, but be sure to stay tuned in for more updates on Tampa Bay meetings and Tampa Bay area events!

Weekend Fun in Tampa Bay!

Thursday, July 22, 2010 by Bay Bloggers

Hey Tampa Bay, looking for something fun to do this weekend? Well, if so you have come to the right place. I, Alex, have created a list of fun things happening around the area this weekend!

Suncoast Business Expo- July 24, 2010
If you have never owned a business and wanted to know how, this event is for you. Seminars on tax advantages, lead generation, customer service, how to buy a franchise, how to buy and sell a private business, promotional products and more. There will be some of the top home based businesses and business opportunities in Florida giving their business briefings all in one location. Save time and money with one stop shopping. Find the Business that right for you. Doubletree Airport Hotel Convention center, 4500 West Cypress Street Tampa Fl 33607.www.suncoastbusinessexpo.com
Address: 4500 W Cypress St., Tampa, FL 33607
Times: Saturday and Sunday 9-5
Admission: $10

The Devine Equine III *** Horses helping veterans- July 24, 2010
Celebrate the healing power of horses while viewing beautiful equestrian art created by local artists at Great Art & Frame. Proceeds from sales help support Quantum Leap Farm's therapeutic equestrian programs, which now include equine assisted self exploration as well as therapeutic riding and carriage driving. Your participation will help disabled veterans, civilian adults, and children receive the benefits of equestrian therapy at Quantum Leap Farm.
Address: Great Art & Frame, 9906 W. Linebaugh Avenue, Tampa, FL 33626
Times: 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Admission: Free

Metrocon- July 24, 2010
Celebration of Japanese popular entertainment, including anime (animation), manga (comics), J-pop and J-rock music, cosplay (costume design and performance) and video games. Also includes a film festival and Fantasy Masquerade.
Address: 333 S Franklin St., Tampa, FL 33602
Times: Noon
Price: $10-$55

Surf & Turf, Wine & Dine – July 25, 2010
Come into Charley’s Steak House this season and choose from a summer-exclusive Surf & Turf menu with sommelier-chosen wine pairings for each course. Our specialized menu offers the highest quality turf items with the freshest seafood available, paired with exotic wine from across the globe. Patrons can indulge in this Surf & Turf, Wine & Dine summer feature with the number one rated restaurants in all of Orlando, according to Orlando Magazine.
Venue: Charley's Steakhouse

The Music Man- July 24, 2010
The CCC Community Theatre will present Meredith Willson’s The Music Man on Friday, July 23 at 7:30 pm and Saturday, July 24 at 3 pm.
The Music Man is a musical with book, music, and lyrics by Meredith Willson. The show is based on a story by Willson and Franklin Lacey. The plot concerns con man Harold Hill, who poses as a boys' band organizer and leader, and sells band instruments and uniforms to naive townsfolk before skipping town with the cash. In River City, Iowa, prim but progressive Marian, the librarian, sees through him, but when Hill helps her younger brother, Marian begins to fall in love with Harold. Harold, in turn falling for Marian, risks being caught to win her.
In 1957, the show became a hit on Broadway, winning five Tony Awards, including “Best Musical”, and running for 1,375 performances. The cast album won the first Grammy Award for "Best Original Cast Album". The show's success led to revivals and a popular 1962 film adaptation and a 2003 television remake. It frequently is produced by both professional and amateur theater companies.
Address: 4537 Lowell Rd., Tampa, FL 33618
Times: July 16 at 7:30 pm, Saturday, July 17 at 3 pm, Friday, July 23 at 7:30 pm and Saturday, July 24 at 3 pm
Venue: Carrollwood Cultural Center

Tampa Bay Storm vs Alabama Vipers: MillerCoors Beer Tasting- July 24, 2010
The Tampa Bay Storm and 97X invite you to a special MillerCoors Beer Tasting on the West Plaza of the St. Pete Times Forum prior to the game on Saturday, July 24 from 5:30 – 7:30pm. (Sample craft and specialty beers from our friends at MillerCoors)
Admission: $15 gets you a general admission ticket to the game, plus admission to the 2-hour pregame beer tasting.
$25 gets you a lower level end-zone ticket to the game, plus admission to the 2-hour pregame beer tasting.
If you’ve already got a ticket to the game – don’t miss out on the fun! Get your admission to the beer tasting for only $10!
Times: July 24 from 5:30 – 7:30pm
Venue: St. Pete Times Forum

Cinematic Situation “Tampa’s Premier Fashion Show” – July 24, 2010
Powered By: Vybe Nation
Time: 7:00pm
Venue: Club Skype
Age Suitability: None Specified

Tampa Bay Rowdies Vs. Miami – July 25, 2010
Address: One Steinbrenner Dr., Tampa, FL 33614
Times: 4:00 pm
Venue: New York Yankees at George M. Steinbrenner Field

Obscured by Time: The Magic of Florida" – July 25, 2010
Tampa Bay History Center presents the exhibition "Obscured by Time: The Magic of Florida," featuring the art of Hermann Trappman. The exhibit details the natural history of Florida through Trappman's compelling paintings, artifact replicas, fossils, and examples of the resources utilized by ancient Native Americans.
Venue: Tampa Bay History Center

Wisin & Yandel "La Revolución" Tour- July 25, 2010
Top-selling Latin Urban artists Wisin & Yandel are returning to the United States this summer for the second leg of their successful “La Revolución” U.S. Tour.
Address: 401 Channelside Dr., Tampa, FL 33602
Times: 8pm
Admission: Tickets start at $40.25

Events taking place all Summer long:
Summer Nights at Busch Gardens
Play & Dine All Day at Busch Gardens
Summer Classic Movie Series
Island Nights at Adventure Island
Cyber Bowling at Pin Chasers
Kids Eat Free at Thai Thani and Oishi in Channelside

Have a fun weekend and check back next week for more information on fun Tampa Bay events and things to do in Tampa Bay!

Sail Tampa Bay Update for Wednesday, July 14...

Tuesday, July 13, 2010 by Bay Bloggers

Hey guys! Jerm here with one final Sail Tampa Bay 2010 update for ya!

Since Saturday, Tampa Bay area visitors and residents have experienced some of the World's most magnificent international sailing ships for Sail Tampa Bay 2010.

The U.S.C.G. Eagle from the United States, the Capitan Miranda from Uruguay, and the Gloria from Colombia have all been a part of the event, which has given attendees a chance to get up close and personal with these vessels.

The U.S.C.G. Eagle departed Tampa Bay today, while the Capitan Miranda and the Gloria will be on-hand for one more day.

Both ships are docked at the Tampa Convention Center and will be available for ships on Wednesday, July 14 from 11am to 4pm. Both the Capitan Miranda and the Gloria are expected to depart from the Tampa Convention Center after 5:30pm.

Ticket prices are $10 for adults and $3 for children ages 3-12. A combo ticket, including admission and food, is also available for $16 for adults and $8 for children ages 3-12. The ticket box is located at the Tampa Convention Center.

Check out the slideshow below from the this weekends pictures, and check back for more updates on things to do in Tampa Bay and more Sail related Tampa Bay area events!

For more information, log on to www.SailTampaBay2010.com.

Sail Tampa Bay Update for Tuesday, July 13...

Monday, July 12, 2010 by Bay Bloggers

Some of the World's most magnificent international sailing ships have docked in downtown Tampa. Hey folks! Jerm here with a Sail Tampa Bay update for you for tomorrow!

The U.S.C.G. Eagle from the United States, the Capitan Miranda from Uruguay, and the Gloria from Colombia are be on-hand for Sail Tampa Bay 2010, which allows visitors to get up close and personal with these vessels.

The Sail Tampa Bay scheduled for Tuesday, July 13 is:

Capitan Miranda - tour hours will be from 11am to 7pm.
Gloria - tour hours will be from 11am to 7pm.
U.S.C.G. Eagle - tour hours will be from 9am to 12:30pm. The Eagle will depart from Channelside, and Tampa Bay, at 2pm.

Both the Gloria and the Capitan Miranda are docked at the Tampa Convention Center, while the U.S.C.G. Eagle will be docked at the Yacht Starship dock at Channelside Bay Plaza.
Ticket prices are $10 for adults and $3 for children ages 3-12. A combo ticket, including admission and food, is also available for $16 for adults and $8 for children ages 3-12. The ticket box is located at the Tampa Convention Center.

Additionally, attendees can board and tour the U.S.C.G. Eagle at no charge. For more information, log on to www.SailTampaBay2010.com. That's it for now, but be sure to stay tuned in for more updates on things to do in Tampa Bay and Tampa Bay area events!

Sail Tampa Bay Update For Sunday July 11... #TallShips

Sunday, July 11, 2010 by Bay Bloggers

Hello everyone! Jerm here with a quick update for tomorrows events at Tall Ships! It was an amazing day today, and if you didn't make it out today, then you can still make it out tomorrow and enjoy the festivities

Some of the World's most magnificent international sailing ships have docked in downtown Tampa. From today through Wednesday, July 14, the U.S.C.G.

Eagle from the United States, the Capitan Miranda from Uruguay, and the Gloria from Colombia will be on-hand for the event, which will allow visitors to get up close and personal with these vessels.

The Sail Tampa Bay scheduled for Sunday, July 11 is:

Capitan Miranda - tour hours will be from 11a.m. to 4p.m.
Gloria - tour hours will be from 11a.m. to 7p.m.
U.S.C.G. Eagle - tour hours will be from 11a.m. to 7p.m.

Both the Gloria and the Capitan Miranda are docked at the Tampa Convention Center, while the U.S.C.G. Eagle will be docked at the Yacht Starship dock at Channelside Bay Plaza.

Ticket prices are $10 for adults and $3 for children ages 3-12. A combo ticket, including admission and food, is also available for $16 for adults and $8 for children ages 3-12. The ticket box is located at the Tampa Convention Center and opens at 10a.m. Additionally, attendees can board and tour the U.S.C.G. Eagle at no charge.

For more information, log on to www.SailTampaBay2010.com. That's it for now, but stay tuned in for more updates on Tampa Bay area events and fun things to do in Tampa Bay!

Volunteers Needed for Tall Ships This Weekend!

Wednesday, July 7, 2010 by Bay Bloggers

The TALL SHIPS are coming to Tampa July 10th-14th and we need your help! From Saturday July 10th through Wednesday July 14th, the USCG Eagle, ARC Gloria, and Capitan Miranda will be docked at the Convention Center and the Channelside Channel.

Dockside tours will be administered daily and we need volunteers to help out with this huge event! If interested in volunteering, please contact Kara Manelli at kmanelli@funintampabay.com or at 813-404-3471 and let her know what day you're available.

Shifts will be divided into four hour intervals. Volunteer duties:

Ticket booth volunteers will be responsible for managing ticketing lines and being a general ambassador for tall ships. Must be able to stand for an hour at a time.
Ship volunteers will be responsible for managing lines, communicating wait information, stamping passports, and being a general ambassador for tall ships. Must be able to stand for an hour at a time.

Once again, if interested in volunteering, please contact Kara Manelli at kmanelli@funintampabay.com or at 813-404-3471 and let her know what day you're available.

We appreciate all the help we can get and are looking forward to making Tall Ships a BIG success! Thanks in advance and keep checking back for more updates on things to do in Tampa Bay!

Special FIFA World Cup Watch Party at Splitsville Lanes This Saturday! #GoUSABid #Tampa #WorldCup

Wednesday, July 7, 2010 by jeremy fairley

Hey Tampa, It’s Jodi to tell you about a special World Cup Watch Party at Splitsville Lanes. The World Cup is winding to a close this weekend so don’t miss your last chance to be a part of this worldwide event.

Splitsville will be hosting a unique World Cup Watch Party Saturday, July 10 at 2 p.m., for all of Tampa’s soccer fans and the Crew of the Uruguayan Tall Ship the Capitan Miranda. Uruguay will facing off in the semi-final match that day.

This watch party is a great opportunity to get the true global feel of the World Cup and to celebrate the arrival of the Tall Ships to Tampa. The Tall Ship festivities kick-off on Saturday and continue through the week.

Along with Uruguay’s Capitan Miranda, there are two other Tall Ships: Colombia’s Gloria and the United States Coast Guard’s Eagle. All of the ships are open for tours but a ticket is required for the Gloria and the Capitan Miranda.

If you haven’t attended a World Cup Watch Party, this is your chance to see a truly dynamic match with all the international charm the World Cup is renowned for. If soccer is not your thing make sure you come out to see the beautiful, historic Tall Ships; they are truly spectacular.

They will be available for viewing and tours at Channelside (for the U.S.C.G. Eagle) and the Tampa Convention Center (for the Gloria and Capitan Miranda). For the crew and cadets of the Capitan Miranda, Splitsville will be offering specials including free billiards in the billiards room.

For more information on the Tall Ships go to www.yachtstarship.com/SailTampaBay or www.SailTampaBay2010.com

Also don't forget to show your support for the USA World Cup Bid in 2018 or 2022 by signing the petition at www.GoUSABid.com/TampaBay! That's all for now, but stay tuned in for more updates on the World Cup in USA!

Are You Ready for Sail Tampa Bay - July 10 -14, 2010!!!

Tuesday, July 6, 2010 by Bay Bloggers

Hey Tampa Bay.. Alex here to tell you about one of Tampa’s huge events happening July 10- 14, 2010.

Sail Tampa Bay starts this Saturday and lasts until Wednesday of next week. Come out to the Tampa Convention Center and Channelside Bay Plaza to celebrate Tampa Bay’s rich maritime history featuring the magnificent International Sailing Ships of the World. The celebration begins with a spectacular “Parade of Sail” as the ships enter the Port of Tampa with thousands of spectators lining the shoreline.

The 5-day festival will feature a variety of different events along with live music and dockside tours of the ships- Captain Miranda, Eagle, Gloria.

The Schedule of Events:

Saturday – July 10, 2010
“Parade of Sail”
11am- 2pm Convention Center
• Ships open for tours- 2pm- 9pm
• Eagle open for tours- 3pm- 5pm

Sunday- July 11, 2010
• Ships open for tours- 11am- 7pm

Monday- July 12, 2010
• Ships open for tours- 11am- 7pm

Tuesday- July 13, 2010
• Ships open for tours- 11am- 7pm
• Eagle open for tours- 9am- 12:30pm
• Eagle Departs- 2:00pm

Wednesday, July 14, 2010
“Closing Ceremony”
• Ships open for tours- 11am- 4pm

Make sure you all head over to the Convention Center and the Channelside Channel to be a part of the many festivities happening July 10- 14, 2010.

For more information on Sail Tampa Bay, check out http://www.sailtampabay2010.com/index.php.

Make sure you follow us on Twitter and Facebook for more information on Tampa Bay area events and things to do in Tampa Bay!

Tampa Bay Welcomes American Society for Healthcare Engineering...

Monday, June 28, 2010 by Convention Sales

Hello everyone! Tampa Bay & Company is pleased to welcome the American Society for Healthcare Engineering (ASHE) for its 47th Annual Conference & Technical Exhibition.

The Annual Conference will take place at the Tampa Convention Center from July 11-14, and will welcome 1,200 delegates to Tampa Bay, producing 4,875 hotel room nights for an estimated delegate spending of $1.4 million.

The conference includes activities such as education sessions, exhibit floor, breakfast, lunch and evening receptions, Annual Business Meeting and Breakfast, and more. With 10,000 members, ASHE is the largest association devoted to optimizing the health care physical environment. To learn more about ASHE, visit www.ASHE.org.

That's all for now, but be sure to stay tuned in for more updates on Tampa Bay meetings!

A New Piece of the Puzzle at the New Wyndham Hotel in Tampa …

Tuesday, June 8, 2010 by Convention Sales

If you are in Tampa for business, leisure or both, discover the stunning new transition that’s both Wonderfully Wyndham and Quintessentially Quorom .

What was formerly known as the Quorum Hotel is now the Wyndham Tampa Westshore!

This premiere hotel offers 12,000 square feet of meeting and event space, 272 spacious guest rooms, four junior suites and two executive suites and an executive club level, is just two miles from Tampa International Airport and Raymond James Stadium and positioned directly between two of Tampa’s largest shopping malls, many fabulous restaurants & entertainment venues all within walking distance.

For your added convenience, the Wyndham provides complimentary shuttle service to the airport and to all Tampa attractions within a three-mile radius of the hotel and is easily accessible to other major venues such as the Tampa Convention Center, Old Hyde Park, Busch Gardens, Ybor City via Interstate 275.

At the Wyndham Tampa Westshore there’s daily innovative evenings; with interactive entertainment & exhibits

Take advantage of the Wyndham Tampa Bay Meetings Incentive Specials

20% Discount on Government meetings
25 % off when you plan your meeting
Book your meeting today and receive a $250 gift card
Wyndham Reward Points

So don’t delay booking your next meeting in Tampa at the Wyndham
Visit the website at www.wyndhamhoteltampa.com

City Bike Tampa's Ribbon Cutting

Monday, April 26, 2010 by Tampa Bay & Company

Greetings Tampa Bay! Jessica here with a Tampa Bay area events update... As part of National Bike Month in May, City Bike Tampa will be celebrating the Grand Opening of their second location with a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony this Friday, April 30.

The event will start with the opening of the Rental Hut at 11:00 AM (located on the Riverwalk between the Tampa Convention Center and the Tampa Marriott Waterside Hotel and Marina). The Grand Opening Celebration will take place from 4:00-6:00PM with the Ribbon Cutting at exactly 4:30PM.

City Bike Tampa has been hard at work getting their second location open and look forward to sharing this event with friends and

business associates. Be sure to make it out to the Marriott Waterside and Riverwalk to witness this exciting event! Hope to see you there... and be sure to check back for more exciting National Bike Month activities brought to you by City Bike Tampa!!

Tampa Welcomes the Association of Clinical Research Professionals' Annual Conference & Exposition...

Tuesday, April 20, 2010 by Convention Sales

Tampa Bay & Company is pleased to welcome the meetings and Tampa Bay conventions that are being held in Tampa Bay from Saturday, April 24 through Friday, April 30. In all, more than 4,200 delegates will attend these meetings and Tampa Bay area events, which will produce nearly 8,400 hotel room nights to create an estimated delegate spending of over $4.4 million.

One example of these meetings and conventions is the Association of Clinical Research Professionals' Annual Conference & Exposition, being held at the Tampa Convention Center. This conference will welcome 3,000 attendees, producing over 5,700 hotel room nights for an estimated delegate spending of over $3.4 million.

The Association of Clinical Research Professional (ACRP) is the primary resource for clinical research professionals in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology and medical device industries, and those in hospital, academic medical centers and physician office settings. ACRP was founded in 1976 to address the distinct educational and networking needs of research nurses and others who supported the work of clinical investigations. To learn more, visit www.acrpnet.org.

Please join us in welcoming this group, as well as all meetings and conventions, to the Tampa Bay area!

PennWell Corporation’s DistribuTECH Conference...

Friday, March 19, 2010 by Convention Sales

Well hello again! Linda Sadler Mummert here. I am back with some exciting Convention Sales Meeting News…. Tampa Bay & Company is pleased to welcome the meetings and conventions that are being held in Tampa Bay from Saturday, March 20 through Friday, March 26.

In all, more than 11,600 delegates will attend these meetings and events, which will produce more than 23,100 hotel room nights to create an estimated delegate spending of over $12.1 million.

We are highlighting PennWell Corporation’s DistribuTECH Conference, being held at the Tampa Convention Center. Approximately 4,500 delegates will attend the meeting, producing nearly 7,300 hotel room nights and creating over $5.1 million in delegate spending.

PennWell Corporation is a highly diversified, business-to-business media company providing authoritative print and online publications, conferences and exhibitions, research, databases, online exchanges and information products to strategic global markets. Log on to www.Pennwell.com to learn more.

Our Tampa Bay community should welcome the PennWell Corporation’s DistribuTECH Conference, as well as all meetings and conventions, to the Tampa Bay area!
Hats off to our Convention Sales team of Tampa Bay & Company for bringing these and other conventions and meetings to Tampa Bay to create positive economic impact for Hillsborough County. Over and out for now…. Until next blog, stay tuned in for more more news on Tampa Bay meetings and Tampa Bay area events!

A Tour of the New Hilton Garden Inn Tampa Southeast...

Friday, March 19, 2010 by Convention Sales

Greetings and Salutations from your convention sales blogger Linda Sadler Mummert. I had the opportunity of experiencing a cooked to order breakfast with Kimberly Rodgers, Sales Manager and Dori Laack National Sales Manager w/Tampa Bay & Company at the new Hilton Garden Inn Tampa Southeast this past Monday. The meal was delicious and the atmosphere surrounding their dining room was outstanding. After our meal, Kimberly escorted us on a tour of their facility.

They have a bar area where they occasionally host themed “happy hours” for the public, full service lounge, heated outdoor pool and whirlpool, fitness center & complimentary 24-hour business center. In addition they offer room service, complimentary WIFI and a complimentary shuttle within a 5 mile radius. They offer 4,200 sq. ft. of meeting space with state of the art A/V.

They have 119 rooms, including 20 king suites with separated living and sleeping areas. Refrigerator, microwave oven, and coffee maker in each room. 37” flat screen TVs with Free HBO in every room along with a complimentary USA Today. A large work desk with desk-level outlets, adjustable lighting and ergonomic chair. Please refer to their website to check out the additional amenities this hotel has to offer at www.tampasoutheast.hgi.com .

That is it for now. Over and out till next time, and stay tuned in for more Tampa Bay hotel updates from me. Happy St. Paddy’s Day!

The Air Conditioning Contractors of America Descend on Tampa!

Thursday, February 25, 2010 by Convention Sales

Well hello there! It is Linda Mummert reporting about a large convention coming to our wonderful city. The Air Conditioning Contractors of America or ACCA (what we call it in the trade) will hold their Conference and Indoor Air Expo at the Tampa Convention Center March 7 through March 9, 2010.

ACCA bills the event the country’s fastest growing conference and trade show for Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (HVACR another acronym). About 3,000 delegates are expected to descend on Tampa producing an estimated 2,600 hotel room nights and creating $1.3 million in delegate spending.

“Ocean Commotion” a fundraiser for the ACCA Political Action Committee will take place the evening of March 7 at the Florida Aquarium. Learning Labs, speaking engagements, networking events and the Indoor Air Expo are scheduled for all three days. Attendees can also attend a dinner at the Columbia Restaurant on March 9th.

ACCA is based in Arlington, VA and is a national organization of approximately 4,000 air conditioning contractors.

Well that is the scoop for now. I hope to blog on more conventions and Tampa Bay meetings happening in our city by the Bay. Over and out till next time.

Meetings in Tampa Bay for the Week of February 20 Through February 26!

Thursday, February 18, 2010 by Convention Sales

Hello all, Jerm here with an update about some visitors we will be having in market soon! Tampa Bay & Company is pleased to welcome the meetings and conventions that are being held in Tampa Bay from Saturday, Feb. 20 through Friday, Feb. 26.

In all, nearly 3,000 delegates will attend these meetings and events, which will produce more than 5,270 hotel room nights to create an estimated delegate spending of $1.8 million! That's allot of coin folks!

One example of these meetings and conventions in Tampa Bay is the Florida Board of Bar Examiners’ Winter State Exams, being held at the Tampa Convention Center. Approximately 2,000 delegates will attend the meeting, producing nearly 4,000 hotel room nights and creating over $1.1 million in delegate spending.

Please join us in welcoming this group, as well as all meetings and conventions, to the Tampa Bay area! , so lets make sure we let these guys know how happy we are to have them in our awesome city!

That's it for now, but be sure to stay tuned in for more updates on Tampa Bay meetings!

Highlights for upcoming meetings and conventions...

Monday, January 25, 2010 by Convention Sales

Linda Mummert here….I survived all the holidays and back with some highlights for upcoming meetings and Tampa Bay conventions. Tampa Bay & Company is pleased to welcome the National Telecommunications Cooperative Associations’ Annual Meeting & Expo being held at the Tampa Convention Center from Saturday, Jan. 30 through Friday, Feb. 5

Approximately 2,800 delegates will attend the conference, producing 8,180 hotel room nights and creating $3.2 million in delegate spending.

The National Telecommunications Cooperative Association (NTCA) is the premier non-profit association representing more than 580 small and rural telephone cooperatives and commercial companies. The NTCA is dedicated to improving the quality of life in rural communities through advanced telecommunications by education, advocacy and cooperation. To learn more, visit www.ntca.org.

Our Convention Sales team is hard at work bringing multiple groups in for site visits, and attending various tradeshows. For example, RCMA which is being held in Fort Worth this week and SGMP NATCAP Winter tradeshow in DC next month. In addition, they are successfully booking large and small meetings to create a positive economic impact for Hillsborough County.

This is all the news I have for now until next month. Signing off for nowand stay tuned in for updates on Tampa Bay meetings!

Tampa Bay Meetings at the Crowne Plaza Tampa Westshore...

Monday, January 25, 2010 by Convention Sales

Hey gang, Jerm here with an update for all of my meeting planner peeps out there! It seems like I am writing allot about the Crowne Plaza Tampa Westshore lately, but they are either always winning cool awards, or posting great deals on our website! Well this post continues much of the same as boy have they got a deal for you meeting planners!

This hotel was already a perfect spot for the business traveler, but with deal, not only can you enjoy great convenience, but your planning budget will love it as well! Located less than 2 miles from Tampa International Airport (TPA) and situated right in the heart of the Westshore business district. Only 5 miles from downtown Tampa, Tampa Bay Convention Center and within minutes of all major highways. The hotel is also walking distance to the Westshore Plaza.

Enough of me yammering, here are the meat and potatoes of the deal!

Book and Hold Your Meetings by June 01, 2010 and Receive:

50% SAVINGS ON MEETING ROOM RENTAL
20% SAVINGS ON ALL FOOD & BEVERAGE
COMPLIMENTARY WIRELESS INTERNET
DOUBLE POINTS OR AIRLINE MILEAGE FOR NEW OR CURRENT PRIORITY CLUB MEMBERS
PREFERRED RATES AVAILABLE FOR GROUPS WITH 10 OR MORE SLEEPING ROOMS ON PEAK

For more information or to book your next meeting, please call 813-287-1050 or email them.

That's it for this update, but be sure to check back for more deals on Tampa Bay meetings in our famed Westshore district!