Tour Tampa With Bay Area Destination Management Tours @ciccmp #cmp12

Wednesday, May 16, 2012 by

Hello there CMP Conclave attendees! Jeremy here and back with an update on some things to do in Tampa Bay for ya! It's not  gonna be all work and no play so we wanted to make sure to get your around and show you the highlights of this awesome place that we call home! Here are some quick details:

Highlights of Tampa TourTampa Bay Hotel
Friday June 8, 2012
Tour Timing: 1:00pm –5:00pm

The city of Tampa comes to life as your guide highlights the area. Begin with a visit to the old Tampa Bay Hotel at the University of Tampa.

This National Historic Landmark features unique Moorish revival architecture and dramatic minarets. Soak in the splendor of days gone by as you see and hear the history of this fabulous hotel and its founder, railroad tycoon, Henry B. Plant.

A drive along beautiful Bayshore Boulevard and through the Hyde Park area will show you the diverse architecture that is Tampa.

The Florida Aquarium & Tampa’s Riverwalk
Saturday, June 9th, 2012
Tour Timing: 9:30am- 11:30am

Florida AquariumTampa is blessed with a beautiful waterfront and this morning you will have an opportunity to travel along that waterfront on the Riverwalk.

This will take you from the Tampa Convention Center, the Tampa Marriott Waterfront and its adjacent park, past Channelside and to the Florida Aquarium.

Along the way your guide will hear about how Tampa sprang up and thrived along this water’s edge and developed into what you see today. Once you arrive at the Aquarium you will experience the story of Florida’s water.

It's gonna be a pretty awesome tour so be sure to sign-up so you won' t miss out on this one! For more information, contact our friends over at Bay Area Destination Mangement for more info at 813-962-5888 or submit the registration form.

That's all for now, but stay tuned as we'll be back with more updates on Tampa Bay area events and other going's on!

Top Five Reasons CMP Conclave Attendees Will Love the Tampa Marriott Waterside Hotel & Marina...

Monday, May 14, 2012 by

CMP Conclave in Tampa

It's almost here folks! What you ask? Well just the industry’s only exclusive meeting of CMPs that's what!

If you hadn't heard, or haven't yet registered, then I suggest you hurry up and do so! The CIC CMP Conclave is a unique event for certificants who wish to contribute to their profession.

This year's Conclave provides many opportunities for CMPs to build relationships and partner with other meeting professionals. CMPs also enhance their professional expertise by participating in exam development, attending educational sessions and networking with fellow CMPs.

Most importantly, this year's conference is right here in our own back yard in Tampa Bay at the beautiful Tampa Marriott Waterside Hotel & Marina! How awesome is the Waterside you ask? Well the only way to truly tell you is to give you the top five reasons you'll love this place!

5. Scenery - Views don't get much better than this folks as the Waterside is nestled nicely along the channel riverwalk with some of Tampa Bay's most breathtaking views!

4. Ultimate Relaxation - Had a long day of meetings and sessions? For ultimate relaxation, try the spa, jacuzzi, or rooftop pool

3. Dining - You don't even have to leave the hotel to enjoy world class dining at places like Cafe Waterside, Champions Sports Bar, or Il Terrazzo. IF you feel the need to leave the hotel then have no fear as Jackson's Bistro Bar & Sushi, Cafe DuFrain, and the Channelside District are a short walk or Trolley ride away!

2. Technology - Well this is the nerd in me coming out a bit, but these days when you are away from the office, the one thing you need is reliable connectivity in your room and throughout the property!

1. Comfort - At the end of the day, you'll be spending a ton of time in your room sleeping and resting from the awesome day you just had in Tampa Bay! Here's a list of some of the in room amenities that'll make it feel just like home!

Well folks, that's all for now, but keep checking back as we'll be updating you on a regular basis about Tampa Bay meetings and fun things to in Tampa Bay for CMP Conclave!

DELTA SIGMA THETA GATHERS IN TAMPA FOR 2014 CONFERENCE

Monday, April 30, 2012 by

It's Linda Mummert here with more exciting news about an upcoming convention in 2014.


Tampa Bay & Company is excited to announce that the destination will welcome Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. in 2014 for its Southern Region Conference.  Over 3,000 attendees are expected to gather for the conference, producing over 3,000 hotel room nights and $1.7 million on delegate spending.  

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. is a private, non-profit organization whose purpose is to provide assistance and support through established programs in local communities throughout the world. A sisterhood of more than 200,000 predominately Black college educated women, the Sorority currently has over 900 chapters located in the United States, England, Japan (Tokyo and Okinawa), Germany, the Virgin Islands, Bermuda, the Bahamas and the Republic of Korea.

The Southern Region was formed in 1926 at the 8th National Convention of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.  The Southern Region holds the distinction of being the largest of the seven regions of the Sorority, with over 200 chapters spread across the diverse area that is Alabama, the Bahamas, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi and Tennessee. For more information about Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. visit www.deltasigmatheta.org.  

Well that's all for now.  Stay tuned for more Tampa Bay conventions news.


 

Tampa Bay & Company Announces Two Staff Promotions...

Wednesday, March 28, 2012 by

Tampa Bay & CompanyIts Linda Mummert here with exciting news about our Convention Sales Department.
Tampa Bay & Company has announced two staff promotions: Alex Kaptzan will fill the role of Vice President of Convention Sales and Services, and Holly Laverentz will now serve as National Sales Manager.  

“Alex has been a valuable asset of this team for over six years and has helped lead the convention sales and services team to new levels,” stated President/CEO of Tampa Bay & Company Kelly Miller.  “Additionally, Holly’s work on the services team for nearly a decade has prepared her for her new role and will translate well with the meeting planners and groups she will work with.”

In his new role as Vice President of Convention Sales and Services, Alex will be responsible for leading the company’s Tampa-based convention sales and convention services teams, as well as the company’s satellite representatives in Washington, D.C. and Chicago, Ill.  

Alex joined the Tampa Bay & Company sales team in 2006 as the Director of Convention Sales.  Prior to joining Tampa Bay & Company, Alex served as the Director of Sales as the Tampa Marriott Waterside Hotel & Marina for over five years.  

In her new role as National Sales Manager, Holly Laverentz will oversee the Small Meetings Market for Tampa Bay & Company.  Holly previously served as Senior Housing Manager and has been with the company for nearly 10 years.  Prior to joining Tampa Bay & Company Holly served as the Catering Convention Services Manager at the Hyatt Regency Tampa.  

Congratulations to both Alex and Holly!!  Well, it is over and out for now.  Stay tune for more exciting Tampa Bay Conventions news.

Destination Tampa … Just Keeps Getting Better

Friday, March 23, 2012 by

Tampa Bay has proudly hosted and will continue to host many successful meetings, conferences and sporting events which will generate thousands of room nights and provided an economic impact into the millions for the city of Tampa and with the 2012 Republican National Convention coming in just a few months… Tampa just keeps getting better …

Last month members of Tampa Bay & Company convention sales team, Alex Kaptzan,Director of Sales, Dori Laack, Regional Account Executive/DC and Tammy Lamm, National Sales Manager along with industry partners, representing the Tampa Convention Center, Embassy Suites Downtown Tampa & Eventions of Florida were in Washington DC to attend the Destination Marketing Association International [DMAI] Destination Showcase Conference & Expos.

Destination ShowcaseThroughout the week, Team Tampa attended a variety of educational sessions, general sessions and networking opportunities with new planners, potential customers, as well as existing customers all the while promoting Tampa Bay as a premier meetings destination.

So, whether you're an association, corporate, government, or third-party/independent meeting planner, we encourage you to come & discover the treasures of Tampa Bay for your next meeting or conference.  To learn more about Tampa go to our website: www.VisitTampaBay.com

That’s all for now, but be sure to stay tuned in for more Tampa Bay meetings & convention updates from the Tampa Bay Convention Sales Team …

Until then, Think Tampa!

Destinations Showcase Washington is the largest one-day event in North America which exclusively brings Convention & Visitor Bureaus - conference, convention, and trade show professionals together with exhibiting meeting destinations from the United States and beyond.

For more information –http://www.destinationsshowcase.com/washington/

 

 

Another Successful Mid Year Sales Mission In Washington, DC...

Wednesday, March 21, 2012 by

From March 6 – 8th, Tampa Bay & Company representatives and its partners embarked upon another successful sales mission in Washington DC, one of its top feeder markets.  Four Tampa Bay & Company partners joined Regional

Account Executive Dori Laack and National Sales Manager Tammy Lamm for three client event functions. 

The purpose of this mid-year team Tampa Bay sales mission was to engage existing clients and build a rapport with some new clients in a fun, casual and relaxing atmosphere.

In keeping with all the new and exciting things happening in Tampa this was just one mission where we truly got to do things differently and creatively all the while allowing our clients to uncover the treasures of Tampa with a Tampa themed painting class and a culinary class.  The theme of two hosted events were "Palette or Palate - Choose your favorite withTampa Bay".   

In keeping with the knowledge that partnership for Tampa Bay & Company is one of the keys to our success  - for our third client event it was a wise decision to partner with one of our top third-party producers - IMN Solutions. 

Our newly appointed regional account executive, Dori Laack as well as team Tampa had the opportunity to meet & greet with our IMN Solutions partners along with a few of their top clients for a Tampa Lightning vs. Washington Capital hockey event. 

What a successful mission! As with all three events the customer/clients – have either met or will be meeting in Tampa that will generate thousands of hotel room nights while producing an economic impact for the destination – not forgetting the potential to provide future RFP’s to consider Tampa for meetings or conferences ...noting that since returning home we having already received RFP’s from this mission!

Well that's all for now ... but until the next time... THINK TAMPA & stay tuned in for more Tampa Bay meetings & conventions updates.

The focus of the Convention Sales team of Tampa Bay & Company is to bring conventions and meetings to Tampa Bay to create positive economic impact for Hillsborough County.  Tampa Bay & Company leads the effort of “Economic Development Through Tourism” in Hillsborough County.

For more information about Tampa Bay & Company, visit www.VisitTampaBay.com.

International Dental Researchers Gather in Tampa Bay

Tuesday, March 20, 2012 by

Tampa will welcome the International Association of Dental Research (IADR) this week for the 2012 AADR/CADR Annual Meeting & Exhibition, taking place at the Tampa Convention Center from March 21-24.  The American Association for Dental Research (AADR) and Canadian Association for Dental Research (CADR) are both divisions of the IADR.  

The event will mark the 41st Annual Meeting & Exhibition of the AADR and the 36th Annual Meeting of the CADR.  Approximately 3,000 delegates will gather in downtown Tampa for the annual event, producing over 6,000 hotel room nights in Tampa Bay.  

This year’s event will provide educational programming, networking sessions, awards ceremonies and receptions, hands-on workshops, panel discussions, mentoring sessions and much more.  The AADR is a non-profit organization with more than 3,900 members whose mission is to advance research and increase knowledge for the improvement of oral health, support and represent the oral health research community, and facilitate the communication and application of research findings.

Please join us in welcoming this group, and until the next time ... THINK TAMPA and stay tuned in for more  meetings and conventions updates!

The focus of the Convention Sales team of Tampa Bay & Company is to bring conventions and Tampa Bay meetings to Tampa Bay to create positive economic impact for Hillsborough County.

Successful Sales Mission Conducted in Chicago...

Monday, March 19, 2012 by

Tampa Bay & CompanyLInda Mummert here with a Convention Sales update!

From Feb. 29-March 1, Tampa Bay & Company representatives and its partners conducted a successful sales mission in Chicago, one of its top feeder markets.  Five Tampa Bay & Company partners joined Regional Account Executive Jeff Gassaway , National Sales Manager Amy Trautman and Director of Convention Sales Alex Kaptzan for group sales calls and two client event functions.  

Team Tampa Bay made group presentations to Smith Bucklin, American Bar Association, Experient and Association Management Center.  Each organization either has met or will be meeting in Tampa Bay, generating hotel room nights and positive economic impact for the destination.  

In addition to the group calls, the team hosted a reception at EPIC restaurant in downtown Chicago and a luncheon at Gibsons restaurant in the Chicago suburbs. Both functions were a huge hit with our clients. 

Till next time, it's over and out, and stay tuned in for more updates on Tampa Bay meetings!


 

Thespians Have Arrived in Tampa Bay

Monday, March 19, 2012 by

Julia here again with some great news about a convention in town.

The Florida State Thespian Society (FSTS) arrived in Tampa on Tuesday and will be here until Sunday for their 2012 Annual Festival which is taking place at the Tampa Convention Center.  The FSTS Annual Festival has been held here in Tampa for over 10 years. is considered one of the largest theater festivals in the country.

Approximately 2,500 thespians will participate in the Festival, producing over 6,200 hotel room nights and $2.1 million in delegate spending.  The FSTS is considered one of the largest theater festivals in the country and is committed to presenting the very best work from high schools across the state of Florida.  For more information regarding FSTS, please click here.

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

Extraordinary Events at NOVA 535...

Thursday, March 15, 2012 by

NOVA 535Good eventing folks! Wanted to drop by and tell you a little about one of the most awesome meeting and event spaces in the Tampa Bay area!

Located in downtown St. Petersburg, NOVA 535 is modern art gallery meets swanky lounge and world-class event venue. 

It is a meticulously renovated building with original 1920 red clay block and brick walls.  This venue is an awesome place to hold your next event!

NOVA 535 features the Main Gallery, upstairs VIP areas, antique brick courtyard with bamboo garden and not to mention all of the high-end amenities that they offer.  

This 7,000 square foot venue is the perfect location for the smallest of events up to your next party for 800 of your closest friends.  Have a favorite caterer?  No problem - NOVA 535 allows outside catering!  

What about accolades you ask?  NOVA 535 has won many awards, but most notably “Voted Best Place to Get Married” by Creative Loafing and “Top 10 Best Restrooms in America” by Cintas Corporation.  Those are some pretty cool honors if I do say so myself!  

For additional information call (727) 821-6682 or visit www.NOVA535.com. That's all for now, but stay tuned in for more updates on Tampa Bay meetings space!
 

Holiday Inn Express & Suites - Plant City

Thursday, March 8, 2012 by

Greetings Tampa!

The Plant City Strawberry Festival is upon us … and last week we had an opportunity to visit a hotel property that would be perfect to stay at during the festival.

The Holiday Inn Express Plant City, just minutes away from downtown Tampa is close to not only the strawberry festival but also LEGOLAND, and Dinosaur World, Florida State Fairgrounds and many other attractions.  Their location is perfect for those attending sporting events held at either of the nearby International Softball Federation, Mike Sansone, or the Randy Larson Four Plex sporting fields too!

Surrounded  by verdant tropical foliage, this four story all inclusive 70 room hotel accommodations includes 16 suites and 54 standard rooms, meeting space for up to 60 people has also just completed its beautiful million dollar renovation, that sets a relaxing tone for vacations and business trips alike.

Guests will enjoy the fantastic amenities including free hot breakfasts, and one really cool aspect to their hot free breakfast is the pancake machine that will get you geared up for the day, and the beautiful outdoor pool offers a place to relax once work is done.

Again conveniently located minutes from downtown Tampa, I would definitely recommend it to anyone who wanted a great property and a great price!

A great big kudos to Charles Harris, VP and his wonderful staff, for having us visit!

Until the next time ... THINK TAMPA and stay tuned in for more updates, places to stay in Tampa Bay!

National Sales Manager Honored as Top Executive...

Tuesday, February 28, 2012 by

Sherri BrownThis is Linda Mummert here with some exciting news from our Convention Sales Department.  Our own National Sales Manager Sherri Brown has been recognized as one of the Top 50 Black and Latino CEOs and Corporate Executives in the Tampa Bay region!  The Power Broker magazine, the Small Business Development Center and others have teamed up to publish the exclusive Top 50 magazine highlighting the honorees.  

This is the first time in bay area history that the African-American and Latino communities are uniting on the media stage to reach the largest minority readership ever targeted by a publication in the region.

In addition to being featured in The Power Broker magazine, Brown will also be featured in the digital magazine, the weekly PB e-zine, on The Power Broker website, and through various social media channels.  

Congratulations Sherri!

Over and out for now until next time.... stay tuned in for more updates on Tampa Bay Meetings!

American Trucking Association Gathers in Tampa...

Friday, February 17, 2012 by

Tampa welcomes the American Trucking Associations (ATA) next week for its annual Technology & Maintenance Council Annual Meeting and Transportation Technology Expo, taking place Feb. 20-23 at the Tampa Convention Center.  Approximately 3,000 delegates will gather in downtown Tampa for the annual event, producing over 7,400 hotel room nights and $2.2 million in delegate spending.  

2012 marks the third consecutive annual meeting and expo that Tampa has hosted for the ATA.  The purpose of the Technology & Maintenance Council is to improve transport equipment, its maintenance and maintenance management. The Council develops Recommended Engineering and Maintenance Practices that are voluntarily adopted by fleets, OEMs and component suppliers.

The Council also conducts industry surveys and promotes the voluntary cooperation among designers and manufacturers of transport equipment and those who specify, purchase, and manage such equipment. For more information, visit www.truckline.com.

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

Well thats all for now but keep coming back for more exciting news & updates as the focus of the Convention Sales team of Tampa Bay & Company is to bring conventions and meetings to Tampa Bay to create positive economic impact for Hillsborough County.

Until then ... THINK TAMPA and stay tuned in for more updates on things to do in Tampa Bay!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Special Event Comes to Tampa...

Friday, January 20, 2012 by
The Special Event

Julia here with some exciting Convention Sales News.

Next week The Special Event (TSE) Conference and Trade Show takes place in Tampa from January 24-27, 2012.  TSE is the leading conference devoted to special event professionals and this year's theme is "Event 3.0: Evolve, Flourish, Prosper".  The Special Event will offer it's attendees education sessions, exhibits and showcasing events.  Thousands of event professionals representing millions of dollars in buying power will gather in downtown Tampa to get the latest on an everchanging industry. 

For more information about TSE, click here.

Keeping checking back for more information about upcoming Tampa Bay conventions and Tampa Bay area events.

Tampa Welcomes Back Florida Music Educators Association

Monday, January 9, 2012 by
FMEAJulia here with some great news regarding an upcoming conference.

Tampa Bay & Company will once again welcome the Florida Music Educators Association (FMEA) which marks the 27th consecutive year that Tampa has hosted their Annual Convention.

FMEA's Annual Convention will be held at Tampa's Convention Center this week from January 11-14.  Approximately 6,500 delegates will attend the conference, producing 6,900 hotel room nights and creating $7.4 million in delegate spending. 

FMEA is a not-for-profit, professional association that serves and supports music educators across Florida.  FMEA promotes and publishes the Florida Music Director as well as music education research, organizes in-service programs and broadens teachers' knowledge and interest in their profession through affiliation with colleagues.

Keep checking back for more information about Tampa Bay meetings and conventions coming to Tampa.

Tampa Bay & Company Heads to PCMA...

Thursday, January 5, 2012 by

pcma 2012

Beginning Jan. 8-11, Tampa Bay & Company President & CEO Kelly Miller, National Sales Manager Tammy Lamm and Regional Account Executives Dori Laack and Jeff Gassaway will head to San Diego, CA to attend the Professional Convention Management Association’s (PCMA) Convening Leaders Conference 2012.  Partners from Visit St. Pete/Clearwater, the Tampa Convention Center, the Embassy Suites Tampa - Downtown Convention Center and the Tampa Marriott Waterside Hotel & Marina, will join them also.

In addition to promoting Tampa as a premier meetings destination, the team will join more than 3,000 meeting planners to jump-start a strategic roadmap for the New Year, as well as to network with valued industry colleagues.  At the conclusion of the PCMA Conference, Team Tampa Bay will also host a dinner at Donovan’s Prime Seafood with clients and potential clients in an effort to bring convention business to Tampa Bay. 

PCMA is recognized in the meetings industry as the leader in providing high-quality education, innovative resources, and networking opportunities designed to help build relationships that are critical to success.  PCMA represents more than 6,000 meeting industry leaders, including planner professionals, suppliers, faculty and students whose members represent the industry's leading association, corporate and independent meeting professionals, as well as industry suppliers, faculty and students.  For more information about the PCMA Convening Leaders Conference 2012, visit www.pcma.org

The focus of the Convention Sales Team of Tampa Bay & Company is to bring conventions and meetings to Tampa Bay to create positive economic impact for Hillsborough County.

Be sure to tune in for more exciting Tampa Bay Conventions and Meetings news & updates!

Until the next time ... Think Tampa!


 


Tampa Bay Welcomes American Pain Society in 2014!

Wednesday, January 4, 2012 by
American Pain SocietyLinda Mummert here with more exciting convention news! Tampa Bay & Company is excited to announce that it will welcome the American Pain Society for its 2014 Annual Conference, which will take place April 28 – May 3 at the Tampa Convention Center.  The Annual Conference & Exposition will welcome 1,200 delegates to Tampa, producing over 2,700 hotel room nights and creating $1.4 million in delegate spending. 

The American Pain Society is a multidisciplinary community that brings together a diverse group of scientists, clinicians and other professionals to increase the knowledge of pain and transform public policy and clinical practice to reduce pain-related suffering.  For more information, visit www.ampainsoc.org

Please join us in welcoming this group, as well as all Tampa Bay meetings and conventions, to the area! Happy New Year to all.   It's over and out for now, until next time.............

Tis’ the Season in DC

Thursday, December 29, 2011 by
DC Landini'sTampa Bay & Company National Sales Manager, Tammy Lamm and Regional Account Executive, Dori Laack, along with five hotel partners representing the Tampa Marriott Waterside, Embassy Suites Downtown, Hyatt Regency Tampa and the Tampa Convention Center made their jolly way onto Washington DC, spreading some Tampa cheer with pre-holiday sales calls to seven organizations to reacquaint & establish new relations.

During their bustling visit the Ladies of Tampa hosted a holiday breakfast and a holiday networking  “Ladies Night Soiree” at Landini’s Restaurant with clients who will be bringing future meetings & conventions to Tampa producing over 35,993 in hotel room nights & generating over 12.8 million in delegate spending and the numerous opportunities for Tampa to also potentially host future meetings.

In all the joy & merriment of a prosperous season, we like to thank our DC clients for thinking Tampa Bay for their next & future meetings & conventions … Fa-La-La-La-La  La-La – La-La!

Be sure to tune in for more exciting Tampa Bay meetings news as we ring in the New Year!

Until the next time … Think Tampa !

 

 

TAMPA BAY & COMPANY'S 2012 TRAVEL PLANNER

Wednesday, December 28, 2011 by

TBC LogoOn Jan. 1, 2012, Tampa Bay & Company will debut its 2012 Travel Planner to visitors, residents, partners and the Tampa Bay community. The newest edition of the Travel Planner is packed with the traditional information about the destination such as how to get around, where to stay, what to do, where to eat and various area services that are available.


With visitors continuing to make more decisions on the go, Tampa Bay & Company will also make the 2012 Travel Planner accessible at the touch of a button. Visitors will be able to access the Travel Planner at www.TampaBayVisitorGuide.com.

There’ll also be some new additions to this year’s Travel Planner, including the implementation of Quick Response, or QR, codes that will link users directly to information about the Tampa Bay area.

So, whether you’re here for business or pleasure and looking for information like the best places to shop, where to experience Tampa Bay's arts and culture or where the best golf courses are hidden, visitors can plan out their perfect itinerary before ever setting foot in Tampa Bay.

Visitors can order a copy of the 2012 Travel Planner, as well as a Discount Booklet, by visiting http://brochures.visittampabay.com before you come to Tampa or stopping by one of the visitor centers while you’re in town.

Well, that’s all for now, but be sure to tune in for more exciting Tampa Bay visitor and meetings/ conventions news & updates!

Until then … Think Tampa!

TAMPA PREPARES FOR EXCITING CONVENTIONS IN 2012

Wednesday, December 28, 2011 by

With major conventions and events such as the Republican National Convention and NCAA Frozen Four coming to the destination, Tampa Bay is slated to be in the national and international spotlight throughout 2012. 

Here’s a look at some of the other “Million Dollar Meetings” that Tampa will host in 2012:

Tampa will play host to the Moose Annual Convention 2012 for Moose International, Inc.  Moose is an international organization of men and women who are dedicated to caring for young and old, brining communities closer together and celebrating life.  More than 3,000 delegates will attend the international convention, which will produce nearly 17,500 hotel room nights and create $2.5 million in delegate spending.

The American Trucking Associations will bring its Technology & Maintenance Council Annual Meeting & Transportation Technology Expo to Tampa in February 2012.  Approximately 3,000 delegates will attend the Annual Meeting, which will produce more than 7,400 hotel room nights and create $2.2 million in delegate spending.  

The area will also welcome the Philadelphia Church of God for its Feast of Tabernacles for three consecutive years beginning in 2012.  Combined, the conventions will welcome 6,600 delegates to Tampa Bay, producing over 7,000 hotel room nights and creating $1.8 million in delegate spending.  

In March 2012, the National Association of Secondary School Principals will bring its Annual Convention & Exposition to the Tampa Bay area.  Approximately 4,000 delegates are expected to attend the convention, production over 5,300 hotel room nights and $4.6 million in delegate spending.  

Also in March, Tampa will host the International Association of Dental Research’s AADR/CADR Annual Meeting.  The area will welcome 4,000 delegates who will produce an estimated 10,000 hotel room nights and $4.6 million in delegate spending.

With deep roots in the Tampa Bay community through the Lions Eye Institute for Transplant and Research, we are excited to welcome Lions Club International for its USA/Canada Lions Leadership Forum 2012.  Approximately 2,500 Lions will attend the Leadership Forum, producing over 6,600 hotel room nights and $3.1 million in delegate spending.  

In June 2012, Tampa will host the American Physical Therapy Association’s Annual Conference and Exposition.  The conference will welcome 2,200 attendees who are expected to produce over 6,300 hotel room nights and over $2.4 million in delegate spending.  

Tampa will also welcome the Florida Board of Bar Examiners back in 2012 for its Winter State Exams, taking place at the Tampa Convention Center from Feb. 28-29, 2012.  Additionally, the organization’s Summer State Exams will take place July 24-25 at the Tampa Convention Center.  The Summer State Exams will welcome over 3,200 applicants to Tampa, producing over 7,700 hotel room nights and creating $3.3 million in delegate spending.   

Attracting these premier meetings and conventions to our destination would be not be possible without the support and assistance of Tampa Bay & Company partners.  To learn more about getting involved, log on to www.VisitTampaBay.com or contact Director of Convention Sales Alex Kaptzan at AKaptzan@VisitTampaBay.com.  

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

Well, that’s all for now, but be sure to tune in for more exciting Tampa Bay meetings and updates!

Until then … Think Tampa!