Convention Sales Blog

And The Winner Is....Alexis Gray!!!

Friday, November 20, 2009 by Convention Sales

Congratulations are in order for Alexis Gray of the Doubletree Guest Suites Tampa Bay, who recently received top national honors for being recognized as a national winner of the Catch Me At My Best Program!

For this contest, all of the DoubleTree team members participated in a customer focused service program initiated by the Doubletree Brand called Catch Me At My Best.

Each team member had the opportunity to have special comment cards filled out from guests who “catch” them going above and beyond. Alexis was the top winner in the high customer contact category.

Additionally, the names of those with the highest number of cards from each hotel were submitted to the corporate office for a chance to win a national award. Alexis was among those national winners and was received a cash prize, special recognition, and some other token prizes.

Hey Lexie, since you are rolling in the dough these days, can I borrow $20? Just kidding... I only need $10...lol! Additionally with your new found welath, I will be expecting a great Christmas gift from you! Please pay me no mind, as I am being silly...

All joking aside though, congratulations to Alexis and the staff over at The Doubletree Guest Suites Tampa Bay as they continue to be a shining examples of the hospitality industry here in Tampa Bay!

To see Alexis and the great staff in action, or to plan your next meeting or convention, please visit the Doubletree Guest Suites Tampa Bay website!

That's all for now folks, but keep checking back for more on the Tampa Bay hospitality industry and Tampa Bay Meetings!

This is Jerm signing off from your Tampa Bay Team!

Tampa Museum of Art... It's Almost Here!

Thursday, November 12, 2009 by Convention Sales

It is me again, Linda Mummert reporting some exciting news for the Tampa Bay area. The Tampa Museum of Art is planned to open on February 6, 2010 in downtown Tampa’s Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park.

It was designed by San Francisco architect Stanley Saitowitz, the building will feature a shimmering pierced aluminum exterior, and state-of-the-art gallery spaces with innovative translucent ceilings and polished stone floors. Five expansive interior galleries, one exterior sculpture gallery, an educational classroom equipped with the latest technology will offer visitors a wide variety of visual art experiences.

The museum will provide the Tampa Bay area with world-class traveling exhibitions, a growing collection of contemporary and classical art expanded educational programs and access to scenic outdoor events along Tampa’s Riverwalk. TMA will become a nationally recognized major arts destination and premier venue for residents and visitors. The museum’s interim facility is located at 2306 N. Howard Avenue in Tampa.

TMA recently announced they have selected Mise en Place of Tampa as the exclusive food and beverage café and catering services operator for its new facility. Ann Frechette will be the Catering Director for the Tampa Museum of Art.

The new Tampa Museum of Art will feature a café, Sono Café, which will be open seven days a week and will overlook the banks of the Hillsborough River and be accessible to all visitors through an admission free entrance. The café will have a seating capacity of approximately 75, including waterfront tables and will offer menu items appropriate to visitors of all ages. Sono Café’ will embrace the “Slow Food Movement”, which counters fast food, and fast life and invites guests to slow down and enjoy the dining experience with all the sensations that accompany the consumption of good food and quality ingredients in a comforting environment.

The menu of Sono Café’ is rooted in Italy – where the concept of “Slow Food” was founded in 1989 and will offer guests a range of choices from wine to dessert, and everything in between. The new museum will offer exquisite spaces for weddings, corporate events, and Tampa Bay meetings.

Rental spaces include lobby receptions for 300-400 people, seating dining for 200-250 people, exterior gallery receptions that can accommodate 125 people, and meeting rooms to accommodate small to medium gatherings with a maximum capacity of 120 people. The meeting rooms will be equipped with state-of-the-art technology, including modern A/V equipment and internet access.

As the exclusive catering operator, Mise en Place will provide all catering services for museum rentals and special events. For further information, please contact the Ann Frechetta at 813-253-6473 or email rentals@tampamuseum.org. The museum’s switchboard can also be reached at 813-274-8130.

Please take the time to visit TMA when it opens in February 2010 and have a relaxing meal! Well, this is it for my exciting news. Stay tuned for my next tidbit of Tampa Florida News.

HART wins the State's Best "Outstanding System" Award

Thursday, November 12, 2009 by Convention Sales

Well here I am again, Linda Mummert giving you the low down on Tampa Bay's very own Hillsborough Area Regional Transit has won the title of "Outstanding Transit System" by the Florida Public Transportation Association.

HART was awarded with this prestigious honor at its recent annual conference in Jacksonville. The Outstanding Transit System award emphasizes achievement in efficiency and effectiveness, as measured by both quantitative and qualitative factors.

As part of the award process, HART submitted ridership and productivity numbers for the past three years, showing consistent growth.

Fiscal management is another important measurement, and HART demonstrated effective financial control by monitoring all related financial activities to ensure revenues, costs and cash flow are in compliance with stated objectives. In the last year, the implementation of efficiencies in various services and processes led to a savings of more than $1 million, which HART has been able to direct back into its Tampa Bay transit service.

In addition, HART's achievements in safety, operations, customer service, staff development, policy administration and marketing and community relations were considered.

The award recipients are chosen by the distinguished FPTA Organizational Awards Committee, which is comprised of the FPTA Executive Director, a representative from the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), and a representative from the Center for Urban Transportation Research (CUTR) at the University of South Florida.

On another note, HART also provides door-to-door paratransit service, Travel Training. and manages the TECO Streetcar system which provides transportation to shopping in Tampa Bay, our entertainment districts in Channelside, Hyde Park and Ybor City. The streetcar is a wonderful alternative for our visitors and convention attendees to get around Tampa Bay and our local attractions.

They have won my HART and I am sure yours. Let's give our HART team a high five for winning the Best in the State Award! Over and out for now. Stay tuned for more Tampa Florida news.

Check out Mainsail's New Digs...

Thursday, November 12, 2009 by Convention Sales

Hi everyone! I'd like to introduce myself, my name is Heather Helton. This is my first blog post and I look forward to sharing more blogs with you in the near future.

I'm excited to help spread the word about what's new and what's to come in Tampa. First, I would like to tell you about the BRAND NEW Mainsail Suites Conference Center.

This state-of-the-art facility is a total of 17,000 sq ft of meeting space--which includes a 6,500 sq ft ballroom and 7,000 sq ft terrace. This new conference center can accommodate
groups up to 500 people, so it's perfect for Tampa Bay meetings, banquets, cocktail receptions and weddings.

Mainsail Suites Hotel & Conference Center is the first extended stay hotel in Florida that offers "true conference facilities”. Mainsail is an all-suite, full-service hotel that is conveniently located in the Westshore District which is only minutes away from Tampa International Airport.

While most extended stay brands are limited in their services, Mainsail provides comfort and convenience for all of their guests. Mainsail has one and two-bedroom suites with separate bedrooms and bathrooms, and they are all equipped with full-size kitchens.

Guests can relax and unwind while surfing the net, for free! That's right, complimentary high-speed Internet access for your convenience! Mainsail also offers free airport shuttle, free parking, room service, an on-site restaurant and lounge, recreational activities and much more.

Mainsail guests will have all of the benefits of an enhanced learning environment, all of the conveniences of a full-service hotel, and all of the comforts of a suite! To learn more about this property, please visit their web site at www.mainsailtampa.com.

It's an AOPA Tampa Summit Giveaway...

Thursday, November 5, 2009 by Convention Sales

Greetings to all my AOPA peeps in town for the 2009 AOPA Aviation Summit which kicked off today at the Tampa Convention Center and Peter O. Knight Airport! Let me be the first to say that Tampa is grateful to have you guys here, and even more grateful to watch you spend your money in our community! Pardon me, that's just a little economic development humor!

We truly hope that today is the first day of what will be a Summit chock full of new experiences, events, education, and opportunities for all!

To make it just a bit more interesting, Jerm (That's me) is going to do one of his Twitter famous giveaways today especially for you! Yes I know what you are thinking... and yes it is very thoughtful of me and no other city has done this for you before, but hey, that's what we're about here in Tampa, creating memorable experiences for all of our attendees!

Now normally these giveaways are just trivia where I ask questions here on this blog and then ask for you to answer them on Twitter. But today I am in a creative mood, so we are gonna switch it up a bit, but first let me tell you what you are playing for!

I just happen to have some tickets with me to three of our awesome Tampa Florida attractions for the Florida Aquarium, Lowry Park Zoo, and Big Cat Rescue, and I am in the giving mood! Three lucky AOPA attendees or even exhibitors will be the lucky recipients of my new found generosity (two tickets for each)!

All you have to do is be paying attention to the crowd's at either Peter O. Knight Airport, of the Convention Center for a strapping 6'0 guy wearing a black and white striped polo, khaki pants with an IPhone in his hand!

Once I get on sight, at either the airport or convention center, I'll tweet my location and the games will begin! To win, just run up to me (don't run actually), show me your attendee or exhibitor badge, and say "Tampa is Awesome" and you have your pick of the three prizes! How sweet is that!

Its just that simple folks, so be on the lookout for me as I'll be there sometime between 1130 and 130 pm today! Okay, now stop reading this blog and pay attention to the session that your in and I will see you guys later!

p.s. be sure to be following us on Twitter at @VisitTampaBay.

Lots of Tampa Fun for AOPA!

Friday, October 30, 2009 by Convention Sales

Hello everyone! Well, it’s another beautiful day in Tampa Bay! Especially if you’re down here for the AOPA Aviation Summit and you call a cold weather city your home. But the weather isn’t the only thing you’ll enjoy while visiting our fair town. In between all the great conference events I’m sure you’ll be checking out, there are a lot of local haunts to explore as well. Tampa’s got something for everyone!

Are you into fine dining? Hop on the streetcar in front the Tampa Convention Center, take a leisurely 20 minute ride to Ybor City and check out one of our favorite local landmarks, The Columbia Restaurant! Besides having Spanish food that would make my Abuelita proud, it has the distinction of being the largest Spanish restaurant in the world! Pick up an authentic sangria pitcher at the gift shop on your way out.

If you enjoy exploring local history, the Tampa Bay History Center, located just a couple blocks from the Tampa Convention on The Riverwalk near Channelside, is the place for you. The History Center highlights our colorful past including Tampa’s cigar factory era. With interactive exhibits and fun activities, the History Center is perfect for fledgling historians of any age.

Raise your hand if you love to shop (I would raise both of mine, but I’m typing)!! Well, then you’ll love the world class Tampa Bay shopping opportunities you can find at the International Plaza. With department stores like Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom as well as shops like Louis Vuitton and Tiffany’s, International Plaza is a place where world class shopping meets upscale dining and nightlife.

I could keep going about my great town, but other duties call. Have fun exploring Tampa while you’re here! And if you don’t get to do everything you wanted to, then come back just for fun another time! Ciao for now!

Hello Fellow Sports’ Fans!

Tuesday, October 20, 2009 by Convention Sales

It is the Old Gal reporting again, Linda Sadler Mummert! It has just been announced by the SportsTravel magazine the winners of the 2009 SportsTravel Awards at the TEAMS 2009 Conference & Expo, held Oct. 13-17 in New Orleans. Super Bowl XLIII, held in Tampa Bay in February 2009, has received the award for Best Professional Single-Sport Event! Way to Go Tampa Bay!!

The SportsTravel Award winners were nominated and voted upon by readers of SportsTravel magazine. The ballot included nominees at the amateur, collegiate and professional levels in three categories each, and to be eligible, events had to occur between July 1, 2008 and June 30, 2009.

Criteria for nomination and voting included: superior organization of and attendance at the event; the event provided a superior experience for competitors and/or spectators; and the event's host city or venue served to enhance the event.

Travel, Events And Management in Sports (TEAMS) is the world's largest gathering of event organizers and travel planners from the sports industry. The TEAMS Conference & Expo is organized by Schneider Publishing, the Los Angeles-based company that publishes SportsTravel and Association News magazines. Earlier this year, TEAMS was named one of the 50 fastest-growing trade shows across all categories by Tradeshow Week magazine for the fifth time.

As the official Destination Marketing Organization for Hillsborough County, Tampa Bay & Company worked to establish and support the Super Bowl Host Committee in their efforts to organize and successfully execute Super Bowl XLIII in Tampa Bay.
My hat is off to all who participated in making this “The Best Professional Single-Sport Event”.

Over and out for no! Stay tuned for more Tampa Florida news updates from your Tampa Bay team!

AOPA Is Coming to Tampa Bay!

Tuesday, October 20, 2009 by Convention Sales

Hello all! Jerm here with an important update for you guys! I know you are now thinking...Jerm what are you doing on the Convention Sales blog? Well I guess you just never know when or where I am gonna pop up on these blogs!

The AOPA (Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association) will be descending on Tampa Bay next month as they host the first AOPA Aviation Summit!

I was just looking at the programming on the website, and boy does it look pack full of goodies for attendees!

With daily summit sessions, expo hall & center stage, airport fest, and and all of the great forums that you would expect, I am thinking that you will be a pretty busy camper.

Now that is assuming that you have already registered for the event and taken care of your lodging. If you haven't then I must ask, what the heck are you waiting for! Once you arrive here in our great city, be sure to take full advantage of our Tampa Bay nightlife scene, as well as enjoying the Tampa Bay weather!

during the conference, be sure to check out the AOPA Twitter site as well for real time updates and such!

Time to Get into the Holiday Spirit with the InterContinental Tampa!

Thursday, October 8, 2009 by Convention Sales

About the guest blogger: Patricia Fernandez is the director of catering for InterContinental Tampa – centrally located in the heart of the city offering guests world-famous dining at Shula’s Steak House, a scenic rooftop pool and “In the Know” personalized concierge service. Patricia as Director is responsible for overseeing the catering and conference services department which handles all of the hotel events including corporate meetings, conventions, social and high profile events, weddings and more.

It’s still pretty warm outside, but it’s about that time to get into the holiday spirit and plan your company holiday party or gathering. Now is the ideal time to start researching venues, as the most desired ones fill up quickly. Here are a few additional tips when selecting the best venue for your company or group:

Make sure you are dealing with a seasoned sales or catering person. It will make it easier to guide you through the process, especially if this is the first time you have planned a party for your group.

Always ask to meet the chef as his unique and creative ideas can also assist you in your site selection process. This insight truly helps in forming a vision of what the party will look - and taste - like!

Ask to visit venue during the day of another similar event to experience the uniqueness of that event and observe how the staff interacts.

Ask to see the hotel amenities that are offered.

Make sure the event location is flexible and able to work within your needs. This might be helpful to determine before the site inspection before the process gets too far along.

Ask the venue to forward a sample contract so that once you receive the contract from that specific venue, you will understand the language and clauses and there will be no surprises.

Ask for referrals on past experiences or read testimonials off the hotel website.

Happy Holidays!

Nestled in the trendy Westshore District, The InterContinental Tampa offers 17,000 square feet of function space, including space in Shula’s Steak House. To book a site inspection or holiday party at the InterContinental Tampa, please feel free to email me at pfernandez@destinationhotels.com.

Tampa International Airport Nationally Ranked!

Tuesday, October 6, 2009 by Convention Sales

Ahoy Mateys,

My name is Linda Sadler Mummert and I may be the oldest one blogging (a real novice), but I guarantee you will be kept in the loop on what’s happening in our Tampa Bay area.

Tampa International Airport was ranked third nationwide as the best in the country by
CondeNast Traveler Magazine. This 2009 Business Travel Awards’ naming TIA third best was released in their October Magazine. TIA ranked highest in comfort and design, one of six criteria that included location and access, ease of connections, customs and baggage, food, shops, amenities and perceived safety and security.

Way to GO TIA!!!! You made us proud! Keep up the good work and we will be #1 next year. Over and out for now. Keep an eye out for my next exciting blog and more meetings related things to do in Tampa Bay!

Tampa "Chillounge Night"

Tuesday, October 6, 2009 by Convention Sales

Greetings, its Maria here with a Tampa Bay event that is sure to bring heat to the streets of downtown Tampa and this hot will not be about the weather but an event thats sure to provide a cool blast with an opportunity to just chill ... outdoors … that is...

Tampa’s 1st Annual Chillounge Night
Saturday Oct 10th from 6pm – 11pm

Downtown Tampa is the place to be for the Chic Stylish Outdoor Lounge Party

Four city blocks downtown near the historic Tampa Theatre will be decorated with hundreds of daybeds and plush couches & will be transformed into a South Beach-style outdoor lounges. Tampa’s Chillounge Night will have an array entertainment, dancing, fine foods and drinks along with a fashion show, opera performances, and Cleopatra parade on beds, cigar lounge, a Brazilian Samba parade and much more!

Tampa’s Chillounge Night will be held from 6pm till 11pm - Admission is $20 at the gate, $15 in advance and limited VIP tickets $75. (All VIP tickets include: food, gift bag, cigar and drinks in the special VIP Lounge area).

So come get your chic on for an enchanted evening to mix & mingle or check out the captivating sights and simply chill … but you must be 21 years old to enter and enjoy this event!

This evening of entertainment will also benefit the community and a local charity - The Friends of the Festival in honor of TIGLFF’s 20th anniversary.

Keep coming back for more information about this and other Tampa Bay area events and other great things to do in Tampa Bay!

Peace!

The Chillounge Night party is the brainstorm of Floridian gallery owner Rainer Scheer, for more information on Chillounge events click here .

TAMPA'S DOWNTOWN OPEN HOUSE

Friday, September 25, 2009 by Convention Sales

Greetings …

Allow me to introduce myself … its Maria Watson here with my inaugural blog and I wish to extend a special thank-you and give kudos to former Tampa Bay & Company staff member Megan Marra for keeping us all abreast of the exciting happenings in Tampa Bay with her blogs. I wish her well in her endeavors as she passed along the torch to us newbie’s who will carry the torch with pride as we strive to continue bringing you the most up-to-date meetings and conventions news. :)

Now with that being said -- If you're a meeting planner and you are looking for new and interesting venues to hold board meetings and receptions, we've got GREAT news for you.

It’s no secret that The Sheraton Tampa Riverwalk Hotel, located in downtown, is offering a deal that literally no other hotel can beat and now they are having an open- house.

But this is not your standard “open house” – because the Sheraton Tampa Riverwalk has been hand selected by Sheraton Corporate office to showcase its recent renovation.

Sheraton will host a two-day open house for hundreds of meeting planners, corporate travel buyers and social event planners, September 30th -October 1st.

This event will spotlight a selection of Sheraton’s “best in class” hotels including the Le Centre Sheraton in Montreal, Sheraton Boston, Sheraton Chicago Hotel & Towers, Sheraton Birmingham Hotel, Sheraton Dallas Hotel, Sheraton Denver Hotel, Sheraton Phoenix Downtown Hotel, Sheraton Seattle Hotel & Towers, Sheraton Waikiki Hotel and of course our very own Sheraton Tampa Riverwalk Hotel!!

So if you out and about Downtown Tampa between the hours of 11:00 am – 6:00 pm on September 30th - October 1st stop by for personal tours, free food, free drinks, and a chance to win gift certificates redeemable for a complimentary one night stay at any of the 900 Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide!

Remember you can always check out the hotel's Web site or contact a Tampa Bay & Company sales staff member to book your next meeting at this and other Tampa Bay properties.

Thanks for stopping by and keep checking back with me for more exciting Tampa Bay Meetings news.

Peace!

Mega-Meetings Last Blog Entry

Wednesday, September 23, 2009 by Convention Sales

I am sad to say that this will be my last blog post on the Tampa Bay & Company Meetings & Conventions blog page. Tomorrow is my last day here, as I have decided to try out an opportunity at an interactive marketing company here in Tampa. Although I am extremely excited about this new adventure, I am also very sad to go...

One of my most favorite parts of this job has been writing blog posts for the Sales Department. I have experienced a lot of great events and through my researching and writing, I've learned so much about this amazing city that I call home. I feel very lucky to have had this opportunity and I've enjoyed every minute of it.

So now I am passing the torch on to my four TB&C Sales buds: Cristina, Heather, Maria and Linda. They will be working hard to continue to bring you the most up-to-date Tampa Bay meetings and conventions news. So keep checking back just as you have been, and once again.... Thanks for stopping by!!!!

Megan :)

Our Sales Staff ROCKS

Wednesday, September 23, 2009 by Convention Sales

It's the end of the fiscal year and time to do some NUMBER CRUNCHING! Thankfully for Tampa Bay & Company, our sales staff has been working hard to make their numbers this year, and it shows! In the past two weeks, TB&C has received signed contracts from multiple organizations to bring meetings and conventions to Tampa Bay. Combined, these meetings will produce more than 11,750 hotel room nights for an estimated delegate spending of $5.9 Million!!

One of these conventions is the American Trucking Association's Technology & Maintenance Council Annual Meeting & Transportation Technology Expo in February 2012. Approximately 3,000 delegates will attend this meeting, which will produce more than 7,400 hotel room nights and create $2.2 Million in delegate spending!

This convention is just one of the many meetings that Tampa Bay plans to host in the future. Thanks to the hard work and dedication of our sales staff, we are on our way to meeting our goals for this year. Keep up the great work!!

Thanks for stopping by and keep checking back for more Tampa Bay meetings news!

Roy's - Hawaiian Fusion at its Best...

Tuesday, September 15, 2009 by Convention Sales

The next time you're in Tampa and you're trying to figure out where to eat or hold a small meeting, I highly recommend trying Roy's Restaurant. This Hawaiian-Fusion eatery is located in the heart of Tampa's Westhore District, close to Tampa International Airport, many full-service, brand-name hotels and the upscale International Plaza shopping center. I had the chance to visit Roy's a few weeks ago and I was extremely impressed!

Not only was I not aware of how delicious their cuisine is (you have to try the roasted macadamia nut mahi mahi with lobster cognac butter sauce - O M G), but I also didn't realize that they have two private, soundproof dining rooms that can be used for board meetings or private receptions for up to 45 guests. Both rooms are equipped with audio/visual capabilities and can be set in any style to accommodate your event.

If your party or event has more than 45 guests, you can rent out different sections of the restaurant to hold up to 80 guests, OR you can buy out the entire restaurant for even larger events. When planning a private event at Roy's, guests are able to create a customized menu to meet their specific budget and food needs.

Roy's also offers full service, off-site catering, in case your event is being held at a different location. This restaurant has exactly what it takes to be the perfect event and off-site meeting venue for any convention. Take a look at the Web site for more information about space capacities and menu items or to book your next meeting at this fantastic dining facility.

Thanks for stopping by and keep checking back for more Tampa Bay Meetings news!

Sheraton Tampa Riverwalk Will Beat ANY Offer

Tuesday, August 25, 2009 by Convention Sales

The Sheraton Tampa Riverwalk Hotel, located in downtown, is offering a deal that literally no other hotel can beat. If you are holding a meeting in Tampa from now through December 2009 and your meeting will fit in this beautiful, waterfront hotel, then you'll want to listen to this...

The 277-room Sheraton Riverwalk will match or beat your best offer for any meeting from now until December. Just bring them a proposal from any competitor, mention the word "MATCH" and they will follow through on their offer. Guest Room Water View

This is quite a deal, and not one to ignore. With over 15,000 square feet of meeting space, an upscale waterfront restaurant and 277 newly-renovated guest rooms, this hotel is one that you must see for yourself.

Check out the hotel's Web site for more information on this amazing promotion, or contact a Tampa Bay & Company sales staff member to book your next meeting at this and other Tampa Bay properties.

Thanks for stopping by and keep checking back for more Tampa Bay Meetings News!

Sheraton Suites Invests Millions in Renovation Project

Tuesday, August 18, 2009 by Convention Sales

The Sheraton Suites Tampa Airport Westshore is undergoing an extensive $13-million renovation project. The 261-room all-suite hotel is located in Tampa's Westshore District, within minutes of Tampa International Airport and the upscale dining and shopping of the area. The hotel's "face-lift" includes a full renovation of all guest rooms, meeting space, restaurant, fitness facilities, indoor pool and lobby.

The plan is to turn the hotel into a state-of-the-art facility with features such as hardwood flooring on select floors (yes, that means IN the guestrooms!), an improved luxury lounge area, more than 12,000 square feet of meeting space, flat panel HD televisions, modern hotel furniture and the addition of the "Link@Sheraton," an open business cafe.

Not only will the renovation project make the Sheraton Suites one of the most upscale hotels in the area, it will also create more than 140 jobs, which we all know is very important in today's economy.

The renovations are expected to be complete in November, and I will keep you all posted on the progress. Make sure to look out for the "finished-product" blog post sometime in November. Check out the hotel's Web site for more hotel information.

Thanks for stopping by and keep checking back for more Tampa Bay Meetings news!

Hyatt Regency Tampa is SUPER Green

Friday, August 14, 2009 by Convention Sales

The Hyatt Regency Tampa, located in downtown, was recently recognized as Tampa's first downtown hotel to receive the Two Palm designation. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection's Green Lodging Program awards this designation to hotels that have maintained the green practices of the program for 12 consecutive months.

The Hyatt Regency has seen amazing results since officially turning Green in 2008. Specifically, the property has achieved a 12% decrease in electricity, 10% decrease in gas and 7.4% decrease in water consumption compared to last year.

Read my Green hotel blog to see other hotel's who have received the Green Lodging program approval in Tampa. Tampa Bay is dedicated to conserving natural resources and preventing pollution, and we are proud that so many of our hotels have made the commitment to protect our environment. Keep up the good work!

City Bike Announces New Tampa Tour

Friday, August 14, 2009 by Convention Sales

If you are wondering what to do in Tampa while you're here for a meeting or convention, I've got a great idea for you. City Bike Tampa is a brand new company that operates in downtown, offering visitors and residents the chance to see Tampa in a whole new way.

CBT has been running successfully for a few months now and are getting ready to launch the Downtown Tampa History Tour this weekend. Whether you're a visitor or a Tampa native, you will definitely enjoy this guided bike tour. You just can't beat having fun and burning calories at the same time!

CBT's trained guides will show you around downtown and surrounding areas and fill you in on all of the historic details, giving you an insider's look into one of the greatest cities on the East Coast. And word on the street is, the guides are quite the comedians, so this is sure to be a fun-filled activity for you or your meeting delegates!

The Downtown Tampa History tour will run Fridays and Saturdays at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. If you're in Tampa during the week, you can call and set up an appointment with them and they will gladly work with your schedule.

Check out my first CBT blog to find out more background info on this great new company. Or visit the City Bike Tampa Web site for more information. Thanks for stopping by and keep checking back for more Tampa Bay Tours and meeting information!

Meeting Planner's Guide Goes Digital

Wednesday, August 5, 2009 by Convention Sales

I am excited to announce that Tampa Bay & Company's Meeting Planner Guide (MPG) is now available online and can be accessed by anyone with a computer and the Internet! The 2009 MPG has been digitized, enabling meeting professionals across the world to begin creating their unique Tampa Bay experience online instead of waiting to receive a hard copy in the mail.

If you are not familiar with what a meeting planner guide is, I will tell you what you can expect to find in one. MPGs are usually created by a city's CVB for the purpose of educating meeting professionals with information on meeting facilities, where to stay, maps and transportation, where to eat, things to do, area services and much more.

The 2009 MPG can be found at www.VisitTampaBay.com/MeetingPlanner09. Check it out if you plan on holding a meeting in Tampa Bay in the future, or even if you are interested in finding out more about this diverse and unique city. Thanks for stopping by and keep checking back for more helpful Tampa Bay meetings tips!