Conventions in Tampa Bay

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.

Tampa Bay & Company Partner Extranet Features - Convention Calendar

Thursday, November 5, 2009 by Partner Pulse

Whether you are a Tampa Florida Attraction, in charge of Tampa Bay Shopping, a Tampa Bar or putting on Concerts in Tampa...as a partner of Tampa Bay & Company access to several useful Tampa Bay Marketing tools is only a click away. We hope these will help you reach out to those attending Tampa Bay Meetings at the Convention Center and elsewhere.

Tampa Bay & Company

Sales Booking Reports are updated monthly and the Tampa Bay & Company Convention Calendar is also avaliable through this site. There are two versions of the Tampa Bay & Company Convention Calendar: the first is a pdf version where you can sel

ect the desired date range and you can see information for each convention sorted by the date of arrival.

Another version of the convention calendar is in Microsoft Excel format. This allows you to merge the Tampa Bay Meetings Lead Contact with your Tampa Bay Marketing material giving you direct access to those planners visitting Tampa Bay in the near future.

The Excel version of the Convention Calendar includes a field with the date the Tampa Bay Meeting became definite in Tampa Bay. If you reach out to these contacts on a regular basis you can sort the document on the Date Booked field and only reach out to those contacts with Tampa Bay Meetings booked since you last sent out Tampa Bay Marketing material.

You will need your individual username and password to login to the Tampa Bay & Company Partner Extranet and access the Tampa Bay & Company Convention Calendar. If you do not have a login contact Tampa Bay & Company Marketing Analyst Julie Zambos at jazambos@visittampabay.com or call 813-342-4068 or Tampa Bay & Company Partnership Sales Manager Lauren Bowles at lbowles@visittampabay.com or call 813-342-4085.

See below for detailed instructions on other benefits available to you within the Tampa Bay & Company Partner Extranet:

Using the Tampa Bay & Company Website
We encourage you to explore our Web site, www.VisitTampaBay.com, and utilize all of the resources available to you through the Web site.

To access Tampa Bay & Company’s Partners Only section:
• www.VisitTampaBay.com/Partners and click on “Partners Only”.
• Log in using your assigned username and password. If you have not received a username and password, please contact Tampa Bay & Company Marketing Analyst Julie Zambos at jazambos@visittampabay.com or call 813-342-4068 or Tampa Bay & Company Partnership Sales Manager Lauren Bowles at LBowles@VisitTampaBay.com or call (813)342‐4085.

To access the Tampa Bay & Company Meetings Convention Calendar:
• Log in to the “Partners Only” section of our website, www.VisitTampaBay.com/partners.
• Once logged in, a list of options appears on the main page as well as the left sidebar. Click on “Convention Calendar” to view upcoming Tampa Bay Community Events, Tampa Bay Conventions, Tampa Bay Meetings, etc.

To access and post events to the Tampa Bay & Company Calendar of Events:
• Log in to the “Partners Only” section of our website.
• Once logged in, you will see a link that says “Submit Events.” Click on this link and enter your event info and click “Save.”

To post coupons/special offers for Tampa Bay Area Visitors, Meeting Planners and/or Tampa Bay & Company Partners only:
• Log in to the “Partners Only” section of our website.
• Once logged in, you will see a link on the main page that says “Add/Edit/Remove Coupons.”
• To submit a new coupon, click on “add coupon” Enter your information and click “Save.”
• Your coupon will then appear as pending until our staff approves the coupon.
• To edit your coupon, click on the coupon title and click “Save.”

To view Tampa Bay Community Calendar of Events and Tampa Bay & Company Partner coupons:
• For visitor coupons, click “Visitors” and click on “Hot Deals” or “Calendar of Events.”
• For meeting planner coupons, click on “Meeting Planners” and click on “Meeting Planner Hot Deals.”
• For partner coupons, log in to the “Partners Only” section of our website and click on “Partner Coupons.”

To view tips from the Tampa Bay & Company Marketing team:
• Log in to the "Partners Only" section of our website.
• Once logged in click "Marketing Tools" to the left.
• Here you will access marketing tools, research and publications.

To view and/or update your profile:
• Log in to the “Partners Only” section of our website.
• Once logged in click on “View Profile.”
• Here you will be able to view your listings and contacts.
• ONLY the primary contact has access to update your account.

To retrieve various Tampa Bay & Company Sales Booking Reports, Action Plans and information about the Tampa Bay Convention and Tourism industry:
• Log in to the “Partners Only” section of our website.
• Once logged in, a list of options appears on the left sidebar. Click on “Sales” for various options.

Spots Available for Raw Unity Power Lifting Championship

Thursday, November 5, 2009 by Tampa Bay & Company

Hi all...Travis back for some Tampa Bay entertainment news for all of you sports and lifting fans out there.

You may have heard, but the Raw Unity Power Lifting Championship is coming to town, and if you haven't heard, just click here to read the previous post from the Tampa Bay Sports guys!

Well, they have 5 spots available in the female division, 6 spots available in the heavyweight division, 8 spots available in the bench only division and 8 spots available in the deadlift only division.

So, if you are interested and meet the lifting requirements, get signed up soon!

If you are interested in competing at Raw Unity then please check out the qualifying totals to see if you qualify for the meet...just click here.

If you have not qualified and would like to apply for a spot, then simply send a “lifter resume” to erictalmant@yahoo.com. Please include videos or links to videos if you would like to improve your chances.

Also, if you aren't a "lifter" but you know some who may be interested, pass the word to any and all lifters that may be interested.

The roster that has been assembled is arguably one of the best that the sport of powerlifting has seen in a long time.

If you want to see the current roster,just click here.

Oh, and you can also attend if you just want to see the action. I will definitely be heading out to see this one!

Until then, keep checking back for more great things to do in Tampa Bay.

Tampa Bay Events, Production Capabilities and Culture All in One Place

Wednesday, November 4, 2009 by Bay Bloggers

Looking for Tampa Bay Community Information? One place to peruse is one of the Tampa Bay Radio Stations 89.7 WUSF. Their broadcasts include All Things Considered, Florida Matters and University Beats with issues affecting anyone in Tampa Bay, Florida and surrounding areas. Their website contains Tampa Bay News, happenings at Tampa Bay Attractions, Tampa Bay Meetings at the Convention Center Tampa and wonderful Florida Stories.

Why bother with Shopping in Tampa Bay this weekend? Who wants to Golf Tampa Bay or spend all weekend at a Tampa Bay Area Beach when there are so many Tampa Bay cultural events to expand your mind all weekend!

For example the Dali Museum has a calendar listing for this Saturday. Here is the information: Bring your kids to the Dalí Museum for breakfast! On November 7, enjoy a family-friendly, interactive tour through the galleries before it opens to the public, and then enjoy a tasty breakfast buffet as well as arts and crafts. This is one of the Museum’s most popular programs. To register and pre-pay, please call (727) 823-3767 ext. 3024 or email Bethany Mead, Education Coordinator: bmead@thedali.org

Event Category:Kids & Family
Price:General admission is $15 per parent, $10 per child, $20 all others.
Dates and Times:November 7, 9:30AM
Add to my calendar

Venue:Salvador Dalí Museum
Address:1000 Third Street South
City:St. Petersburg State:FL Zip Code:33701-4901
Country:United States
Telephone:727-823-3767
Email: info@salvadordalimuseum.org

IntellisMedia is a division of WUSF Public Broadcasting. Using Tampa Bay Radio Stations WUSF's wealth of experienced media, communications, engineering and production professionals and facilities, we provide customized communications, production and technology services to clients in the corporate, government, education and non-profit sectors.

A New Job Opening...Yes Please

Monday, November 2, 2009 by Partner Pulse

So like everyone else I know right now, I have a few very good friends looking for work in the Tampa Bay market. It’s a scary time right now and it’s good to keep up on what jobs in the Tampa Bay Meetings market are available…especially in the Tampa, FL hospitality industry.

I check the normal online places on a regular basis for jobs at Tampa Bay Resorts or at the Convention Center Tampa but recently I came across a site that was not so expected.

Did you guys know that Tampa Bay & Company has a page that lists job openings for those of us in hospitality. It was so cool to already have jobs narrowed down and not have to search through page after page of ridiculous “work from home” scheme jobs before I got to something legitimate. There are listings from Tampa Bay Hotels and even some Tampa Bay Resorts.

There are several jobs at hotels for people with experience in sales and even jobs through the Hillsborough County Bar Association. You may be surprised by the variety of listings through Tampa Bay & Company. I knew they had a broad base of Tampa Bay Partners but I did not realize they could post jobs too.

If nothing else, add the link to your regular search and see what other Tampa Bay Hotels, Resorts or Attractions are looking to fill positions. You never know when you may find that perfect job for a good friend. Or even better…that perfect job just for you.

Tampa Bay Lightning get "Unplugged" next week

Monday, November 2, 2009 by Tampa Bay & Company

Hey everyone! Travis here with some Tampa Bay entertainment that is a must-see! The Tampa Bay Lightning and its players will host their second “Lightning Unplugged” event of the season on Tuesday, Nov. 10 from 6-8 p.m.

It all happens in Center Court at The Shops at Wiregrass located in Wesley Chapel.

For those who have not heard of these series, “Unplugged” is a new series of fan friendly events in the Tampa Bay community hosted by former Lightning player and 2004 Stanley Cup Champion Chris Dingman.

It offers fans a chance to meet the Lightning players and ask them questions in an open, casual, barrier-free environment. This event will feature perennial NHL All-Star Martin St. Louis and new Lightning goaltender Antero Niittymaki joining Dingman at The Shops at Wiregrass.

Also at the mall will be the Lightning Fan Interactive Truck, ThunderBug and the Lightning Girls. There will also be a merchandise tent, a ticket booth where fans can purchase tickets to upcoming Lightning games and Wiregrass’ holiday ice rink will be open to fans for skating.

Fans in attendance will also have the opportunity to enter to win great prizes. The entrance to the event will be on Piazza Ave. near GrillSmith New American Grill. Following “Unplugged” there will be a post-event party located at The Brass Tap (just south of Center Court on Piazza Ave.). The party will begin immediately following the event and will feature great drink specials (for those of us old enough to attend).

And there'll be more of these Tampa Bay area events, so Lightning fans should look for regular announcements detailing the future stops of “Unplugged” throughout the 2009-10 season. As always, you are encouraged to visit www.tampabaylightning.com to get more details about these happening.

As always, keep checking back for more great things to do in Tampa Bay!

Jerm Goes to Zoo Boo with the Carjavals...

Monday, November 2, 2009 by Bay Bloggers

So this past weekend was Halloween of course, and normally my Halloweens are reserved for me siting on the couch and making every effort to not answer the door when trick or treaters come by. Yes I know that sounds awful, but I truly have never gotten into the whole trick or treat, dress up in a costume deal I guess. Yes I know what you are thinking... what a party pooper!

Well this year I decided to switch it up a bit and spend it with my friends the Carvajals and their two little girls at Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo for the annual Zoo Boo event.

We got there around 7pm Friday night and it was already packed with pint sized trick or treaters decked out in their scariest costumes. This year’s spook-tacular event featured 12 frightfully fun attractions. Little ones could walk into a world of dazzling lights and friendly Halloween scenes at Little Tyke Boo House, join Frankenstein and friends at his foam party, meet creepy crawling creatures and more.

We pretty much hit everything, and by the end of the night, those two little girls had me dragging tired and hungry! Luckily for us though, the fine folks from Domino's were outside offering up free pizza slices.

This was really a cool event, as basically the entire park is decked out in Halloween garb, with some of the animals still on display. for the kiddies as well as the grown-ups to interact with. The girls got to touch the Manatees, see a baby version of Ivan the Blogging Owl.

We heard that there was a cool animal magic show back at the Safari Lodge, but didn't get a chance to make it back there...bummer, but it definitely gives us something to look forward to next year. If you have never been before, Zoo Boo is a must for any family, or boring friend of the family guy like myself!

That's all for now, stay tuned throughout the week as we will be giving you updates for one of our favorite Tampa Bay area events this weekend at the Annual ZooFari festival at Lowry Park Zoo as well! Come back and visit us soon as well for cool kid friendly things to do in Tampa Bay!

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!

NATIONAL EQUESTRIAN SHOW JUMPING FINALS ARE COMING TO TAMPA BAY THIS DECEMBER!

Thursday, October 29, 2009 by Josh Jones

Josh Jones here with a Tampa Bay sports update! On December 5, City League International will bring their Grand Prix Team Show Jumping Finals to the Florida State Fairgrounds.

The Grand Prix is the final event in a three day competition that begins on Thursday, December 3. Four riders from each team will compete on Thursday in a points based speed competition. Then, on Friday all members of each team compete in team based competitions. Two riders are then chosen from each team to compete in the Grand Prix on Saturday night. Between the two riders, the lowest point score is dropped and the team with the most overall points from the three days will win the event. The top three riders in the Grand Prix will receive individual gold, silver and bronze medals, while the top eight teams in the overall event will receive prize money up to $25,000.

The teams that will compete in the event are from all over the United States, Puerto Rico, and Colombia. Each team is made up of men and women of different ages that compete against each other as equals. The Grand Prix is an event comprised of speed, precision, and athleticism.

City League provides its fans with pony rides and vendor expositions before an event and the unique opportunity to meet riders and pet horses after the event. Spectator interaction and participation are exclusive attributes to the equestrian sport and are exercised by allowing any rider to join the league and compete.

Tickets for the 2009 Grand Prix Show Jumping Finals are available for $15.00 for adults and $5.00 for children. They can be purchased online, prior to the event, at www.cityleagueinternational.com or at the event on December 5.

Check the website for ticket discounts and giveaways, as well as, team updates. Stay tuned for more things to do in Tampa Bay!

Spartan Soccer Tonight at Pepin Stadium!

Thursday, October 29, 2009 by Bay Bloggers

athleticsyck again with another Tampa Bay Sports update! THIS IS SPARTA!!! Pardon me, as I was channeling King Leonidis and my inner Spartan there for a moment.

Image Courtesy of Uinversity of Tamp aAthletics.

Tonight the University of Tampa Men's Soccer team will take on St. Leo as they look tclosese out the regular season in style before defending their Sunshine State Conference title!

The Spartans have been ranked in the top 10 in each of the regular season polls this year, including three weeks at number one and will also look to continue their 16 game home win streak that dates back to 2007 against this same St. Leo Lions team.

The Spartans will also honor a veteran group as tonight will be the final home game for a group of seniors that will be greatly missed come next year.

The Spartans are led by senior and top goal scorer Pascal Milien, who has tallied 10 goals to go along with three assists for 23 points. In goal for the Spartans is fellow senior Ryan Thompson who boasts an 11-1-1 record with three shutouts and a 0.89 goals against average. Kyle Williams will lead back-linene that has allowed just 12 goals on the year so far.

All fans can access tonight'match-upup via a livweb-castst through www.tampaspartans.com where live stats will be available. If you want to get game updates on your mobiel device, UT also offers eScores, which is a free text messaging service that sends text alerts following all Spartan events. Fans may also follow University of Tampa athletics on Twitter (www.twitter.com/utspartans) and Facebook.

Its gonna be a great night of soccer here in Tampa Bay so be sure to get out there and support these local teams! Jerm will most likely be there tonight in support of his Spartans so be on the lookout for me!

In the meantime, be sure to keep checking back for more Tampa Bay area events updates about the Spartans!

At the USF Bulls Soccer Home Finale Last Night...

Thursday, October 29, 2009 by Bay Bloggers

Yo, yo, yo! Whatsup peeps! Jerm here with a tiny re-cap last night of the USF Bulls Men's Soccer game I was at last night. It was in fact senior night last night as the USF Bulls took on the Depaul Blue Demons in Big East play last night.

I was out at the game last night drumming up some support for the Tampa Bay FIFA World Cup™ Bid and getting signatures for the petition. Which by the way, if you haven't done that, then you can hop over to our website and do so. I even got to meet Thomas Rongen last night, who is head coach of the US Under 20 Men's National team

It was a difficult game for the Bulls to break open last night as the Blue Demons seemed content to keep at least 9 guys behind the ball all night and just weather the storm, but USF finally made the breakthrough on an absolute rip of a bending free kick just outside the eighteen by Zak Boggs.

I had a feeling when he stepped up to take it that he was going to make it, and I almost started to take some video of it, but told myself, nahhhhhh he's not gonna make it. As a result I will never doubt Zak Boggs again, and neither should you!

Despite a valiant defensive effort by the Blue Demons and plenty of good chances by the Bulls to get on the board again, that is the way the game would end as the Bulls took their overall record to 12-2-2, 6-2-2 in conference play. For the second year in a row, the University of South Florida men's soccer team finished its regular season home schedule without a loss..., now that's impressive!

The Bulls will end the season on the road this weekend vs. a tough Rutgers team sure to be looking to knock off the #9 ranked Bulls in conference play! The following week the Bulls will try and defend their Big East Title against what will be a very tough field of opponents.

For more info on that and other Bulls soccer updates check out the Men's Soccer home page.

But that's not all guys, more soccer action for you tonight as the number 4 seeded Lady Bull's kick-off conference tournament play vs Depaul at 7:30! Coach Denise Schlite-Brown will be looking to start the postseason on a strong note after finishing the season strong with the teams best record since 03'!

Come out tonight and show your support for the Bulls and our World Cup Bid as we will be back out there collecting signatures! Who knows, the USF Athletic department may even feed you as, last night they gave a way free pizza from Papa Johns!

That's all I got for now folks, but stay tuned for more updates from Jerm on USF Tampa Bay area events and things to do in Tampa Bay!

ExTRAVELganza in Tampa Bay!

Wednesday, October 28, 2009 by Tampa Bay & Company

Hey everyone! Travis here with some Tampa tourism news. Plus, it's some really cool Tampa Bay entertainment.

The Sixteenth Annual ExTRAVELganza, the Bay Area's Premier Vacation & Sports Auction
Featuring the New Tours of Taste, take places on Friday, Nov. 13 from 7-10pm.

It's happening at the at the spectacular newly opened Mainsail Conference Center! As far as Tampa Bay hotels go, this one is amazing!

There is no other fundraising event in the Bay Area quite as extraordinary as ExTRAVELganza, which provides the opportunity to purchase dream travel packages while raising scholarship dollars for hospitality and/or culinary arts students.

And, attendees will be delighted with a spectacular inaugural event - a Titanium Chef Competition with celebrity judge. Seats will be limited for this event.

So, make sure you log on to www.extravelganza.org to get more information about attending...also, they are looking for items for the auction. So, if you have something you'd like to donate, you can do that as well...just check the site for details.

See you there. And keep checking back for more updates about Tampa Bay area events and other great things to do in Tampa Bay!

Howl-O-Scream Giveaway Winner!

Tuesday, October 27, 2009 by jeremy fairley

Alright guys, well I thought I was able to stump everyone this time with the difficult trivia questions, but I guess I was wrong and we have a winner!

Oh well I guess I won't get to keep the tickets for myself and take one of my lovely lady friends to meet Ms. Vayne! Instead our good friend Justin Kidder will have to take my place and find a lady friend of his own!

Congratulations to Justin and whomever he is taking with him as he gets to enjoy the prize package of a 4-pack of tickets with front of the line fear passes, and tickets to fright feast! This is also the last week of Howl-O-Scream, so maybe Ms. Vayne will show up and recruit Justin and his guests? Okay maybe not, but congrats Justin and thanks to everyone that played today!

If you didn't win, you can still purchase tickets on-line or just go Thursday, Friday or Saturday and get your tickets at the box office!

Stay tuned for the rest of this week as I may be giving away some other stuff to other Tampa Bay area events! Jerm is signing off now so stay tuned for updates on things to do in Tampa Bay!

POWERLIFTING CHAMPIONSHIPS SET TO RAISE THE BAR IN 2010

Monday, October 26, 2009 by Josh Jones

Josh Jones here guys, and I have some info on one of the cooler Tampa Bay area events coming to town! The Raw Unity Power-lifting Championships are set to take place in Tampa Bay for the third straight year.

Raw Unity is the perfect excuse to bring the best raw power-lifters in the state to compete using only their “raw” talent. The competition will take place on January 30Th and 31st, 2010 in the George W. Jenkins Family Center of the Jackson Springs Recreation Center.

For those of you who don’t know about Raw Unity or power-lifting, allow me to inform you. Power-lifting began in the late 1960s. Raw power-lifting started it journey with minor leagues being formed in the early to mid 90s. Raw power-lifting is another form of power-lifting; however, this form is how much a participant can lift without their squat suit. The purpose behind the whole concept is to test an athlete’s real raw lifting ability. Raw power-lifting covers three events: squat, bench press and dead lift.

Last year the championship was able to bring over 50 participants and over 250 show attendees to the big show. This year they expect over 100 participants and over 350 show attendees. All the proceeds from the meet will go to fund the Jackson Springs Recreation Center after-school athletic programs and scholarship funds.

Last year’s event sold out, so be sure to get there early to get your seats!

From more information: www.rawunitymeet.com. This is Josh Jones signing off now, and be sure to follow my posts for more updates from your Tampa Bay team on the amateur Tampa Bay Sports scene here in Tampa Bay!

COMPETITION SCHEDULE:
Saturday, January 30Th - Women and Lightweights (under 180lbs) compete
Sunday, January 31st – Men 180 lbs and up compete

Downtown Tampa events

Friday, October 23, 2009 by Tampa Bay & Company

Hey gang! Travis back with more great Tampa Bay area events, taking place in downtown Tampa!!!! So, let's get to it:

Tonight, start your engines. The 2010 Model Tampa Bay International Auto Show races to the Tampa Convention Center. If you are in the market for a new car, this is a must do before you go to the dealership.

tomorrow, October 24th, the popular Student Dance Happening will take place inside and out at The University of Tampa Oct. 21-24 at 8 p.m. A crowd favorite at UT, the Dance Happening will begin at the David Falk Theatre. The opening portion of the free program will take place inside the Falk Theatre, and the remainder will take place on the Plant Hall East Verandah.

UT graduate Susannah LeMarquand ’01 is the Dance Happening coordinator this year. She has worked on cruise ships and is now working at Busch Gardens while teaching as an adjunct instructor at UT. Presented by the Department of Speech, Theatre, and Dance, the Student Dance Happening features popular music and the work of talented students from all sectors of the University community. Choreography features new work by 21 UT students and alumni. The UT Dance Team and the Black Student Union Dance Team also will perform. Dance styles will include hip hop, modern, tap, lyrical and jazz, with more than 80 students participating. The UT Dance Happening offers something for everyone. Don’t miss this unique “traveling” dance performance. The event is free!!!

Also, the Lightning take on the Buffalo Sabres. Game starts at 7:30 p.m. For tickets and more information about the Tampa Bay Lightning, visit their Web site at www.tampabaylightning.com.

Then, on Sunday, October 25th, Get ready for Halloween with friends: new, old, and dead. Historian/actor Maureen Patrick is the guide for an often shocking, frequently hilarious hour-long tour of Oaklawn Cemetery (founded 1850) where pioneer Tampa's well-to-do and ne’er-do-well lie side by side. The graveyard is the final resting place of pirates, slaves, Indian fighters, 13 City mayors, veterans of seven wars, and victims of five yellow fever epidemics. Elegant statuary, moss-hung oaks, and winding brick pathways give Oaklawn a Gothic feel, while tombstone epitaphs range from the genteel to the ridiculous. Patrick will appear in elaborate nineteenth century mourning attire, in the character of Miss Prudence Fipwhistle (born 1855, died 1899.) A $5 donation is requested at the end of the tour and benefits Tampa Historical Society, a not-for-profit organization.

On Monday, October 26th, Make your way to Café Dufrain to celebrate at Corkage Free Monday Nights. Bring your own bottle of wine and the staff of Café Dufrain will uncork it for you. Enjoy fine dining while taking in the water views from the outside patio. Watch the skyline of downtown Tampa turn from day to night. Gaze at passing boats all while relaxing Monday night away.

Finally, on Tuesday, October 27, we are saying Happy Birthday to Mr. Plant! Henry Plant would be having his 190th birthday. The HB Plant Museum thinks that's cause to celebrate and they hope you will join them! What is a birthday without balloons, cupcakes and punch? They await you on the veranda, from noon - 2:00pm. All day Museum admission is complimentary and visitors will be given a 10% discount in the Museum Store. In 1891, Henry Plant opened the most astonishingly magnificent Hotel of its day and it is still relevant as an iconic symbol of Tampa. Take a break from your busy schedule on October 27th, enjoy a cupcake on the veranda overlooking downtown, and stop in the Museum for a Victorian step-back-in-time moment. Happy Birthday Henry Plant!

Now, how's that for some cool Tampa Bay area events??!! Make sure you get out and experience as many as you can.

we'll see you here next time as we continue to bring you great things to do in Tampa Bay!

Guavaween Community Meeting Next Week

Thursday, October 22, 2009 by Tampa Bay & Company

Hey everyone! Travis here. We bring you so many Tampa Bay area events that we thought we should tell you about the opportunities to get involved in them too. We just got this information from the City of Tampa.

There'll be a Guavaween Community Meeting next Wednesday, oct. 28 at 6:30pm..."In an effort to assist in making this event safe, profitable and efficient for all of us."

It'll take place at the Italian Club Cantina (that's at 1731 East 7th Avenue in Ybor City).

In case you weren't aware, Guavaween 2009 will take place Saturday, October 31 and is one of Tampa's coolest events.

If you want to take a look at some general information and rules for Guavaween, just click here.

If you need to know what streets will be closed and what vendors are participating, click here.

So, make sure you attend and have an impact on this year's Guavaween Festival.

And of course, keep checking back for more great things to do in Tampa Bay.

Tampa Bay History Center Building Gets New Name

Wednesday, October 21, 2009 by Tampa Bay & Company

Hey everyone! Travis here with a Tampa tourism update. This is breaking news in from the county, so listen up!

In today’s regular Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners meeting, the motion carried 7-0 to rename the Tampa Bay History Center building the 'J. Thomas Touchton Tampa Bay History Center.'

The renaming of the building was brought forward by Commissioner Rose Ferlita to honor the dedication and drive Touchton demonstrated to make the new facility a reality. Touchton, the founding chairperson, spent 20 years actively raising both endowment and capital funds for the History Center project.

Plus, the Touchtons are in the process of donating their historic map collection of more than 3,000 items to the History Center. These maps and charts represent some of the “Florida” map-makers visions that have been created over the past 400 years.

The Tampa Bay History Center is located at 801 Old Water Street in the Channelside District, and serves as the County's official repository for historic artifacts. With a total cost of $52 million, $17 million provided by the County, the History Center includes 25,000 square feet of exhibit areas, featuring 12,000 years of local history, interactive displays and multiple theaters, plus a gallery that features temporary exhibits.

In addition, a research library is staffed by the Hillsborough County Library system. The Columbia Restaurant operates the Columbia Cafe, complete with a replica of the original Columbia Restaurant bar in Ybor City, founded in 1905.

If you want to learn more about the Tampa Bay History Center, visit www.tampabayhistorycenter.org.

and there's your breaking news update! Check back for more Tampa tourism updates, as well as information on great things to do in Tampa Bay!

We Need Your Support for the Tampa Bay FIFA World Cup™ Bid...

Tuesday, October 20, 2009 by jeremy fairley

Whatup Gang! Jerm here and I am super excited to see the lists keep growing with people who want to see the FIFA World Cup ™ 2018/2022 Bid come to Tampa! We do however still have a long way to go, so we need you all to show us your support by going to www.VisitTampaBay.com/WorldCup or www.GoUSABid.com/TampaBay!

So if you are a local and want to show your support, you can do so, or if you are researching your vacation and/or conventions in Tampa Bay then feel free to sign the petition on our site without even having to leave. Wow I really love technology, so remind me to thank the person who invented the widget!

Tell your friends, family, significant other, pets, and anyone else who will listen to sign up! An estimated 36 billion people worldwide watch the FIFA World Cup™, making it the most-viewed sporting event in the world so there is the opportunity for there to be allot of eyes on Tampa Bay in 2018/2022!

With the global economic impact, the FIFA World Cup™ bring a ton of new jobs and provide hundreds of millions of dollars in economic development to Tampa Bay. World Cup sponsorship is estimated to be over 16 billion dollars, with much of that going directly into local economies that host the event. I don't know about you but that sounds like a winner to me!

So what are you waiting for! Stop reading me rant and rave and go sign up!

Stay tuned for more updates on our FIFA World Cup™ Bid and other things to do in Tampa Bay!

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!

Tampa Bay Super Bowl XLIII wins Award!

Tuesday, October 20, 2009 by Tampa Bay & Company

Hey everyone! Travis here with some cool Tampa Bay sports news! I'm sure everyone remembers this past February when we held the Super Bowl in Tampa Bay.

Well, SportsTravel magazine announced the winners of the 2009 SportsTravel Awards at their TEAMS 2009 Conference & Expo (this is a really cool event that was held Oct. 13-17 in New Orleans).

Super Bowl XLIII has received the award for Best Professional Single-Sport Event!

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.

Here's some info about TEAMS for you, in case you were interested:
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.

And, 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.

and there you have it...I hope everyone keeps checking back for more Tampa Bay sports news and info, as well as info about great things to do in Tampa Bay!