Partner Pulse

Hello all, this is Lauren Cambias Bowles. I'll be keeping you updated with all of the exciting news from our more than 700 partners!  Check out this blog regularly as we fill you in on new partners, partner events, and tons more.  We'll even fill you in on how to become a member if you haven't done so already.   From time to time as well, even our partners will chime in with updates of their own!

Be sure to subscribe to the RSS feed so that you have access to up-to-the-minute updates about our many upcoming events!

Kona Grill is also a new partner of ours and a brand new restaurant in Tampa.  They haven't even opened yet, but will soon.  Kona Grill is across the street from International Plaza by Roy's, Fleming's & Lee Roy Selmon's.  They serve American and Asian cuisine. Their menu makes my mouth water. Can't wait to eat there! 

Last, but not least is Chez Bryce - The Island Bistro on Davis Islands.  Chez Bryce offers lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch all prepared by Chef Bryce himself.  Bryce used to live in France and studied there so needless to say, the food is amazing as is the atmosphere.  They have a great outdoor courtyard with live entertainment on the weekends.  They also cater for parties and have a private dining room available.   

Stay tuned for more info on Tampa Bay Dining options and the Tampa Bay nightlife scene!

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 select 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.

Like many other closeted musical lovers...I rarely expose my wondrous joy at watching the Sound of Music for the fiftieth time.  But occasionally a musical comes along that strikes you so directly you are unable to squash that desire to scream its name from the roof tops!  The Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center has produced just such a musical in Wonderland: Alice's New Musical Adventure.

  Rarely does Tampa Bay Entertainment have the ability to produce such an uplifting musical performance.  There are no Concerts Tampa that would even come close to rival the outpouring of emotion from Wonderland.

If you had the ability to attend this year's Tampa Bay & Company Annual Luncheon then you, like me, experienced two of the songs from this upcoming musical.  It would take a Tampa Bay Evacuations for me to be anywhere but TBPAC's Ferguson Hall on December 5th.  Lucky for me...that is my birthday so everyone in Tampa Bay will know to throw in and get me tickets as my present!

Yes...I admit...I was that geek in high school who LOVED theatre and truly longed to be involved professionally with any Tampa Bay Production when I grew up.  Of course that was not to be but my love for the theatrical lives on and I attend as many Tampa Bay productions as I can.  My most recent favorite musical was Jekyll & Hyde.  Not only do I have the entire production of Jekyll & Hyde on disc but I have it memorized as well!  I cry every time I hear Someone Like You.

It makes perfect sense that I would be drawn to Wonderland because they both have the same composer, Frank Wildhorn.  All of Tampa, Florida will be drawn to hear the music of this man.  He moves me to tears and while yes...that is not too terribly difficult I can assure you that you will be moved as well.





If you, like me, are dying for more sneak peaks at Wonderland: Alice's New Musical Adventure then come to the next Tampa Bay & Company Business By the Bay at the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center on November 17th at 5:30 p.m. in Carol Morsani Hall.  I promise you won't be disappointed!

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.

I went to Business by the Bay last night at Stump’s Supper Club and actually had a great time at one of the best Tampa Bars in the Channelside District.  There was a guy playing the bass.  And I mean an actual bass like in an orchestra not a bass guitar.  Another guy played the keyboard and sang.

We could have lived without the singing but the music did set up a great environment.  Tampa Bay Entertainment keeps getting better each year I live here.

 

When I got there I was given a free drink ticket and some free bucks to use at the gambling tables provided by Delite Entertainment.  There’s nothing like alcohol and gambling to make for a great night!  The Tampa Bay Hotel sales departments were out in full force.  And it’s always fun to see the guys from The Florida Aquarium.

 

A few chicken fingers later and I’m ready to throw away some free money at the gambling table.  It took 1.3 minutes flat for me to lose everything but the experience was certainly enjoyable.  These days with the Tampa Florida News about the economy any reason to laugh is worth the effort.

 

If you want to come with me and have a great time the next Business by the Bay is at the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center in Carol Morsani Hall November 17th at 5:30 p.m.  We'll be celebrating Wonderland: Alice's New Musical Adventure!

Known as one of Tampa Bay’s largest and “wildest” all-inclusive feeding frenzies in the Area, Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo invites all of you food and music lovers to the 23rd annual Zoofari. The night event features all-you-can-eat food sampling from more than 60 local restaurants including but not limited to GrillSmith, Ceviche, The Melting Pot, Longhorn Steakhouse, Ruth’s Chris Steak House, The NoHo Bistro and so many more!

Quench your savage thirst at the open bars located in each area throughout the Zoo. Those with a sweet tooth can indulge at the Sweet Safari Station with delectable treats from the Cheesecake Factory, Chantilly Cakes, Edible Arrangements and others.

This widely recognized event isn’t just about filling up your belly with delicious food; Dance the night away to live music from six different bands including the nationally known rock band Sister Hazel on the main stage. There’s just one week left until Zoofari and Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo is giving you the chance to win tickets!

 Here are the rules:

1. You have to be a fan of the Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo and Zoofari facebook pages.
2. Change your status to “I want to go to Zoofari at Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo on Saturday, Nov. 7.” Don’t forget that facebook allows you to tag pages and profiles by adding the “@” sign in front the name. (ex.: @Zoofari, @Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo).
3. Answer the trivia question posted on the Zoofari facebook page.
4. When you’ve completed all the above tasks, let us know by leaving a comment on the Zoofari page.
5. Those who complete each task will be entered into a drawing to win two adult complimentary tickets to Zoofari, Saturday November 7th at Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo. 2 winners will be randomly selected and announced Monday, November 2.

Stay tuned for more updates on Tampa Bay area events and things to do in Tampa Bay!

As the Tampa Bay Buccaneers football team prepare for battle against the New York Giants, Pelagia Trattoria’s top culinary draft picks debated which palate-pleasing dishes they’d be most likely to create for a game day tailgate party.

In one corner stands 41-year-old Executive Chef Fabrizio Schenardi, a native of Rivoli, Italy who is 6’ 4” and has 23 years of culinary experience.   Facing off with him is Daniel Goldich, a 30-year-old native of Atlantic City who has worked in the culinary arts field for 12 years, stands 5’ 10” and is the Senior Banquet Chef at the Renaissance Tampa Hotel, where Pelagia Trattoria is housed.

One the older, more experienced chef whose interests favor World Cup Soccer matches over American football games.  The other a native of New Jersey who knows football fans are as serious about their food as they are their favorite sport.

Together they came up with a winning game day strategy for a feast that features hot foods, fresh veggies, delicious desserts and a lot of fun!

Daniel:  We would have to have paninis, an Italian-version of a hot, grilled sandwich.  Those are usually filled with cured meats like capicola, mortadella, salami and provolone and served with an Italian-style bread that has been scooped out and filled with meats, cheese and a muffuletta olive spread.  You want to have finger food.  Instead of spending most of the time cooking, it’s best to bring some items to a tailgate that require minimal cooking or heating so you can have fun and enjoy everyone’s company without fussing over a lot of food.

Fabrizio:  What I would do for a tailgate is pizza.  But I would pre-make some of it before the game and then put it on the grill once I am there.  You can bring along pizza dough that is partly baked.   I would cook both sides on the grill to raise the dough a little bit and then put on the tomatoes, the mozzarella cheese, some onions and sausage and then roll it.  People like it and it is fun to make.  You should use good Italian sausage or even chicken sausage and make it like a calzone.

Then I would serve fresh vegetables that I’ve grilled instead of serving chips.  The night before, get together with friends and make basil oil, gazpacho dipping sauce or some sort of reduction sauce with beer or wine in it.  Put those into different squirt bottles and use them to coat the top of the veggies.  We do something similar at Pelagia for our Caesar fondue.  By brushing the romaine lettuce with just a light coat of olive oil before lightly grilling the entire leaf you give it a slightly smoky flavor that lets the flavor of the vegetable come through and keeps it just a little bit crisp, not soggy.  You can use eggplant, zucchini, bell pepper, fennel….

Daniel:  No don’t put fennel on the grill.  Maybe something like butter squash.  And I think you need to have steak.  The Pelagia ribeye uses a signature rub made with garlic, porcini powder, red pepper flakes, balsamic vinegar and sugar.  That particular cut of steak has enough fat content to keep it juicy and flavorful so it holds up well on a grill.  But you should marinate the steak the day before so all you have to do is put in on the grill, cook and enjoy.

Fabrizio:  For people who don’t like steak, or just want to enjoy some seafood, take some shrimp that are still in the shell.  Place the shrimp shell side down on the grill with a bit of foil underneath.  Brush the top of the shrimp with some spicy butter made with paprika, lemon juice, garlic, chopped parsley and cayenne pepper.  Just leave the shrimp on the grill for two to three minutes, depending on the size of the shrimp, and enjoy!

Daniel:  In the tradition of tailgating, how about some Italian S’mores for dessert?  Take some biscotti, top it with some Verona chocolate, add marshmallows and then lightly grill it just enough to soften the chocolate and melt the marshmallows.

Fabrizio:  Tailgating is a time to enjoy a lot of great foods in a casual manner.  And to use some ingredients that are seasonal.  You could bring along a pound cake and slice into individual pieces.  Use some Honey Crisp apple slices, that are in season now, pine nuts and raisins, place the piece of pound cake on grill quickly just to toast it very lightly.  Spread a little Nutella on top, add the fruits and nuts and serve.

Daniel: Now all we need is the perfect drink to enjoy with all of this great food.  How about a little twist on the traditional recipe for sangria?  It’s fall so why not add apples and cranberries instead of the usual citrus fruits?  And substitute grappa for brandy?
Fabrizio:  Sounds good.  Now we just have to get tickets to the game, pack up the grill, pick up the ingredients and head out to Raymond James Stadium Sunday.

Daniel:  As great as that sounds, that is my day off.  I think I should celebrate the day by not cooking and just relaxing and enjoying the game.

Pre-game, post-game or anytime, enjoy the fresh, seasonal flavors that are the signature of Tampa’s Pelagia Trattoria.  Chefs Schenardi and Goldich have helped make Pelagia one of “America’s Top Restaurants 2009,” according to Zagat.  Pelagia is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner daily and located in the lobby level of the Renaissance Tampa Hotel International Plaza. 

The Four Diamond property was named “2008 Renaissance Hotel of the Year” by Marriott International. www.pelagiatrattoria.com or www.renaissancetampa.com. 

For information, or reservations, call 813-313-3235 and stay tuned in for additional info on Tampa Bay dining and Tampa Bay hotel updates.

When the sun goes down, the frights come out at ZooBoo – a multi-night Halloween celebration at Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo. Join me for a haunting good time exploring spooky trails, haunted houses and things that go bump in the night. Who am I exactly? Well, let’s just say I’m no koala. I’m the one hiding in the depths of the shadows and making ZooBoo guests wonder what is – and isn’t – real.

This year’s spook-tacular event features 12 frightfully fun attractions. Shriek Peek Weekend kicks-off the Halloween festivities at the Zoo September 25 & 26 when tickets are only $10 per person. Little ones can 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. Everyone can enjoy riding an eerie-horse drawn carriage, strolling through mysterious trails and free unlimited Zoo rides throughout the night like Gator Falls in the darkness and the all new Tasmanian Tiger family roller coaster.

Those ready for a heart-racing experience will enjoy discovering the shadowy dark side of the Zoo in five haunted houses. But, be careful how far into the shadows you wander or you’ll realize just how real I am.

Dont forget to Purchase tickets and front-of-the-line “Boo Passes,” and stay tuned in for more updates on things to do in Tampa Bay and Tampa Florida attractions.

Who is ready to tailgate before the Bucs play the Giants on September 27th?!

Lisa here from Levy Restaurants to tell you about this awesome event. Don’t wait until kickoff to start the fun, join us on the West side of the stadium at 10am for our tailgate! Enjoy unlimited food, cooked fresh by our chefs on the grill, unlimited soft drinks and a live band- all stationed where the players walk into the stadium!

Order your tailgate tickets in advance for only $29.95 and receive two complimentary beer coupons per person! With that admission, you get access to entry into tailgate areas, unlimited Chef Table favorites and live music. What a deal! Don't let this opportunity pass you by to come out and support the Bucs before the game!

Call a Levy Restaurants Representative at 813.350.6490 today for more information and to reserve your spot at the season's best tailgate! Tickets are still available for all of the remaining home games this season.

This is Lisa signing off now, but I look forward to seeing you at the tailgate, and stay tuned for more Tampa Bay Buccaneers Football tailgating updates!

The heat. The rain. The humidity. We’re all feeling it and so are the countless Florida brides hosting outdoor weddings this month. We know all too well that while brides in the Sunshine State can plan nearly every detail of their day, they can’t control the elements.

With some creativity, you can have the gorgeous, tropical ceremony of your dreams with an outdoor feel without putting down money for a backup venue, forking over extra cash for outdoor tents or crossing your freshly manicured fingers and toes hoping that it doesn’t rain. Where? The revamped and lushly landscaped eight-story tropical atrium at the Sheraton Suites Tampa Airport Westshore is one of a few select Bay-area venues that can pull this off effortlessly.

The tropical atrium, the only one of its kind in the Westshore District area, features the largest indoor screw pine in Florida and Canary Island Date Palms, among other tropical plants and water streams. The atrium is being refurbished as part of the hotel’s multimillion-dollar renovations scheduled to be complete in November.

Wedding planners and brides will enjoy the many opportunities to turn the atrium into an outdoor wonderland. Features brides and event planners will enjoy:

• The climate-controlled tropical atrium available for ceremonies and corporate events (networking mixer, anyone?)
• The convenience of a 6,000-square-foot ball room to fluidly transition event festivities from the atrium to the reception hall
• Out-of-town guests can stay at one of the all-suite hotel’s revamped guest quarters featuring custom Sheraton Sweet Sleeper beds, hardwood floors, 32-inch HD flat panel televisions and more.
• Complimentary transportation to the airport and attractions within three miles of the hotel Happy planning!

Feel free to stop in and see the inside of the new Sheraton anytime, or check out our Web site at http://www.sheraton.com/tampaairport. Stay in the loop with Tampa Bay hotel updates by continuing to monitor this blog.

Hello blog fans! This is Zoe here from Botanica International Design Studio, and I wanted to tell you a little bit about a great event sponsored by the Florida West Coast Chapter of The National Association of Catering Executives!

Sylvia Weinstock, whose A-list Celebrity Clientele includes Mariah Carey, Maria Maples, Eddie Murphy, Tom Arnold, Whitney Houston, Chynna Phillips and William Baldwin, Cyndi Lauper, Jane Fonda, Alex Baldwin and Kim Basinger, Wayne Newton and Oprah Winfrey. Tickets for the public event are on sale and are exclusively available at www.fwnace.com

Limited seating is available for the September 21st event which features a catered lunch followed by the presentation, tickets for a VIP reception are also available. General admission for the lunch and presentation tickets are $65 per person, VIP Combination tickets which allows attendance at a VIP cocktail reception with Sylvia after the lunch and presentation, including a free copy Sylvia’s book Sensational Cakes and book signing are $125. Event Sponsorship packages are available at $1,000. The event is Monday, September 21st at the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center. Registration begins at 11:30am.

We hope to see you all there, as this will be an amazing event!

It’s that time of year again to lace up your sneakers and run to Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo for the 7th annual Zoo Run Run fund-racer! Hi everyone, Gahiji (ga-HEE-jee) the cheetah here to tell you about one of my favorite Tampa Bay area events. Zoo Run Run is a 5k walk/run that takes racers on an exciting path through the Zoo and along the Hillsborough River. The fun begins Saturday September 12, 2009 at 8 a.m. (check in 7-8 a.m.). Children under 11 can also be a part of the fun during the ½ mile “Fun Run” at 9:15 a.m.

As a cheetah, I naturally have everything I need to run – large nostrils, great lungs and a larger than average heart all working together to quickly provide oxygen. My brother, Chaka (SHA-ka), and I don’t like to brag too much, but we are faster than most super cars – including a Ferrari. Don’t worry though; we’ll leave the 5k fun to our human friends. Even if you can’t go from 0-60 mph in 3 seconds like we can, it’s fun exercise in the great outdoors for walkers, runners or sprinters. Plus, all participants receive free admission to the Zoo following the race. 

Register by FRIDAY, AUGUST 28 to also receive an extra ticket for a guest or to use on a different date. There will also be refreshments at the post-race reception and awards for the top 3 finishers.

After you’ve registered for Zoo Run Run, keep an eye out for different tips and suggestions on preparing for the 5k run/walk on our Facebook (Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo) and Twitter (@LowryParkZoo) pages.  Be sure to stop by after the race and say hello! You can visit me in the Ituri Forest area of Safari Africa, normally in the afternoons, where I often lounge inside the tunnel to stay cool. See you then!

Click HERE for the Zoo Run Run registration form and stay tuned for more zoo related things to do in Tampa Bay!

Grease is the Word! This morning I had the pleasure of meeting Taylor Hicks! While most of you know him as the winner of the fifth season of “American Idol” - here at the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center know him by a different name - Teen Angel.

He is currently in the touring company of Grease that is visiting the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center now through August 23rd. Taylor first appeared on the Grease scene during the summer where he performed the role on Broadway, now he happily reprises the role for the national tour that travels for the next 6 months.

I must say, not only is he one of the nicest guys but he is also very talented! He played guitar and harmonica to his new single, “Seven Mile Breakdown” for Fox 13’s morning show and also sang “Beauty School Dropout” for Bay News 9.

Now he is off to all the other Tampa Bay stations for interviews, performances, and good times. Be sure to tune in to local stations to hopefully catch one this week! Meanwhile here are some great pictures of him in our Morsani Hall lobby! Also, get your tickets for Grease now to see him in action! For more information on Taylor visit his website at www.taylorhicks.com

For more information on Grease the Musical Tour visit www.greaseonbroadway.com and stay tuned for more arts and culture in Tampa Bay!

Happy Friday guys! Danielle here from your friends over at Bay Stage Lighting! We are a family business in the entertainment lighting industry since 1957, specializing in rentals, sales, custom designs, and full productions. Bay Stage Lighting has been and will always be a leading provider of entertainment technologies.

Within our complex you will find our state of the art dream theatre, utilizing the latest innovations in pre-visualization and 3D Animation software. Our world class staff of lighting designers, event producers, and production support will customize your experience one idea at a time. Make it a point and come to Bay Stage Lighting and turn on our imagination.

Bay Stage Lighting would love for you to get to know us and our technology. Thursday, September 3rd, from 5:00-10:00, for our Annual Bay Stage Bash. It will be an 80’s party this year. This will be a great opportunity for networking and to showcase your product and/or services. This is going to be one of the hottest Tampa Bay area events around, so make sure you come out!

Please contact us if you have a product you would like to bring to sample or a service you would like to showcase. Don’t forget to bring your business cards!!! Dress in your finest 80’s garb, bring a friend and join us at our headquarters for food, drinks and music. Please RSVP to danielle@baystagelighting.com by August 27th.

Be sure to check back as well to see what we are up to Tampa Bay entertainment scene!

Happy Monday everyone! Nancy Long here from the Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay with a recap of one of our recent Tampa Bay meetings!

The economy was still top of mind for pharmaceutical and medical meeting planners who attended Hyatt Hotels and Resorts' 2009 Healthcare Business Exchange in Tampa; however, health care reform, security, and compliance issues dominated the discussions during the three-day meeting.

The annual event brought 60 planners and suppliers together from July 30 to August 1 at the Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay, to network, attend educational sessions and experience cutting edge food & beverage presentations.. The meeting kicked off with Kim D. Slocum, President of KDS Consulting and his session on “Trends Facing the Pharmaceutical Industry – Healthcare Reform and Obamaceuticals”.

The discussion included how changes in US healthcare and the pharmaceutical industry’s business model will affect meeting planners and their daily activities. On a lighter note, guests at the Healthcare Business Exchange were treated to creative and memorable food & beverage functions impacting all of the guests senses from visual appeal to scent and sound. For a black and white themed coffee break, two penguins from the Florida Aquarium made an appearance.

The function that drew the most accolades was the transformation of the Grand Hyatt’s Audubon Ballroom into a “Night in Havana”, showcasing the latin influence in our city. From a tiled fountain at the entrance to the guayabera-clothed waiters, no detail was overlooked.

The Grand Hyatt used the theming to show planners the great options available for a hotel event that combines unique theming and cuisine with cultural relevance. As the conference drew to a close, a comment was overheard “I thought Orlando and Miami were my only Florida options; after seeing Tampa, we will be back”.

Stay tuned for more Tampa Bay hotel updates us and be sure to have a great week!

If you didn’t already hear, the Sheraton Suites Tampa Airport Westshore (the big pink hotel on Cypress Ave) is currently undergoing a $13+ million renovation. These renovations, set to be complete by this November, are refurbishing and modernizing the entire interior of the Westshore District all-suites hotel.

While there are countless positives the project is bringing, we’d like to highlight our top five favorite features of the Sheraton Renovations:

5. Meeting Space. Meeting space will increase to more than 12,000 square feet. That means more area to hold state-of-the-art meetings in a modern and inviting environment in the heart of the Westshore District.

4. Tropical Atrium. The refurbished eight-story tropical atrium is the ideal place to hold an ‘outdoor’ wedding ceremony, indoors. The largest atrium in the area, it contains some of the most unique indoor landscaping around.

3. HD TVs. Two 32” HD flat panel televisions in EVERY suite. Sweet!

2. The Link. Stay connected with the addition of the “Link@Sheraton” in the lobby and atrium area. With this modernized, bar-side, open-style Internet café and business lounge, you won’t ever work alone in your hotel room again.

1. New Jobs. The construction created more than 140 jobs in the area. In the economic times we face, you just can’t beat that kind of job creation. And there are many more.

Some say the updated fitness room and pool are already their favorite addition. Others are awaiting the opening of the brand new St. James Restaurant. You will have to decide your favorite features for yourself. Feel free to stop in and see the inside of the new Sheraton anytime, or check out the website at http://www.sheraton.com/tampaairport.

Stay in the loop with Tampa Bay hotel updates by continuing to monitor this blog!

Greetings football fans! Lisa here from Levy Restaurants! If you didn't already know, we are only weeks away from the Buccaneers football season opener! Why wait till after kickoff to stuff your face full of game day goodies when you can just let us take care of you before the game too. Be sure to join us on the West side of the stadium 3 hours before every home game.

Enjoy unlimited food, cooked fresh by our chefs on the grill, unlimited soft drinks and a live band- all stationed where the players walk into the stadium!

Order your tailgate tickets in advance for only $29.95 and receive two complimentary beer coupons per person! Now with that admission, you get access to entry into tailgate areas, Chef Table favorites and live music. Now that's what I call a deal people!

Don't let this opportunity pass you buy to kick-off the season with Coach Morris and the Bucs! Call a Levy Restaurants Representative at 813.350.6490 for more information and to reserve your spot at the season's best tailgate! This is Lisa signing off now, but stay tuned for more Levy themed tailgating things to do in Tampa Bay!

Hello there everybody! Brook here from Cab Plus and I just wanted to introduce myself and our company!

We have been in business for the past ten years providing transportation service with chauffer driven clean and safe luxuries Lincoln town cars yet we charge fares by the meter as a taxi cab.

We try and give you that luxury VIP feel but without the luxury VIP fare! Even your favorite Tampa Concierge Cinny McCaulley uses us ona  regular basis, and if Cinny says it then it must be true!

A better service doesn’t have to cost arm and a leg, and we have proved that. So if you need a ride, be sure to give us a ring at 813 288-8888, Toll free 1-866-276-0882 Or reserve your ride online at our website.

Be sure to stay tuned to this blog as we give you more updates about us and how we serve the Tampa Tourism community! Have a good day and be sure to get out and enjoy this great Tampa Bay weather!