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 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.

Secret Closeted Love of Musicals: My Own Wonderland

Monday, November 2, 2009 by Partner Pulse
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!

Volunteer of the Year is Crowned!

Friday, October 30, 2009 by Tampa Bay & Company

Hey everyone!  Travis here with some cool Tampa tourism information.  We dont' usually post information like this, but because these are such important people to what we do at Tampa Bay & Company, we had to tell everyone! 


We honored our Volunteer of the Year yesterday at the 13th Annual Tampa Bay & Company Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon, which was held at The Florida Aquarium.  This year, volunteer Loretta Cunningham was honored with the Volunteer of the Year Award. 


Quotes from the VIC Manager:
Visitor Information Center Manager Natalie Bryant stated during the luncheon that this year’s winner has an excellent knowledge of the area and always offers valuable suggestions so visitors get the best experience possible during their time in the Tampa Bay area.  “Loretta has all the qualities you seek in a volunteer, and it is in her very core and personal makeup to think how they can offer help to others.”


“She goes above and beyond the monthly hours requested of Tampa Bay & Company volunteers and participates in the Visitor Information Center on a weekly basis,” said Bryant.  “However, it is not the quantity of hours that makes our winner so special but the quality of service provided each and every time she participates.”


So, congrats Loretta and thank you for everything you do.


Ok, now that taht's done, we can go back to talking about Tampa Bay entertainment.  So, keep checking back for more great things to do in Tampa Bay. 
 

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!

Great Crowd at the Game Last NightThe 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!

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!
 

LEADERSHIP SUMMIT TO FEATURE TOP INDUSTRY LEADERS!

Thursday, October 15, 2009 by Josh Jones
The Tampa Bay Sports Commission and Emerge Tampa Bay are please to present the TAMPA BAY SPORTS LEADERSHIP SUMMIT: THE ARRIVAL OF THE YOUNG PROFESSIONAL!

From the field to the ice to the front office, the sports industry in Tampa Bay and around the world is a dynamic and competitive one with young professionals rising among the ranks faster than ever. Come meet Tampa Bay's youngest and brightest leaders in the sports scene and hear what they did to take their game to the top of the class!

Speakers:
Matt Silverman, President, Tampa Bay Rays
Mark Dominik, General Manager, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Steven Stamkos, Player, Tampa Bay Lightning
Rob Higgins, Executive Director, Tampa Bay Sports Commission
Andrew Nester, Owner, Tampa Bay Rowdies

EVENT INFORMATION
Event Name: Tampa Bay Sports Leadership Summit: The Arrival of the Young Professional
Event Date: Friday, October 30, 2009
Event Time: 7:30 to 8:30 a.m.
Event Location: Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center- Jaeb Theatre
Event Address: 1010 N.W.C. MacInnes Place Tampa

The cost to attend this event is $10 at the door or a new or gently used sporting good, both of which will be donated to Tampa Bay area youth leagues. Breakfast will be provided by Panera Bread.

Free parking for the first 40 cars in the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center valet lot or W.F. Poe Parking Garage is $1.20 an hour. Register below and be sure to check back for more things to do in Tampa Bay from your Tampa Bay team.

To pre-register CLICK HERE

Time to "Link Up" at the Sheraton Suites Tampa Airport!

Wednesday, September 23, 2009 by jeremy fairley
Hell all, Jerm here with a cool update on some progress one of our partners has made at their property. Normally I would leave this post to my departing friend Megan Marra, but since it has an interactive swing to it, I figure what the hay!

Guests at the Sheraton Suites Tampa Airport Westshore have a new spot to help them stay connected while traveling.  The just-opened “Link@Sheraton” will act as the hotel’s communications lounge, offering an open-style, bar-side, social networking hub for guest use. 

Located in the lobby and atrium areas of the eight-story, all-suites hotel, the Link has been added as part of the multi-million dollar renovation that is refreshing all parts of the property.  Davidson Hotel Company, who holds ownership in the hotel through a joint venture partnership, is overseeing the renovation and also manages the hotel.

While business centers come standard in most hotels, the Link aims to combine the functionality of computer work stations with the ambiance and social scene people associate with places like Starbucks or Panera. 

Guests at the Sheraton can use the open area to relax, work, socialize with others, connect electronically, or simply get out of their suites.  The Link offers free wireless connection to guests, multiple computer stations, and daily newspapers, all among over-sized chairs and collective worktables.  It opens into the eight-story tropical atrium, the largest in the Westshore District, which contains some of the most unique indoor landscaping around. I took a tour not too long ago guys and believe me when I say this place is super nice!

Stay tuned for more interactive and Tampa Bay hotel updates as they come!

Tampa Bay - Scattered and Eventful

Tuesday, August 4, 2009 by lindsey norris
Hey guys, intern Katy here with the latest Tampa Bay film events and news. Already this morning has been fairly busy, as Lindsey and I met with Ben and Miller from Scatter Brothers Productions, a St. Petersberg based production company, to chat a bit about some of their current and upcoming productions. These guys have been very busy and I encourage all of you to check them out.

First of all I'd like to remind everyone about the screening of "The Photograph" this Saturday, August 8th, beginning at 8PM. This screening, hosted by the the Gasparilla International Film Festival, is yet another installment of the prestigious 2009 Global Lens Film Series, which you can see for just $10 ($5 for students and seniors, and free for Gasparilla International Film Festival members). So try to make it out to Home Theater Gallery on Dale Mabry Hwy this Friday to see this wonderful film! For more info about the screening and the film, go to the GIFF website.

I'd also like to issue a reminder about the 48 Hour Film Project Tampa/St. Pete awards ceremony on Friday, August 14th, from 7pm to 11pm at Nova 535. With all  the fantastic films the teams created this year, it's sure to be a nail-biter. For more info about the ceremony and how to purchase tickets, go to the 48HFP website.

Now it's my pleasure to tell you all about a great event coming to Tampa this September. DEEP CARNIVALE: A CELEBRATION OF WORDS, Tampa’s premier literature festival sponsored by The Artists and Writers Group, Inc., takes place Saturday, September 12, 2009, from 10 AM to 5 PM. Dozens of authors, poets, songwriters and artists will present work on multiple stages in the Performing Arts Building of Hillsborough Community College, Ybor Campus. The event is free and open to the public. As an English major in college, this sounds like a truly amazing Tampa bay event, and I hope that I can manage a trip home from FSU  to attend.

I sincerely hope you all take advantage of these great Tampa Bay area events!

Behind the scenes of TBPAC

Thursday, July 16, 2009 by Bay Bloggers
Hi Everyone, Christina here with more interesting stuff from Tampa Bay.

The Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center is most likely considered the vehicle for arts and culture in Tampa Bay. I had the privilege of having a personalized the tour of all five halls by Angela Lakin the Marketing manager of TBPAC.  But, what most Tampa Bayers don't realized is the center includes the Patel Conservatory.

We started with the Conservatory which entails numerous dance, acting and music studios. They offer courses in the disciplines mentioned and also host workshops, just to give you a feel for what the center has to offer. All in all, the center does not only provide the showing of theater, opera, musicals and other various shows but also provides a strong platform for performing arts as an education and learning environment. 

Next was Carol Morsani Hall of course, the operatic styled theater has a different feel for it when it is not packed with an eager audience. It is larger than life and can hold just over 2600 people. The acoustics are amazing either way and we should be proud.

Ferguson Hall, is typically a Broadway oval style theater which can seat around 1050 people. I am happy to announce as of November later this year, the production of 'Wonderland' will open. A heads up to those patiently waiting another exciting show. Jaeb theater is a cabaret style hall inclusive of the little three-seater tables and more. The musical production of 'Respect is currently running there. Woo-hoo!! to all the woman-power out there. 

Lastly, the Shimberg Playhouse... better known as the little black box. Seats an audience of a 130 with shows ranging from comedians and small theater companies. Don't we love a cozy intimate theatrical experience?

All said and done, everything about the center is well-kept and fashionably presented. The well-equipped dressing rooms, costume check-out room, massive loading dock and the capacity of such a large magnitude is only a few things that are seen to the naked eye but isn't the heart of the center; TBPAC does not come to life without the real deal.

The hard work that has worked there and walked the hallways, the precision of a dance step, the harmonious lyric of a song, the power of the actor, the direction of the instructor on and off stage is not forgotten but imprinted in the memory of this place. Let's not forget the people who continue to support and nurture these shows behind the curtain, out of the spotlight. Cheers.

Everyone has a part to play and each individual does it to their best ability. It is all we can really do at the end of the day.

That's all for now and be sure to stayed tuned for things to do in Tampa Bay. Peace.

Hey there kids, wanna be in films? Or make them?

Tuesday, June 30, 2009 by lindsey norris
Hello all, Katy here and I've got a ton of information for our younger readers.

Red Lizard Films, a Tampa based Production Company, whose work has been seen nationwide on HBO, MTV, Nickelodeon, Discovery Channel and others, is hosting a 2 day workshop for parents and kids who want to know how to get in to the Film and TV business. The workshop is designed to give you the real facts about the business: what it's really like, how to get started, and how not to break the bank in the process. Lisa London, the casting agent who discovered Miley Cyrus, will be there to answer questions and hold a mock audition for the first 75 attendees. But for those who don't arrive early enough, there will also be an open acting and mock audition session with a local casting director.

Don't miss this amazing opportunity! Click here for more information. Seating is limited and YOU MUST BE REGISTERED TO ATTEND! Don't miss out! Register today!

Now, for kids out there who are more interested in what goes on behind the camera, from July 6 to July 17 we have the Summer Camp Film School sponsored by the Sunscreen Film Festival. I've mentioned this camp before on this blog, but I just wanted to remind everyone that there are ONLY 2 MORE WEEKS left to sign up. Spots are LIMITED so SIGN UP NOW! For more information and to register, click here. Also, if you'd like a full schedule of camp classes and events, you can email me or Lindsey.

Finally, I want to tell you all about another movie screening going on in the Tampa area. To support the Gaybor Coalition of Historic Ybor City and the Gaybor Days Fest, go see Misconceptions at Muvico tomorrow, July 1 2009 at 7:30pm. Tickets are only $5 (CASH ONLY at the theatre before the screening)

Here's a brief synopsis:

A religiously conservative, married southern woman receives a message from God instructing her to act as a surrogate mother for a married gay couple; a Jewish doctor and an African-American dance choreographer. All Hell breaks loose when the African-American man shows up unexpectedly at her deep-south home to micro-manage her pregnancy, and refuses to leave.

I'd also like to note that this film was shot entirely on site in Pinellas county, helping to stimulate the local economy by spending money and providing jobs for local residents, which we here at the Film Commission are always happy to report.

Stay tuned for more Tampa Bay Film related news!

Catching Up!

Monday, June 29, 2009 by lindsey norris

Playing catch up today after a week out of the office for business meetings and a little R&R in the islands. (If I owe you an email, it's coming...I promise!) I spent the greater part of last week attending the annual Film Florida meetings in Miami Beach. A very special thanks to our host - Miami Beach Office of Film and Event Production Management.

A large part of our annual meeting is the election of a new Board of Directors as well as new chairs for various councils. I'm proud to have been named the Chair of the Film Commissioner's Council. I will serve this post for one year and can only hope to achieve half the success of our former chair and St Pete/Clearwater Film Commissioner, Jennifer Parramore.

Along with meetings focused on legislative strategies and marketing opportunities, Film Florida hosted the 2009 Film Florida Legend Awards. The Legend Award – launched in 2006 – honors Sunshine State pioneers in the film, television and production industry. The Film Florida Legends Award is to honor those who have made a significant impact on film in Florida – whether behind the scenes or in front of the camera.

This year's honorees are William Grefe (some of you might remember meeting Bill at last year's Gasparilla International Film Festival right here in Tampa), Michelle Marx, Errol Falcon and Mike McGowan Sr (posthumously). No photos available just yet but I will get them up soon.

A quick shout out to our friends at Tigerlily Media, who were the first recipients of  the Don Davis Film Finishing Fund for their documentary film, Thespians. A portion of Thespians was filled here in Tampa during the 2008 Florida State Thespian Festival at the Tampa Convention Center. TigerLily’s  principals Warren Skeels and Brenda Egedy Kolb were on hand to accept the  $1,500 grant to help complete the film. The award presentation was a part of the Legend Award ceremony in Miami Beach last week.

Today, we mourn the loss of Billy Mays, pitchman extroidonaire and a wonderful member of the Tampa Bay production community. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

One final note - The Tampa Bay Film Commission will be closed Friday July, 3rd in observation of the 4th of July and will re-open for normal business hours on Monday July 6th. 

Stay tuned for more film related Tampa Florida news!

THE TAMPA BAY SPORTS COMMISSION HONORS LOCAL LEADERS…

Wednesday, June 24, 2009 by Josh Jones
The Tampa Bay Sports Commission would like to recognize Jeff Adams, Bill Gieseking, and Terri Parnell for their outstanding honors.

Jeff Adams was recently honored by the Sports Club of Tampa Bay with the 2009 Outstanding Citizen Award. A partner of the law firm Abbey, Adams, Byelick, Kiernan, Mueller, & Lancaster LLP, Mr. Adams is serving his second term as chairman of the Tampa Bay Sports Commission.

Bill Gieseking recently received the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's 2009 Man of Year Award. Mr. Gieseking is the Director of Marketing at Pepin Distributing Company, who is a founding partner of the Tampa Bay Sports Commission.

Terri Parnell was recently honored by the University of Florida and the Tampa Gator Club as this year's Distinguished Gator for her outstanding service to the Tampa Bay community and Gator Nation. Terri serves as the National Sports Manager for Tampa Bay & Company and works alongside the Tampa Bay Sports Commission in bidding on and hosting major amateur sporting events for the Tampa Bay community.

Congratulations to all of these community ambassadors for their special achievements!

Stay tuned for more updates from the TBSC!

Jerm Gets an Intern...

Wednesday, June 17, 2009 by jeremy fairley
Well the title says it all gang, jerm here with a little Tampa Florida news for ya! Jerm has an intern now to help him with all of his daily job responsibilities in making sure we continue to bring you the latest and great technology updates on our website. She will also be contributing to a few of the blogs, mainly this one and the lifestyle portion as I currently do now.

Hi It's Me Christina...Christina is a recent graduate at my Alma Mater, The University of Tampa where she majored in Advertising & Public Relations. Now I know you are thinking...Jerm , but she doesn't have any Internet background! Well that is the beauty of my Alma Mater, in that our graduates are extremely well rounded.

Christina happens to be proficient in a few programming languages, as well as having digital media project management experience and even a  little design work in her background. Having said that, you guys had better enjoy your time with Jerm while you can, as at this rate she will have my job in a bout a year or so!

Christina will have plenty of things to keep her busy while she is here, so plan to hear allot from her as she will share this blog with me, update web content, as well as numerous other projects!

Everyone say hi to Christina and wish her luck...not that she will need it!

Well that's all for now, so stay tuned for updates on things to do in Tampa Bay and posts from Christina!

Purrfect Day

Wednesday, June 10, 2009 by lindsey norris

Hey everyone, Intern Katy here! What a busy day we’ve had!

We started off our day by touring a historic gem in downtown Tampa, the Floridan Hotel. (Check out a cool photo collage of the hotel through the years by clicking here.) The property is currently undergoing renovations and hopes to open in the coming months. The hotel originally opened in 1927 and until 1960 claimed the title as the tallest building not only in Tampa, but in all of Florida. After years of decline, the Floridan closed its doors for good in 1989 and remained closed for more than 10 years until it was purchased by the current owners and the plan for its restoration was set in motion. We look forward to the Floridan’s grand opening and marketing this amazing property as a premiere filming location in downtown Tampa. Lucky crews might even get to spend the night in this fabu property!

Directly following our tour of the Floridan Hotel we, along with several colleagues from Tampa Bay & Company, jetted over to Big Cat Rescue  for a site visit. Our location images of this property were more than 8 years old! Jeff Kremer, Director of Donor Appreciation, led us around this animal sanctuary, where we saw just a few of the 200 animals, including 20 species and sub species of wild cats.

Big Cat Rescue has that old Florida feel, making it a purrfect (sorry, I had to!) location for productions seeking that untouched Florida landscape and of course their amazing mission and knowledge of cats big and small make them the go-to experts for all things cat related. In fact, Operations Manager Scott Lope has appeared on a number of shows on Animal Planet and the Discovery Network as an animal expert.


This is a picture of us with the black leopard Jumanji. I know he's difficult to see, but blending in is part of nature right? From left to right: Jeremy, Tampa Bay & Company's Interactive Marketing Specialist, Jessica, the Marketing Intern, Lindsey, and Me.

As the afternoon got underway Lindsey and I continued with our busy schedule and made a couple trips to some productions filming in the area. The first trip we made was to the set of an HBO documentary filming in an industrial warehouse location near downtown. There, we ran into Robb Riley, the DP/Director of Chaos Films, a production company based in the Tampa. Robb and his wife, Julie, were just wrapping up as we arrived and told us that the shoot went very well. A special thanks to Darren Booth, Development Manager of The Heights Project for allowing HBO to use their warehouse space.

Next, we headed to Davis Islands in an attempt to catch up with the VW still shoot that was taking place at Davis Islands Park. Unfortunately the group had already broken down and moved onto their next location in St Pete but we’re grateful to VW, Jake Mills Productions and Crispin Porter + Bogusky for selecting the Tampa area for their Jetta Sports Wagon shoot.

All in all, it has been a very educational and hectic day, and I can't wait to curl up and take a nap! A cat nap, perhaps? Stay tuned for more film related Tampa Bay area events and things to do in Tampa Bay!

Check these Out!

Tuesday, June 9, 2009 by lindsey norris
Hello all! Intern Katy is back to keep you all "in the know"!

I'm glad to report that a couple of groups in the Bay area have joined the virtual community! After three months of creative and technical labor our friends at Seven Model and Talent have launched their new website! Seven Model is a full service agency representing both models and actors of all ages for a variety of projects, including film, commercial, television, and infomercial gigs. Congratulations Katie and everyone over at Seven!

In addition to Seven Model and Talent, the Arts Council of Hillsborough County is now blogging and has a Facebook group, become a friend and mingle with other artists in Hillsborough County.

In other news, Valentino: The Last Emperor, a feature-length movie that takes the viewer inside the world of one of Italy’s most famous designers, will be showing from June 12th to the 17th at the Tampa Theatre. The Director’s Reception on opening night, from 6:00pm to 7:00pm, will be hosted by The Tampa Theatre, The Art Institute of Tampa Fashion & Retail Management program, and Tampa Bay Fashion Week. Special guest, director Matt
Trynauer, will share behind-the-scenes stories and take questions after the premiere. For more information on reception night tickets and general tickets, contact the Tampa Theatre or click here

I encourage all to check out these websites and support local businesses, as well as to support the film scene by attending the Valentino showing! 

 



Tampa Bay Dining at the Blue Water Grill...

Tuesday, June 9, 2009 by Bay Bloggers
So my diet is not going that well as you can imagine. Last week I had that massive chicken sandwich over at the Palm, and today I had another massive burger in the form of the "Fatty Melt" over at The Blue Water Grill in the Quorum Tampa.

Folks if you haven't been there yet then you should definitely give it a try. Normally I find myself eating the entire meal and asking for dessert and more, but today I was officially stuffed. Kudos go to Chef Kelly over there for this creation, as well as filling my belly and ruining my diet, (which I thank her for.)

The only way I can explain it is that it was two grilled cheese sandwiches with a slab of beef in the middle with what I believe was a bacon flavored mayonnaise. Sorry for the awful description, but it was damn good. So much so that I saved the other half of it for dinner.

On the side was a mound of curly fries, and unfortunately Jerm has a hard time saying no to curly fries, so those didn't make it to the end of the meal. There was even a buffet going on and I heard through the grapevine that this is the best lunch buffet in town and it sure smelled like it, so whether you are stopping in for dinner, or a quick lunch, I don't really think you can go wrong with this place, as it is a Tampa Bay dining extraordinaire!

If you make it by there, say hi to Brandon, who is the Catering Manager, and give Chef Kelly a hug and tell'em both that Jerm sent you. Well don't hug her first, I mean at least introduce yourself...

Stay tuned for more things to do in Tampa Bay!

MARCUM FOOTBALL CAMPS TO BE HELD THIS WEEKEND!

Friday, June 5, 2009 by Josh Jones
Tim Marcum Football Camps are non-contact camps focusing on skills, fundamentals and techniques. Athletes will receive training from professional, college and high school coaches as well as current professional athletes. Tampa Bay Storm coach Tim Marcum and all coaches will take a hands-on approach to improve individual player’s skills.

Guest speakers, including Super Bowl XXXVII champion head coach Jon Gruden, will give insight on how to become successful athletes. Parents are welcome to attend all practices, film sessions, etc.

Camp I - June 6 - 7 - 25 QBs, 25 WRs and 25 DBs (ages 15-18) $300.00
Camp II - June 8 - 9 - 25 QBs, 25 WRs and 25 DBs (ages 10-14) $300.00
Camp III - June 10 - all positions except QB, WR, DB and K (all ages) $150.00

$100.00 non-refundable deposit will hold your spot.

Register online or call 813-307-5911

Stay tuned for more Tampa Bay Sports updates and things to do in Tampa Bay!

Who's Got the Best Renaissance Hotel?? We do, We do!

Wednesday, June 3, 2009 by Convention Sales
Renaissance Tampa HotelTampa Bay's very own Renaissance Tampa Hotel was named the 2008 Hotel of the Year by Marriott International, Inc. This stunning, full service, Four Diamond property, located in Tampa's WestShore district, was selected out of 79 North American Renaissance hotels. The selection process is based on leadership excellence, overall guest satisfaction, market share and financial excellence. 

The Renaissance Tampa Hotel opened in 2004 and has been receiving numerous honors since then. Some of these honors include: Jim Bartholomay- the hotel's GM- received the Renaissance General Manager of the Year for 2007, Fabrizio Schenardi- the PELAGIA Trattoria's executive chef- was honored as the Executive Chef of the Year in 2007 and the hotel's Event and Engineering teams were both selected as the leaders in their respective categories in 2008. 

Congratulations to the Renaissance Tampa Hotel for their outstanding performance in almost everything that they do! Make sure to check out the hotel's Web site for more information and to book your next meeting at this fabulous hotel!

Another Congrats!!!

Friday, May 29, 2009 by Tampa Bay & Company

Ok, Travis here with a Tampa tourism update that we just had to share.  The Renaissance Tampa Hotel was named the 2008 Hotel of the Year by Marriott International, Inc.  The full service, Four Diamond property was selected from 79 Renaissance managed hotels located throughout North America.


As part of this honor and for the second time in the hotel's five-year history, J.W. Marriott Jr. will be visiting the hotel this afternoon. 


Hotel of the Year is based on the following criteria:  leadership excellence/most improved, overall guest satisfaction, market share and financial excellence.  But, we have to mention some other awards they've won too! 


How about the general manager's selection as General Manager of the Year, plus the executive chef of the hotel’s companion restaurant PELAGIA Trattoria was honored as Executive Chef of the Year 2007 for Renaissance hotels and resorts worldwide.


So, congrats for a job well done. 


If you know of any other recognitions we should be posting, let us know.  And keep checking back for other Tampa tourism updates, as well as great Tampa Bay entertainment and other things to do in Tampa Bay.