Tampa Bay Meetings

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This is Jerm signing off from your Tampa Bay Team!

Hey everyone...Julie here with a BBB update!  I went to Business by the Bay last night at the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center (soon to be known as the The David A. Straz, Jr.
Center for the Performing Arts in the Carol Morsani Hall and had an ahhhhhmmmmazing time.  Waiters delivered appetizers as people sauntered around and mingled.  The setting was beautiful. 

The energy of so many performers and dancers and technicians all devoted to your entertainment swirls around the room and you feel as though you play a distinct part in bringing all of the effort together and landing in that one spot.

This space has an unmistakable wondrous atmosphere about it that takes your breath away.  Which is why this is the perfect setting for the premier of Wonderland: Alice's New Musical Adventure, produced by our very own Tampa Bay PAC!  

It was nice to see Lovelynn from Grand Events of Florida: Creating Grand Environments for 20+ years in the for Tampa Bay Resorts, Tampa Bay Meetings and Tampa Bay Conventions. Professional event design and production, decor, lighting, A/V, entertainment, custom fabrication and sewing, stage design, live foliage.

And Louis from Nola Cafe and News Stand: Featuring a full list of signature coffees, beignets and only the most authentic New Orleans fare. Relax in the French Quarter atmosphere, listen to New Orleans jazz and blues and enjoy a cup of café au lait and beignets.  And of course no event would be complete without Dianne striking a pose!  This picture just HAD to be included!  I'm sure it is of no surprise to you that Paul had his hand in goading her on!

With the appetizers and free drink ticket and Tampa Bay & Company's very own Jeremy Fairley on hand to help you get started with social media in your own organization I think people felt the time was certainly well spent.

If you want to come with me and have a great time the next Business by the Bay is at The Lime 915 S Howard Ave Tampa, FL 33606; Tuesday December 8th from 5 p.m. to 7p.m.

Until the next time, stay tuned for more of my updates on fun filled things to do in Tampa Bay!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tampa Downtown Happenings
 
This week in downtown Tampa:

    * Hey pasta lovers, has the Tampa Convention Center got a deal for you! If you attend Tampa Bay Meetings or just have access to the Convention Center Tampa in downtown and just can’t get enough pasta, then make sure you are at the Convention Center Tampa today (11/09) and again on Tuesday, November 17th for the United Way Pasta Luncheon. This is an “all you can eat” event. For only $6.00 you can have as much pasta as you want and know that those carbs are going to a great cause. Click here for more information.
  
  * Mayor Iorio invites you to join her at Cotanchobee/Fort Brooke Park on Tuesday (11/10) at 10:00 a.m. for an event that will honor our armed forces. This should make the Tampa Florida News and for details, click here.
  
  * Veterans Day will be celebrated in downtown on Tuesday (11/10) in Joe Chillura Courthouse Square. Get details about this important event by clicking here.

    * Impromptu Players of Stageworks Theatre will present a Staged Reading of “The God of Isaac.” This is a hysterical comedy by James Sherman and directed by Andrea Graham. The event will take place on Saturday (11/14) from 6:30pm & 9:00pm at Dolce Vita Lounge, Channelside Cinemas (601 Channelside Dr). Tickets are a $25.00 Contribution for general seating or $35.00 Contribution for the reserved section. For tickets call Andrea Graham at (813) 784-6832 or click here. This is a benefit for Stageworks Outreach Programs for At Risk Kids

Also in November:

    * "Aurora Borealis III", Blake's Fine Arts Open House, will take place on November 17th from 6-8 p.m. The marching band will kick off the event at 6 p.m. sharp. This magical torch-lit event will feature strolling performers and musicians in the courtyard as well as choreographed performances on stage by harpists, actors, guitarist, singers and dancers. Journalism and creative writing students will showcase their talent through the spoken word and live broadcasts. Bronzed dancers will be positioned on pedestals as living statues in the courtyard. Video and visual art imagery will be projected on the outside of the building. The gallery and visual art studios will be open to showcase student talent with demonstrations in stained glass, jewelry, photography, printmaking and ceramics. The Fine Arts Faculty will be present in the theatre lobby to answer questions about the individual magnet programs. The Urban Teaching Academy will be available to answer questions. Prospective students and their parents are welcome. The event is free and open to the public! The school is located at 1701 North Boulevard in downtown Tampa. Come to "Aurora Borealis III" and enjoy all of the offerings that this downtown magnet school has to offer!

Ah, the holidays in Tampa Bay!

    * Come experience the innocence and charm of a Victorian Christmas. Escape the commercialism and stress of a modern Christmas and capture the warmth and joy of an old-fashioned holiday with your loved ones. The Henry B. Plant Museum presents the 28th annual Victorian Christmas Stroll from December 1st to 23rd, 10:00 am to 8:00 pm daily.
  
  * "Light Up the Night with the Downtown Tampa Florida Attractions Association’s Holiday Lighted Boat Parades on Friday, December 4th and Friday, December 18th. Parades will begin at 6:30 PM. Come watch these festively decorated boats illuminate the sky and spread holiday cheer throughout Downtown’s Channel District. The Rough Riders will be accepting Teddy Bear donations during the parade and will be the boat to beat as they light up one of their best floats in honor of this holiday tradition!

The Tampa Downtown Partnership serves as the steward of downtown Tampa, cultivating public and private partnerships, and encouraging downtown’s physical and economic development. As a proactive leadership organization, we act as an advocate for the downtown community.

The Tampa Downtown Partnership fosters Tampa’s vibrant and diverse multi-use downtown neighborhoods and plays a key role in creating a 24-hour urban center where people can learn, live, work and play. Programs such as our Clean and Safe team and our transportation initiatives make accessing and navigating Tampa's downtown an easy and enjoyable experience.

As a membership organization, we are driven to serve the Tampa downtown business community and are empowered by what each member brings to our organization. Together, we strive to improve the collective downtown Tampa community, to be an active conduit of information and resources, to promote a shared vision for Tampa’s downtown, and create and implement the plans that support that vision.

Considering Tampa Bay Attractions, Busch Gardens is always a wonderful place to visit if you are in Tampa for Tampa Bay Meetings or here to Golf Tampa Bay or just wanting to spend a day Shopping in Tampa Bay.  Here are some special events to attend making Tampa Bay Attractions more exciting then ever!


Jungle Jack back at Busch

By WALT BELCHER

wbelcher@tampatrib.com

Published: November 7, 2009

TAMPA - Animal expert Jack Hanna is coming back to Busch Gardens this month to meet and greet families during four special events, including a Serengeti Night Safari.

Hanna, who used to tape one of his TV series at Busch Gardens, will make a special appearance at the Serengeti Night family sleepover Friday. He also will join guests for breakfast on Nov. 14 and 15, and will share animal facts and his travel tales during shows those same days in the theme park.

Hanna is best known as the star of the Emmy Award-winning television series "Jack Hanna's Into the Wild," in which he invites audiences to join him on his expeditions around the globe. The series airs at 10 a.m. Sundays on WTVT, Channel 13.

That series is produced in Tampa by Spectrum Productions. He was host of "Jack Hanna's Animal Adventures" which ran in syndication for 10 years.

Hanna, the former director of the Columbus (Ohio) Zoo, became a frequent guest on TV shows such as "Good Morning America" and "The Late Show with David Letterman."

Hanna also is the author of three books: "Passport into the Wild," "Romp, Stomp, Waddle Home!" and "Jungle Jack: My Wild Life."

Here are the events:

•Serengeti Night Safari featuring Jack Hanna is 6:30 to 9 p.m. Friday and 7:30 to 10 p.m. Nov. 14. The two-hour experience includes a moonlit look at the nocturnal behaviors of hippos, lions and hyenas. It continues with a guided safari expedition across the Serengeti Plain, where guests can use night-vision monoculars and special filtered lighting to view exotic animals. The evening will end around a fire, where Hanna will share tales of his African adventures.

It also includes food in the exclusive Safari Club and costs $60 a person, with a discount available for Busch Gardens' Passport members. The tour is for ages 5 and older. Busch Gardens admission is not required or included. Visit BuschGardens.com or call 1-888-800-5447.

•The Family Sleepover featuring Jack Hanna is also Friday and Nov. 14, from 6 p.m. to 9 a.m. It includes behind-the-scenes access, interactive activities and an animal adventure hosted by Hanna. Guests will spend the night in Busch Gardens' Mzinga Lounge, a secure on-site dormitory and wake up to meet tigers in Jungala and eat a continental breakfast. Dinner, a T-shirt and water bottle are included. The sleepover is designed for families with elementary school-age children, and the cost is $78 a person or $68 for Passport members. To register, visit BuschGardens.com or call 1-877-BGT-CAMP.

•Meet Jack Hanna at Busch Gardens is from 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Nov. 14 and 15 at the Moroccan Palace. Hanna will talk about his world travels and educate animal lovers of all ages about the importance of wildlife conservation. All shows are included with a day's paid admission or any annual Passport. For tickets, visit BuschGardens.com or call 1-888-800-5447.

•Breakfast with Jack Hanna at 8:30 a.m. Nov. 14 and 15 lets you dine with the animal expert, then enjoy priority seating at Hanna's first show of the day. It costs $16.95 adults and $10.95 ages 9 and younger. Passport members receive a 10 percent discount. Visit BuschGardens.com or call 1-888-800-5447 to book your breakfast.

Reporter Walt Belcher can be reached at (813) 259-7654.

While people attend Tampa Bay Meetings at the Convention Center Tampa and stay at Tampa Bay Hotels and Tampa Bay Resorts it is always interesting to see what is happpening in other parts of the hotel industry. 

Even though a specialty line through any of these brands probably will not appear in the Westshore District you should be thankful that you won't have to build a bath of hot chocolate for a customer staying here in Tampa Bay! 


Hotel Building Boom Focuses On Boutique Brands

by Curt Nickisch

Lost amid the hammering the hotel industry has been taking lately, there's a building boom. Big hotel chains like Hyatt, Marriott and Starwood are rolling out lines of specialty hotels.

What most hotels call the lobby, the new W Boston hotel calls its "living room." Plunk down in one of the leather pods, and you can admire the polished granite floors by leaning back and seeing them reflected in the mirror on the ceiling. In the evening, the staff turns the lights down and the music up.

W is part of a big hotel company called Starwood. This new location is the latest in a growing trend of so-called contemporary lifestyle hotels. Hyatt's line is called Andaz, and Marriott has Edition. The idea is to lure customers bored with mainstream hotels.

W's global brand manager, Eva Ziegler, takes her job very seriously.

"We want to provide access to a world of wow," she says. "Basically, help you to escape from the fears and from the [mundanity] of everyday life, and come into a world where everything is possible."

That might sound attractive, if you can afford it. The W's room rates in Boston start at around $200. Hotel staffers wear designer outfits and no name tags, because they're just as cool as you. They'll get you anything you want — as long as it's legal.

Hot Chocolate Bath

The hotel's general manager, Bill Bunce, remembers the customer who wanted a hot chocolate bath.

"And so to get all of that ready and get it in the tub and marshmallows floating — and they wanted it hot, too, which is even more difficult to do," he says. "But we were able to do it."

Of course, it also went on the customer's bill.

"That's the other key part to it, too," says Bunce, laughing. "Whether they want to pay the price. You could tell me whatever you want. I can deliver it, but there's a price attached to it."
The Market restaurant in W Boston is part of a newly opened boutique hotel that is owned and operated by Starwood Hotels & Resorts.
The Market restaurant at the W Boston hotel

The Market restaurant in W Boston is part of a newly opened boutique hotel that is owned and operated by Starwood Hotels & Resorts.

Reed Woodworth, a hotel industry analyst for PKF Consulting, says occupancy is down nationwide even as hotels have been cutting rates.

"It's a particularly difficult time to be opening up a luxury, high-end hotel in an economy that we've had for the past year now," he says.

Betting On The Future

But Woodworth says the hotel companies remember that before the recession, consumers were willing to pay about $80 more to stay in these newer, cooler hotels that don't feel like a chain — even though they are.

The hotel companies are betting on that demand coming back.

"W Hotels basically doesn't build hotels today for tomorrow," says Ziegler. "It builds hotels for the long term. So when the economy comes back, it also means we will own the upswing."

Woodworth says investing in new locations during a downturn can keep customers loyal and interested. But it's risky.

"It's still pretty much the wisdom in the hospitality world that this is going to be a rather slow climb out of this hole," he says. "So while they are riding the upswing as it were, it still looks to be a very gradual upswing over the next few years."

That means it could be a long time before these hotels make money. After all, people have gotten used to paying low rates for high-end hotels. It's going to take a while to convince consumers to pay the high prices they used to pay for these kinds of hotels — even with the lure of hot chocolate in the bathtub.

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.

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.

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

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

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

Megan :)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The 277-room Sheraton Riverwalk will match or beat your best offer for any meeting from now until December. Just bring them a proposal from any competitor, mention the word "MATCH" and they will follow through on their offer. This is quite a deal, and not one to ignore. With over 15,000 square feet of meeting space, an upscale waterfront restaurant and 277 newly-renovated guest rooms, this hotel is one that you must see for yourself. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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

Tampa Bay & Company was recently awarded the prestigious 2009 Gold Service Award by Meetings & Conventions magazine subscribers. This same award was also given to the CVB in 2007, proving that the exemplary service that the company provides has not wavered and continues to impress meeting planners nationwide.

This award is given to only the top CVBs in the country that have excelled in professionalism and dedication in their service to meeting professionals. Relying on their extensive industry experience in both corporate and association markets, M&C's readers made selections based on key criteria including: professionalism of staff, support on hotels and site inspections, assistance with ground transportation planning, guidance on local attractions and liaison with local vendors and services. Tampa Bay & Company's knowledgeable Service staff is also always willing and able to offer the best advice on where to stay, where to eat and what to do in Tampa Bay.

Hats off to the Tampa Bay & Company Service staff for continuing to offer only the best service to Tampa Bay meetings and conventions that take place in this beautiful city by the bay. Keep up the great work!

If you are coming to Tampa Bay and you are not sure of where to stay, I suggest looking into the Tahitian Inn Hotel, Cafe & Spa. Located off of Dale Mabry in Tampa's WestShore District, the Inn is a hidden jewel that even some residents do not know about. The historical boutique hotel is nestled in a tropical garden oasis, set back from the road just enough for you to forget you are in the middle of the Dale Mabry Business District. 

The Inn has a variety of guest rooms to choose from, from spacious cabana rooms, executive suites and even the completely furnished Bella Villa town homes that can be rented for families, multiple occupancies or extended stays. All guest rooms are equipped with microwaves, refrigerators and coffee makers, and are decorated in Tommy Bahama-style furnishings, adding to the tropical oasis atmosphere. 

If you are staying at the Tahitian Inn, you don't have to worry about where to eat. The Tahitian Cafe is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, with breakfast served until 3 p.m. I unfortunately have not had the chance to have brunch at the Tahitian, but I've heard that many famous athletes go there on a regular basis, so that certainly says something!

The Tahitian Inn is in the perfect location, only 4 miles from Tampa International Airport, with tons of Tampa bars close by, prime shopping and sports arenas, including the Tampa Bay Buccaneers football stadium, Raymond James Stadium. The hotel offers guests complimentary airport shuttle (and transportation within a 5 mile radius), free high-speed wireless Internet access and 24-hour Health Club. 

The hotel's Serenity Spa offers facials, massages, body treatments, manicures, pedicures and more. The Torch is the Inn's poolside Tiki bar, which makes it easy to order your favorite cocktail without having to leave your lounge chair. And for people who hate traveling without their special friends, pets are welcome at the Inn!

For more information on the Inn or to book your reservation, visit the hotel's Web site. As always, thanks for reading and keep checking back for more information on Tampa Bay meetings and hotels!