Can I get a Whoop Whoop for Green hotels?!
One more of our stunning Tampa Bay hotels has dedicated their time and money to going Green. The InterContinental Tampa, Tampa's newest luxury hotel, was awarded the Florida Green Lodging Program designation by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) for its admirable approach to being an environmentally-conscious hotel property. 

The Green Lodging Program requires facilities to meet environmentally-friendly guidelines by increasing recycling programs, energy efficiency, water conservation, clean air practices and waste reduction. As part of this effort, all guest rooms and suites at the InterContinental are cleaned with all natural green products that are non-toxic and biodegradable, which is the best way to clean the rooms without hurting the environment.


The Green thing is really catching on, and with everyone's help, we can make a difference in the health of our environment. Keep up the good work Tampa Bay!! I want to see every hotel property go Green by the end of 2010! :)

So did the title get your attention? Well it's completely true! Tampa's premier animal attraction, Lowry Park Zoo, is in the process of adding 17,000 square feet of meeting space to their Safari Africa habitat area.

The Safari Lodge will feature two adjoining rooms, which can either be rented out together or separately depending on how much space you need for your event. The 11,000-square-foot Grand Hall is themed as an African courtyard, featuring a facade of authentic-looking hutch-style homes and a rustic tile floor. It even features a cloud and star machine that help transform the ceiling into an African night sky.

The Reilly Reserve is a 3,000-square-foot elevated annex that boasts a panoramic view of the park's African safari, home to giraffes, elephants, zebras and more. The safari will also be lit up at night, which will offer guests a breath-taking view of some stunning creatures in their authentic habitat. The patio area outside of the Reserve is also perfect for cocktail receptions before a seated dinner in the lodge, or just to use as extra space for a large banquet.

The Safari Lodge is set to be completed in early December of this year. It is going to be a sight to see and I am looking forward to being able to offer this unique meeting space to our clients.

As always, thanks for stopping by and checking out what's going on in the exciting world of Tampa Bay meetings!

One of the perks of my job is that I get to experience different restaurants and attractions first-hand in order to know the product that we promote in our community and also write about it in our sales blog and quarterly newsletter. Yesterday I got to experience something that was completely different than anything I had done with the company so far... I went on a water adventure ride!

Tampa Bay&Company staff members were invited to get an exclusive look at a brand new attraction that is now being offered to individuals and groups alike. I was one of the 15 staff members that was brave enough to face this powerful creature on the water. And I was happy that I did.

White Lightning, a new thrill ride in the form of a 1200-horse-power jet boat, is docked at the Sheraton Tampa Riverwalk Hotel in downtown. This boat can seat up to 42 people and is also available for charters. It would be perfect to charter a boat for a small group of attendees that want to get a unique view of the city. You get a fantastic view of downtown Tampa, the Bay, Harbour Island, the St. Pete Times Forum and much more. And it wouldn't be right to not mention how they blasted AC/DC and Bob Marley to set the mood on the way out to the open water.

I can definitely say without a doubt that this attraction is one that you cannot miss. I'm glad I took one for the team, now it's YOUR turn!

Thanks for stopping by and checking out my blog. Make sure to ask questions or make comments as you see fit. And make sure to keep coming back for more Tampa Bay meetings info!

You might recall hearing about a cop reality show filming here in Tampa earlier this year. The show is called Rookies and was produced by Tiger Aspect and The Greif Company. Well, the show is finally premiering tonight on A&E.

Here's a snipet from the network's press release -

Remember your first day at your new job? Now imagine being a police officer.  ROOKIES, shot on location in Jefferson Parish, Louisiana and Tampa, Florida, puts viewers in the squad car as each rookie heads out on patrol for the first time. 

Each week viewers will join the journey as rookies learn how to patrol the tough city streets with their field training officer (FTO). These veteran cops teach the rookies how to survive.  Some of these rookies will have what it takes – and others will be asking themselves if they can take the heat in one of the toughest jobs in America.

ROOKIES premieres Tuesday, October 21st at 10 PM ET/PT on A&E with two back-to-back half hour episodes.

In Tampa, Florida we’ll meet rookies like Amy Hess. She may look like the girl next door but she is one tough cop.  Her first week includes participating in her first SWAT hit.  Rookie AJ Cafaro, a former bar manager, goes on his first search warrant then witnesses his first dead body.  The call most rookies dread going on is the ‘”Signal 7” or dead body. Rookie April Levine gets two of these calls her first week.  She has the harrowing task of putting human bones in a plastic bag and lifting a five day old corpse.

Sounds reminiscent of Cops, eh? We'll see if this show serves Tampa well. Tune in tonight at 10pm for two back-to-back espisodes on A&E.

So I’ve been to a ton of partner events since I started here 18 months ago, and I have thoroughly enjoyed every one of them, but the event that I went to on Tuesday, Oct. 7 was one for the memory banks. The TPepin’s Hospitality Centre, located in North Tampa, has joined forces with Busch Gardens Tampa Bay to present an out-of-this-world event center.

Members of our staff were invited to a special preview event at this stunning facility, and we were all treated to a fantastic evening full of champagne and full open bar, delectable food stations, live entertainment and personal tours of the centre. I must say that this event was extremely well-planned and executed. Props to all of you at the Centre and at Busch Gardens for a job well done!

This 18,863 square foot, state-of-the-art venue features cutting edge lighting, sound, video and one-of-a-kind architecture. It really is a sight to see. The front entrance features a large brick fountain with a wall of water cascading behind it, and I can’t forget to mention the torch flames that accent the water so well. Don’t ask me how it’s done… but it is spectacular! And the ballroom reminds me of a 1920s 5-star hotel, all dark cherry wood and beautiful ceiling accents. There’s also a Show Kitchen with an open-fire pizza oven… which by the way was very tasty.

This would be the perfect place to hold any type of event. From weddings to luncheons, receptions and general sessions, the massive space would fit any occasion. Make sure to visit the facility’s Web site to get all the information you need about capacities and catering options. This is a place that you just can’t miss when you’re looking to host your event or meeting in Tampa Bay.

What do the National Medical Association, Alpha Kappa Psi and the National Model Railroad Association have in common?

If you guessed annual conventions, you’re right. Many people in the Tampa community belong to some type of organization (professional, athletic, fraternal, whatever). Most of these organizations host annual conventions all across the country.

Well, what if I told you that you can bring your meeting right here in your own backyard?  If you’re not from the Tampa area but think you might want to have a week of fun in the sun after your convention, or even if you are from Tampa Bay and want your group’s meeting to be in the Bay area, we want to hear from you too!

Just check out the VisitTampaBay website or our Talk Up Tampa Bay website and let us know who you want to see here.  Just a few pieces of information, and we’ll take care of all the legwork.  

The many things to do in Tampa Bay, along with the beautiful waterfront Tampa Convention Center and the countless other meeting locations, can accommodate your convention, meeting, gathering, or whatever else you call it when a group of people get together.  The views, attractions and liveliness of the Tampa Bay area are sure to impress everyone in your organization.

If you’ve already had your convention or meeting in Tampa Bay, chime in and let us know how it went. 

Until next time…see you by the water!

Just a little tid-bit for all of you out there in the traveling world…

The National Business Travel Association ranked Tampa Bay in 8th place out of the top 50 U.S. destinations for the lowest hotel occupancy tax (12% in Tampa Bay). Our beautiful waterfront city beat out Orlando, Miami, Boston, Phoenix, New Orleans, Los Angeles, New York City, San Diego and Atlanta, just to name a few.

So if your company's budget is an issue, as it is to almost everyone these days, choose Tampa Bay as your next meeting destination for its LOW hotel occupancy tax!

Are you interested in learning about other Tampa Bay tid-bits? I would be happy to share more information upon your request, and I would love to hear from you! Thanks for reading and don’t forget to post any questions or comments that you may have for me.

Have you ever wanted to know more about the Visitor Industry in Tampa Bay – things to do, Tampa Bay area events, Tampa Bay Meetings, the latest Tampa Bay tours, updates on Tampa Bay film and sports, the latest and greatest on Tampa Bay hotels, and what’s happening with local attractions?  Or, have you ever just wanted to know exactly how all of those conventions and meetings finally get to Tampa Bay?

Well, here’s your chance.  The Tampa Bay & Company Speaker’s Bureau is a way for you to hear from the experts in the Visitor Industry.  You can actually have an industry expert come speak to your group about what Tampa Bay & Company does, as well as what the visitor industry is all about.  Now, you are probably thinking, these guys must cost a fortune to book for an event (well, even if you aren’t thinking that, I’ll fill you in)…It’s all free!!!!!

I won’t bore you with a bunch of details, but you can simply log on to the VisitTampaBay website (www.VisitTampaBay.com) to get more information.  Or, just click here - www.VisitTampaBay.com/Speaker

For those of you who’ve heard our speaker’s before, feel free to chime in and let everyone know what they are missing!!!  If you haven’t and have more questions, let ‘em rip!!! 

Hello there travel blog enthusiasts, Jerm here for an interactive update.  Take a few seconds and browse around on the page...notice anything different?  Well if not, then I will be sure to recommend you to a great optometrist to get those peepers fixed.  If you did happen to notice what I am so excited about, then lets put a rose on your nose!

Surprise!!!  We updated the look and feel of the Tampa Bay & Company blog site to make it a bit more visually appealing.  This new look and feel is representative of what your "experience" in Tampa Bay will be like once we get you booked and on your way to see us.

So whether you want the scoop on Tampa Bay meetings & conventions, hotels, attractions, or just looking to improve your golf game, keeping checking us out and leaving feedback.

Log on and browse around and don't forget to give me your feedback on the new look.  

Besides the stunning, waterfront Tampa Convention Center, Tampa has so many other unique offsite venues that can be used for small meetings, lunch conferences, dinners, receptions and more. I decided to fill you in on the facts about a few of these venues to help you decide which one would best fit your event.

The Columbia Restaurant
Located in historic Ybor City, just minutes away from downtown Tampa, this Tampa landmark features award-winning Spanish/Cuban cuisine, Flamenco dancers and authentic turn-of-the-century decor.
* Total square feet: 52,000
* 5 meeting rooms, largest room is 2,868 square feet
* 1,270 capacity banquet style



The Florida Aquarium
Located in our Channelside district, within walking distance from downtown Tampa, this state-of-the-art facility promises a very unique meeting experience.
* Total square feet: 200,000
* 3 meeting rooms, largest room is 2,000 square feet
* 3,000 capacity for a reception


A La Carte Event Pavilion
Just a 15 minute drive from downtown Tampa and within 5-10 minutes from Tampa International Airport, this award-winning venue is known for its exceptional cuisine and unparalleled flexible meeting space.
* Total square feet: 19,077
* 4 meeting rooms, largest meeting room is 13,488
* 2,500 capacity for a reception


Jackson's Bistro, Bar & Sushi
Located on Harbour Island, within walking distance from downtown and the Tampa Convention Center, this posh, waterfront restaurant overlooking the downtown Tampa skyline has amazing food and spectacular SUSHI! (My favorite!)
* Total square feet: 45,000
* Largest meeting room is 1,700 square feet, with 25,000 square feet of outdoor patio space
* 200 capacity for a reception or banquet

Splitsville
Located in Channelside Bay Plaza, within walking distance from downtown Tampa, this upscale entertainment center has 12 bowling lanes, 6 pool tables and a full-service dinner lounge with multiple bars.
* Total square feet: 27,000
* 1,500 capacity banquet style


The Ritz Ybor
Located in historic Ybor City, just minutes from downtown Tampa.
Built in 1917 and just recently renovated, this historic theater is perfect for banquets, receptions, presentations, entertainment events and more. 
* 18,000-square-foot Theater Ballroom
* Up to 2,000 capacity for events of any kind







Yacht Starship Dining Cruises
Docks at the Port of Tampa, adjacent to the Channelside Bay Plaza, this $8 million, 600 passenger fine dining yacht is perfect for brunch, lunch and dinner meetings or receptions.
* Total square feet: 10,000
* 5 meeting rooms, largest room is 3,000 square feet
* 600 capacity for either banquets or receptions


And those are only a few of the many different venues that Tampa Bay has to offer. Keep checking out my page for more information on offsite venues and meeting facilities.

Are there any other Tampa Bay venues that you have been to that you would like to talk about? Have you held a meeting at one of the above venues and want to chat about your experience? As always, I would love to hear your feedback. Thanks for reading!

Tampa Bay & Company's Alex Kaptzan, Tammy Lamm, Suz Cavanaugh and Susan Williams, and Visit St. Petersburg/Clearwater's Suzanne Scully are sponsoring the Association of Meeting Professionals (AMPs) May Monthly Meeting at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in Washington, DC on Tuesday, May 13th. 

These two Bay area CVBs will present a never-before-seen joint-destination video to the 200 meeting planner attendees. And don't forget about the two drawings for weekend get-aways to the Bay area, including round-trip airfare, a two-night, three-day stay at either Saddlebrook Resort in Tampa or Innisbrook Resort and Golf Club in Clearwater, plus a complimentary round of golf.
 
Tampa Bay & Company sponsors monthly association meetings, such as Meeting Professionals International (MPI) and AMPs, in order to spread the word about Tampa Bay's convention package to meeting planners all over the country. In our effort to bring more convention business to the area, the method of networking with industry professionals has been a very successful one, but we are always looking for new, innovative ways to bring conventions to Tampa Bay. So feel free to let us know how you think we're doing or if you have any ideas or meetings you want to come to Tampa Bay!

Greetings Internet enthusiasts!  Jeremy here to drop you an update of the latest cool software updates at our website.

A few months ago back in September, we updated the look and feel of www.VisitTampaBay.com to meet the needs of the tech savvy traveler looking to visit our wonderful destination.  Helping you scout your next Tampa Bay film location, planning a site visit for your Tampa Bay meeting, or simply getting a look of the land before the annual family vacation are things we want to make just that much easier!  So now that I have given you this grand introduction, I would like to introduce our new Video Photo Tour module, or as like to call it..."VPT 2.0!"

This new module embraces Flash Technology, which creates a better looking user interface along with simple to use functionality that caters to all audiences.  With the upgrade of this flash technology, we have been able to open the VPT 2.0 module to be more accessible to Macintosh-based platforms. In the past, these users would experience issues with the postcard function and the usual hiccups when cross platforming, but not anymore!

Being able to leverage multimedia content through photos, streaming video, postcards, podcasts, etc, are great tools to help you plan your next Tampa Bay adventure!    So log on and check it out and feel free to drop me a line or two in the reply section of this post! 

Have a Great Day!

Jerm